Eli the Donkey on his greatest journey

A CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

MEDITERRANEAN
SEA
NAZARETH
SEA OF
GALILEE
SYRIA
JORDAN RIVER
JERUSALEM
BETHLEHEM
DEAD
SEA
JORDAN
EGYPT
ISRAEL
2

NOTES FOR ADULTS
Hello amazing adults! Just a few notes for you:
- Don’t feel pressure to have to do all <strong>the</strong> activities. There are
so many in this booklet so that everyone will be able to find
something for <strong>the</strong>m.
- We are catering for a wide age and ability range in one booklet,
so depending on your child, you may want to alter, skip, or add
things as you go along.
- You are allowed to have fun too! Don’t hold yourself back from
baking, crafting, playing, and making memories your children will
cherish for <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong>ir lives.
3

Each session starts with a part
of <strong>the</strong> Christmas story seen
through <strong>the</strong> eyes of
<strong>Eli</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Donkey</strong>.
For each week, <strong>the</strong>re is a
small family devotional
and Bible reading. Do
<strong>the</strong>m toge<strong>the</strong>r!
Use <strong>the</strong>se questions to engage
your kids and to help <strong>the</strong>m go
deeper into <strong>the</strong> Bible story and
what it means for <strong>the</strong>m today.
Each session, as a family, decorate an ornament with a
picture or words to remind you about what you’ve learned!
If you do not have <strong>the</strong> provided blank ornaments, make
your own by cutting a shape out of cardstock and punch a
hole in <strong>the</strong> top! Hang <strong>the</strong>m up on your tree or somewhere
else you can see <strong>the</strong>m as a reminder!
Some stories are accompanied by small,
no-prep activities like coloring, drawing,
writing, or solving a maze. Kids will enjoy
doing <strong>the</strong>m on <strong>the</strong>ir own.
These are bigger, more involved
activities that will require involvement
from a grown-up.
4

Although most people only seem to notice donkeys when <strong>the</strong>y’re pinning <strong>the</strong>
tail on <strong>the</strong>m at birthday parties, this animal is full of fun and interesting facts.
A donkey can live
to be more than
50 years old!
There are more than 40 million
donkeys worldwide. China,
Ethiopia, Pakistan, Egypt, and
Mexico have <strong>the</strong> most donkeys
of any area in <strong>the</strong> world.
<strong>Donkey</strong>s are loyal
and loving creatures.
Some people call
<strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> dogs of <strong>the</strong>
livestock world!
Sometimes donkeys are
used as "guardians" for
livestock — <strong>the</strong>y can
defend against a dog,
coyote, fox, bobcat, or
even mountain lion
that's bo<strong>the</strong>ring a herd
of sheep or goats.
They are picky about
<strong>the</strong> water <strong>the</strong>y drink,
sometimes even
refusing water for
being too dirty.
Some donkeys are even used
for rescue missions when a
hiker or climber goes
missing in <strong>the</strong> mountains.
A donkey’s sense of
hearing is so well
developed <strong>the</strong>y can
hear <strong>the</strong> call of
ano<strong>the</strong>r donkey
from 60 miles away!
<strong>Donkey</strong>s like to munch on grasses, grains,
oats and barley straw. Domesticated
donkeys are usually fed hay, but <strong>the</strong>y
enjoy special treats like apples, pears,
beets, bananas, bread, and molasses.
<strong>Donkey</strong>s can form very
close friendships with one
ano<strong>the</strong>r that last a lifetime.
In developing countries,
donkeys take <strong>the</strong> place
of cars and trucks.
<strong>Donkey</strong>s are very
intelligent. They have
excellent memories
and can remember
places very well.
5

6

Last night was very strange. I had just finished eating my hay, and was
very much looking forward to laying down after a long day (it had been a
long day of carrying Joseph's tools, back and forth, back and forth — that
man needs a break), when I heard Mary let out a scream. I jolted and
galloped to <strong>the</strong> window. The room was incredibly bright, light pouring out
of <strong>the</strong> windows — I guess <strong>the</strong> couple had decided to invest in those
brand-new maximum energy candles we saw in <strong>the</strong> market <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r day.
I inched closer and saw a person, but <strong>the</strong>y didn't look like any person I've
ever seen before — <strong>the</strong>y were dressed all in white, shining brightly, and
I'm not sure if my eyes were deceiving me but I think <strong>the</strong>y might have
even been hovering above <strong>the</strong> ground — very strange indeed.
Mary looked scared, terrified even, and Joseph was nowhere to be seen
— what on earth is going on in this house?! The very bright person (I later
learned <strong>the</strong>y are called angels) said to Mary, "Do not be afraid, God has
sent me to tell you that you're going to have a baby, and He is going
to save <strong>the</strong> world." Well that was not what I was expecting at all. A baby
is going to save <strong>the</strong> world? And why was Mary being chosen to have such
a special baby? Surely it should be <strong>the</strong> baby of a King and Queen, not <strong>the</strong>
baby of poor and unknown Mary and Joseph? There were so many
questions running through my head that I didn't notice <strong>the</strong> angel leaving
to go back to wherever angels come from.
The next day as we went to market for <strong>the</strong> week's shopping, everyone
was looking and whispering. I trotted a little bit faster than normal; Mary
is having a baby by a complete miracle! But she's not married to Joseph
yet (<strong>the</strong> wedding planner was very booked up this season) and in this
olden day culture, people think that having a baby before you are married
isn't such a good idea. This could be an interesting few months...
7

Each of us is God's masterpiece. That means that he spent time,
love and energy making us exactly how he wanted us to be.
When God creates a masterpiece, he thinks about much more than just how we look. He made
us as we are for a reason, so that we can do all <strong>the</strong> amazing things that God has planned for us.
Sometimes life can be like a puzzle. Before a puzzle is put toge<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> pieces are scattered so
that we don't know what <strong>the</strong> picture is. We are unsure of what <strong>the</strong> completed picture will look
like. We don't know what our lives will look like in <strong>the</strong> future, or even tomorrow! But we can
trust that God knows because he made us! We can trust <strong>the</strong> plan that God has for our life, even
when it doesn't make sense to us.
1. What does it mean to be a masterpiece?
2. Do you always feel like you are a masterpiece?
3. How do you think Mary felt when <strong>the</strong> angel
Gabriel appeared to her?
4. Have you ever been afraid to do something?
Even if it might turn out well?
5. Can you find any examples in <strong>the</strong> Bible of God
using unlikely people to do great things?
6. What do you think God might be calling you to do?
7. Look up Luke 1:37. How does this make you feel
about following God?
Draw or write
something on your
ornament to remind
you that you are
God’s masterpiece
and that we can trust
in His amazing
plans for us!
8

