Nativity Craft | Christmas
Bible Preschool Printable Lesson Plan Activities

Themes

Instructions and Suggestions

Materials

Read the story of the Nativity from your choice of toddler or preschool Bible story book.  Here is bible text Luke 2: 1-20 (at the top you can choose a different Bible version).   Discuss at your discretion.  
King James Version > Text
The Birth of Jesus
 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Activity Craft:  Stand-up Nativity Ages 2+ (with assistance)  

Note:  Play some holiday music while children are doing the craft -- links below.

Printing and assembly options:
The craft is available in color or black line format to color and decorate.   Print your choices in the materials column.  Ideally, on sturdy paper (card stock) and if using the black & white version you may be able to print template 1 directly on blue paper for night background. 

Assembling the craft:
1.  Have children color the images in template 2 if applicable.   Discuss colors.  Optional:  Do a color by the number activity -  assign colors and number by making a small graph on a corner of the template or a board.

2.  Cut out all pieces in template #2.  Have children glue the star and frame pieces on the dotted areas of template 1.  Children can add glitter glue to the sky area of additional small stars on the background.

3.  While children are doing step #2 adults can help cut out the stand-up figures around the solid line and fold on dotted line to form a triangular tent.  Use a piece of tape or glue small flaps just where they meet to stand up.   

4.  Fold template 1 along the dotted area to form an L shape.  Glue a toilet paper tube or similar object to the back for support.  

5.  Children can now place the figures in front or glue to the base.  Optional:  add small plastic barn animals if you have them.  

Activity #3:  Art Appreciation:  The Nativity
*This activity can be conducted before or after conducting the craft activity

The Nativity has been an inspiration to many artists.  An image, such as a painting can be a wonderful way to bring the  beauty and significance of a Biblical story.  At the same time, we can introduce our children to great works art.  Below are links to famous paintings depicting The Nativity.  Share those you feel comfortable with, and explain that these are how famous painters  (make sure to share their names) painted an image of what they imagined  when they read the Christmas story.  These paintings are hundreds of years old and people around the world go to museums to admire their beauty and these paintings continue to tell the story of this important event. 
**Duccio di Buoninsegna. Maestà: The Birth of Christ

**Lucas Cranach the Elder. The Birth of Christ
**Lorenzo Lotto.  The Nativity 
 
Activity #4:  Christmas Songs
Choose a song that relates to events of the Nativity.  Sing together and record.  These recordings can be saved and heard again during other Christmas holidays.  These recordings are also a wonderful gift to a relative with a picture of child holding the craft.  

Song Links:
*What Child is This?
*Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem
*Away in the Manger

Activity #4:  Online Coloring Page Activity:  The Birth of Jesus
This online coloring page activity can be done as  a supplementary activity to review and reinforce the activities.

Stand-up Nativity
Color:
*Template1
*Template 2

Black & White
*Template 1
*Template 2

Related Bible coloring pages

Christmas Coloring Pages

Bible Alphabet printable materials:
*Letter I is for Inn
*Letter J is for Jesus

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