Bible Study “Jesus is Born in Bethlehem”
Share: Your highs (something that made you happy) and lows (something that made you sad) this week with others around you or write them down.
Today we are going to go on a journey back in time. We are going to visit places where Jesus walked while He was on this earth. We are heading on a road trip from Nazareth to the little town of Bethlehem. Pull out map and look for Nazareth and Bethlehem.
So what kind of place is this town of Bethlehem? Bethlehem might have looked like just any small town in Israel, but there were some very special things that happened there.
The people of Bethlehem knew there was something special about their town. God had made a special promise to send the Messiah. Messiah means the expected deliverer or Chosen One. God had promised He would deliver His people from their sins. The Messiah would be the Savior of the world. God had promised in His Word that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)
At the time we are visiting this little town of Bethlehem the people have been waiting a long time for God’s promise to send a Messiah to happen. When God makes a promise He keeps His promise. His promises may take longer than we expect but God is faithful and will do what He said He would do.
Opening Prayer: Dear God, be with us today while we are studying your word. Help us to share your word with others. Amen.
Please open your Bibles to Luke 2: 1-20 and read or read the scriptures below.
Luke 2: 1-20
The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those 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.
Reflection Questions:
- What promise did God make about Bethlehem? (The Savior would be born there)
- Why did Mary and Joseph have to travel there? (Caesar wanted everyone to return to the town they were born in so they could be counted)
- How did the shepherds learn that the Savior was born? (Angels appeared and told them)
- Who can you share the Good News with during this Christmas season?
Click her for the young learner’s lesson
Videos (Click on the words or url)
LUMO-GOSPEL OF LUKE CHAPTE 2:1-21 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fx_Q32dHaE
The Birth of Jesus: Luke 1-2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OLezoUvOEQ&t=50s
Activities:
Learning Activity: Creating a brochure for the town of Bethlehem. Create a brochure that would entice travelers to want to visit the town of Bethlehem.
Stained Glass Nativity - http://www.housingaforest.com/stained-glass-nativity/
Stained Glass Nativity materials:
- Contact paper
- Nativity Silhouette – Free Nativity Printable
- Colorful tissue paper cut into squares
- Scissors
Stained Glass Ornaments - Ornaments ~ Recycled Stained Glass Ornaments - https://www.pinterest.com/pin/625648573209204413/
To make these simple Handmade Ornaments, you will need:
- Recycled plastic – used the top and bottom from a plastic fruit container.
- Sharpies Sharpies are permanent, come in so many bright colors and are are great on non porous surfaces.
- black paper – to make the frame for your stained glass.
- white glue
Birth of Jesus Crossword Puzzle - https://sermons4kids.com/birth_of_jesus_crossword.htm
Word Search: https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/3152493/jesus-is-born-in-bethlehem/
Prayer: Jesus, the Light of the World, as we celebrate your birth, may we begin to see the world in the light of understanding you give us. As you chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor to receive the greatest news the world had ever known, so may we worship you in meekness of heart. May we also remember our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves in this season of giving. Amen