You’ll need: paper plate, silver pipe cleaner,
sequins & decorations, scissors, glue
1. Cut your paper plate in half.
2. Fold one half into a cone and ask a
grown up to staple it in place. This is <strong>the</strong>
angel’s body/dress.
3. Use <strong>the</strong> sequins and anything else
you have at home to decorate it.
4. Cut <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r half of <strong>the</strong> paper plate into
three pieces - use two of <strong>the</strong>m as <strong>the</strong> wings.
Decorate!
5. Ask an adult to staple <strong>the</strong> wings
to <strong>the</strong> body.
6. Use <strong>the</strong> sparkly pipe cleaner to make a
circle for <strong>the</strong> angel’s head. Put <strong>the</strong> pipe
cleaner through <strong>the</strong> hole at <strong>the</strong> top of <strong>the</strong>
cone and staple or tape it in place!
Turn on some Christmas music and have fun
doing a jigsaw puzzle toge<strong>the</strong>r. (Did you
know that many libraries lend puzzles?) Use
this opportunity to talk about how <strong>the</strong>
individual puzzle pieces come toge<strong>the</strong>r to
make a whole puzzle, just as <strong>the</strong> individual
happenings and events contribute to <strong>the</strong>
unfolding of God’s plan for our lives.
With your parents, look through your
baby pictures. Talk about <strong>the</strong> good
plans that God has had for you since
you were a little baby. Read Psalm
139:13-18 and take a few moments to
thank God for all <strong>the</strong> beautiful dreams
and plans He has for your life.
9

ANGELS
Did you know that <strong>the</strong> angels are spirit-messengers sent by God to serve
those who are going to be saved? Read it for yourself in Hebrews 1:14.
Bring food to <strong>Eli</strong>jah
(see 1 Kings 19:5-8)
Warn Joseph to
escape to Egypt
(see Mat<strong>the</strong>w 2:13)
Protect Daniel
from <strong>the</strong> lions
(see Daniel 6:22)
Roll back <strong>the</strong>
tomb stone
(see Mat<strong>the</strong>w 28:2)
Make it possible for
Peter to escape
from prison
(see Acts 12:17)
Ask your parents and
grandparents if <strong>the</strong>y think
<strong>the</strong>re was a time in <strong>the</strong>ir life
when God’s heavenly agents
were sent to serve <strong>the</strong>m.
10

What was <strong>the</strong> name of
<strong>the</strong> angel who appeared
to Mary? (HINT: See
Luke 1:26-27)
A. Gabriel
B. Michael
C. Nathaniel
D. Raphael
If your book
came with <strong>Eli</strong>
(plush toy),
take turns
hiding <strong>Eli</strong>
around <strong>the</strong>
house and
looking
for him.
Turn on your favorite Christmas music, fire
up your oven and have fun baking and
decorating angel cookies. Scan <strong>the</strong> QR code
for <strong>the</strong> recipe your kids will absolutely love
or find a different one online. You may also
want to look for non-baking ideas: Veggie
Snack Angels or Sugar Cone and
Marshmallows Angels.
Have everyone ga<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> living room.
Appoint one person to be <strong>the</strong> pointer (or <strong>the</strong>
Angel). Let <strong>the</strong>m have <strong>the</strong> flashlight.
Turn off <strong>the</strong> lights and have everyone quietly
find a spot in <strong>the</strong> room.
The Angel <strong>the</strong>n would turn on <strong>the</strong> flashlight
and without moving will start looking for
people. Once <strong>the</strong>y find someone, have
everyone take turns sharing something good
about <strong>the</strong> person who is in <strong>the</strong> spotlight.
Keep going until everyone has had a chance
to be an Angel and to enjoy <strong>the</strong> spotlight.
• Ask a parent to tell you
about something that seemed
impossible, but turned out to
be possible with God’s help.
• Talk to Mom or Dad, or a
grandparent about what he
or she has learned about
God’s plans.
• Ask a parent about a time
he or she trusted God’s plan
even though it didn’t seem to
make sense. What happened?
11

12
There is hustle and bustle everywhere; everyone is
getting packed up — <strong>the</strong>re is a growing pile in <strong>the</strong>
corner of <strong>the</strong> stable of all <strong>the</strong> things we are taking
on this journey. It looks heavy and I’m <strong>the</strong> one who
is going to have to carry it. I guess I should explain...
The Big Boss of <strong>the</strong> Roman Empire, Caesar
Augustus, has sent out an announcement across
all of <strong>the</strong> land that everyone has to go back to <strong>the</strong>
place <strong>the</strong>y were born and be registered so
that he can know how many people he is
ruling and where <strong>the</strong>y all come from.

It’s all right for him to say from his big palace in Rome,
but this means that thousands of people have to pack
up <strong>the</strong>ir things and make a long trek across deserts,
countries, over hills, and through many towns.
And today is <strong>the</strong> leaving day.
13

So we set off. Mary is now very pregnant and she sits on me
along with all of <strong>the</strong> belongings — it’s going to be a long and
painful journey. We’re hoping Mary manages to make it <strong>the</strong>re
before having <strong>the</strong> baby (Joseph as far as I know has no
midwifery skills and I have hoofs not hands...). We go through
deserts, forests, over hills, and through many valleys.
After quite a few days, my feet are very sore, it’s been a bumpy
ride for Mary, and Joseph is starting to get tired.
14

But <strong>the</strong>re it is, just over <strong>the</strong> next
hill we can see Bethlehem, our final
destination. The town doesn’t look
like much, but it is <strong>the</strong> home of
Mary and Joseph. We are all very
relieved to finally be <strong>the</strong>re.
Now, to find somewhere to stay.
15

The emperor decided he wanted to count everyone that
was in his kingdom.
Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem (where Joseph was from) so that <strong>the</strong>y could register
<strong>the</strong>ir names. Mary was very pregnant, so it was very bad timing! They had to leave <strong>the</strong>ir home
and travel a long way on a donkey even though Mary was about to have a baby. When <strong>the</strong>y
arrived, <strong>the</strong>y couldn't even find anywhere to stay or anyone to welcome <strong>the</strong>m. Even now, lots
of people have to leave <strong>the</strong>ir homes when <strong>the</strong>y don't want to. It can be very scary and often
people aren't very kind to <strong>the</strong>m. You can read and think more about this on <strong>the</strong> next page.
How do you think Jesus would welcome <strong>the</strong>m?
Draw or write something
on your ornament to remind
you of <strong>the</strong> long and difficult
journey that Mary and
Joseph took and to remind
you to pray and think of <strong>the</strong>
many people who also have
to take long and difficult
journeys in <strong>the</strong>
world today.
1. What’s a census? Why were <strong>the</strong>y done?
2. How would you feel if you had to leave your home
unexpectedly?
3. How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when <strong>the</strong>y
couldn’t find anywhere to stay?
4. If you could only bring one thing from home with you
on a long journey, what would you bring?
5. How would you want someone to treat you if you
were a long way from home in a strange place?
16

