Teaching the Bible story of the angel Gabriel's Visit to Mary to kids is a wonderful way to introduce them to the joy and wonder of God's plan. This powerful Christmas Bible story of the angel Gabriel announcing the birth of Jesus to Mary offers rich opportunities for engaging lessons, creative crafts, and hands-on activities that bring the message to life. In this post, you’ll find simple yet effective teaching ideas, fun crafts, and easy-to-follow lesson plans that can be used in Sunday School, in faith-based schools, or at home. These ideas will engage children while helping them understand the significance of Mary's faith and obedience to God's plan.

The Christmas bible Story - Gabriel and Mary

Luke 1:26-38 tells the story of Gabriel’s visit to Mary. Mary was a virgin and had been promised to marry a man named Joseph. Gabriel, an angel from God, appeared to her and told Mary she would give birth to God’s Son. Gabriel told her that she was to name the baby Jesus. Mary marveled at the angel’s words and trusted God.

The EASY way to teach this Christmas Bible lesson.

Are you ready to lead a Bible lesson on Mary’s visit from the angel Gabriel? Click to grab our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts.

Grab the preschool/kindergarten version here.

grab the 1st-3rd grade version.

background information about Mary and Gabriel

While it might not be appropriate to go into the details and definition of the word ‘virgin’ depending on your teaching context, there are some other interesting things about this story to teach the kids.

• Women in Bible times were married young, so Mary was likely a teenager when Gabriel appeared to her. 

• Gabriel is an angel. Angel means ‘messenger’. Gabriel appears three other times in the Bible - twice to Daniel (Daniel 8:15-26 and Daniel 9:21-27), and he appears to Zechariah in Luke 1:11-22. He might have appeared more, but the angels go unnamed in other Bible stories.

printable Christmas crafts

Dive into this Christmas Bible story with our print-and-go lessons about Mary’s visit from the angel Gabriel.  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.

Angel Craft for Preschool

A printable angel craft for preschoolers and kindergarten students. 

Create a simple angel by tracing hands and using the hand-prints as wings. For easy instructions and templates for the craft, check out ‘An Angel Visits Mary’ Bible lesson for preschool and kindergarten.

Angel Craft for Bigger Kids

A printable Christmas angel craft for bigger kids. 

Your kids in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade will love this printable angel craft. Use the template pieces provided in ‘An Angel Visits Mary’ (the bigger kids’ version) and have kids cut and assemble the angel.

more bible christmas crafts

The following crafts and activities would pair nicely with a Christmas Bible lesson that touches on this part of the nativity story.

• For a similar craft, including video instructions, check out The Little Crafties “How to Make Paper Christmas Angel Craft”

• Crafty Morning has a cute idea for Paper Plate Christmas Angels. Be sure to check out her website for step-by-step instructions. This craft is appropriate for both preschool kids and older kids.

• For another simple angel craft, check out Our Kid Things’ “Cupcake Liner Angel Craft”.

YouTube Videos about the story of Mary

These YouTube videos are a great way to help your kids understand the story in a whole new way. As always, please watch the video(s) in their entirety before showing them to your class.

• This video by Crossroads Kids’ Club is a detailed introduction to Mary. The video includes information about who she is, Gabriel’s visit, and how she cared for Jesus as he grew. The story goes into more depth than just the story of Mary and Gabriel, but kids might find this information interesting. Most importantly, this video points to Jesus!

• This Saddleback Kids video depicts the story of Mary and Gabriel. It also includes information about Mary and Joseph.

• 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.

Are you seeking an engaging Bible lesson for kids in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades this Thanksgiving? Teaching the story of Jesus Healing Ten Lepers is a powerful way to help kids understand the importance of gratitude. This miraculous healing not only shows Jesus' compassion but also highlights the significance of giving thanks, as only one of the ten healed lepers returned to express gratitude. Discover creative ways to teach this story through kid-friendly videos, engaging activities, fun crafts, and lesson plans. These resources will help children grasp the key lessons of thankfulness and the joy of expressing gratitude to God.

The Story of the healing of ten lepers

In Luke 17:11-19 we are told the story of when ten lepers approached Jesus as he was traveling on his way to Jerusalem. Along the road, ten lepers approached Jesus and said, “Jesus, have mercy on us.” Jesus told them to go and present themselves to the priest. As they were walking away, they were healed! Only one of the men returned to thank Jesus, throwing himself at Jesus’ feet with gratitude. 

