Nativity

OBJECTIVE

In this lesson, the children will learn about the Nativity story, and how the Son of Man left the glories of heaven and became man like us to fulfill salvation for each one of us. They will also learn that Jesus is the greatest gift we could ever receive

INTRODUCTION & HOOK - 5 Minutes

Bring a baby boy doll, wrap it in gift paper and let the kids guess what's inside, then ask them a few questions:

What was the most precious gift you've ever received?
Has anybody ever attended the birth of a child?
What was the best news you've ever heard? (receiving good scores, a great gift ,moving to a new house, etc..)
What is God's greatest gift to humanity?

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes

The Story of Nativity -Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 2:1-21

Memory Verse "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14)

Children should know that it was the heavenly hosts (angels) who said that verse.

CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 20 Minutes

The greatest news humanity ever received was the birth of a special child, Jesus, whose virginal birth changed the whole world

Now, is Nativity just about Jesus' birthday? A day where Jesus gets gifts and blows out candles? No That is how we celebrate our birthday; however, Jesus' birth is not about that. The birth of our Lord means so much more to us.

Nativity is the time where we celebrate God's greatest gift to us - Himself. God became man to save our souls, through the Glorious Feast of Nativity. We are so lucky Everything He has done through this is for our salvation.

Nativity Story:

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.

A while after that, the government 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, in order to register.

It took St.Mary and St.Joseph a long time to get to Bethlehem. They didn't have cars back then. 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 a beautiful 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, wise men came from the East to Jerusalem. They were looking for the King because they had seen His star shining in the sky.

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

The story of Christmas is very special, full of miracles and many visitors all coming to visit a King and someday the Savior of the world.

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

Coptic Feast of the Nativity:

It is one of the 7 major feasts of the Lord
It is celebrated on January 7th (29th of Kiahk)
It follows a 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).

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 5 Minutes

Where was Jesus born?
What did the shepherds see when they went to the place the angel told them of?
What gifts did the wise men offer to Jesus?
What if Jesus was never born and never came to our world?
How can I please God during this Nativity season and even everyday?

LIFE APPLICATION - 5 Minutes

We can be like St.Joseph and St.Mary by doing what God wants us to do.
We can be like the shepherds and wise men by following Jesus Christ.
We can be like the angels by telling others the real story of Nativity.
We can be like Jesus by following His example

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.

ACTIVITY - 10 Minutes

Option 1 - Skit

Servants may get a baby boy doll, hay, paper crowns for the wise men, some boxes to be used as the three gifts, a star, shepherds' staffs, angel's wings..etc. They can let the kids use these items to participate in the nativity scene while telling them the story.

Option 2 - 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.

Alternatively, servants may use this kit. - Nativity Sticker Scene Craft Kit

Option 3 - Worksheet

Please see worksheet attached below.

Videos

SERVANT RESOURCES

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

Parents should teach the children that Nativity season is not merely about exchanging gifts, new clothes, food, elves, Santa, Christmas decorations and ornaments, etc. They should learn to focus more on God's greatest gift to humanity of forgiveness of sins, salvation and eternal life.

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

Sending out Christmas cards to family and friends would be a nice gesture during this special time of the year too.

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