Visitors to Bethlehem
A Children’s Ministry Short Study for the Christmas Season
A Christmas curriculum package that follows Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men as they meet and worship our Savior, Jesus.
BUY NOWWhy teach Visitors to Bethlehem?
Perhaps no season in the children’s ministry calendar can feel as daunting as Christmas. Schedules fill up. Pressures mount. A break looms, the calm after the storm, and it’s easy to throw in the towel and coast until then.
Yet, perhaps no season in the children’s ministry calendar feels as fulfilling as Christmas. Not only do we have the unique opportunity to minister to our own students, often we can minister to those without a church home, who wander through our doors during the Christmas season. We can comfort the hurting family who feels overlooked. We can walk alongside the parents who feel overwhelmed. We can weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. Not because of the gifts or lights, but because God sent his own Son to live, die, and rise again for us. Joy to the world, indeed.
Writers: Regan Branch, Allyn Bock, Paige Bierman, Laura Tucker
Editors: Dawson Cooper, Chelsea Kingston Erickson, and Allyn Bock
Lesson Outline
Each lesson includes customized activities and suggestions for younger elementary (K-2nd) and older elementary (3rd-5th) students, as well as a complete adaptation for preschool (3-4 year-olds).
- Lesson 1: Mary Sees God’s Faithfulness (Luke 1)
- Lesson 2: Joseph Sees God’s Perfect Plan (Matthew 1)
- Lesson 3: The Shepherds See the Savior (Luke 2)
- Lesson 4: The Wise Men See the King (Matthew 2)
Writers
Editors
Allyn Bock
Content Manager
Chelsea Kingston Erickson
Editor in Chief
Dawson Cooper
Publishing Manager
Praise for Rooted’s Children’s Ministry Curriculum:
“It is a very Gospel-centered curriculum and the roadmap is very helpful.”Chrysa B. | First Congregational Church of Hamilton
“The format of question and answer teaching is wonderful, and I love the gospel catechism.”Christa H. | Hamilton Baptist Church
What will children learn from Visitors to Bethlehem?
In this Christmas season package, we’ll meet the visitors to Bethlehem through the eyes of Matthew and Luke. From Mary, we’ll learn about how faithful God is. From Joseph, we’ll see how God fulfills his promises. From the shepherds, we’ll know Jesus not merely as a Savior for the Jewish people, but as the Savior for all people. And from the wise men, we’ll see Jesus as the King of all kings—at Christmastime, and always.
As the children in your ministry behold the baby in the manger, we pray God would open their minds to see him as their Savior. May both leaders and students realize the beauty of the gospel anew, and may those who have yet to receive Christ see and worship him this Christmas.