What do you know about refugees?
A refugee is someone who needs to leave <strong>the</strong>ir own country
and <strong>the</strong>ir home because it’s not safe for <strong>the</strong>m to stay. If <strong>the</strong>y
stay <strong>the</strong>y could get hurt, not have enough food to eat, or not
be able to go to school or work. So <strong>the</strong>y travel to ano<strong>the</strong>r
country that is safe like <strong>the</strong> US or Canada.
Why do refugees leave <strong>the</strong>ir home?
What do you think it feels like to have to leave <strong>the</strong>ir home?
To find a safe place, people often have to travel really
far. They might have to walk through whole countries
or travel across <strong>the</strong> sea in small boats. The journey
can be very difficult, tiring, and painful.
What’s <strong>the</strong> longest journey you’ve ever made?
Can you imagine trying to get to ano<strong>the</strong>r
country without a car or airplane?
Different things can happen once <strong>the</strong>y have arrived in a safe place. In some safe places like Greece,
<strong>the</strong>re are many refugees coming and <strong>the</strong>y don’t have much room for everyone. So people have to
live in camps. They sleep in tents even in <strong>the</strong> cold winter. There is usually not much food and <strong>the</strong>y
can’t easily go to school or work.
Can you imagine living in a tent for a whole year?
What kind of things might be difficult living in a camp?
After a while, <strong>the</strong>y might be able to move into a normal house. But
it is still not easy. They might not understand <strong>the</strong> language or have
much money. They might not feel like <strong>the</strong>y belong in <strong>the</strong>ir new
homes. They have to start new jobs and new schools and that can
be really difficult.
Have you ever been new somewhere?
How did it make you feel?
How can we welcome people and make
<strong>the</strong>m feel at home?
17

Have you ever met somebody from a different country? Did <strong>the</strong>y speak
a different language? We want to be able to welcome everybody!
How many languages can you learn to say hello in?
What about languages that use a different alphabet?
What about sign language?
Make a poster of all <strong>the</strong> different ways you’ve learned to
say hello and put it in your window to greet everybody
that walks by. How colorful can you make it?
18
1. Use a teabag dipped in water to
make your paper look really old (do
this before you start drawing!) and let
<strong>the</strong> paper dry.
2. Draw a map of a journey around
your house. Think about what
obstacles you might come across on
your journey. Are <strong>the</strong>re snowy
mountain stairs to climb or a crocodile
filled carpet lake to cross? What will
you find at <strong>the</strong> end of your journey?
3. Make drawings and labels on your
map so you remember where to go.
4. Can you challenge someone else in
your house to follow <strong>the</strong> map?
Can you find Bethlehem and Nazareth on
<strong>the</strong> map? See <strong>the</strong> inside cover. We don't
know what route Joseph and Mary took
from Nazareth to Bethlehem, but we do
know that Mary was pregnant and that <strong>the</strong>
journey would have been between 80 to 100
miles. Ask your mom... riding 80 miles on a
donkey while pregnant would not be fun!
Parents, pull out a map to help your
children understand <strong>the</strong> distance of 80-100
miles. Identify a couple of familiar places
that are about this distance from your
home. Talk about what it's like to take this
journey in a modern vehicle versus what it
must have been like for Mary to ride <strong>the</strong>
donkey and for Joseph to walk <strong>the</strong> whole
distance beside her.
Then take your family on a one mile walk
and talk about Mary and Joseph's journey
that would have been at least 80 times as
long! Let <strong>the</strong>m ask questions and process
what <strong>the</strong> journey must have been like.

Which emperor ordered <strong>the</strong>
census? (HINT: See Luke 2:1)
A. Tiberius
B. Galerius
C. Augustus
D. Claudius
Talk about a time…
1) Someone showed you
unexpected kindness
2) You were kind to someone else…and
3) A time you could have been kind but
weren’t
Pray as a family that <strong>the</strong> Holy Spirit will
show you someone you can surprise by
kindness in <strong>the</strong> next few days. Start
making specific plans.
Ask each family member to share.
Ask a parent to scan this code with <strong>the</strong>ir
smartphone or tablet so you can travel
with <strong>the</strong> Holy Family to Bethlehem.
Look up <strong>the</strong> following Bible verses
about God’s kindness to us: Ephesians
4:32; Romans 2:4; and Psalm 116:5.
Think about one way you can imitate
God’s kindness to someone in your
family this week. Then do it!
Holy
Bible
19

20

When we finally reached Bethlehem, things didn't go very
well. As it turns out, Joseph in all his hurry forgot to book us
a hotel room. Every place we went was full to <strong>the</strong> brim with
people who had returned home for <strong>the</strong> registration. Mary
was not pleased. They knocked and knocked, but everyone
said <strong>the</strong> same thing. “We have no room in our inn.”
It was starting to get cold and dark when we got to <strong>the</strong> final
house on <strong>the</strong> edge of <strong>the</strong> town. Joseph knocked on <strong>the</strong> door.
A short man peeked around <strong>the</strong> door. “Hello?” he said.
Joseph asked if <strong>the</strong> man had any room in his house for <strong>the</strong>m
to stay.
The man looked at Joseph’s tired face, pregnant Mary, and
me with my aching back. “My rooms are full, but if you are
really desperate, I can make space in my stable with <strong>the</strong>
animals. It’s a bit smelly, but <strong>the</strong>re’s lots of warm hay?”
Mary raised her eyebrows, but Joseph was
already following <strong>the</strong> man around <strong>the</strong> back gate.
21

Mary and Joseph were struggling to find somewhere to
stay in Bethlehem.
They might have felt unwelcome and that nobody wanted <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong>ir home. But even
though <strong>the</strong>re was nowhere for <strong>the</strong>m to go, God provided somewhere for <strong>the</strong>m to stay. God
has a place for everyone in His house! There’s always room for one more! Everyone can be a
part of <strong>the</strong> family of God!
Write or draw
something that reminds
you that <strong>the</strong>re is always
room in God’s house and
that everyone is
welcome!
1. How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when <strong>the</strong>y
couldn’t find anywhere to stay?
2. What’s a stable? What’s a manger? Are <strong>the</strong>y normal
places for a baby?
3. Check out John 14:2. What does this tell us about
where we belong?
4. In 2 Corinthians 5:1, it says that we will have “a
home in heaven that will last forever.” How does
this make you feel?
5. How do you think you could help o<strong>the</strong>r people feel
at home in church?
22

