Christmas Story with Apologetics: Why We Believe Jesus Was Born
Learner: Joella, age 5
Time: 40 minutes
Materials
- A children’s Bible or Bible
- A paper star or star-shaped object
- A small blanket or towel
- Paper and crayons
Goal
Joella will retell the main events of Jesus’ birth and understand that Christians believe the Christmas story because it is recorded in the Bible and was witnessed and shared by real people.
1. Hook: The Star Question — 5 minutes
Hold up the paper star and ask:
- “What do you think this star might tell us?”
- “How do we know whether a story is true?”
Say:
“Sometimes we know something because we saw it ourselves. Sometimes we know because trustworthy people saw it and told us what happened. Today we will hear the true Christmas story from the Bible and ask why Christians believe it.”
2. Show It: Tell the Christmas Story — 12 minutes
Use the blanket as a pretend resting place and the star as a visual reminder. Tell the story in simple language. You may read the matching Bible passages: Luke 1:26–38, Luke 2:1–20, and Matthew 2:1–12.
The Story
Long ago, God sent an angel named Gabriel to a young woman named Mary. The angel said, “Do not be afraid, Mary. God has chosen you to be the mother of a special baby. His name will be Jesus. He will be the Son of God and the Savior.”
Mary asked how this could happen. The angel explained that God would do this by His power. Mary trusted God and said that she would obey Him.
Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph. Joseph learned that Mary would have a baby. An angel told Joseph in a dream, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby is from God. Name Him Jesus, because He will save His people.” Joseph obeyed God.
At that time, Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem. When they arrived, there was no ordinary guest room available. Jesus was born there, and Mary laid Him in a manger. A manger is a box where animals eat.
That night, shepherds were watching their sheep. An angel appeared, and God’s bright glory shone around them. The shepherds were afraid, but the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring good news of great joy. Today a Savior has been born. He is Christ the Lord.”
Then many angels praised God. The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem. They found Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, just as the angel had said. The shepherds told other people what they had seen and heard.
Later, wise men saw a special star. They traveled to find Jesus and worship Him. They brought Him gifts. The star helped show them where the promised King was.
Christmas celebrates that Jesus, God’s Son and Savior, really came into the world as a baby.
3. Apologetics Conversation: Why Believe It? — 8 minutes
Explain:
“Apologetics means giving reasons for what we believe. It does not mean saying, ‘I am sorry.’ Christians believe the Christmas story for several reasons.”
Discuss these three simple reasons:
-
The story was written in the Bible.
“Luke wrote down what happened. He said that he carefully learned the story from people who knew about these events. The Bible tells us about Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and Jesus.”
-
People saw and heard important parts of the story.
“The shepherds saw baby Jesus and heard the angels. Then they told other people. The wise men saw the special star and came to worship Jesus.”
-
The story matches God’s promises.
“Long before Jesus was born, God promised that a special ruler would come from Bethlehem. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Christians believe this shows that Jesus is the promised Savior.”
Keep the explanation gentle and say:
“We cannot see everything that happened long ago. But we can listen to the testimony of people who were there, read what was written, and trust God’s promises. