New Testament Unit 4: Jesus’ Birth Lesson 4: Shepherds Told About Jesus Hour A

Bible Story: God’s Unfolding Story Suggested

Shepherds Told 1. God created everything. Schedule:
About Jesus Arrival
(Luke 2:1-20) 2. People disobeyed God. Centers – 25 minutes
Bible Phrase: “Jesus was Clean-up Time – 5 minutes
3. God chose a special people. Bible Story Time – 15 minutes
born in Bethlehem” (Matt. 2:1). Craft Time – 10 minutes
Bible Truth: God sent 4. God sent Jesus to help us. Snack Time – 10 minutes
His Son, Jesus, Game Time/Dismissal
to the world. 5. Jesus began the Church.

6. Jesus is preparing heaven for us.

Unfolding God’s Story for Teachers
The story of Jesus’ birth is one we never tire of hearing. Each time we hear
it, something stirs inside us. This story marks the moment when Almighty
God Yahweh entered human history, swaddled in a blanket and laid in a
tiny manger. He made His decent to Earth from absolute greatness to tiny
helplessness. Our hearts should be awed and humbled to consider that kind
of love. God wanted us to know the extent of His love, so He came to us.
Please read Luke 2:1-20.
Around the time of Jesus’ birth, Caesar Augustus was ruler of much of the
world. Interestingly, the world was enjoying a time of peace. Augustus was
honored for this fact. Yet peace from war did not mean people’s hearts knew
peace. The world was pagan and self-gratifying. It was to this world the
Prince of Peace came, offering a peace unlike a powerful ruler, but an eternal
spiritual peace. God used the orders of Caesar to bring Joseph and Mary to
Bethlehem to fulfill the prophecy that the child would be born in Bethlehem
(Micah 5:2). God used then as He uses now the events of the world to bring
about His divine plan.
Joseph searched for a room but found only an animal shelter for him and
Mary to rest. They made the best out of what would seem the worst place in
the world for the Kings of kings to be born. Soon, the precious infant entered
the world. One can only imagine what was going on in the heavenly sphere.
For the first time, an announcement was made to the world about the little
King, but not to the dignitaries and royalty. The sky shone brightly with a holy
light, and an angel heralded the pronouncement to some lowly shepherds,
who were watching their sheep outside the city on a hillside. The shepherds
were overcome with excitement and ran to the city to find the baby just as
the angel said. The lowest on the economic ladder were the first to worship
the Most High God in person. Being the first to see, they were the first to tell.
It is recorded, “After seeing them, they reported the message they were told
about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what
the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:17-18).
This proclamation that a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, was made to all
people. Jews and Gentiles understood Savior meant “healer or benefactor.”
Christ meant “Messiah,” whom the Jews expected would rule as an earthly
king. The title Lord used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament to
represent Yahweh gave divinity to the One born. The long-awaited Messiah
had come!
Tell your preschoolers this wonderful story of the birth of our Savior.
Proclaim it with the enthusiasm of the shepherds. Help them get a glimpse of
the awesomeness and wonder of this baby King’s birth.
Lesson Plan
Arrival
• Greet children at eye level and express how happy
you are to see them.
• Be sure each child has a name tag and the security
measures of your church are followed.
• Label all coats and personal belongings. Strongly
encourage children who have brought items from
home, such as toys and books, to place them on a
shelf while they are working with other materials.
Assure children their items will be safe and they
can take them home at the end of the session.
• Help each child make a choice where he or she
would like to begin his or her Center Time.