1. Find a shoebox or o<strong>the</strong>r box
and take <strong>the</strong> lid/one side off.
2. Lay <strong>the</strong> box on its side. You can put a piece of
cardboard in <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong> box to make two
levels in your house if you like!
3. Use items you can find around your house to make some furniture. Can you make a
small box into a bed or a bottle top into a stool? Use your imagination and go wild!
4. Now to decorate! Do you have
some fabric to make a carpet? Or use
paint or paper to decorate <strong>the</strong> walls!
5. When you have finished, pray
over your house. Pray that
those who need safe houses will
be able to get one and thank
God that you have a safe home.
How many people can you fit in one space?
Using a newspaper or towel on <strong>the</strong> floor,
try and fit as many people (or stuffed
animals or o<strong>the</strong>r objects) on it, making
sure that at least one body part is always
on <strong>the</strong> square.
Keep folding it in half until you can’t fit
anyone in <strong>the</strong> square!
What makes
home feel
like home?
On <strong>the</strong> next page
23

Answer each of <strong>the</strong> questions
in <strong>the</strong> house about things that
might make you feel at home.
You could write <strong>the</strong>m down
next to <strong>the</strong> questions, or draw
pictures in <strong>the</strong> windows.
Why does your house
feel like home?
What is your favorite
thing in your room?
Draw it in this window!
Who lives in your house? Draw
<strong>the</strong>m looking out this window.
What do you
most look
forward to
about coming
home from
school?
Do you think Mary and Joseph had any
of <strong>the</strong>se things to make <strong>the</strong>m feel at
home in <strong>the</strong> stable?
24

What town did Mary and Joseph travel to?
(HINT: See Luke 2:4)
A. Be<strong>the</strong>sda
B. Bethany
C. Bethuel
D. Bethlehem
Ask each family member to share:
1) Is <strong>the</strong>re room for Jesus in your
thoughts, dreams, calendar, schedule,
bank account, home?
2) What could you do if Jesus came to visit
your house?
3) What would you show Jesus in your house?
4) What food would you serve Jesus?
Make a knocking sound on a
table, and lead children in
saying, “Come in, Jesus!
There’s room for You in our
heart…mind…home…day…
etc.” Repeat <strong>the</strong> activity
several times.
• God’s heart has room for everyone. How
do you decide what kind of people to
accept and what kind to reject?
• Have you ever been rejected/left out?
What did it feel like?
• Ask your mom or dad about how <strong>the</strong>y
welcomed/became friends with someone
<strong>the</strong>y thought was very different or
unpleasant.
• Is <strong>the</strong>re someone you have a hard time
accepting or getting along with? Pray and
ask God to help you see that person like
Jesus does.
• Think of someone in school who no one
seems to like. What can you do to welcome
that person and make <strong>the</strong>m feel special?
The first person says, "I'm taking a trip
and I am going to pack... " and <strong>the</strong>n fills
in <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> sentence.
It could be a piece of clothing or
a toy or a person or whatever
<strong>the</strong>y choose.
Each person <strong>the</strong>n repeats
what <strong>the</strong> last person said,
and adds <strong>the</strong>ir own
selection to <strong>the</strong> end
and so on.
25

26
I guess this is it for <strong>the</strong>
night. The man was right,
<strong>the</strong> stable was very smelly.
There were goats, sheep,
cows, and camels all
mooing and baaing
toge<strong>the</strong>r — <strong>the</strong>y weren’t
happy that <strong>the</strong>y were
going to have to share
<strong>the</strong>ir already small
space with us tonight.

Joseph cleared some space in
<strong>the</strong> hay, laid Mary down, and
quickly fell asleep. I lay down to
sleep next to <strong>the</strong>m, but all I
could hear were <strong>the</strong> goats in
<strong>the</strong> corner chatting away.
“Who are <strong>the</strong>se people? Why
are <strong>the</strong>y allowed in our house?
They are taking up all of our
space!”
They were being very unkind. I
turned over and did my best to
tune <strong>the</strong>m out, finally falling
fast asleep with dreams of
carrots and fresh grass going
through my head.
27

I woke up to see Joseph all flustered. All <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r animals were
backed up against <strong>the</strong> wall. What is going on?
Mary was lying on <strong>the</strong> straw looking quite uncomfortable, when
<strong>the</strong> innkeeper’s wife burst into <strong>the</strong> stable. “Everyone keep calm.
The baby is going to be born today!”
28

Finally! We’ve been waiting for that kid for such a long time! The
innkeeper’s wife sent Joseph out to get some towels and knelt down
next to Mary. I stood back and kept control of <strong>the</strong> now very excited
sheep in <strong>the</strong> back corner. Sheep can be very difficult when <strong>the</strong>y get
excited...
After what seemed like ages, <strong>the</strong>re was a very loud cry. The baby was
born! Now, I thought this was meant to be a very special baby, sent by
God to save us all. But <strong>the</strong> baby looked like any o<strong>the</strong>r baby I had ever
seen. He cried a lot, wanted food a lot, slept a lot, and needed his
diaper changed A LOT. He could do nothing by himself — how is he
meant to save <strong>the</strong> world?
They gave him <strong>the</strong> name that God picked for him — Jesus. This baby
doesn’t seem very special right now, but just you wait — his name
goes on to become one of <strong>the</strong> BIGGEST in <strong>the</strong> whole history of <strong>the</strong>
world. Pretty crazy to
think about when you’re
looking at <strong>the</strong> squirming
baby lying in a cow’s
manger!
29

Do you have a best friend? How did you get to know <strong>the</strong>m? What
do you have in common? When Jesus was born, lots of people
were expecting an impressive king, but Jesus came as a baby.
He cried and slept and ate just like we did when we were babies. Jesus came to earth as a
person so that we could get to know him. God became like us so he could get close to us.
If you want to get to know somebody, what do you do? You spend time with <strong>the</strong>m! How do
you spend time with Jesus?
Color in <strong>the</strong> crown.
How shiny can you
make it look?
30
1. What’s <strong>the</strong> best gift you’ve ever been given?
2. Check out John 3:16. What does this tell us about
why Jesus came to earth? How does this verse make
you feel?
3. People were expecting God to come to earth as an
impressive looking king. Why do you think God chose
to come to earth as a baby?
4. How does it feel when somebody knows you really
well? How do you get to know somebody?
5. Jesus loves us so he wants to spend time with us!
How do you spend time with Jesus?
Draw or write something
that will remind you that
Jesus <strong>the</strong> King came to <strong>the</strong>
world as a baby, just like you
and me. Do you have a photo
of yourself as a baby that
you could put on your
decoration?

