Opening song and prayer
2 minSing Away in a Manger (Children's Songbook 42), then invite a child to offer the opening prayer.
The Long Wait
4 minBefore class, place a nativity figure or picture inside a small wrapped box. Write prophet names on slips of paper and spread them on the table.
Tell the class that all year they have been learning from prophets who lived long before Jesus was born. Each prophet slip is like one voice saying, 'He is coming.'
One by one, have children read a name and say one thing that prophet taught or hoped for. Then open the box together and reveal the nativity figure. Say: 'We have waited for Him, and He came.'
- What were the prophets waiting for?The Savior, Jesus Christ.
- Did they all live to see Him born?No. Many prophesied centuries before and trusted God's promise anyway.
- Which prophet from this year do you remember best?Let children answer. Esther, Daniel, Jonah, Micah, or any favorite from Come Follow Me.
The Savior was born in Bethlehem
6 minMicah prophesied that the Ruler would come from little Bethlehem. Isaiah called Him Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The Prince of Peace.
On a quiet night in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph held the baby who fulfilled every promise. Angels sang to shepherds. Wise men followed a star. The long wait was over.
- Where was Jesus born?In Bethlehem, in a stable, and laid in a manger.
- Who came to see the baby first according to the story?Shepherds, after angels told them the good news.
- Why is it important that Jesus was born instead of just appearing as a grown man?He lived a real life like ours, with a body, so He could understand us and show us how to live.
- How does knowing Jesus was born make you feel?Let children answer. Grateful, peaceful, excited, loved.
Symbols of Christmas point us to Christ
6 minMany Christmas traditions can remind us of the Savior if we look for the meaning. Lights, stars, gifts, and evergreen trees can all teach something about Jesus Christ and His love.
The best part of Christmas is not the presents under the tree. It is the Person we celebrate.
- Name one Christmas symbol and what it can remind us of.Let children answer from the video. Stars remind us of the star over Bethlehem, lights remind us that Jesus is the light of the world, and gifts remind us of the gift of the Savior.
- What did Isaiah call the child who would be born?Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
- Which of those names means the most to you right now?Let children answer. Prince of Peace if life feels busy, Wonderful if they feel amazed, and others.
- What is one symbol you will notice differently this week?Let children pick one. Lights on houses, a star on the tree, or a nativity set.
Gifts for the Savior (optional)
optionalWe give presents at Christmas because the Wise Men brought gifts to the young Jesus. We can also give gifts to Him by keeping our promises, serving others, and choosing the right.
Jesus does not need toys or candy. He wants our hearts and our good choices.
- What kinds of gifts can we give Jesus that He actually wants?Obedience, kindness, forgiveness, scripture study, and service to others.
- What gift will you give the Savior this week?Let children answer with something specific they can do.
- How is giving to others also a gift to Christ?Because when we serve His children, we serve Him.
In the scriptures
5 minRead these together and talk about them.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
- Who is the child Isaiah describes?Jesus Christ, the Savior.
- Why is 'Prince of Peace' a good name for Jesus?Because He brings peace to our hearts and will one day bring peace to the whole earth.
- When do you feel His peace at Christmas?Let children answer. Singing hymns, reading the Nativity, family prayer, or quiet moments.
But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
- Where did Micah say the Savior would be born?Bethlehem.
- How does this verse connect our whole year of Old Testament study to Christmas?The prophets told us He was coming, and Christmas is when He came.
- What is one prophet promise you are grateful was fulfilled?Let children answer. That Jesus would be born, that He would be our Peace, or that God keeps His word.
Prophet promise chain
optionalGive each child a paper strip. On one side they write a prophet name from this year. On the other they write one promise or truth that prophet taught about Jesus or about living righteously.
Link the strips into a chain and drape it near a nativity picture.
Close by singing a verse of 'Away in a Manger' or playing the karaoke video if you have time.
Latter-day Kids lesson bundle and coloring pages for this week