God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2012 - SundaySchoolZone.com NT04 Lesson 4 Hour A Page 1
 Block Center
Build with Blocks
Supplies:
Center Time Bible Learning Center
• Wooden blocks Make a Christmas Card
• Copy of block figures, “Mary, Joseph Supplies:
and Baby Jesus; Shepherds, Cow, Chicken” • Copies of Activity Page, “Christmas Card”
(Reproducible) (Reproducible)
What to Do: Provide a small carpet if possible. • Washable markers, crayons
Blocks are best located in a corner of the room away What to Do: Ask children to color the Bible story
from the traffic flow. Encourage preschoolers to work picture on the left side of the card. Show children how
together to build and construct. Cut out block figures to fold the card on the dotted line. Suggest to children
and tape each figure to a block so figures will stand. to draw a star or other Christmas symbol on the front of
Invite children to build a stable or barn to use with the Home Living Center the card.
block figures. Picture Pose the Bible Story Link to the Bible Story: Read the Bible Phrase
Link to the Bible Story: As children work, Supplies: on the card. Express to children that when Jesus
• Small rocking chair, sink and stove unit and small was born, the angels told the shepherds about
use the block figures to tell today’s Bible
table and chairs; plastic dishes, child pots and pans; doll His birth. The shepherds told everyone they
story. Express that one night in the town of items such as doll bed, doll bag, blanket, clothes, bottles
Bethlehem, baby Jesus was born. There was saw about the baby Jesus. Comment that
and diapers. • Optional: Biblical costumes for Mary, Joseph and
no room for Mary and Joseph to stay at the shepherds (see instructions below), teaching picture, box, baby doll
we can tell about Jesus, too; suggest to
inn, so they had to stay in a stable, where and blanket preschoolers to give the cards they made
animals were kept. After Jesus was born, What to Do: Choose a Sunday or two this month to provide biblical to friends or family members.
the shepherds came to visit Him. costumes and props for children to picture pose different parts of the
Christmas story. A few costumes will work for multiple characters. Picture posing
is dressing up as the character(s) and posing as the characters in the teaching
picture. Some children will enjoy dressing up and pretending while others
may not be interested. Accept each child’s choice. Help interested children
Art Center put the costumes on over their clothes. Show the teaching picture to Puzzle Center
the children. Explain this week the biblical costume represents Mary, Work Puzzles
Play with Playdough Supplies:
Joseph and the shepherds. Help children pose as the characters in
Supplies: the picture. • Offer a variety of non-fantasy wooden or
• Playdough, small rolling pins Link to the Bible Story: As children pose, express that cardboard puzzles for children to work.
• Christmas cookie cutters, non- because there was no place for Mary and Joseph to stay • Copy of Puzzle, “Shepherds Told About Jesus”
commercial such as: bell, candy cane, in the city, an inn keeper let them stay in his animal (Reproducible)
angel, star, Christmas tree stable or barn. That night, baby Jesus was born. The • Construction paper, glue, scissors, clear plastic
angels told the shepherds about His birth. The
What to Do: Invite preschoolers to roll out adhesive paper
shepherds hurried to find the baby Jesus.
the playdough and use the cookie cutters to • Bible story puzzles from previous lessons
make Christmas designs. What to Do: Glue the puzzle “Shepherds Told About
Link to the Bible Story: Talk about how the Jesus” to a piece of construction paper. Cover the puzzle
with a sheet of clear plastic adhesive paper. Cut along the
shapes remind us of the Christmas story.
Share parts of today’s Bible story. Simple Biblical Costume cutting lines. Invite preschoolers to work the Bible story
Two yards of fabric are needed for each puzzle along with other puzzles. Encourage children
costume. Fold one and a half yards of the fabric in to finish a puzzle before leaving the center. Give
half widthwise; selvages will be on each side. Cut a guidance rather than doing the puzzle for the child.
hole in the center on the fold large enough for a child’s (Save the puzzle to use during the month.)
head to fit through. Cut two 2-inch strips from the half yard Link to the Bible Story: As children work, look
of fabric for a waistband and headband. The remaining fabric
for opportunities in conversation to say the
can be used as a head covering secured by a headband.
