Happy Birthday Jesus!
We will be preparing for Christmas in this unit. We will be looking at different Nativity characters and seeing what party prep they remind us of. The lessons and song can be used for Christmas or Advent.
TIP: There are 3 crafts of different levels for each lesson. Besides the craft here, there are coloring sheets and coloring sheets with an added element. Check the craft instructions download for all directions.
Week 1
Jesus Session: Games. Games need directions to be properly played. The wisemen needed directions to get to Jesus. God sent them interesting directions by having them follow a star.
TIP: Asking the kids questions at the beginning of class let's them get out the words building up in them. It also allows you the opportunity to later ask them to be quiet and remind them they already had their turn to speak.
Art Session: This craft takes some prep work. They build an entire game. Okay, you build it, they color it and play it.
TIP: Remember to get small groups or the choir or worship team to help with donating items for crafts or helping cut out things.
Music Session: We introduce “Birthday King.” Be sure to learn the new song!
Week 2
Jesus Session: The shepherds were regular people. They had to feed their sheep. That’s what they were doing when they found out about Jesus. So, they remind us of party food.
Art Session: Show littles how to gently pull the cotton balls apart a bit. They glue much better this way.
Music Session: Separating melody and lyrics can be helpful in the beginning, but ultimately it’s the combination that helps them remember.
Week 3
Jesus session: Mary sang a song about how amazing God is. Remind littles that our singing about God is worship. Just like Mary. And everyone needs party music.
Art Session: Paper plate tambourines are always a hit. If you’ve done them before try switching things up. You could add bells or fill with beans or add streamers or use tp rolls instead of paper plates.
TIP: If you don't have the supplies, you can always get creative. No ribbon? Use yarn. Or string.
Music Session: Think about memorization.
Week 4
Jesus Session: Joseph had to find a place for Mary and himself to stay in Bethlehem. It’s not like he could just go online and reserve a place. The party decor for Jesus’ birthday was surprising. No one expected him to be born in a manger. But that’s exactly where God wanted them.
Art Session: We make a manger surprise craft. Practice folding it before class.
Music: Show students how they will be standing on stage. The sooner they understand this, the more fluid it will be.
Week 5
Jesus Session: The angels invited the shepherds to see Jesus. God invites us to see Jesus. We can invite others to see Jesus.
Art Session: Make invitations to invite friends and family to hear them sing.
TIP: Make a sticker or a printout to glue inside the invitations with the details of the singing.
Music Session: Let parents know what to expect next week. Here’s a template for a note to send home.
Week 6
Jesus Session: Baby Jesus is the greatest gift we have ever been given.
Art Session: This craft is a simple reminder that Jesus is the best gift.
Music: Smile!
TIP: When your class has learned a song but you're not scheduled to sing it in church, do your own Mini concert for family. Have parents stay at pickup for the kiddos to sing their song.