Thanksgiving Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for an easy way to teach about gratitude this Thanksgiving? Grab a scripted lesson, easy activity, and printable craft perfect for 3-8-year-olds.

(See the preschool/kindergarten version HERE!)

shop the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version

What is Gratitude and Why is it Important? 

Gratitude is feeling thankful and appreciative of the good things in your life. It is taking time to stop and think about things that you can be thankful for, such as physical items, people, and even life circumstances.

The most common way to express gratitude is by saying “thank you” and showing appreciation with your actions. However, showing gratitude for a gift isn’t just saying “thank you; it’s also treating the gift with care.

What the Bible Says About Gratitude

The Bible clearly outlines that gratitude is important. Here are just a few verses:

• “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

• “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Psalm 95:1-2

• “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV. 

  • God gives good gifts, and He is worthy of our thanks!

brainstorm things to be thankful for

For many kids, the question, “What are you thankful for?” can be quite overwhelming. I suggest breaking it down into categories to help your kids think through all of the blessings in their lives. I like to talk about…

• People we are thankful for

• Things in nature that we are thankful for

• Things in our house that we are thankful for

• Things in our community that we are thankful for

• Something we are thankful that we can do

Try writing these down on a piece of paper or adding them to a thankful tree. This particular tree template is a part of this Thanksgiving Lesson for 1st-3rd Grade.

Printable Thankful Craft

After we have brainstormed everything we are thankful for, it’s time for a printable craft! In this craft, kids will cut out the pieces to make a flower. On each petal, they will write (or draw) one thing that they are thankful for. This printable craft is included in both the Preschool/Kindergarten thanksgiving lesson as well as the 1st-3rd grade version.

more activities to build thankfulness and gratitude

• Sing Songs: There are some awesome songs about giving thanks to God. Here are a few examples:

• Thank You, Lord, for Making Me by Vince Parlow is a delightful song for preschool-aged students.

• Thankful from Roar! VBS by Group Publishing

• Elevation Worship’s Grateful

• Elevation Worship’s Praise

• Thank You Cards: Take a moment to write (or draw) a thank you card to God, telling Him all the things you are thankful for

• Thankfulness Popcorn: Do a quick activity where kids crouch on the ground. Then, they take turns popping up like popcorn and saying something they are thankful for. The beauty of this activity is kids can take multiple turns or stay silent, but it will help them brainstorm ideas.

• Thankful Journals: Take time to have kids write about or draw pictures of what they are thankful for.

YouTube videos About the Ten Lepers

When teaching the story of Jesus Healing the Ten Lepers, it’s always fun to have a video on hand. These are some of the best video versions available.

• Check out Crossroads Kids Club’s God Story: Jesus and the Ten Lepers for a great story overview. The video also delves into ways to say thank you.

• Crossroad Kids Club has another video about this story, entitled "We can thank God!" This slightly longer video explains the importance of giving thanks and also explains the story of the Ten Lepers.

• The Thankful Leper by Saddleback Kids is a short video about the story.

Whether it’s at home, in a faith-based school, or Sunday School, thankfulness is such a beautiful concept for kids to learn and the story of the Ten Lepers is a great reminder of the importance of showing gratitude to God.

The Fruit of the Spirit is a familiar concept to Christians and, as Christ-followers, these are qualities we should be shining into the world. It can sometimes feel daunting when it comes to teaching our children Biblical truths, but it doesn’t have to be. So here are some fun ideas and crafts for teaching children all about the Fruit of the Spirit.

What is the Fruit of the Spirit?

To start, the Fruit of the Spirit is not a checklist of things that we should be. The Fruit of the Spirit are qualities that God grows in our hearts as we deepen our relationship with Him. Choosing to stay close to God can help us to show the Fruit. Just like a friendship takes time to strengthen and deepen, we need to put the time in to strengthen and deepen our relationship with God. This can be done when we sing worship songs, pray, read the Bible, and attend church. 

Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (NIV). I learned the word “patience” instead of “forbearance”, and depending on which translation of the Bible you use, it will say “patience”. 

Everything You Need to Teach the Fruit of the Spirit

Are you ready to teach the Fruit of the Spirit? Grab 9 scripted lesson plans and engaging printable crafts with this set of lessons perfect for preschool to third grades. (See the 1st-3rd grade version here.)

shop the preschool and kindergarten version

How do you explain Fruit of the Spirit to kids? 

