For teachers
Lesson guide: The Christmas story
A one-session plan using The Birth of Jesus and The Visit of the Magi, including what the Bible does and does not say.
Plan
1. Read "The Birth of Jesus" at the children's level. 2. Read Luke 2:8-14 from the Bible together. 3. Read "The Visit of the Magi". 4. Play "True or not stated? Christmas".
Checking popular ideas
Luke does not mention a donkey or animals at the manger. Matthew does not say there were three wise men, and he says they found Jesus in a house. These details can be talked about without spoiling the joy of the story.
Discussion
Why do you think the angels told shepherds first? (Luke 2:8-11.) What did the wise men do when they found Jesus? (Matthew 2:11.)