2026-11-29 Christmas Series #2: Share the Good News! Angels Announce Jesus' Birth
Introduction
In this lesson, children will learn that God sent angels as His messengers to announce the good news that Jesus was coming. The angel Gabriel told Mary that she would have a son, that she must name Him Jesus, and that "his kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:26-38). Mary trusted God's word and sang a song of praise: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-55). An angel also came to Joseph in a dream and told him, "you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:18-25).
Mary and Joseph were surprised, and at first they were troubled. But they trusted what God said, and their lives were changed as they became part of God's plan to send the Savior. When we hear good news, we cannot keep it to ourselves. The good news of Jesus is the best news of all, and we can praise God for it and share it with others.
Teachers: This lesson combines two source lessons about the angels' announcements. The angels who came to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-14) are taught fully on December 13, so today they are mentioned only as a short preview. Both source lessons advise keeping the explanation of Jesus' miraculous conception very simple for young children: "God did a miracle. Jesus is God's own Son." Angels in the Bible often surprised people, and their first words were often "Do not be afraid." Keep the focus on God's message, not on what angels look like.
Before Class:
- Put a "good news" card or letter in an envelope (for example, "Grandma is coming to visit!").
- Prepare simple costume pieces: a white cloth or scarf for the angel, a blue cloth for Mary, a pillow for Joseph's dream.
- Pre-fold one paper plate per child; prepare two pre-cut paper hand shapes, a paper circle face, and a caption strip per child.
- Write the good news message for the game on a card: "Jesus will save His people from their sins!"
Main Ideas:
- God Sent Messengers: Angels are God's messengers. They brought God's good news to Mary and Joseph.
- Jesus Is the Promised King and Savior: He is the Son of the Most High, His kingdom will never end, and He will save His people from their sins.
- God's Word Never Fails: "For no word from God will ever fail" (Luke 1:37). Mary and Joseph trusted and obeyed.
- Good News Leads to Praise: Mary praised God with a song.
- We Share the Good News: We can tell others about Jesus and show His love in how we live.
Lesson Overview
| Lesson Title | Christmas Series #2: Share the Good News! Angels Announce Jesus' Birth |
| Service Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Key Attribute of God | Trustworthy (no word from God will ever fail) |
| Main Idea | God sent angels to announce the good news that Jesus the Savior was coming; we trust God's word, praise Him, and share the good news. |
| Memory Verse | Matthew 1:21 (NIV): "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." |
| Bible Passages | Luke 1:26-38, 46-55; Matthew 1:18-25; preview of Luke 2:8-14 |
| Age Group | Suggested for ages 4-6; adjust language and participation for your class. |
| Bible Story | 10 minutes: Introduction (1), Storytelling (5), Wrap-up & Discussion (4) |
| Craft & Game | 10 minutes: Craft (5), Game (5) |
| Sources | Adapted from "Share the Good News! Angels Announce the Birth of Jesus" (Luke 1:26-38; 46-55), written by Kristin Highley, © 2023 The Sunday School Store; and "Angels Announce the Good News about Jesus Birth" (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-33; 2:8-14), written by Kristin Schmidt, © 2022 The Sunday School Store. Bible text: NIV. |
| Teacher Resources | Highley source PDF: physical pages 3-4 (good-news object lesson), 6-8 (Mary and her song), 11 (Plated Angel). Schmidt source PDF: physical pages 6-7 (message games), 8-10 (Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds). Bible passages (NIV). The two sources are combined here; the shepherds return in full on December 13. |
Praise and Worship (15 mins)
Parents: The parent and child scheduled for this week will lead us in singing on Sunday. Please take time to practice the songs together at home, helping your child feel confident and joyful as they prepare to lead.
Prayer and Offering (5 mins)
Parents: Please encourage your children to bring an offering to church. You may help your child prepare by setting aside a coin for them to bring on Sunday. This is a great opportunity to teach them about giving to God with a thankful heart and trusting Him to provide.
What is Offering?
Offering is when we give something to God to show our love and thankfulness. In church, we often give money as an offering, but we can also give our time, talents, and kindness to God and others.
Why Do We Make an Offering?
To Thank God – Everything we have comes from God! Giving back is a way to say, “Thank You, God!”
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7,
To Trust God – When we give, we show that we trust God to take care of us.
To Help Others – Offerings help the church teach about Jesus, help people in need, and share God’s love.
"God loves a cheerful giver!" That means God is happy when we give with a joyful heart!
Prayer for Offering
Dear God, thank You for giving us everything we need. We want to give back to You with joyful hearts. Please use our offering to help others and share Your love. Help us to always trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Review Verse from Last Week
Matthew 1:23 (NIV)
"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us").
Bible Story (10 min)
Introduction (1 min)
Purpose: Help children notice that good news is too good to keep to ourselves.