The Holy Spirit transforms us to be more like Jesus. The Fruit of the Spirit are things that Jesus exhibited while here on Earth. 

In our Fruit of the Spirit 9-lesson set, we use seeds and dirt as an object lesson to teach this concept. (A full script and materials list is available in the complete lesson plans).

As a group, plant some seeds in little pots of dirt. Remind students that plants need sun, water, soil, and air to grow. It takes time, and plants don’t magically appear moments after planting a seed. Similarly, the Fruit of the Spirit requires time to grow. When we spend time with God, the Fruit of the Spirit grows in us.

kid-friendly fruit of the spirit definitions

The 'Fruit of the Spirit' teaching posters break down the definitions of each characteristic into kid-friendly terms. They're included in BOTH the preschool/kindergarten and 1st-3rd grade lesson sets. 

Many of the Fruit of the Spirit are concepts kids will understand because they are words they have heard and used. Some words will require some extra explanation. For example, what is the difference between kindness and goodness? What is the difference between gentleness and self-control?

Love: Caring about someone, helping them, and keeping them safe.

Joy: Gladness knowing that God is in control of all the details. He is always with us!

Peace: Living together with other people in harmony.

Patience: Waiting calmly and keeping going when things are hard.

Kindness: Being thoughtful and putting the needs of others first, even when they are not being kind to you.

Goodness: Showing others kindness, generosity, and love for the right reason.

Faithfulness: Being trustworthy and standing up for what is right, even when it is hard.

Gentleness: Being calm and tender in what you say and do. It is making sure that what you say and do does not hurt others or yourself.

Self-Control: Listening and doing what God wants you to do, rather than doing what you want to do.

They’re also available in the 1st-3rd grade version.

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videos about the fruit of the spirit

These age-appropriate YouTube videos are a great way to supplement your lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit. As always, I suggest watching them in their entirety before playing them for your class. Keep an eye out for tricky YouTube ads.

• Uncle Charlie Ministries - Fruit of the Spirit Song - A fun, fast-paced song to teach students the Fruit of the Spirit

• Crossroad Kids’ Club God’s Story: Fruit of the Spirit - This short video gives a good overview of the Fruit of the Spirit and explains the importance of thinking, talking, and acting like Jesus. 

• Crossroad Kids’ Club also has videos for each Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

• Douglas Talks are fabulous videos that define and give examples of each Fruit of the Spirit. Check them out: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

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Nine weeks of hands-on fruit of the spirit lessons and crafts

Incorporating stories, visuals, crafts, and activities is a great way to engage students while they learn about the Fruit of the Spirit. This is true for both preschoolers and bigger kids.

Crafts from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version. 

Our complete Fruit of the Spirit units include Bible stories, printable crafts, coloring pages, and a take-home page so parents and caregivers can be welcomed into the teaching. This Fruit of the Spirit unit for Bigger Kids includes the same features but also includes the crafts and activities that are appropriate for older children, and journal writing pages.  

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fruit of the spirit Crafts and Activities

There are a myriad of crafts and activities that can go along with teaching the Fruit of the Spirit. Here are just a few examples:

• Find specific Bible stories to pair with each of the Fruit. For example, pair the story of the Good Samaritan with love. Pair the story of Paul and Silas in jail (Acts 16:16-36) with joy. From there, choose activities and crafts that match the specific Bible story.

• This Simple Home has some fabulous Fruit of the Spirit object lesson ideas. One of the ideas is to make a real fruit salad, but have vegetables ready to dump in. Kids will be dismayed that vegetables might go in the fruit salad. Explain that these represent things that do not come from God - things like anger, gluttons, and greed.

• The Sunday School Network has a cute idea for creating a fruit loop bracelet to help students learn the Fruit of the Spirit.

• Draw or Paint a Fruit of the Spirit tree. Have kids create a tree using crayons, pencils, or paints. Then draw various fruits and label them with the Fruit of the Spirit.

• Children’s Ministry Deals has created a list of hands-on games for each Fruit of the Spirit. For instance, they suggest playing a game of Apple Tower when learning about self-control. This is a game where players stack apples on top of each other to see who gets the tallest tower. Apple Tower takes control, just like it takes self-control to do the right thing. Be sure to check out their other ideas!

Galatians 6:9-10 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (NIV). So let’s teach our children how to shine Jesus to others through the Fruit of the Spirit.