by

Nativity Story Free Lessons, Crafts, and Activities

We’re overjoyed you’re here to explore this heartwarming resource on The Nativity Story from Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. This cherished Bible story, where Jesus is born in Bethlehem, fulfilling God’s promise of a Savior, beautifully reveals His humility, divinity, and love for all. Whether you’re a parent, Sunday School teacher, children’s ministry leader, homeschooler, Vacation Bible School coordinator, or passionate about sharing God’s Word, this resource is designed to bring this story to life for kids in a fun, meaningful way!

Quick Reference (click the link to go to that section of the web page)

“The incarnation is the supreme miracle, for in Christ, God has stooped to dwell with man, bringing salvation to the world.”

— Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Video: Nativity Story (Craft Stick Bible Story)

The birth of Jesus! Join us for this crafty and exciting Craft Stick Bible Story retelling of the Nativity Story! In this episode, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, from Mary and Joseph’s journey to the shepherds, wise men’s visit, and the evil king’s plot!

The Craft Stick Bible Stories, our cinematic 5-10 minute video series where craft stick puppets and cardboard sets tell the timeless stories of Scripture. Packed with faith, fun, and creativity, this series has delighted kids, families, and Sunday School classrooms in over 50 countries!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!

3 Free Nativity Story Lessons

Lesson 1: Jesus’ Birth Fulfills God’s Promises

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, announced by angels and foretold by prophets, fulfills God’s ancient promises to send a Savior (Luke 2:11 – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”). Matthew Henry notes that Christ’s humble birth confirms God’s faithfulness to His covenant, bringing hope to all (Commentary on Luke 2:1-20). This lesson teaches children that Jesus is the promised Messiah, encouraging them to trust God’s faithful plans in their lives.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think God chose a humble stable for Jesus’ birth?
  2. How does Jesus’ birth show that God keeps His promises?
  3. What’s a promise from God you can trust today?

Lesson 2: Jesus’ Humility Invites Us to Worship

Jesus, the King of kings, was born in a manger, showing His humility and accessibility to all (Luke 2:7 – “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger”). Charles Haddon Spurgeon emphasizes that Christ’s lowly birth invites everyone, from shepherds to kings, to worship Him (Sermon: “The Incarnation and Birth of Christ,” 1855). This lesson encourages kids to worship Jesus with humble hearts, reflecting on His love that reaches all people.

Discussion Questions for Lesson 2

  1. Why do you think the shepherds and wise men came to worship baby Jesus?
  2. How can we show our love and worship for Jesus today?
  3. What does Jesus’ simple birth teach us about being humble?

Lesson 3: Jesus’ Coming Brings Joy to All

The angels proclaimed “good news of great joy” at Jesus’ birth, a joy for all people because the Savior had come (Luke 2:10). George Whitefield teaches that Christ’s birth is the source of eternal joy, as it brings salvation to sinners (Sermon: “The Great Duty of Rejoicing,” 1740). This lesson inspires kids to celebrate Jesus’ coming, sharing His joy with others through kindness and love, knowing He came to save everyone.

Discussion Questions for Lesson 3

  1. Why did the angels say Jesus’ birth was “good news of great joy”?
  2. How can we share the joy of Jesus with our friends or family?
  3. What makes you feel joyful when you think about Jesus?

3 Free Nativity Story Craft Activities

Craft 1: Starlit Manger Shadow Lantern (Advanced)

What You Need: Black cardstock, clear plastic sheet, tissue paper (yellow, blue, white), scissors, glue, battery-operated LED tea light, markers, gold glitter, small wooden figures (optional).

  1. Roll black cardstock into a cylinder (about 6” tall) and secure with glue to form the lantern base.
  2. Cut a small rectangular window in the side and cover it with a clear plastic sheet.
  3. Layer yellow and blue tissue paper inside the window to create a glowing night sky, adding a yellow tissue paper star at the top.
  4. Draw and cut out a silhouette of the manger scene (Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus) from black cardstock, gluing it inside the plastic window to create a shadow effect.
  5. Sprinkle gold glitter around the star for sparkle, and place an LED tea light inside to illuminate the scene.
  6. Encourage kids to reflect on Jesus’ birth as the light of the world while crafting.

Why It Helps: This advanced lantern craft uses light and shadow to depict the Nativity under the Bethlehem star, prompting thoughtful reflection on Jesus as the Savior who brings light to all.

Craft 2: Bethlehem Star Window Scene

What You Need: Black construction paper, tissue paper (yellow, blue, white), scissors, glue, markers, transparent plastic sheet (or clear plastic folder), small stick or straw, tape.

