Luke 2:8 to 2:20 God shared the good news of Jesus first with ordinary shepherds in the fields. Hear how the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. Learn the joyful song of the angels: "Glory to God in the highest." Discover that the good news of Jesus brings great joy to all people. In the dark fields outside Bethlehem, shepherds were staying awake through the night to protect their sheep from wolves and thieves. Light in the Dark Night The stars were twinkling quietly over the hills of Bethlehem. Shepherds were sitting around a small campfire, watching their fluffy sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared, and the glorious light of God shone all around them! The poor shepherds were terrified. Good News of Great Joy The angel said: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord! You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly, the entire sky was filled with a multitude of angels praising God and singing: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" Hurry to See the Baby When the angels went back up to heaven, the shepherds said to one another: "Let us go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened!" They hurried into town, found Mary and Joseph, and saw the baby lying in the manger. Then they ran through the streets, praising God and telling everyone what they had seen! Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10 Who were the first people to hear about the birth of baby Jesus from the angels? Shepherds watching sheep in the fields Soldiers in the Roman fort Rich merchants in the market Sailors on the sea Shepherds watching sheep in the fields Luke 2:8 tells us angels appeared to shepherds keeping watch over their flock by night. What song did the great choir of angels sing in the sky? Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace Row your boat gently down the stream Go to sleep little sheep The sun is shining bright Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace Luke 2:14 records the song: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace." What did the shepherds do after seeing baby Jesus? They praised God and told everyone the good news They went home and kept it a secret They went back to sleep immediately They moved to another country They praised God and told everyone the good news Luke 2:20 says the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God. Tell a friend or family member today: "Jesus brings great joy to the whole world!" Loving Father in heaven, glory to your name in the highest! Thank you for the good news of great joy that Jesus came to save us. Help me to be like the shepherds, running with joy to worship Jesus and sharing his love with everyone. In Jesus' name, Amen. Why do you think God told the simple shepherds first instead of the kings in big castles? What brings you the most joy when you think about Jesus? Children learn that God announced the Savior's birth to ordinary shepherds, celebrating the great joy Jesus brings to all people. Turn off the classroom lights, then click on a bright flashlight. Explain how the glory of the Lord lit up the dark field when the angel appeared! Why were shepherds considered unimportant people back then? Shepherds lived outside, got dirty with sheep, and did not have fancy clothes. God showed that everyone matters to him, no matter their job! 5 min Hook & Prayer, 10 min Story, 8 min Memory Verse Tiles, 7 min Quiz