Chapter 22: The Birth of the King

Timeless Truth: Jesus coming to earth is God’s plan to save mankind.

Bible Basis:  John 1:1–18; Luke 1:26–55; Matthew 1:19-24; Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 2:1-3; Luke 2:41-51

Key Verse:   “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

Resource:     The Story: Teen Edition, The Story for Kids/Children/Little Ones: Chapter 22

Parent Tips:

Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity has your family listen to an upbeat song and spread some Christmas cheer—no matter what the date. The Extra Mile takes your family to a creative video about Christ’s birth.

Get the Point:

Preschool: God sent a Savior for the world. I can believe Jesus is my Savior.

Elementary: God sent a Savior for the world. I can believe Jesus is my Savior.

Middle School: God had to become like us to save us. Jesus is 100 percent man and 100 percent God.

High School: God had to become like us to save us. Jesus is 100 percent man and 100 percent God.

Table Talk

Preschool/Elementary

• God used angels a lot in this chapter of The Story to bring his message to people. Angels spoke to Mary, explained things to Joseph and proclaimed Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. What would you say if an angel appeared to you?
• If you saw an angel, you’d probably be scared. That’s why the angels always say, “Do not be afraid.” After you stopped being scared, what question would you want to ask an angel?
• Why do you think the angels appeared to shepherds instead of powerful, rich people?
• A couple of times in this chapter it says, “Mary kept these things like a secret treasure in her heart.” What do you think that means?
• Parents share with your children “secret treasures in your heart” about them.
• Not a lot is recorded about Jesus’ growing up years. Do you think Jesus was a good kid? Why do you think that?

Note: Young readers will enjoy hearing “The Light of the Whole World” in the Jesus Storybook Bible on page 184.

Middle/High School

• Mary was probably a teenager when an angel appeared to her and said, “the holy one that is born will be called the Son of God.” She immediately believed and prayed to God. React to these parts of her prayer:
• She said she was unimportant, but now will be called blessed.
• She said God scatters the proud.
• She said God sends the rich away empty.
• She said God has been kind to his people, like he said he would long ago.
• John writes that life was in Jesus and “that life was the light for all people.” What do you think that means?
• Is God’s light for all people? If so, why don’t all people know Jesus as Savior?
• When Jesus was 12, he ditched his parents and hung out at the temple. Did he seem sorry for his actions?
• Do you think Jesus did anything wrong by not telling his parents that he was hanging back in Jerusalem?
• Why did Jesus have so much wisdom when it came to the Scriptures?

Living Faith

Any time is the perfect time to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth. You don’t have to wait until Christmas. If Jesus hadn’t come to earth, there would be no forgiveness of sins.

Gather your family and watch the 4:08 YouTube video of the Go Fish song “Christmas With a Capital C-2008.”

Society is trying to push out the miracle of Christ’s birth from the holidays. But like the song says, “Jesus came down to take the punishment for me. He did it for you, too, so maybe you can see why it’s called Christmas.”

Fight the trend of taking Christ out of Christmas by putting Christ in everyday. Think of somebody you know who could use a dose of cheer. As a family pick out a present that costs less than $10. Wrap it and give it to them. Let them know that Jesus has given you so much that you want to give a little away, too. Jesus’ love can’t be contained! And when Christmas comes around this year, make sure that everybody around you knows that Jesus loves them.

Extra Mile

Jesus’ birth is one of the most highly talked about historical events. Watch this surprising 2:18 video on YouTube about Christ’s birth: “Christmas Upside-down (HD).”

The video begins with a person who doubts the miracle of Jesus’ birth. But once Jesus changes his heart and gives him hope, the same text is read upside down. The truth is Jesus turns our lives upside down. Instead of being selfish, we become selfless. Instead of wanting earthly treasures, we lay up treasures in heaven. After watching the video, have family members talk about one difference that Jesus has made in their lives.