READ Luke 2:1-21

While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.                                                                                                                                                   (Luke 2:6-11)

So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.                                                                                                   (Luke 2:16-18)

REFLECT

Eep! Have you heard the Good News? Jesus is born! A new branch is finally sprouting from the stump of Jesse. Mary is pondering it all. As she nurses little Jesus, she’s thinking about what it means that he is here, ready to save the world. The angels are proclaiming it. They come as a huge choir, singing about how amazing God is.

The shepherds are a part of it, too. God chooses to tell them first. The shepherds aren’t fancy or important, but they’re the first ones who get to meet Jesus. And today, you get to be there with the shepherds. You get to hear the Good News. You get to meet Jesus. You get to go tell other people about it. God has chosen you! He wants you to have a part in his story.

TALK

• Why do you think God chose to tell the shepherds about Jesus before anyone else?

PRAY

Jesus, we’re so glad you’ve come! Thank you for being born into our world. Thank you for loving us enough to come to save us and live with us. How thrilled and grateful I am that you willingly entered into the darkness of the world to bring your light and life. The life you bring is just the beginning of a whole new creation in your Spirit. I can’t wait to see what’s yet to come. Amen.

BLESS & DO

Add the Jesus picture to your tree.

Do things for others today that you might not ordinarily do to Bless them and show Jesus’ love.

Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html