Aim to review the story of the birth of Jesus

Aim
* To review the story of the birth of Jesus
* to discuss the meaning of Christmas

Materials
* Children’s Bible story of Jesus’ birth
* picture cards of the story
* beads, star template, greaseproof paper, iron
* lollipop sticks, glue, glitter, string

Lesson Outline
1. Review the story of Jesus’ birth
2. Discuss the meaning of Christmas
3. Activities – put pictures in correct order, memory game, making stars
4. Conclusion
5. Prayer

1) The Birth of Jesus
Ask the children to tell the story of Jesus birth in their own words. How much do they remember?
Then read the story.

2) What is the meaning of Christmas? 
What does Christmas mean to the children? Ask them. Here are some ideas
* Jesus message
Christmas is a time to remember the message Jesus gave. He taught most of all about God’s love and about the right and wrong way to live.
* Giving Gifts
Christmas is about giving gifts and remembering the gift of Jesus. If you could have given a gift to Jesus what would it have been?
* Joy
When you give and receive presents we feel a lot of joy in our hearts
* Peace
Christmas is not only about giving gifts. It is a time of peace, of goodwill to all men.
* Families
It is a time for families to be together joyfully
* The calendar
Christmas reminds us that the calendar is counted from Jesus’ birth.

3) Activities
* Put the picture cards in the correct order and retell the story
* Play the memory game
* Make stars out of lollipop sticks and /or beads

4) Conclusion
Ask each child what they could learn from today’s lesson. Refer to the lesson aims:
* To review the story of the birth of Jesus
* to discuss the meaning of Christmas

5) Prayer