Teaching the Nativity Story in CCD
Lessons on Jesus’ Birth in Religious Education Classes
Dec 1, 2008
The story of Jesus’ birth stands out as the one religious lesson that appeals to all ages. Teaching the nativity story in CCD classes opens up the opportunity to show how Jesus' wants us to follow him.
As Advent lessons lead to Christmas, CCD classes for all ages can focus in on the nativity and the story of Jesus’ birth.
A small nativity scene can be placed on the classroom prayer table and prayers can be offered that we all have the faith of the shepherds, the will of the three wise men, and the sacrifice of Mary and Joseph to follow the baby Jesus.
The story of the nativity contains lessons on a variety of themes that can be worked into Christmas lessons.
Nativity Lessons on the Homeless and Needy
Joseph and Mary were not homeless, but they did find themselves in Bethlehem without anywhere to stay. They were turned away by several innkeepers, the Bible tells us, but innkeeper felt compassion and sympathy for Mary, who was about to give birth, and allowed them to use the stable.
Children can think about what they would have done if asked to help someone in need. The innkeeper didn’t know who Mary and Joseph were, or that Mary’s baby was the son of God. Some things for kids to think about:
- What are the instances in which we’re asked to help others?
- Why does God want us to help those less fortunate than ourselves?
- If I were living in Jesus’ time, would I be the innkeeper who turned away the Holy Family or would I offer them shelter?
- How many times do we refuse to help someone, without seeing the connection to Jesus?
A Nativity Project on Doing Good Deeds for Advent
This nativity project incorporates the good deeds of Advent with the baby Jesus. This project can be started at the onset of Advent or anytime before Christmas. Cut strips of yellow construction paper and give a stack to each student. Tell them whenever they do a good deed, they should write down their deed on a yellow strip and turn them in at the next class session.
As the yellow good deed strips are turned in, they’re placed in a manger, made from a shoebox that is painted brown or covered with wood-designed Contac paper. As the weeks pass, the manger gets filled with “straw,” until the class just before Christmas. The children hear the story of the baby Jesus’ birth and then a baby doll is placed in the manger.
The more good deeds done by the children, the more “straw” is in the manger, the softer the baby Jesus’ bed. This is a clear visual lesson on how all of our good deeds are done for Jesus.
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