The Nativity: Jesus' Birth

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4th/5th Grade – Dec 16

Prepare the Way  Lesson 3

The Nativity: Jesus’ Birth Bible Verse And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)

Teacher Enrichment This is the third lesson in the Prepare the Way series. Occurring during the season of Advent, this series prepares children’s hearts for Christmas by teaching the story of Jesus’ birth. Each week will examine how different Biblical characters prepared the way for Jesus to enter the world and how their experiences reflect the four aspects of Advent: Joy, Hope, Peace and Love. Jesus was born in a very humble, simple place – a stable. He was born to a simple girl, Mary and a simple carpenter, Joseph. He was born far from his home. This reminds us that God chooses the most unexpected places, people and times to show us His love. God loves all people regardless of their status, where they live or where they are born. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was born into our weary and broken world for everyone. We are called to bring that same peace into our own lives and relationships. We are called to show love to everyone just as God showed His unconditional love to us through His son. In this lesson children will review the events leading up to and including Jesus’ birth. Many of us find the Christmas story so familiar because we learned it as children. This lesson is intended to establish that familiarity and help children understand the importance of Jesus’ birth.

Before Class Begins  Place the Sign In sheet and a pen where parents can see it upon arrival.  Place the Joy & Concern cards, Time & Talent cards and pens where students can see them upon arrival.  Check that you have supplies for this lesson: - Arrival Activity, Jesus’ Birth activity sheet – 1 per child - Nativity Jeopardy Questions & Answers - Nativity Jeopardy Board & Point Value Cards - Angel Craft – beads, paper clips, ribbon with glitter bead  Place an arrival activity at each place on the table.

Welcome SUPPLIES: Sign In sheet, Joy & Concern cards, Time & Talent cards, Attendance chart, stickers, pens, Jesus’ Birth activity sheet, pencils, markers  Greet each child individually as they arrive. Introduce yourself by name.  Help children find or add their name on the attendance chart. Provide each child  

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with a sticker to place in today’s column on the attendance chart. Encourage children to complete a Joy or Concern card if they have a particular joy or concern they would like to express. Collect completed Joy & Concern cards. Encourage children to complete a Time or Talent offering card if they gave their time to God or used their talents to serve God or others during the previous week. Children should keep their own completed Time and Talent cards. If children bring monetary offering, they should keep it with them. Direct children to complete Jesus’ Birth activity sheet. Encourage conversation among the children and with you! Get to know the children in your classroom by asking about their week including school, activities and families. Introduce new children to each other and encourage friendships.

Children’s Worship SUPPLIES: Sign In sheet, Joy & Concern cards, Time & Talent cards

 The Children’s Worship Leader will direct your class to come to Ruth Hall at 9:20 or      

11:05. Bring the Sign In sheet and completed Joy & Concern cards to Ruth Hall. Hand the Joy & Concern cards to the Children’s Worship leader as you arrive. Have children bring their completed Time & Talent cards and any monetary offering. If additional children arrive while in Ruth Hall, have parents complete the Sign In sheet and remind parents that pickup is in Room 105. Encourage children to participate in Children’s Worship and provide re-direction if necessary. Assist the Children’s Worship leader as needed. At the conclusion of Children’s Worship, have children line up and return to Room 110.

The Lesson SUPPLIES: Nativity Jeopardy board, point value cards and questions & answers

SAY: Over the past three weeks, we’ve learned about Jesus’ birth story. Today we are going to play a game and see how well you’ve been paying attention! It’s called Nativity Jeopardy.  Create two teams by having children count off by twos.  Decide which team will go first.  The first team chooses a category and point value and

the leader reads (from Nativity Jeopardy Questions & Answers) the question corresponding to their choice. - Correct Answer: Team removes the point value card and keeps it for their team. The square is now void. - Incorrect Answer: The correct answer is revealed and the point value card is removed and put to the side. The square is now void.  Teams take turns selecting and answering questions.  The team with the most points at the end is the winner.

Teacher Tip There will always be children who want to answer every question and others who silently stand with their team. Encourage teams to collaborate and include all children in their answers. If a child is hanging back, bring them into the game by asking if they agree with their team’s answer.

If the game is completed prior to the end of class, provide each child with an Angel ornament packet. If there is not enough time, the craft can be reserved for another time. Craft Directions (pictures will be added)

Closing  Lead the children in a closing prayer. You may say your own prayer, ask one of the

children to say a prayer or use the one below. God, Thank you for sending Jesus into the world. Help us spread the good news of His birth to everyone. Amen  If time remains before parents arrive, encourage children to return to their Jesus’ Birth activity sheet if they did not complete it. Also encourage conversation between children and with you. This is another opportunity to build relationships with the children in your classroom.

Prepare the Way  Lesson 3

Nativity Jeopardy Questions & Answers

Familiar Faces 100

The name of the angel who told Mary she would have a son named Jesus.

Who is Gabriel?

200

The person who allowed Mary and Joseph to stay in his barn.

Who is the innkeeper?

300

The first person Mary visited after she found out she was pregnant.

Who is Elizabeth?

400

The angels appeared to them in their fields.

Who are the shepherds?

People & Places 100

The town Mary and Joseph travelled to for Jesus’ birth.

What is Bethlehem?

200

The name of the son of Elizabeth. He would be the forerunner for Jesus.

Who is John the Baptist?

300

The town where Mary and Joseph lived.

What is Nazareth?

400

The Roman emperor who ruled at the time of Jesus’ birth.

Who is Caesar Augustus?

Prepare the Way  Lesson 3

In The Stable 100

The place in which Mary lay baby Jesus.

What is a manger?

200

The reason Jesus was born in a stable.

What is all the inns were full?

300

The Mary wrapped baby Jesus in these.

What are swaddling clothes?

400

The number of wise men that visited baby Jesus?

What is three?

Fun Facts 100

The occupation of Joseph.

What is a carpenter?

200

The animal Mary and Joseph rode on to get to Bethlehem.

What is a donkey?

300

The reason Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem.

What is a census?

400

The object the wise men followed to find baby Jesus.

What is a star?

Nativity Jeopardy Board