Bible Phrase or briefly tell the Bible story.
God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2012 - SundaySchoolZone.com NT04 Lesson 4 Hour A Page 2
 Clean-up Time
Encourage
preschoolers to
help at clean-up time.
Assign specific tasks for
preschoolers to do such as was sending His Son to him and Mary. Our
placing all the crayons in the story today is about the night Jesus was born!
basket, throwing away the trash, Listen to this special story.”
gathering all the glue sticks,
etc. Guide children to the Bible Story
Bible Story Time area. Shepherds Told About Jesus
(Luke 2:1-20)
Around the time baby Jesus was to be born,
Bible the king ordered everyone to return to their
hometowns to be counted. So, Mary and
Story Time Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, where
Joseph was from.
When they arrived, the streets were
Supplies:
crowded with people. Everyone was
• Bible
coming home to be counted in the
• Teaching Picture “Shepherds
Told About Jesus” (Reproducible)
census. Joseph went from inn to inn
asking, “Do you have a room for me and
• God’s Unfolding Story Cube
wife?” (An inn is similar to a hotel.) Each
(Reproducible/Cardstock)
time, an innkeeper said, “No, we are full.”
Finally, one innkeeper looked at Mary.
He saw how tired she was and that she
really needed a warm place to sleep. So, the
innkeeper said, “I don’t have a room, but I
have a warm place where I keep my animals.
Introduction
• Show the God’s Unfolding Story Cube. Point You can stay there.”
So, Joseph took Mary to the stable. There
to each symbol and tell God’s Unfolding Story.
(Refer to page 1.) Encourage children to say was clean hay, and it was warm. Joseph made
Mary a bed on the hay. He probably covered
the story with you.
• Comment to boys and girls today’s story is her with a warm blanket.
from the segment Jesus came to help us. Soon, baby Jesus was born! Mary and
(Point to that symbol on the cube.) Joseph took care of baby Jesus. Mary wrapped
• Express the following in your own words: Jesus in a warm blanket and laid Him in a type
“Last week we heard the story of the angel of food container for animals called a manger.
who told the good news to Joseph that God Out on the hillside away from town, there
God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2012 - SundaySchoolZone.com
were some shepherds taking care of their
sheep. Suddenly, an angel appeared in the
sky and a great light shone all around them.
The shepherds were afraid, but the angel said,
“Don’t be afraid! I have news of great joy.
Today, a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, has
been born in Bethlehem. You will find the baby
wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
Then a large group of angels came and
begin to praise God and say, “Glory to God
in the highest and peace on earth to all whom
God favors.”
After the angels left, the shepherds decided
to hurry to Bethlehem to find baby Jesus.
When they got to the city, they found Mary,
Joseph and baby Jesus just as the angel said.
The shepherds praised God for baby Jesus
and told everyone they saw that God had sent
His Son, Jesus.
Talk Time
1. Show the teaching picture for today’s Bible
story. Ask the following: “Where did Mary
and Joseph find a place to stay? What
happened that soon after? Who told the
shepherds about baby Jesus? Did the
shepherds tell others about baby Jesus?”
2. Read the Bible Phrase on the teaching
picture. Say the phrase together. Express to
children that God sent His Son just as He
had promised.
3. Close the Bible Story Time by inviting
children to join you in prayer. Thank God for
keeping His promise and sending His Son,
Jesus. Ask Him to help us tell others about
Jesus.
4. Direct children to Craft Time.
NT04 Lesson 4 Hour A Page 3
 Craft Time
Make a Three Dimensional Christmas Ornament
Supplies:
• Copies of “Three-Dimensional Christmas Ornament”
• Crayons, glue
• Yarn or ribbon, hole punch
What to Do: Invite children to color the three circles. Suggest
using red and green on the blank circles. To make a three- Snack Time
dimensional circle ornament, fold each circle and glue each Be sure to wash hands or use
half together. Punch a hole where indicated and tie with yarn hand sanitizer. Say a thank-you
or ribbon prayer to God for the snack.
Link to Bible Story: Call attention to the picture of Jesus’ birth When snack time has ended,
on one of the circles. Emphasize that Jesus was born just encourage preschoolers to
as God said He would be. Express that God wants us to tell help with cleaning up.
about Jesus just as the shepherds did.

