Nativity

OBJECTIVE

In this lesson,the children will learn about the Nativity story and how the Son of Man,the Incarnate Word, left the glories of heaven and became man like us to fulfill salvation for each one of us.

They will learn that incarnation is the fulfillment of many prophecies that came in the Old Testament from Genesis to Micah.

INTRODUCTION & HOOK - 5 Minutes

If you were to predict something great to happen in the future, what would it be?
Do you know what a prophecy means?
What are the people who prophesied in the Old Testament called? Examples are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah... etc.
What was the greatest gift you've ever received?

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes

Story of Nativity - Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 2:1-20,

Memory Verse - "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)

CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 20 Minutes

The greatest gift ever received is Baby Jesus, God's only begotten Son, who was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and became man like us.

God promised in the Old Testament that He would send a Savior to this world who would set everything right again between God and us.

Prophecies by some prophets in the Old Testament foretold His birth several hundreds of years before His birth, and were all fulfilled: (see link to poster with additional prophecies in Servant Resources below).

Jesus will come from the tribe of Judah: (Genesis 49:10)

Jesus' mother will be a virgin: (Isaiah 7:14)
Jesus will be born in Bethlehem: (Micah 5:2)

These prophecies were all fulfilled in the New Testament.

Today, we will revisit the story of Nativity, and understand the importance of God's greatest gift to us, Himself

Nativity Story:

(Servants can make class kids get more engaged and act out the Nativity characters of the story, or display the map & icon attached below).

Archangel Gabriel appeared to St. Mary and told her that she would have a baby boy and His name would be Jesus,the Son of the Highest.St.Mary conceived right after that.

Later in time, Caesar Augustus, the governor, decided that they should count everyone who lived in that area of the world. So St.Joseph, who was engaged to St.Mary, had to take her from Nazareth to his town, Bethlehem, to register.

It took St.Mary and St.Joseph a long time to get to Bethlehem. This was very tiring for St.Mary because she was soon going to have a baby.

When they reached the town, all the inns were full and there was nowhere that they could stay. Finally, someone offered them a place to stay.

They stayed in a small stable where animals were kept. In any case, doesn't it seem strange that Jesus, the King of the Jews wasn't born in a fancy palace or even a hospital?

That night an exciting, wonderful thing happened. St.Mary had her baby But it wasn't just any baby, it was Baby Jesus The Creator of the whole world, the King of kings,the one who would save the world

St. Mary wrapped Baby Jesus in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger on some straw.

Some shepherds were out at night in their fields watching over their sheep. Suddenly, there was a bright light.The light was so bright that they had to close their eyes for a minute.When they opened their eyes to see what was going on, they saw an angel in the sky.

All at once, the shepherds were very afraid, but they didn't run because they were too stunned. The angel told them not to be afraid, for a Savior is born to the world.

Suddenly, just as quickly as the first angel came, there was a large group of angels, and they said together, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14).

The shepherds were amazed and excited They had to go see this baby the angels were talking about.

They ran as fast as they could, and soon found St.Mary,St. Joseph, and Baby Jesus. They were filled with joy that they had found the Lord.

In the days of Herod the evil king, some wise men came from the East to Jerusalem. They were looking for the King because they had seen His star. When they found the King, they presented to Him the gifts they had brought. The gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

These were very expensive gifts. Gifts that you would give to a King, not to a baby

This Baby soon grew up and started His ministry at about the age 30. He referred to Himself as the Son of God. He saved all mankind from darkness and sin through the cross, because of His infinite love for us.

The Coptic Feast of the Nativity:

The feast of the Nativity is one of the 7 major feasts of the Lord.
It is celebrated on January 7th, which coincides with the 29th day of the Coptic month of Kiahk.
The feast follows a dedicated fast of 43 days (40 signifies the period of time that Moses waited to receive the word of God in the form of the Ten Commandments, and 3 commemorates those days fasted by Christians in Egypt which led to the miraculous moving of Al-Muqattam mountain).
The church celebrates it with a Eucharistic liturgy on the evening of January 6th, with joyous festive hymns.

Explain to the children that during the Month of Kiahk, all of the Sunday Gospels are from the Book of Luke, chapter 1, with the Gospel reading for the Feast of Nativity being from Matthew. Encourage the students to memorize the readings for each week

1st Sunday of Kiahk - Annunciation of St. John the Baptist (Luke 1:1-25)
2nd Sunday of Kiahk - Annunciation to St. Mary (Luke 1:26-38)
3rd Sunday of Kiahk - Visitation of St. Mary to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)
4th Sunday of Kiahk - Birth of St. John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-80)
Feast (29 Kiahk) - Birth of our Lord (Matthew 2:1-12)

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 10 Minutes

What is the meaning of a prophecy?
Why did St.Joseph and St.Mary go to Bethlehem?
Why is the birth of Jesus such a joyful feast? Why does it carry such significance to us?
When does the Coptic church celebrate the feast of the Nativity?
Why do you think it is significant that Jesus,the Savior of the world, was born in a manger?
How can I please God during this time of the year?

LIFE APPLICATION - 5 Minutes

This Nativity, let us remember that we celebrate not only the Lord's birth, but ultimately His compassion, sacrifice, humility, and love for us all. He took on what is ours -- this flesh, this body, this life -- so that in return He may give us all that He is.

We should set Him as an example of being humble. When we are humble, we don't show off, we help others and we don't think of ourselves as better than others, but at the same time we do not underestimate ourselves.

We should consider thinking of the less fortunate people and find ways to collect some items to give them to the needy (kids can ask their parents or servants). Let us also remember all those who are in need of the love and hope that Nativity brings.

We should all learn to focus more on God's greatest gift to humanity of forgiveness of sins,salvation and eternal life.

ACTIVITY - 10 Minutes

Worksheet

Please see worksheet attached below

Star Ornament Craft

Using popsicle sticks, ribbon, and decorations, have students make a star ornament.

Nativity Scene Craft

Materials you will need for each student:

A printed paper with the Nativity scene
5-6 popsicle sticks
Glue
A star
Ribbon
Coloring crayons

Have the students make a frame/stable out of popsicle sticks, surrounding the Nativity scene. They may color the image, and glue or stick the star at the top. A ribbon to hang it may be attached.

Videos

SERVANT RESOURCES

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

Parents should teach their children that Nativity season is not merely about exchanging gifts, new clothes, food, elves, Santa, Christmas decorations and ornaments,.. etc. It's about God's love to us that we pay forward to everyone by loving them unconditionally.

Parents should encourage their children to practice giving rather than receiving during this season of the year that follows Thanksgiving.(being grateful and generous).

"I know many who fast, pray, sigh, and demonstrate every manner of piety, so long as it costs them nothing, yet would not part with a penny to help those in distress." -St. Basil the Great

Encourage the kids to attend the Eve of the feast of the Nativity in church.