Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus Craft 
Christmas | The Nativity
Bible Preschool Lesson Plan Printable 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:  Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus Craft - Ages 2.5+ (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, print on sturdy paper (card stock).

Assembling the craft:
1.  Template #1 has a step by step process of assembly to help children to "read" illustrated directions.  The templates also have dots to help align the templates as they are layered.

2.  Basic Skills:  Counting and Shapes
Practice counting the pieces and consider printing the numbers in the back of the template pieces in order of assembly (place face down).  Ask children to identify the printed numbers and basic shapes (circles and ovals).

3.  Coloring format suggestions: Discuss a color scheme for the black and white format with the children.  Make a small color-by-the-number graph.  This color scheme could match colors related to your country, province, state, heritage or holiday traditions.

Suggestion:  The black and white format can also be traced unto craft paper, remnants of wrapping paper, wall paper, or foam sheets and then assembled.  Glitter or sequins are also a nice touch.

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 of the events the of the Nativity.  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.

Craft Templates
Color:
*Template 1 
*Template 2

Black & White
*Template 1
*Template 2

Related Bible coloring pages

Christmas Coloring Pages

Other materials
*regular or crafting papers
*materials to color with
*scissors
*glue stick

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