Aim

To explore the characters within the Nativity story.

Lesson

Begin by reviewing what was taught in the previous lesson about the idea of Incarnation. Inform children that one of the names Matthew uses to describe Jesus is 'Immanuel'. 'Immanuel' means 'God is with us'.

Who was Jesus with when He was born?

Look at pictures of the Nativity scene. Excluding the wise men, who, according to the Bible, did not visit the stable, discuss the characters present.

Use the Nativity notes to support these discussions.

Following discussion, use the supplied script to conduct children on a guided fantasy.

Activity

Following debriefing, groups of children could:

• write an eye witness account of the Nativity as one of the shepherds.
• consider other pictures of the Nativity and create their own.
• write a character study of Mary and Joseph.