Bible Crafts and Activities For Sunday School

Bible Themes: Christmas

Jesus, God's Gift to the World - The picture says, "Baby Jesus so sweet and small, you're the best gift of all!"

Best Gift Bible Verse Review Game - Children try to find Baby Jesus under the gifts while reviewing the Bible verse.

New ! Exploring The Christmas Story - Sunday School Christmas Party

Children listen to parts of the Christmas story and then answer questions. Teams collect stars for correct answers. Between story and questions children play games such as musical chairs, Halo Toss, Shepherd's Race, Star Gazing Puzzle, and Magi Gift Delivery Race, and make simple crafts such as a bottle angel and marshmallow sheep.

Craft Stick Nativity Scene Ornament

What you will need: Mini craft sticks, regular size craft sticks, wooden stars, acrylic paint, yellow computer paper, trim, glitter glue, oil (optional), red string, and other decorative items.

What to do:

1. Print out the pattern (A pattern for this craft is available to members.) onto yellow paper or if you are going to make copies print it out onto white paper. If you don't have a lot of time in class paint the craft sticks ahead of time.

2. Cut out the patterns. In class have the children glue the craft sticks on the pattern starting on the sides first and then the roof and bottom.

3. When everything is glued together show the children how to paint oil onto the back of the picture and wipe off the excess oil. You can use cooking oil or baby oil. This will make the yellow background slightly transparent.

4. To finish, glue a star and red string to hang the ornament to the top. Let the children decorate the ornament with glitter glue and decorative items such as ribbon and beads.

Christmas Play

Bible Costumes.
We used white bed sheets that were donated my members of the congregation and we made wings out of wire hangers (White tights worked great) we outlined/decorated them with fabric paint in silver and for the Angel Gabriel we used gold. For the Halos we used Christmas garlands (the wire ones with little stars on them, you get those in silver or gold as well)

Props
Then we used big paper rolls someone donated for our three Inns and the Stable, we painted the Inns and Stable with tempera paint on it and then attached them to room dividers (ours move individually they are free standing, but big cardboard boxes would have worked just as well).

We made huge Palm trees out of cardboard, put the stems in paint buckets, painted the stems brown and went and bought big green Construction Papers, to cut out the leaves, to give them a shape we duct taped wire to the back of the leaves, then we were able to bend them every which way we needed them. We positioned the Palm trees left and right behind the stable and made a Star out of Cardboard that one we wrapped then in Tinfoil and attached Christmas lights to it.

Around on the stable floor and the cradle we arranged red Christmas lights.

When you were in front of the stage, all you saw were the 3 Inns, the stable was hidden behind the 3rd Inn, Inn 1 and 2 were to the left and to the right of the 3rd Inn, so you could not see the stable. We had older Children (called our Stagehands, because they wanted to help, but not be in the play, perfect job for these kids) they removed the 3rd Inn after the scene there was done.

I hope that kind of gives you a picture. We used a lot of cardboard, tin and gold foil for the Wise men's gifts. We had people that help us sew the costumes. I had to do the costumes for the Wise men. I don't fuss around a lot, I looked at my girls dress up
cloth, all straight seems, rubber bands and Velcro.

The "animals" were wearing jogging suits in the color of the animal they presented, we did have head pieces that had seemed to appear from no where, no one could remember ever seeing them. Anyway, the first plan was to make those costumes out of paper bags and the headpieces out of construction paper.

With a lot of imagination and a group of people, you will be amazed what you can come up with. Believe me, it is a lot of fun to see it come together and then at the special day, see the amazed parents looking at their "Star".

. Other Christmas Plays

www.KidsPlays.Info - Provides free Christmas plays for non-profit groups and church Sunday Schools.

Christmas Poems -

What child is This
By Teri Couture

What child is this
That came into my life
To stir up happiness
Amidst all the strife

What child is this
Who wipes all my tears
And when He is close
Conquers my fears

What child grows older
But keeps getting better
What child is this
That breaks every fetter

What child is this
Grown into a man
Who makes me say
"With Him all things I can"

He gave up His life
A great child indeed
He died on the cross
So I could be freed

What child is this
That from this world should part
He is the child
That still lives in my heart

What child is this
Why it's Jesus, God's lamb
And I can say with great faith
Now His child I am

Copyright 2003 Teri Couture

(You may use this poem in another publication or on another web site, but you must include the copyright notice.

