B12 The Christmas Story

Lesson 1: Joseph and the Angel

Readings: Matthew 1: 18-25

It was a time of surprises for Mary and Joseph. They were planning to get married, but one day Mary told Joseph that she was expecting a baby. Joseph knew he wasn’t the father, so although he loved Mary very much, he decided he would not marry her.

Lesson 2: Herod and the Wise Men

Readings: Matthew 2: 1-8

Most people are very happy when a baby is born. But the news of Jesus’ birth didn’t please everyone! King Herod became very worried when some Wise Men came to him asking about the birth of another King. A new star had appeared in the sky. Wise Men in the east knew that this was a sign of the birth of a new King. They travelled to Jerusalem wanting to find the Child so they could worship Him.

Lesson 3: The Wise Men and Jesus

Readings: Matthew 2: 9-12

If you’ve ever been on a long car journey you may have got lost. Sometimes it is easy to miss the road signs. God didn’t want to let the Wise Men lose their way. So, after they had left Herod, they saw the star again. The star led them right to the place where Jesus was! The Wise Men were very happy when they saw the star.
Soon they would meet the One they had travelled so far to see!

Lesson 4: The escape into Egypt

Readings: Matthew 2: 13-23

Have you ever waited a long time for some news? Herod had been waiting for the return of the Wise Men. But they did not arrive! They had obeyed God and gone straight home. Herod became very angry and decided that every boy in Bethlehem who was under two years old must be killed!