Have everyone sit in a
circle. Begin by rolling a
ball to a child. Then have
<strong>the</strong> child with <strong>the</strong> ball
imitate an animal sound
that might have been
heard in <strong>the</strong> stable <strong>the</strong>
night Jesus was born.
Encourage <strong>the</strong> rest of
<strong>the</strong> family to guess
what animal it is.
Then have <strong>the</strong> child
roll <strong>the</strong> ball to ano<strong>the</strong>r
player. Continue until
everyone’s had a turn.
Snuggle up with your child and look
through his or her baby album (or
Gotcha album). Talk about <strong>the</strong> time
your child was born (or adopted)
and compare (and contrast) your
child’s birth with Jesus’ humble birth
in <strong>the</strong> stable. Compare a crib with <strong>the</strong>
manger, compare <strong>the</strong> sounds of a
hospital delivery room with <strong>the</strong>
sounds of a stable, and so on. Point
out that Jesus was a gift from God,
and so is your child!
Jesus was born in a stable and slept in
a manger because <strong>the</strong>re was no room
for his family in <strong>the</strong> inn. Consider
inviting someone who is alone to
celebrate Christmas with your family
this year—perhaps a child from a
children’s home, an elderly person
living alone, or a college student far
from home. Along with a good meal
and loving company, provide a few
presents so your guest can be
completely involved.
Jesus was born a human just
like you and me. Can you
bake some gingerbread men?
Decorate <strong>the</strong>m to look like
yourself and your family!
Recipe on <strong>the</strong>
next page!
31

2/3 cup unsalted butter (room temp)
3/4 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup molasses
1 large egg (room temp)
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1. In a large bowl, beat <strong>the</strong> butter for 1 minute until smooth and
creamy. Add <strong>the</strong> brown sugar and molasses and beat on medium
high spead until combined and creamy looking. Add <strong>the</strong> egg and
vanilla and beat on high speed until nicely combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk <strong>the</strong> flour, baking soda, salt, and
spices toge<strong>the</strong>r until well combined. Then on low speed, mix
in <strong>the</strong> wet ingredients thoroughly.
3. The dough will be quick thick and
slightly sticky. Divide it in half.
4. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and chill
for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight.
5. Remove one half of <strong>the</strong> dough from <strong>the</strong> refrigerator.
Generously flour a work surface, your hands, and a
rolling pin. Roll out until 1/4 inch thick.
6. Cut out <strong>the</strong> shapes and place 1 inch
apart on baking sheet lined with
parchment paper. Repeat with second
half until all dough is used.
7. Bake cookies at 350ºF
for 9-10 minutes.
8. Allow to cool
completely and <strong>the</strong>n
decorate!

What did baby Jesus sleep on in <strong>the</strong>
manger?
A. Cabbage leaves
B. Rose petals
C. Grass blades
D. Bird fea<strong>the</strong>rs
Ask each family member to share:
1) If Jesus is king, what does that make us?
Prince and princesses? Servants of <strong>the</strong> king?
2) Where were you born?
3) Why do you think God allowed Jesus to be
born in a stable?
4) If you could’ve been <strong>the</strong>re when Jesus was
born, who would you have wanted to be?
Why?
Let’s pretend to hold baby Jesus while we pray
and thank God for Jesus. Have every family
member pretend to rock a baby in <strong>the</strong>ir arms
and invite <strong>the</strong>m to take turns praying several
one-sentence prayers after you. Ideas:
• Welcome to <strong>the</strong> world, Jesus!
• Thank you for coming to be with us.
• We’re so glad that you’re always with us.
Sing “Away in a Manger” as <strong>the</strong> closing prayer.
It can serve as a lullaby to your imaginary
baby Jesus.
Choose a non-breakable ornament from
your tree, or get a ball.
Toss <strong>the</strong> ornament around with your
family.
Everyone, grab a piece of paper and a
pen. First, draw letter g. Now, draw
Mary and baby Jesus from <strong>the</strong> letter g.
Say one thing you know about Jesus each
time you catch <strong>the</strong> ornament, and have
your family members do <strong>the</strong> same.
Play ano<strong>the</strong>r round, only this
time have everyone share
what gift <strong>the</strong>y could give to
| Jesus.
33

Now at <strong>the</strong> same time that all of
this was happening, o<strong>the</strong>r exciting
things were taking place in a field
far away. Actually, my friend
Sofia (a sheep I had met on
vacation once) was <strong>the</strong>re to
witness <strong>the</strong> whole thing.
I’ll let her tell it:
34

Oh my goodness, we were just minding our own business,
eating some grass here and <strong>the</strong>re, when an entire choir of
angels just showed up. There was music, <strong>the</strong>re was
choreographed dancing, trumpets, singing — <strong>the</strong> whole deal.
The shepherds who were
watching us were terrified;
all <strong>the</strong>y knew was sheep and
shepherding, and as far as
<strong>the</strong>y knew, this situation was
not a part of <strong>the</strong> job
description.
35

They looked at each o<strong>the</strong>r, looked at us,
and <strong>the</strong>n back at <strong>the</strong> angels, when one of
<strong>the</strong>m spoke, saying:
“Shepherds, do not be afraid — we have
been sent here by God to tell you some
amazing news. There is a new king being
born in <strong>the</strong> town of Bethlehem and he
wants you to go and visit him.”

“Why us?” <strong>the</strong> shepherds asked, “we are just some
poor and dirty shepherds. A king would never want to
see us!”
“Well this King is different,” <strong>the</strong> angel said. “He
wasn’t chosen by people but by God. He wants to
get to know everyone, it doesn’t matter if you are
rich or powerful or have great clo<strong>the</strong>s — he wants
to help everyone.”
So <strong>the</strong> shepherds and all <strong>the</strong> sheep left <strong>the</strong> hill and
made our way to Bethlehem. We were all very excited!
37