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"C" is for the Christ Child - The version I am familiar with was sung by Perry Como, and I have also heard Bing Crosby sing this. It was one of my favorites growing up! I think it would make an excellent short recitation for a kindergarten or similar age-group class. . 

You can find the song on this page: http://kokomo.ca/xmas/christmas_lyrics.htm

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Jesus, When You Were Born
by Mary Flynn

Jesus, when You were born
In Bethlehem long ago,
Did you mind being out in a stable
When there was no place else to go?

And Jesus when you were born,
Son of God, in a stable You lay,
And the people didn't know who You were,
Didn't come to You and pray.

But I wonder if I had been there,
In Bethlehem looking at You,
Would I have known in my heart who You were,
Or would I have shut my door too?

So, now Jesus I will promise,
Because I know what to do,
I know that You are the Son of God,
And I will open my heart up to You.
© Mary Flynn

If you like this song, consider purchasing "Praise 4 God ~ Just 4 Kids©"a collection of more than 75 simple songs and poems of praise.

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I know people include the wise men as part of Christmas; however, it was not until Joseph and Mary were in a house that the wise men came to visit (Matt. 2:11).  Also, the Bible does not specify how many wise men there were (Matt.  2:1).  Perhaps the number three has been prevalent because of the gold,  frankincense, and myrrh (Matt. 2:11).  I think the poem is nice; however, I  think it is important as Christians to make sure children are taught what the  Bible teaches. Sincerely, Jackie

Copyright Notice - The craft patterns, ideas, songs, etc. on this web site are copyrighted. You may not publish a copy of them on any other web site, but you may publish a picture of a finished project from this web site on another web site as long as you state where you got the project and include a link back to the project on this web site for the directions and patterns. For example, you may publish a picture a lapbook in which you used a craft from this web site as long as you state where the project came from and include a link.

Christmas Story - Jesus is born

The Shepherds and the Angels
1. Make an angel paper chain craft-

What you will need: Construction paper, markers, yarn or string, scissors, stapler or tape.
What to do:
1. Print out the pattern and use it to cut out angels from construction paper.  Make enough angels so that one word from the scripture Luke 2:11 can fit on each angel and a couple of extra for goofs.
2. Hand out the angels and assign a word of the scripture to each child. Have the children write their words on the angel's skirt and then color the angel and add a face or anything they would like.
3. When the children are finished with the front of their angels tell them to think of a word that describes Jesus.  You can do this as a class for the younger children and write them on the board.  Then have each child pick a word from the list to write on the back of their angels.  Some examples are:  Savior, Promised One, Messiah, Lord, Most High Christ the Lord, Bread of Life, Friend, True Vine, Judge, The Way, Good Shepherd, Light of the World, King of Kings, etc.
4. When everyone is done, staple of tape the angels on to a piece of yarn or string in the correct order to make a paper chain.

Comments: I used this craft this past Sunday for my ages 2 to Pre-K Junior church Time. I cut out 6 angels per child and glued them on different colors of construction paper. Then on one angel I wrote For, on another angel I wrote Unto, on another You, on another A Child, on another Is, on another Born. The children then colored their angels, punched holes through the construction paper and strung them along with rigatoni noodles on metallic elasticized cording. I tied one end of the cording to a noodle so the other pieces would not fall out. On the other end of the cording I wrapped a piece of tape so the children would have an easier time stringing. When the children were done making their garlands. I tied the end of the string to another noodle and they were excited to be able to use it as a garland for their trees at home. We used this craft in conjunction with our lesson in which we talked about who visited Baby Jesus and how they found out about His birth. Marleen Sooy

Copyright Notice - The craft patterns, ideas, songs, etc. on this web site are copyrighted. You may not publish a copy of them on any other web site, but you may publish a picture of a finished project from this web site on another web site as long as you state where you got the project and include a link back to the project on this web site for the directions and patterns. For example, you may publish a picture a lapbook in which you used a craft from this web site as long as you state where the project came from and include a link.

Nativity Sceen Lesson and Activities

The Sunday before Christmas, I read my children a shortened version of the Christmas story with Mary & Joseph going to Bethlehem, Jesus being born, the angels appearing to the shepherds, and the shepherds visiting Baby Jesus. As I read the story, each child had a colored figure from the story. When it was mentioned, they put it up on the bulletin board to make the nativity scene. I got the figures from the DTLK site at Christmas Nativity Felt Board Fun. (I didn't use felt though, just paper and a glue stick.)

