As we prepare our hearts and minds for celebrating the birth of Jesus in a few week's time, journey with us by reading and exploring how the angel brought good news to the shepherds.
Read together as a family Luke 2:8-14.
The birth of Jesus is good news of great joy for all people.
The angel surprised the shepherd with the announcement that the Saviour had been born.
GOOD NEWS SHOUT-OUT GAME
Objective: Show that everyone loves sharing good news and the angels’ news was the best of all.
Materials Needed:
A ball or soft toy.
Instructions:
1. Have your family stand or sit in a circle. One family member holds the ball.
2. The family member with the ball says, “Good news!” and share something exciting (e.g., “I’m having pizza for tea!” “I got a new baby brother!” “No homework this weekend!” etc).
3. Then they throw or roll the ball to another family member, who repeats the pattern.
Reflect: We all like sharing exciting news, but the angels’ message was the best news ever — Jesus
came for everyone.
Who was out in the fields nearby? The shepherds. Luke 2:8
2. What do shepherds do? They look after and protect flock of sheep.
3. Who appeared to the shepherd? An angel of the Lord appeared to them. Luke 2:9
4. How did the shepherd feel when the angel appeared? and they were terrified. Luke 2:9
5. What did the angel tell them? But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10
6. What was the message the angel shared with the shepherd? Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12
7. Who appeared suddenly with the angel and what did they do? Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with t:he angel, praising God and -saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
8. When the angels left them and gone into heaven, what did the shepherds do? 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.” Luke 2:15
9. What did the shepherds find? So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:16
10. When they had seen Jesus, what did they do afterwards? When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Let’s pray:
Dear God,
Thank you for surprising us with Your good news.
Thank You that Jesus was born for everyone, even ordinary people like the shepherds — and like us.
When we feel small, scared, or left out, remind us that we matter to You.
Fill our hearts with Your joy and peace and help us share Your good news with others.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.