The shepherds were some of <strong>the</strong> first people in <strong>the</strong> whole
world to be told <strong>the</strong> amazing news that Jesus was born.
God didn’t choose <strong>the</strong> rich people or those who went to fancy schools or had very
important big-boss jobs. He chose shepherds. In <strong>the</strong> Bible times, shepherds were seen as
being very unimportant and <strong>the</strong>y didn’t have many friends. So why did God choose <strong>the</strong>m to
hear such important news? God chose <strong>the</strong>m to show us that <strong>the</strong> Good News is for everyone!
Anybody who wants to can learn about God and have his love and hope in <strong>the</strong>ir lives.
1. What is <strong>the</strong> Good News?
2. Why do you think God chose <strong>the</strong>
shepherds to be <strong>the</strong> first people to hear
<strong>the</strong> Good News?
3. How do you think <strong>the</strong> shepherds felt when
<strong>the</strong>y heard that <strong>the</strong> baby Jesus was being
born?
4. What do you think <strong>the</strong>y were expecting to
find when <strong>the</strong>y went to see <strong>the</strong> baby Jesus?
5. How does <strong>the</strong> Christmas story make you feel?
6. In <strong>the</strong> star, write down what gifts and talents
you have that you can bring to God’s family.
“What gifts and talents do
you have and how do you use
<strong>the</strong>m for God?”
Write or draw
something that
reminds you that
everyone is important
to God and that <strong>the</strong>
Good News of Jesus is
for everyone.
38

Ask a parent to scan this QR
code and toge<strong>the</strong>r watch <strong>the</strong>
story of when <strong>the</strong> angels tell
<strong>the</strong> shepherds of <strong>the</strong> birth of
Jesus Christ.
1. Go outside and look at <strong>the</strong> clouds — what do
<strong>the</strong>y look like? Do any of <strong>the</strong>m look like sheep?
2. Try drawing your own cloud — make sure <strong>the</strong>y’re
extra fluffy!
3. Once you’ve drawn your cloud, add a head by
making a circle on <strong>the</strong> side of <strong>the</strong> cloud.
4. Add ears, eyes, and a mouth!
5. Draw a little tail on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side of <strong>the</strong> cloud.
(Can you see a sheep yet?)
6. You can also color in <strong>the</strong> sky. What color will
your sky be?
For this game, you will need:
• Balloons
• Newspaper
• A stopwatch or timer
1. Roll your newspaper into a shepherd’s staff.
2. Blow up <strong>the</strong> balloons (you may need an adult to help you) to
represent sheep.
3. Make a pen (like a section of your living room, a hula hoop, etc)
behind a dining room chair.
4. Use your shepherd’s staff to round up <strong>the</strong> balloons into <strong>the</strong> pen
you’ve created. How quickly can you do it? Who can do it <strong>the</strong>
quickest? Who can round up <strong>the</strong> most balloons in 1 minute?
39

40

Now at <strong>the</strong> time, <strong>the</strong>re was a mean King in
<strong>the</strong> land named Herod. One day, he heard
that a King had been born in a stable in
Bethlehem. “Bethlehem? In a stable?” he
started chuckling to himself, “Can’t be much
of a King, he wasn’t even born in a palace!”
But over <strong>the</strong> next few weeks and months, he
started to hear more and more about this
mysterious baby King. Lots of people came to
his palace saying, “Have you heard, a new
King has been born? Does this mean you’ll be
replaced soon?”
Herod was a very jealous man. He did not like
<strong>the</strong> idea one bit that <strong>the</strong>re might be ano<strong>the</strong>r
King in town and that he didn’t know
anything about him, so he ga<strong>the</strong>red his
advisors to figure out what he should do
about it. They needed a plan...
41

1 CORINTHIANS
1:27-28, 31
Herod was <strong>the</strong> king in <strong>the</strong> time when Jesus was born. He
was very rich, powerful, and important. When he heard that
a baby was going to replace him as king, he was very jealous.
He couldn’t imagine anybody being more important than him, especially not a baby!
Jesus didn’t seem like he was very rich or very strong or very important. He was just a
baby, born in a stable, to a poor carpenter and his wife. But <strong>the</strong> shepherds and <strong>the</strong> three
wise men knew that Jesus was <strong>the</strong> King of Heaven.
Write or draw
something that
reminds you that
Jesus is <strong>the</strong> King
or to remind you
that we should
not be jealous.
1. What did people expect a king to be like?
2. Have you ever felt jealous? Why? What was it like?
3. Why was Herod jealous of Jesus?
4. Check out Mat<strong>the</strong>w 2:13-16. What did Herod do
because of his jealousy?
5. What makes Jesus different from Herod?
6. How can we be less like Herod and more like Jesus?
42

1. Find a piece of colorful construction paper or card stock and cut it in half.
Stick <strong>the</strong> two halves toge<strong>the</strong>r to make one long piece.
2. Cut triangles out of <strong>the</strong> top to make a crown shape.
3. Decorate your crown! You could
color it in, or stick colorful paper or
stickers around it.
4. Tape <strong>the</strong> two ends of <strong>the</strong> card
stock toge<strong>the</strong>r to make a complete
circle. You can now wear your crown!
Herod tried to steal God’s gift to <strong>the</strong> world.
1. One person stands facing a wall with a present
behind <strong>the</strong>m.
2. Everyone else has to attempt to steal <strong>the</strong> gift from
behind <strong>the</strong>m and carry it back to <strong>the</strong> starting point.
3. The person facing <strong>the</strong> wall turns around whenever
<strong>the</strong>y hear a noise behind <strong>the</strong>m.
4. If <strong>the</strong>y catch someone touching <strong>the</strong> gift, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>y
win. If someone manages to get <strong>the</strong> gift back to <strong>the</strong>
starting line, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>y win.
Two players: Jesus and Herod.
The aim of <strong>the</strong> game is for Jesus to try and
beat Herod to Egypt before Herod catches him.
Jesus goes first.
Jesus wins if he gets to Egypt first.
Herod wins if he lands on <strong>the</strong> same square as
Jesus or reaches Egypt before him.
Make two playing pieces out of small stones;
draw on <strong>the</strong>m to make one Herod and <strong>the</strong>
o<strong>the</strong>r Jesus. You will need to find a dice from
ano<strong>the</strong>r game!
43

Oh no! You
went <strong>the</strong>
wrong way.
Follow <strong>the</strong>
arrow.
You’ve been
walking a
long time and
need a break.
Miss a turn!
Challenge: If you
can stand on one
leg for 30 seconds,
move forward
3 spaces!
You found a
shortcut through
a mountain!
Follow <strong>the</strong>
arrow.
You dropped
your keys in
<strong>the</strong> sand. Go
back 6 spaces
to find <strong>the</strong>m!
You found a lake.
Have a rest and
drink! Miss a turn!
Go back
three
spaces!
Challenge:
Do five
jumping
jacks!
Here’s a
donkey to
help you.
Roll again!
Move
forward
two
spaces!
44

