The big ideaThe Bible tells us the shepherds found the baby, just as they were told.
How it works
The Bible tells us about shepherds who lived in the grassy hills near Bethlehem. They stayed out all night, taking turns to watch their sheep.
All at once the whole sky filled with a bright, warm light, and a messenger from God stood near them. The shepherds were afraid, but the messenger told them not to fear.
He said the king God promised was born tonight in Bethlehem. The sign was a baby wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger. Then the sky filled with angels, singing of peace for all.
The shepherds hurried down the hill and found the baby, just as they were told. They knelt by the manger, then told everyone, and went back to their sheep.
The story in a row.
Example 1: A night under the stars
Sit close together with one small light.
The shepherds sat close, with a little fire, while the stars twinkled.
Look up and name what you can see: the stars, the moon, a cloud.
Example 2: Tiptoe and kneel
Tiptoe across the room, very quietly.
A soft light shone from a stable door, and the shepherds tiptoed in.
Kneel down quietly, as they did by the manger.
Example 3: Share good news
Think of something that makes you happy.
The shepherds told everyone the good news.
Share a smile, or tell someone, because good news is for everyone.
Words to know
shepherd
A person who looks after sheep.
staff
A long stick a shepherd carried to guide his sheep.
manger
A box that held hay for the animals.
messenger
Someone who brings news. In the story, a messenger from God.
Bethlehem
The little town near the hills where the shepherds lived.
Watch out
The shepherds were the very first people to hear the news.
The baby was in a manger, not in a palace.
The shepherds did not keep the news a secret. They told everyone.
At the end the shepherds went back to their sheep.
Try it
What did the shepherds look after?
Where did they find the baby?
What did the shepherds do when they saw the baby?
Who is the good news for?
Answers: 1. Their sheep · 2. In a manger · 3. They knelt by the manger · 4. Everyone
Try at homeWith a grown-up, sing a happy song together, then tell someone the good news about baby Jesus.
For grown-upsDim the lights and tell it quietly, then let your child tiptoe and kneel. The story ends with sharing good news, so ask who your child would like to tell.
Open these notes on screenScan the code, or go to tutorpip.com.