Here are some ideas for teaching the true meaning of Christmas to your 6-8 year olds using Sunday school songs and holiday celebrations that they can relate to–Birthday Parties. This will help them to understand that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday (many of them might only know it from Christmas plays!)
Bible Story:
Tell the story of Jesus’ birth. In the bible it is found in Matthew 1: 18-25, Luke 1: 26-38 and Luke 2: 1-20. You can use an illustrated children’s book, children’s bible or tell the story in such a way that this age group can understand it.
Drama:
Have the children act out the story of Jesus’ birth with the children taking on the roles of Mary, Joseph, the three wise men, and the three shepherds. Have a baby doll as baby Jesus.
Discussion:
Talk about birthdays and why they are important. Emphasize to the children that at Christmas we are celebrating Jesus’ birthday.
Activity:
Give the children paper, markers and crayons. Let them make a birthday card for Jesus.
Activity:
Have a birthday cake. Show it to the children and have them sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. Then let them eat the cake. After they eat the cake, have them share the birthday cards they made with the class.
Song:
Sing the song Away In a Manger
Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head,
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,
But little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
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