When King Herod heard about <strong>the</strong>
newborn King, he felt... (HINT: See
Mat<strong>the</strong>w 2:3)
A. Jumpy
B. Jazzy
C. Jittery
D. Jolly
One evening this week, go outside with
your children early enough to watch for
<strong>the</strong> first star to appear in <strong>the</strong> night sky. Have your
child look for <strong>the</strong> biggest or brightest star or <strong>the</strong>
one that twinkles <strong>the</strong> most.
Remind your children who made <strong>the</strong> stars. Share
how God put each star in its special place. Then talk
about <strong>the</strong> special star God placed in <strong>the</strong> sky to
announce <strong>the</strong> birth of Jesus.
Ask:
• What do you like about stars?
• What do you think of how God let people know
about <strong>the</strong> birth of Jesus?
• On <strong>the</strong> next page, you’ll read <strong>the</strong> story of <strong>the</strong>
wise men and <strong>the</strong>ir long journey to find Jesus.
Why might you want to travel that far to see
Jesus?
• Talk about what you’d want to travel far to see.
Ga<strong>the</strong>r your family and read Mat<strong>the</strong>w 2:1-7.
Show your family <strong>the</strong> baby doll wrapped in a
towel, and tell <strong>the</strong>m you’re going to play a
game to find baby Jesus, kind of like <strong>the</strong> wise
men did.
Have your family members close <strong>the</strong>ir eyes.
Place <strong>the</strong> baby somewhere in <strong>the</strong> house. After
you’ve hidden <strong>the</strong> doll, give your family clues
to find baby Jesus.
Let each family member take a
turn hiding <strong>the</strong> baby and
giving clues for <strong>the</strong> rest of
<strong>the</strong> family to find it.
Discuss: Where can you find
Jesus today?
Ask a parent to scan this QR code on <strong>the</strong>ir
smartphone or tablet, and peek inside <strong>the</strong>
royal palace where <strong>the</strong> evil king is making
some frightening plans.
After reading <strong>the</strong> story of <strong>the</strong> wise men,
ga<strong>the</strong>r everyone in <strong>the</strong> kitchen. Lay an apple
on its rounded side, and cut it into several
slices.
Cut enough apple slices for each child to
have two. You’ll also need a small jar of
cinnamon sugar.
Tell children that <strong>the</strong>y’ll be able to find a
star in each apple slice. Pass out <strong>the</strong> apples,
and see if anyone can find <strong>the</strong> star in <strong>the</strong>
middle.
Help children remove
<strong>the</strong> seeds and <strong>the</strong>n
sprinkle <strong>the</strong> apple
slices with <strong>the</strong>
cinnamon sugar. As
children eat <strong>the</strong>ir
apple slices, talk
about how <strong>the</strong> wise
men followed <strong>the</strong> star to find Jesus.
45

Three wise men came to <strong>the</strong> palace door. They were
searching for <strong>the</strong> new King <strong>the</strong>y’d heard was born, so
obviously <strong>the</strong>y came to <strong>the</strong> palace to find him! But <strong>the</strong>
new baby King wasn’t <strong>the</strong>re — what should <strong>the</strong>y do now?
Herod brought <strong>the</strong>m into <strong>the</strong> palace; he was a man
with a plan. He told <strong>the</strong> wise men that he wanted to be
able to congratulate and bring some gifts to <strong>the</strong> new
King, but he was far too busy to travel himself.
The wise men would go in his place!
46

Now Herod would be able to secretly know more about
this so-called King, so that he could see what he could do
about it!
The wise men set off with <strong>the</strong>ir camels and <strong>the</strong>ir gifts for
a long journey. They followed a bright star in <strong>the</strong> sky that
led <strong>the</strong>m all <strong>the</strong> way to Bethlehem.
I saw <strong>the</strong>m coming towards <strong>the</strong> house. They were so
excited to finally see Jesus, <strong>the</strong> King <strong>the</strong>y had been
searching for! They pulled some glistening wrapped
presents out of <strong>the</strong>ir bags (why does no one ever bring
me a present — even a carrot would be lovely!). Gold,
frankincense, and myrrh. Not sure what <strong>the</strong>y are
exactly... very shiny and smelly. I think Jesus would have
preferred some Legos to be honest, but everything in
this story has a reason!
Before <strong>the</strong> wise men left, <strong>the</strong>y had a dream telling <strong>the</strong>m
not to go back to King Herod because he was a mean
man who didn’t want good things for Jesus. So, <strong>the</strong>y
changed <strong>the</strong> destination on <strong>the</strong>ir star GPS and set off to
ano<strong>the</strong>r land.
47

The three wise men spotted <strong>the</strong> star and followed it to <strong>the</strong> baby
Jesus. They thought <strong>the</strong>y were going to find Jesus in a a palace in
Jerusalem but instead <strong>the</strong>y found him in a house in Bethlehem.
They followed <strong>the</strong> star to find <strong>the</strong> baby Jesus even though it didn’t lead <strong>the</strong>m where <strong>the</strong>y
expected. Sometimes when we follow Jesus, he leads us to places we don’t expect. But he
always leads us to good things, and sometimes <strong>the</strong> things we find are better than <strong>the</strong> things we
were expecting.
Write or draw
something to
remind you
that Jesus is a
gift worth
searching for!
1. What were <strong>the</strong> wise men expecting to find when
<strong>the</strong>y followed <strong>the</strong> star?
2. How do you think <strong>the</strong> wise men felt when <strong>the</strong>y
found <strong>the</strong> baby Jesus?
3. Check out Mat<strong>the</strong>w 2:7-16. How did <strong>the</strong> wise men
trick Herod?
4. God used a star to lead <strong>the</strong> wise men. How else
does God show us what to do?
5. What do you think God might be leading you to?
48

1. Glue two popsicle sticks toge<strong>the</strong>r,
so it looks like a bottomless triangle.
2. Glue a third popsicle stick on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r
side of an end of one of <strong>the</strong> two popsicle
sticks that you have stuck toge<strong>the</strong>r.
3. Glue <strong>the</strong> fourth popsicle stick to
make ano<strong>the</strong>r bottomless triangle.
4. Finally, glue <strong>the</strong> fifth popsicle stick so
<strong>the</strong> ends meet. Your star is complete, yay!
5. Then, turn your star ornament and form
a loop with a small piece of ribbon, glue <strong>the</strong>
loop to <strong>the</strong> back of <strong>the</strong> star. You can now
hang your star on your Christmas tree.
6. If you want to jazz your star up even
more, you can use scrunched up tissue
paper to cover <strong>the</strong> popsicle sticks, or
decorate however you want!
1. Write down some Christmas <strong>the</strong>med words
on pieces of paper, fold <strong>the</strong>m all in half,
and put <strong>the</strong>m in a pile.
2. Take turns picking a word from <strong>the</strong> pile and
drawing it for <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r people to guess!
3. Once <strong>the</strong> word has been guessed, it’s <strong>the</strong>
next person’s turn to pick a word.
Help <strong>the</strong> three wise
men find Jesus by
completing <strong>the</strong> maze
on <strong>the</strong> next page!
Maybe instead of drawing <strong>the</strong> words you could
make <strong>the</strong>m out of play dough or act <strong>the</strong>m out!
49

50
Help <strong>the</strong> three wise men
find Jesus by going
through <strong>the</strong> maze and
creating a special shape!

