A Choral Reading from Luke

To explore the message of the angels to the shepherds

The children will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the message from the angels to the shepherds.

• Index cards with pre-written messages (See below for details.)
  
• Bibles

• Invite the children to close their eyes and quietly listen to your reading of the passage Luke 2:8-15.
• Ask the children to share how the shepherds must have felt upon hearing the good news of Jesus' birth.
• Have the following parts of the story written on separate note cards:

(1) The shepherds were very happy. They went to find Jesus.
(2) God sent Jesus to Mary and Joseph.
(3) God sent Jesus to the shepherds.
(4) God sent Jesus to us.

• On the board, write the final message: Jesus is a gift to us all.
• Gather the children into four small groups. Give to every child in each group a card with one of the four messages. All group members will have the same message to read.
• Give the children a moment to read their cards. Tell them that they will be reciting them as a group to the rest of the group.
• Then have the groups form a circle on the floor.
• Invite the groups to read aloud their messages in the proper order. (Cards should be marked 1, 2, 3, and 4.)
• When all the children have recited their lines, have them complete the story by saying aloud in unison: Jesus is a gift to us all.
• If time permits, have the children do this twice because the first time might be a bit confusing.
• Conclude the activity by saying to the children: Jesus is God's gift to me, to you, and to everyone. Let's remember Jesus on Christmas Day.
  

Body Smart, People Smart, Self Smart, Word Smart

Be sure to have a message written on every note card for the children. Though the groups can share one among them, it will be easier for them to recite the message if each child has his or her own card from which to read.