Props Needed:
- An envelope with a "good news" card or letter
(Hold up the envelope and open it with excitement.)
Teacher: "Hello, children of God! Before we start, I need to read this card someone sent me... Oh, wow! This is amazing news! I am so excited! I need to tell everybody!" (Turn to a helper and whisper, then to a child.)
Teacher: "When you get good news, what do you do?" (Take two or three answers.) "You tell someone! Good news is too good to keep to ourselves."
Teacher: "Today we will hear about God's messengers, called angels. God sent them with the best news ever!"
Story Telling (5 min)
Props / Visuals Suggested:
- Bible
- White cloth or scarf (angel), blue cloth (Mary), small pillow (Joseph's dream)
- Optional: Luke 1:28 and Matthew 1:20-21 verse pictures from the source PDFs
Part 1: The Angel Gabriel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26-38) (2 mins)
(Invite one child to be Mary with the blue cloth and one child to be the angel with the white cloth.)
Teacher: "In a small town called Nazareth lived a young woman named Mary. She was going to marry a man named Joseph, who was from King David's family. One day God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary. The angel said..." (Read Luke 1:28.)
"Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Teacher: "Mary was surprised and troubled. She did not know what this greeting meant. Can you show me a surprised face?" (Children gasp and put hands on cheeks.)
Teacher: "But the angel said, 'Do not be afraid, Mary.' Then he gave her God's good news: 'You will... give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High... his kingdom will never end'" (Luke 1:30-33). (Children put an imaginary crown on their heads.)
Teacher: "Mary asked, 'How will this be?' The angel said God would do a miracle. Jesus would be called the Son of God. And the angel said..." (Read Luke 1:37.) "For no word from God will ever fail."
Teacher: "Mary answered, 'I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled'" (Luke 1:38). "Mary trusted God. Let's show trust: fold your hands and bow your head like Mary."
Part 2: Mary Sings for Joy (Luke 1:46-55) (1 min)
Teacher: "When Mary visited her relative Elizabeth, she praised God with a joyful song. Here is how her song begins." (Read Luke 1:46-47.) (Teacher background: Luke 1:39-45 describes the visit; the source lesson includes it as context.)
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
Teacher: "Mary sang, 'the Mighty One has done great things for me' and 'holy is his name'" (Luke 1:49, excerpts). "She praised God for His mercy. He cares for the humble and feeds the hungry. He remembers His promises" (Luke 1:50-55, simple retelling). "When God does great things, we praise Him! Let's raise our hands and say, 'God has done great things!'"
Part 3: An Angel Visits Joseph in a Dream (Matthew 1:18-25) (1.5 mins)
(Invite a child to be Joseph and lie down on the pillow. The angel stands nearby.)
Teacher: "Joseph was worried. He was not sure he should still marry Mary. But one night, while Joseph was sleeping..." (Everyone pretends to snore.) "...an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife'" (Matthew 1:20).
Teacher: "Then the angel gave Joseph the best news of all." (Read Matthew 1:21.) "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
Teacher: "When Joseph woke up..." (Joseph stands up and stretches.) "...he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded. He took Mary home as his wife, and when the baby was born, Joseph named Him Jesus" (Matthew 1:24-25). "Joseph trusted and obeyed God. Let's give a thumbs up for obeying God!"
Part 4: More Good News Is Coming! (preview of Luke 2:8-14) (30 sec)
Teacher: "And there is more! When Jesus was born, angels would bring the good news to some shepherds too, and a whole crowd of angels would praise God. We will hear that story in two weeks. Can you wait?" (Children nod.)
Review with Actions
- Teacher: "God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary." (Cup hands around your mouth to deliver a message.)
- Teacher: "Mary was surprised." (Hands on cheeks.)
- Teacher: "His kingdom will never end." (Put on an imaginary crown.)
- Teacher: "No word from God will ever fail." (Shake head "no," then point up.)
- Teacher: "Mary sang praise to God." (Raise hands and sing "la la la.")
- Teacher: "An angel spoke to Joseph in a dream." (Rest head on hands.)
- Teacher: "Jesus will save His people from their sins!" (Cup hands around mouth like announcing.)
Wrap-up & Discussion (4 min)
(Gather the children close. Use the questions below selectively so there is time for the central teaching.)
Teacher: "God's angels brought surprising news. Mary and Joseph's plans changed. It was not easy, but they trusted God, because no word from God will ever fail. God's plan was much better than any plan they could make."
Teacher: "The news the angels brought is the best news in the world: Jesus came to save His people from their sins. Jesus came to live, die, and rise again for us. That is called the gospel, which means 'good news.' Today we probably won't see an angel, but we have God's Word, the Bible. And we can be messengers too, by telling others about Jesus and by showing His love in how we live."