After the lesson, they enjoyed making the Layered Christmas Book. (I did all the cutting beforehand.) All they had to do was gluestick the frames, star and angels. After making the books, I had twostudents reiterate the story for each page.

Throughout the year we have several " family days" were children and their families gather for prayer, fellowship and actvivites. Our Christmas family day included several of your ideas, including the layer nativity card and the envelope nativity. The layered nativity was a great family activity because it required both basic and more advanced skills ( such as the cutting) and thus it was an activity which incorporated the entire family. The envelope stable made a great keepsake ornament but was economical and easy for the children to assemble, I printed out labels with our Parish Education Program name, the date and the individual family name, they were a great success! Sent in by Cindy Becker

Following the Star Christmas Bible Lesson

One of my favorite Christmas activities was one I did with my 4 and 5 year old class. I had them follow a path of stars through the church. The kids had a good time looking for the stars. I set them up so that they changed directions and curved around and finally ended in an unused Sunday school room where I had set up a huge plastic nativity scene. I had cow and sheep sound effects playing on a tape recorder and I also had the song, "Little Town of Bethlehem" playing.  We discussed the brith of Jesus, and then we went to the sourvenir stand where they received sun glasses and Tshirts I had made. I put a picture of the nativity scene on each shirt and wrote "I MADE" JESUS IS THE REASON TO CELEBRATE THIS SEASON" We had frosted star-shaped cookies for a snack. The kids had a great time. I had a student who was in my class eight years ago who told me that this lessons was her favorite Christmas ever. Sent in by Tammy Butcher

The Christmas Story Tree Series of Lessons on The Resource Room - Each week your children make Christmas tree decorations that will remind them about part of the Christmas story. They will add more decorations to the tree for each new lesson, and will enjoy seeing the tree changing and getting more beautiful each week. If you don't have room for a Christmas tree in your room, you can send the ornaments home with your children, or make a large paper tree and tape it to your wall.

1. The Prophets Tell About Jesus - This is the first lesson in a series of five lessons. Each week your children make Christmas tree decorations that will remind them about part of the Christmas story. They will add more decorations to the tree for each new lesson, and will enjoy seeing the tree changing and getting more beautiful each week. If you don't have room for a Christmas tree in your room, you can send the ornaments home with your children, or make a large paper tree and tape it to your wall.

In the first lesson your children learn that the prophets told about Jesus' birth thousands of years before he was born.

2. An Angel Tells The Good News - Mary and Joseph learn that Mary is going to give birth to promised king.

3. The Shepherds Tell About Jesus' Birth - The angels tell the shepherds about Jesus' birth. The shepherds tell everyone they know about Jesus' birth.

4. The Wise Men Search For Jesus - The wise men knew that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. When they saw his star appear they followed it until they found him. God wants us to seek him too.

5. The Rest of the Story - The Christmas story is more than just a story about Jesus' birth. It is a story about how God loves us and planned for us to be saved and live with him forever.

Nativity Review Game

I used the Nativity Scene with Real Hay Craft, copied each part of the scene onto different colors of paper. I left out one gift and one lamb. Use a large die, and designate a different number for each part of the nativity scene. For example:
1 - Baby Jesus
2. Mary
3. Joseph
4. Star
5. An angel
6. Aa lamb OR a gift.

The children take turns rolling the die and are given the corresponding picture for the nativity scene. If a child rolls a number that he has already rolled, he doesn't get any pictures that turn. To make this game even easier, you can use a large square box and glue one of each picture on the different sides of the box and use it the same way as you would the dice. When a child has collected all six pictures he gets to glue them on his paper anyway he wants. Sent in by Narita Roady

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Christmas Puppet Skit

"The Shepherds find Baby Jesus" Puppet Show - My second grade Sunday school class did this puppet show.  It was a great change of pace.  We went over it once with out the camera, filmed it once, and then they did it perfect the third time.

What you will need: Two foam core boards for the background and paint to paint it, foam core board or poster board to write the name of the show and "The End", about 10 angels, at least two shepherd puppets, about 6 stuffed sheep, video camera, tape player and angel music, VCR and television, green towel for the foreground.

