Jesus is Born - The Christmas Bible Story Lessons for Kids
Teaching the Christmas Bible story, Jesus is Born, to kids is a heartwarming way to share the true meaning of Christmas. This beloved nativity story captures the miracle of Jesus’ birth and provides a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about God’s love in a fun, engaging way. There are plenty of creative teaching ideas, kid-friendly videos, interactive crafts, and simple activities to help children understand and remember the significance of the Nativity.
The Story
Luke 2 records the story of Jesus’ birth. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem near the end of Mary’s pregnancy because they had to register for the census. While there, the time came for Mary to have the baby. When Jesus was born, Mary laid him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them.
‘Jesus is Born’ Bible Lesson
Are you looking for an easy way to teach about the birth of Jesus? Grab the scripted lessons and printable craft that is just perfect for kids!
Background Information About the Birth of Jesus
We celebrate Christmas (AKA the birth of Jesus) on December 25, but this is probably not the actual day Jesus was born. The Roman Catholic Church started celebrating Christmas on December 25 in 336 CE to replace a pagan holiday, and we continue to celebrate Christmas on this day.
Many people know the story of Jesus being born in a stable, but the Bible doesn’t say this. It says Mary lay him in a manager because there was no guest room available. In Bethlehem, people did not use wooden stables, like those so often depicted in books and movies. They kept their animals in caves or the lower level of their homes. So it is more likely that Mary gave birth in a cave or the lower level of a house where animals were kept.
Printable Manger Crafts
Dive into this Christmas Bible story with our print-and-go lessons about Jesus’ birth. These engaging lessons need almost no preparation and include a scripted lesson plan, a printable craft or activity, and a take-home worksheet to keep caregivers in the loop.
Manger Scene Craft for Preschoolers
A Christmas Bible craft for preschoolers.
For a simple cut-and-paste manger scene, check out ‘Jesus is Born' for preschoolers. Using the template pieces provided, kids will assemble a simple manger with Jesus lying on the hay.
Manger Scene Craft for Bigger Kids
A Christmas Bible craft for 6, 7, and 8-year-olds.
For 1st, 2nd and 3rd-graders, this traced-hands manger scene is perfect. Kids will trace their hands and arrange the handprints to form the hay of the manger. Then Jesus will be laid atop the hay.
More Crafts for the Birth of Jesus
Check out No Time for Flashcards’ nativity scene. Kids will cut out various shapes and arrange them to form the nativity scene.
This Popsicle Stick Manger by The Keeper of the Cheerios is a classic kids’ craft.
For a more preschool-friendly version of the popsicle stick manger, don’t miss this nativity craft from the Farmhouse Mama.
Reading about the Nativity
Reading about the symbols of the Nativity Story might help older kids make connections and form a deeper understanding of the story. This set of Bible-based reading passages, comprehension questions, and final craft looks at the Biblical story of Christmas and focuses on the main characters and symbols found within.
CHRISTMAS WORKSHEETS
For easy printable activities, check out Christmas Morning Work for Kindergarten or these Bible-based Christmas worksheets for older kids.
YouTube videos about the story of Jesus’ Birth
This is another Saddleback Kids video that animates Luke 2:1-20.
Crossroads Kids’ Club has a great video describing how Jesus’ birth is part of God’s great story. It dives into the Old Testament with information about sin entering the world and how Jesus was part of God’s plan to fight sin. This video includes an angel appearing to Mary, an angel appearing to Joseph, and the heavenly host appearing to shepherds.
Don’t miss The Birth of Jesus by Minno—Bible Stories for Kids. This video discusses the Old Testament promises God made to Abraham and how Jesus is the promised Messiah.
For a 30-minute show of the whole Nativity story, check out The Beginner’s Bible “The Nativity”.
NEED MORE CHRISTMAS LESSONS?
Want to continue the series? This lesson is part of a four-lesson set designed to be taught in the weeks before Christmas.
The story of Jesus’ birth is the pinnacle of Christmas. Whether the teaching is happening in Sunday School, faith-based schools, or at home, these ideas will help learning the Nativity story more fun and memorable for kids.