Discussion Questions:
Question: "Who did God send to Mary?"
Teacher Key: The angel Gabriel, God's messenger.
Question: "What good news did the angel tell Mary?"
Teacher Key: She would have a son named Jesus. He would be called the Son of the Most High, and His kingdom will never end.
Question: "How did Mary respond?"
Teacher Key: She trusted God ("I am the Lord's servant") and later sang a song of praise.
Question: "Why did the angel say the baby's name must be Jesus?"
Teacher Key: "Because he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
Question: "Who can you tell the good news about Jesus this week?"
Teacher Key: Family, friends, neighbours, classmates. We can tell them with our words and show Jesus' love with our actions.
Closing Thought & Prayer
Teacher: "God sent angels with the best news ever: Jesus, the Son of the Most High, was coming to save His people from their sins. Mary and Joseph trusted God's word, and Mary praised God. We can rejoice in this good news and share it with others, at Christmas and all the time."
(Fold hands and bow heads. Children repeat each line.)
Prayer: "Dear God, thank You for the good news of Jesus. Help us to rejoice and worship You with that news, and share it with others. Thank You for Your love. We love You, God! In Jesus' name, Amen!"
Memorizing Verse: Matthew 1:21
Matthew 1:21 (NIV)
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Hand Gestures:
- "She will give birth to a son,": Rock your arms like holding a baby.
- "and you are to give him the name Jesus,": Point to the palm of one hand as if writing a name, then say "Jesus" clearly.
- "because he will save": Reach down and pull up, as if lifting someone to safety.
- "his people": Spread arms wide to show many people.
- "from their sins.": Cross arms over your chest, then open them wide (set free).
Teacher: "Let's say the verse together, phrase by phrase, and do the actions. Now let's say the whole verse together. I will do the actions while you say the words."
Teacher Tip: For younger children, teach the verse in two parts: "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus" and "because he will save his people from their sins." Explain that "save" means rescue. Jesus came to rescue His people from sin, the wrong things we do that separate us from God.
Craft & Game (10 mins)
Craft: Good News Plated Angel
Adapted from the source lesson's "Plated Angel" craft. Children make an angel to remember that God sent messengers with good news about Jesus.
⏰ Time: 5 minutes
👧 Age Group: 4-6 years
🧩 Lesson Connection: Angels were God's messengers. We can share the good news of Jesus too.
🪜 Setup & Materials Needed:
- One paper plate per child
- Construction paper for traced hand "wings" and a small white circle for the face
- Scissors (helpers cut), glue sticks or tape, crayons or markers
- Optional: stickers and a piece of string to hang the angel
- Pre-printed caption strips: "Share the Good News! Jesus will save His people from their sins."
🎲 How to Do It:
Step 1: Helpers fold the two sides of each paper plate in diagonally to make a triangle-shaped body with a rounded bottom.
Step 2: Children decorate the two pre-cut paper hand shapes. Glue or tape them to the back of the plate as wings. Trace and cut individual hands only if there is extra time.
Step 3: Children draw a face on the white circle and glue it to the top of the plate. Glue the caption strip to the front.
Step 4: Teacher: "Angels brought God's good news to Mary and Joseph. When you look at your angel, remember the good news: Jesus came to save His people from their sins. Who can you tell?"
If time is short, prepare the folded plates and cut wings ahead of time.
Game: Good News Messenger Relay
Adapted from the source lessons' "Messenger Relay Race" and "Good News Telephone" ideas. Children become messengers who pass on good news.
⏰ Time: 5 minutes
👧 Age Group: 4-6 years
🧩 Lesson Connection: Good news is meant to be shared.
🪜 Setup & Materials Needed:
- Two lines of children at one end of the room
- A chair at the other end with a message card: "Jesus will save His people from their sins!"
🎲 How to Play:
Step 1: Teacher: "Angels were God's messengers. Now you get to be messengers! When I say 'Go,' the first person in each line walks quickly to the chair, where a helper whispers the message."
Step 2: The messenger hurries back and whispers the message to the next child, who whispers it down the line.
Step 3: The last child in each line says the message out loud. Teacher: "Did the good news make it all the way?"
Step 4: Play again with different runners. Finish with everyone shouting together: "Jesus will save His people from their sins!"
Teacher: "Great job, messengers! The good news of Jesus is too good to keep to ourselves."
Response Song
Closing Prayer & Snack Time (10 mins)
"Dear God, thank You for sending Your angels with the good news of Jesus. Thank You that no word from You will ever fail. Help us trust You like Mary and Joseph, and help us share the good news with others. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Now, let us thank You for the snack we’re about to enjoy.
We fold our hands.
We bow our heads.
We thank You, God,
for this daily bread.
Amen.