Game Time/Dismissal
What’s Missing Game
Supplies:
• Nativity Block Figures (used during Center Time in the Block Center)
What to Do: Bring the Nativity Block Figures to the Game Time area. Have
children sit in a circle around the figures. Identify each figure. Ask children to
close their eyes. While their eyes are closed, remove one of the figures. Say
the Bible Phrase, “Jesus was born” to signal children to open their eyes.
Children can guess which figure is missing.
At the close of the game, ask children to tell their favorite part of the
Christmas story. Dismiss children as parents arrive. Be sure to follow the
security procedures of your church.

God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2012 - SundaySchoolZone.com NT04 Lesson 4 Hour A Page 4
 Hour A

Resources and Supplies New Testament Unit 4: Jesus’ Birth

Lesson 4: Shepherds Told About Jesus

Standard Art Supplies Standard Equipment

(Supplies that are generally in the room) (Equipment that is generally in the room)
Washable markers Small beanbag for Bible Story Time
Crayons Assorted wooden/cardboard puzzles
Child scissors Set of wooden blocks
Playdough and accessories Small cars and trucks
Drawing paper Doll bed
Easel (optional) Baby doll (soft plastic)
Glue/glue sticks Stove/sink unit
Tempera paint, 4 colors Play dishes/pots and pans
Tape/masking tape Small table and chairs
Pencils/colored pencils Small carpet for block area
Hole punch Play food items
Teacher scissors Storage shelf for blocks
Stapler/staples Tables and chairs for art, puzzles,
Permanent markers and Bible Learning Center
Watercolors CD player/Children’s Worship CDs
Paintbrushes
Yarn

Reproducibles
(Included with the lesson plan downloads)
Activity Page “Christmas Card,” 1 copy per child
Puzzle “Shepherds Told About Jesus,” 1 copy per class
Block Figures “Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus; Shepherds, Cow, Chicken” 1 copy per class
“Three -Dimensional Christmas Ornament,” 1 copy per child
Teaching Picture, “Joseph Told About Jesus,” 1 copy per class
God’s Unfolding Story Cube (Cardstock), 1 copy per class
Parent Page, 1 copy per child
Optional: Coloring Page “Shepherds Told About Jesus”

Additional Art Materials

Non-commercial cookie cutters such as: Additional Home Living
star, angel, bell, candy cane, tree Materials
Construction paper, 1 sheet Optional: Box to serve as a manger, blanket
Clear plastic adhesive paper 12 inches x
15 inches

God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2012 - SundaySchoolZone.com NT04 Lesson 4 Hour A
 Jesus was born
in Bethl ehem.
Matthew 2:1

Christmas Card
fol d

Instructions: Copy 1 per child. Children color the Bible story picture and fold to make
NT04 Le sson 4 Hour A Ce nte r Time : Bib le Le arning Ce nte r
a card. Suggest to children to draw a Christmas symbol on the front of the card . God ’s Unfold ing Story for O ld e r Pre schoole rs, Cop yrig ht © 2012 - Sund aySchoolZone .com
Shepherds Told About Jesus Puzzle
Instructions: Copy 1 per class. Glue puzzle to construction paper,
cardstock or light cardboard. Cover in clear adhesive plastic and NT04 Lesson 4 Hours A & B Center Time: Puzzle Center
cut on indicated lines. God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2012 - SundaySchoolZone.com
 Block Figures
Instructions: Copy 1 per sheet per class on
cardstock. Cut apart the figures and tape each figure
to a wooden block or paper tube.

NT04 Lesson 4 Hours A & B Center Time: Block Center

God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2012 - SundaySchoolZone.com
 God’s Unfolding Story Cube
Instructions: Cut out on dotted
lines, fold on solid lines. Glue or
tape to form a cube.

God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2012 - SundaySchoolZone.com

 Jesus was born in Bethlehem. (Matt. 2:1)
Coloring Page NT04 Lesson 4 Optional
Shepherds Told About Jesus God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2012 - SundaySchoolZone.com