Roles for the Lesson

  1. Pianist: Responsible for playing the music for the songs.
  2. Chorister: Leads the children in singing the songs and reading scriptures.
  3. Helpers for Role Play: Assists in organizing and guiding the children in dressing up and acting out the journey to Bethlehem and the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Reads the scriptures and stories about the birth of Jesus to the children. Facilitates discussions about the different people in Bethlehem and their roles, as well as the significance of each event and prophecy.
  4. Craft Helper: Assists the children in creating star ornaments using craft supplies.

Star

Singing/Reading - A Bright Night

Samuel the Lamanite

Helaman 14:3: “And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.”

Those who believed Samuel

3 Nephi 1:13: “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world.”

3 Nephi 1:19: “And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.”

Star Bright Song

  1. The heavens with light o’erflowing A story of love will tell. A new star will shine in glory When Jesus comes on earth to dwell.

    O star bright, the world is pining For you to turn night into the day. O star bright in heaven shining, Come, glow within me on Christmas Day.

  2. Be joyful with eyes upturning, Beholding the time at hand. The night sign will soon be burning; He’s coming to our promised land.

    O star bright, the world is pining For you to turn night into the day. O star bright in heaven shining, Come, glow within me on Christmas Day.

  3. Our Father with love is sending The Christ child to conquer strife. His mercy to all extending, He’s bringing everlasting life.

    O star bright, the world is pining For you to turn night into the day. O star bright in heaven shining, Come, glow within me on Christmas Day.

Manger

Singing/Reading - Manger Scene

Joseph and Mary’s Travels

Luke 2:1-7:

  1. “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar 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 Judæa, 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.”

Away in a Manger Song

  1. Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; The stars in the heavens looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

    Asleep, (Asleep,) asleep, (asleep,) asleep, the Savior in a stall! Asleep, (Asleep,) asleep, (asleep,) asleep, the Lord of all.

  2. The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes; But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

    Asleep, (Asleep,) asleep, (asleep,) asleep, the Savior in a stall! Asleep, (Asleep,) asleep, (asleep,) asleep, the Lord of all.

  3. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.

    Asleep, (Asleep,) asleep, (asleep,) asleep, the Savior in a stall! Asleep, (Asleep,) asleep, (asleep,) asleep, the Lord of all.

Bethlehem

Crowded Bethlehem Role Play

Luke 2:1-7:

  1. “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar 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 Judæa, 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.”

1. Entering the City - Centurions

Dialogue:

  • “Make sure you are registered for the census as required by Caesar Augustus.”
  • “Have you completed your registration for the census?”
  • “Keep moving, everyone! We need to maintain order in the city.”

Story:

  • “We’ve been stationed here to ensure that everyone complies with the census. It’s a busy time, and we need to keep the peace.”

2. Entering the Market - Merchants

Dialogue:

  • “Fresh fruits and spices! Come and see the best goods in Bethlehem!”
  • “Have you heard about the census? So many people are coming to the city!”
  • “Where are you from? Are you here for the census too?”

Story:

  • “I traveled all the way from Jericho to sell my goods here. The city is bustling with people because of the decree from Caesar Augustus.”

3. Paying Taxes - Tax Collectors

Dialogue:

  • “Please have your documents ready for the census registration.”
  • “Remember, you must pay your taxes as part of the census requirements.”
  • “Have you paid your taxes yet? Make sure you have everything in order.”

Story:

  • “I’ve been collecting taxes all day. People from all over Judea are here to be counted and taxed.”

4. Finding a Place to Stay - Inn Keepers

Dialogue:

  • “I’m sorry, but there is no room left in the inn. The city is full because of the census.”
  • “You can stay in the stable if you need a place to rest.”, to Mary and Joseph
  • “Have you found a place to stay yet? The city is very crowded.”

Story:

  • “Last night, a young couple came looking for a place to stay. The woman was about to give birth, and I had to offer them the stable since all the rooms were taken.”

5. Visiting the Shepherds

Dialogue:

  • “Look at the sky! It’s so bright tonight. What could it mean?”
  • “Did you hear that? An angel just spoke to us! We must go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.”
  • “Have you heard the good news? The Savior has been born in Bethlehem!”

Story:

  • “We were watching our flocks by night when suddenly, an angel appeared and told us about the birth of the Savior. We hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.”

6. Seeing the Manger Scene - Mary and Joseph

Dialogue:

  • “We have traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because of the decree from Caesar Augustus.”
  • “Our baby was born here, and we have had visions of Him being the Son of God.”
  • “We wish we could provide the baby more, but we are happy for this great blessing.”

Story:

  • “We came to Bethlehem for the census, and while we were here, our baby was born. We have had visions that He is the Son of God, and we are grateful for this miraculous blessing, even though we had to lay Him in a manger.”

7. Meeting the Wise Men

Dialogue:

  • “We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
  • “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? We have followed His star and brought gifts for Him.”
  • “Can you tell us where we might find the child who has been born King of the Jews? We have come to honor Him.”

Story:

  • “We traveled from the East, following a bright star that signaled the birth of a great King. Our journey led us to Judea, where we sought the newborn King to offer our gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Star Ornament

Craft Plan

Find a pinterest article on how to make a paper ornament: Paper Ornament