What to do:
1. Print out the play and make copies.
2. To make the background scenery tape two foam core boards together at the short sides. Paint hills and trees and at one end of the scenery and paint the city of Bethlehem with a star above the city at the other end. We set up the foreground scene on a table by placing a green towel to cover the top and put some small stuffed sheets on top. Two children held the back ground up behind the table leaving just enough room for the shepherd puppets to stand between the table and the background.  Start out the play with the shepherds at one end of the scenery. The shepherds will look like they are walking if the the puppeteer moves the puppets up and down as the children holding the background move it so that the town of Bethlehem comes into view.
3. Make a title board and a board that says "the end".  You may even want to make a board with the credits written on it.
4. Directions to make the shepherd puppets are found on the puppet page.
5. Use the lace angel craft or the coffee filter angels craft for puppets that are found on the Christmas page.  Tie about 7 to 10 angels on a paint stick to make the multitude of angels and tie one angel on a crafts stick for the main angel.  The children can drop the angels over the top of the background at the appropriate time.

Christmas Pageants - Here are two Christmas pageants written for small churches. They are short, easy to set up, and effective.

On The Road to Bethlehem by Rev. Ann M. Smith

Mary Remembers by Rev. Ann M. Smith

Do you have a Christmas pageant you would like to share? Send it in and we will publish it here for others to enjoy..

 The Wise Men Bring Gifts

Scripture Reference: Matthew 2:1-12
Concepts - Jesus was special.

Games and Activities:
1. At the beginning of class have the children wrap up presents (empty boxes) and explain to them that they will be using them to act out the Bible lesson. (Instead of using empty boxes you can write things on slips of paper that we can do for Jesus and place them in the box.)

2. Act out the Bible lesson. Before class place a huge star covered with aluminum foil in one  corner of the room hanging from the ceiling. Have one teacher sit in the corner of the room underneath the star holding boy doll to represent Jesus. Have the children dress up as wise men (see making no-sew  Bible costumes).  Have another teacher guide the children around the room carrying  their gifts for Jesus. The teacher can explain that they know which way to go because a bright star is showing them the way to Jesus. When the wise men reach Jesus they bow down and worship him and leave him their gifts.

Sunday School Lesson About the Wise Men

1. The Wise Men Search for Jesus - Children act out the story using hand and leg motions similar to "We're Going on a Bear Hunt". This lesson is available to members only on The Resource Room.

Crafts for this lesson include:

1. Envelope Gift Craft - Children color the inside and outside of the pattern and fold it like an envelope and then add a Christmas bow. A poem about the wise men and the gifts we can give Jesus is written on a star on the inside of the envelope. This craft is available to members only on The Resource Room.

2. Star-shaped Book Craft - Children color the pattern, fan-fold it, and then glue it together to form a star shape. Bible verses and pictures of stars are included on the pattern. This craft is available to members only on The Resource Room.

 

Activities for this lesson include:

1. Play Follow the Star - Play like "Follow the Leader" except have the leader hold up a large star on a stick. The leader should lead the children around and under tables and chair while jumping, sliding his or her feet, clapping, crawling, walking backwards, marching, swinging arms, twirling in circles, skipping, etc. The children should do exactly what the leader is doing.

2.Play "Find the Star" - Before class cut out a bunch of star shapes from construction paper. Make them all the same except for one -- make it a little bigger. Tape the stars all around the room. In class explain to the children that the wise men knew that the star would lead them to Jesus because it was very different from all the other stars. It had appeared in the sky and hadn't been there before and it moved across the sky leading them to Jesus. Tell your children that on the word "go" they should each go and try to find the star they think is different from all the rest. When they find it, they should stand by the star until you say "Stop". Compare the stars to see which one is different.

3. Play "Follow the Stars" Musical Chairs - Before class cut out a bunch of star shapes making one bigger and brighter then the rest. Tape them to the back of the chairs. Place the same amount of chairs in a circle as you have children. Play like Musical Chairs, except the child how sits on the "Special Star" chair gets to sit down at the table and eat his or her snack. Remove one chair and play again. Keep playing until you only have the "Special Star" chair left.

 

For More Christmas Crafts - Go to the Christmas Crafts Pages for lots of Christmas craft ideas. Christmas Crafts Page 1 and Christmas Crafts Page 2.