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    The Shepherds and the Angels: Sunday School Lesson

    Luke 2:8–20

    Ages 4–10 ~45 min Memory: Luke 2:10

    Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.

    Big Idea

    Jesus is good news of great joy for all people — so we tell others about Him.

    Story Summary

    On the night Jesus was born, shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem, keeping watch over their flock. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. The angel said, "Fear not," and told them a Saviour was born — they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. A whole choir of angels praised God. The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem, found Jesus, and then told everyone what they had heard and seen.

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

    Luke 2:10

    Discussion Questions

    1. What were the shepherds doing when the angel came?

      Teacher hint: Keeping watch over their flock by night (Luke 2:8).

    2. What sign did the angel give them?

      Teacher hint: A babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2:12).

    3. What did the angels sing?

      Teacher hint: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14).

    4. What did the shepherds do after they saw Jesus?

      Teacher hint: They made it known abroad and returned glorifying and praising God (Luke 2:17, 20).

    5. Who could you tell the good news about Jesus this Christmas?

    Craft Idea: Cotton-Ball Sheep with a Message

    Supplies

    • Card-stock sheep outline per child
    • Cotton balls
    • Glue
    • Black marker or black paper for face and legs
    • A label with Luke 2:10

    Steps

    1. Glue cotton balls all over the sheep's body.
    2. Add a black face and legs.
    3. Glue the Luke 2:10 label underneath: "good tidings of great joy."
    4. Encourage children to show their sheep to someone and tell them the Christmas story.

    Printable Worksheet

    Print the lesson page; pair it with the free nativity coloring page.

    Take the quiz online Coloring page This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Luke 2:8–20.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the cotton-ball sheep with a message.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

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    Where to go next

    Teaching The Shepherds and the Angels? Here is what to grab next for your class.