  1. Cut a large star shape from black construction paper to create a window frame.
  2. Glue a transparent plastic sheet behind the star opening to act as a windowpane.
  3. Layer yellow and blue tissue paper on the plastic to create a glowing night sky effect, with a smaller yellow tissue paper star in the center.
  4. Cut out silhouettes of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in the manger from black construction paper, gluing them at the bottom of the window to appear as if illuminated by the star.
  5. Attach a small stick or straw to the back with tape to hold the scene up against a window or light source.
  6. Encourage kids to reflect on how Jesus’ birth brought light to the world while crafting.

Why It Helps: This window scene creatively captures the Nativity under the Bethlehem star, using light through tissue paper to symbolize Jesus as the light of the world, prompting kids to reflect on His role as Savior in a hands-on, visually striking activity.

Craft 3: Manger Heart Ornament

What You Need: Red and pink construction paper, glue, scissors, markers, glitter, stickers.

  1. Cut two brown felt manger shapes and a red felt heart to fit inside.
  2. Sew or glue the manger shapes together, leaving an opening to stuff with cotton for a soft effect.
  3. Glue the red heart inside, writing “Jesus, Savior” (Luke 2:11) on it with markers.
  4. Add a small paper star with beads on top and a ribbon loop to hang.
  5. Encourage kids to pray a simple prayer of thanks for Jesus while crafting.

Why It Helps: The ornament symbolizes Jesus’ humble birth and saving love, prompting kids to reflect on His role as Savior through a heartfelt, hands-on activity.

Bonus Content

Memory Verse

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11

Tip: Practice by writing the verse on a paper star and repeating it while decorating with drawings of angels or the manger, then display it to review daily.

Fun Fact About the Story

In Jesus’ time, Bethlehem was a small village, yet it was significant as King David’s birthplace and the prophesied location for the Messiah’s birth (Micah 5:2). The manger, a feeding trough for animals, highlighted the humility of Jesus’ birth, as Mary and Joseph found no room in the inn, likely due to crowds for the Roman census. The shepherds, lowly workers, were the first to hear the angels’ announcement, showing that Jesus came for all, while the wise men’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolized His kingship, divinity, and future sacrifice.

The star that guided the wise men was a powerful sign, possibly a miraculous light or a celestial event, leading them to worship Jesus. In Jewish tradition, stars signified divine guidance, as seen in Numbers 24:17, linking Jesus to God’s promises. This rich context helps kids see the Nativity as a story of God’s humble yet glorious plan, encouraging them to reflect on Jesus’ birth as a gift for everyone, from shepherds to kings.

Bible Verses for Further Study

  • Micah 5:2: Bethlehem is prophesied as the Messiah’s birthplace.
  • Isaiah 9:6: A child is born, a son is given, fulfilled in Jesus.
  • John 1:14: The Word became flesh, emphasizing the incarnation.
  • Galatians 4:4-5: God sent His Son to redeem us, connecting to the Nativity.

Nativity Story Summary

In the Nativity Story, God fulfills His promise by sending Jesus, born to Mary in a Bethlehem stable, announced by angels to shepherds, and worshipped by wise men guided by a star. Despite His divine nature, Jesus enters the world humbly, revealing God’s love for all. This story, shared to inspire awe and worship, teaches three key lessons: Jesus’ birth fulfills God’s promises, His humility invites worship, and His coming brings joy to all. These truths encourage children to trust God’s plans, worship Jesus humbly, and share His joy.

Good Words to Know

  • Incarnation: God becoming human in Jesus to save us.
  • Savior: Jesus, who rescues people from sin and death.
  • Worship: Showing love and honor to Jesus for who He is.
  • Joy: The happiness Jesus’ birth brings to all people.

References

  • The Bible, Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2.
  • Henry, Matthew, Commentary on the Whole Bible, Luke 2:1-20, Public Domain.
  • Spurgeon, Charles Haddon, “The Incarnation and Birth of Christ,” Sermon #57, delivered December 23, 1855, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Volume 2.
  • Whitefield, George, “The Great Duty of Rejoicing,” Sermon, 1740, Public Domain.
  • Lloyd-Jones, Martyn, “The Incarnation,” Sermon, Martyn Lloyd-Jones Trust, Public Domain.

Check Out Our Free Resources
Videos, Lessons, Devotionals, Guides, and More

Explore

1 thought on “The Nativity Story Free Lessons, Crafts, and Activities (Guide)”

  1. Pingback: The Nativity Story - A Craft Stick Bible Story Video | Waking Word

Comments are closed.