Christmas Lessons and Ideas

If you are looking for Christmas lessons and ideas for Sunday school, check out the information on this page.

Think about this:  There is so much competing for our attention during the Christmas season. We become busier than ever, even overwhelmed. We may have heard the Christmas story so many times we lose our awe of the miracles of the first Christmas. Its truths may become clouded by popular culture or current trends.

During the month of December, take some time away from the hustle and bustle to read the Biblical Christmas story from Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2, and John 1:1-14. Meditate anew on the wonder of “God with us.”

Use the following Christmas lessons and ideas to help your students focus on the truths of the Christmas story. There is much misinformation surrounding the Christmas story. Students may not be able to separate fact from fiction. Focus on getting all your answers from God’s Word. They, and you, may be surprised by what you learn together.

Christmas Lessons Series

These four lessons focus on the Christmas story from a different viewpoint each week. They also feature fun games, object lessons, and activities.

          Prophets Foretold Jesus' Birth - Questions and Answers

          Jesus Fulfilling Prophecies Odds

           Luke 1:26-48 with highlighted words (Mary's Story)

Coloring Page

Christmas Story Lesson - Acted Out

You may not have time to spread the Christmas story out over four weeks as in the Christmas Lessons Series above. Here's an idea to get the bulk of the Christmas story into one class period. I used this script to act out the Christmas story with a very large class. It uses actual Scripture text.

Props & Characters

  • Manger—box (place in the center of the front of the room)
  • Baby with blanket (hide unwrapped baby and blanket behind the “manger”)
  • Mary—shawl
  • Joseph—robe
  • Innkeeper—apron or vest
  • 2 shepherds—wrapping paper rolls as shepherds’ staffs)
  • Angel—garland for halo
  • 3 wisemen with gold box, potpourri, and/or perfume
  • Star
  • King Herod (crown)

Have Mary and Joseph stand on left side of the room and shepherds on the right. Have the angel stand behind the shepherds. The innkeeper should stand in front of the manger. Wisemen and star should be at the back of the room. Explain that you will be reading the Christmas story, and the actors will follow your instructions during the story.

 SCENE 1: Luke 2:1-17 (KJV)

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed… And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee…unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David).  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” (Mary & Joseph travel from left side toward center.)

 “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Mary & Joseph ask two or three people in the audience for a room and then the innkeeper offers the manger. Mary takes baby Jesus from behind the manger, wraps him in the blanket, and lays him in the manger.)

 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Point out shepherds and have kids on that side of the room “baa” like sheep.)

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” (Have the angel “pop out” and the shepherds tremble.)

“And the angel said unto them” (have the angel repeat the following, phrase by phrase), “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying” (have all the kids repeat the following, phrase by phrase), “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another” (have the shepherds repeat, phrase by phrase), “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” (Have shepherds go and see baby Jesus and ooh and ahh over him.)

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.” (Have shepherds go tell other kids what they have seen as they return to their seats. Have King Herod come and stand on right side of front.) 

SCENE 2: Matthew 2:1-11 (KJV)

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem” (have star precede wisemen from rear of room to Herod), “saying (have wisemen repeat, phrase by phrase), “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

“When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.” (Have King Herod ask audience, “Where is Christ supposed to be born?”)

“And they said unto him” (have audience repeat): “In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet…”

“Then Herod…sent them to Bethlehem, and said” (have King Herod repeat, phrase by phrase), “Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.”

“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” (Have the star lead the joyful wisemen to Mary, Joseph, & baby Jesus.)

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Have the wisemen lay their gifts near the manger.)

Thank you to everyone for helping us act out the story of Jesus’ birth! (Have everyone applaud as actors take their seats.)

Christmas is all about Jesus coming to be our Savior and King.

  • Are kings usually born in stables?!

Jesus came so humbly the first time that many people didn’t recognize He was a king. One day He is going to come again, and every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Philippians 2:9-11 and Revelation 19:16)

End with prayer and a worship song.

Christmas Song Pictionary or Charades

You could precede or follow your Christmas lessons with some fun games. Playing "Pictionary" and/or charades with the titles of Christmas songs is a fun game we have enjoyed over the years:

Print the names of various Christmas songs on slips of paper. Place the slips in a fun Christmas bowl or other container.

Divide the group into two teams. Have one person from Team A come to the front and pull a strip of paper from the bowl. This person must then draw or act out the printed song without talking. Decide before you start whether everyone will be drawing or whether they will be acting out, or whether you will allow each player to choose which to do.

Switch back and forth between the teams. Award points and prizes as desired. Have fun!

Here are some song ideas:

 Silent Night

Away in a Manger

O Holy Night

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

The First Noel

Jingle Bells

Silver Bells

Joy to the World

Mary, Did You Know?

Feliz Navidad

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Deck the Halls

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

The 12 Days of Christmas

White Christmas

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

We Three Kings
O Come, All Ye Faithful

Angels We Have Heard on High

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Little Drummer Boy

Frosty the Snowman

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Go Tell It On the Mountain

You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child

Jingle Bell Rock

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

O Christmas Tree

One-Minute Christmas Games

"Minute to Win It' Type

You can play several of these exciting, fast-paced games during a class Christmas party. You could also play one or two each Sunday during December leading up to Christmas, before or after your Christmas lessons.  Some of our favorites:

Candy Cane Pick-Up - Race to hook the most candy canes.

Sugar Cookie Face - Move a cookie from your forehead to your mouth.

Snowball Fight - Lots of wadded paper flying around the room! 

For instructions to these games, as well as Gingerbread High Rise, Napkin Ring Ornament Madness, Marshmallow Toss, and more, check out this page: "Christmas Party Ideas - 'Win It in a Minute.'" 


  • Subscribe to "Annette's Notes" to receive periodic emails containing ideas and inspiration for teaching kids the Bible. Rest assured we will never sell or give away your email address.