Why did <strong>the</strong> wise men want to find
Jesus? (HINT: See Mat<strong>the</strong>w 2:2)
A. To sing him a lullaby.
B. To take a selfie with him.
C. To play peekaboo with him.
D. To worship him.
Beforehand, hide a doll or nativity piece
representing baby Jesus on one side of <strong>the</strong> room.
Invite <strong>the</strong> children to come into <strong>the</strong> room and form
a line, shoulder to shoulder, at <strong>the</strong> opposite side of
<strong>the</strong> room from where you hid <strong>the</strong> baby Jesus. Then
say: Let’s pretend we’re on a journey to find Jesus
by following <strong>the</strong> star in <strong>the</strong> sky.
Dim or turn off <strong>the</strong> lights. When I shine this
flashlight on your feet, you may follow <strong>the</strong> light
shining on <strong>the</strong> floor in front of you. But when I
turn it off, you must freeze right where you are.
Like <strong>the</strong> star led <strong>the</strong> wise men, <strong>the</strong> flashlight will
lead you to baby Jesus.
Lead each child one at a time toward <strong>the</strong> baby Jesus
figure. When all <strong>the</strong> children are close, lead <strong>the</strong>m to
baby Jesus by shining <strong>the</strong> light where you hid baby
Jesus. Continue leading <strong>the</strong> children until everyone
has spotted Jesus. Ask: What are some ways you
can look for Jesus in your life?
Ask a parent to scan
this QR code on <strong>the</strong>ir
smartphone or
tablet, and follow
along with <strong>the</strong> wise
men as <strong>the</strong>y follow
<strong>the</strong> star.
Have everyone sit in a circle on <strong>the</strong> floor
with <strong>the</strong>ir hands in <strong>the</strong>ir laps. Choose one
child to be <strong>the</strong> Wise Man and to sit in <strong>the</strong>
center of <strong>the</strong> circle with his or her eyes
closed. Hand a gift box to someone, and
have that person hold <strong>the</strong> gift box behind his
or her back. Be sure <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r people have
<strong>the</strong>ir hands behind <strong>the</strong>ir backs, too.
Have <strong>the</strong> children call out, “Who’s got a gift
for <strong>the</strong> baby king? Find it, and we’ll go
traveling.”
Make a family nativity scene by sculpting
aluminum foil into different characters
involved in <strong>the</strong> Christmas story.
Give <strong>the</strong> Wise Man two guesses to find <strong>the</strong>
gift. The Wise Man may hide <strong>the</strong> gift box for
<strong>the</strong> next round, and <strong>the</strong> player who had <strong>the</strong>
gift becomes <strong>the</strong> new Wise Man.
Discuss:
• What is <strong>the</strong> best gift you’ve ever
wrapped up and given to someone?
• What is <strong>the</strong> best gift you’ve ever
received?
• What one gift can our family
give to Jesus this week?
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STEP ONE: Use <strong>the</strong> grid to copy <strong>the</strong> drawing
STEP TWO: Color it in!
53

How long ago
did Jesus live?
What was Jesus
like as a child?
Why do some
dates have A.D.
and B.C.?
Was Jesus married?
Did He have children?
Who did Jesus hang out
with? Who were His friends?
Did Jesus have
bro<strong>the</strong>rs and sisters?
What miracle would you
like to see Jesus do?
If Jesus came to spend <strong>the</strong> day
with you, what would you
choose to do with Him?
Is Jesus in
history books?
Where is Jesus today?
If you could ask Jesus any
question, what would that be?
Is Christ Jesus’
last name?
What is your favorite
thing about Jesus?
What do you think
Jesus thinks about you?
Thank you so much for following me
on my greatest journey. You know,
that special baby boy eventually
grew up and did some pretty
amazing things. Why don’t you take
some time and learn a little bit more
about Jesus by thinking through <strong>the</strong>
questions on this page? If you get
stuck, you may want to ask your
parents or your pastor to help you.
54

Christmas is all about <strong>the</strong> Good News of God’s love.
In <strong>the</strong> beginning of time, God created a perfect world. There was no sickness, sadness,
meanness, or death.
God also made people, so we could enjoy His beautiful world and be close to Him.
Unfortunately, people decided <strong>the</strong>y didn’t really need God. They thought <strong>the</strong>y
would be better off without Him.
So, <strong>the</strong>y stopped trusting God, and <strong>the</strong>y chose to disobey Him.
Their sin messed up God’s perfect world and ruined our friendship
with God.
Sin separated us from God, but thankfully God didn’t want to
be separated from us.
That’s why He sent His only son, Jesus—to make a way for us back
into God’s family.
At just <strong>the</strong> right time, Jesus showed up as a baby born in a manger.
He grew up, lived a perfect, sinless life, and <strong>the</strong>n He died on <strong>the</strong> cross for all <strong>the</strong>
wrong things we had done.
On <strong>the</strong> third day, Jesus rose again which broke <strong>the</strong> power of sin and death.
Jesus’ death and resurrection made it possible for us to be close to God again. Since Jesus
took <strong>the</strong> punishment that we deserve, nothing stands between us and God.
Now anybody can become a part of God’s family! And THAT is <strong>the</strong> Good News of Christmas!
Have you accepted Jesus? If you would you like to
start following Him, pray this prayer:
Dear God, I'm sorry for going my own way and sinning
against You. I deserve to die for my sins and be
separated forever from You. But I believe Your
perfect Son, Jesus, took <strong>the</strong> punishment for sin by
dying on <strong>the</strong> cross. Then He rose from <strong>the</strong> dead, showing
that He won <strong>the</strong> victory over sin and death. I now turn
from my sin and trust Jesus as my Savior. I commit my life
to You and ask You to save me and accept me into Your
family. I want to use <strong>the</strong> rest of my life to serve You
instead of serving myself. Thank You for hearing me.
Amen.

A village girl.
A kind carpenter.
A long journey.
A host of angels.
A bunch of shepherds.
A brand-new star.
A band of stargazers.
A jealous king.
A tiny baby.
The very first Christmas.
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and o<strong>the</strong>r faith-nurturing resources,
please visit www.WeAreKidMin.com/shop.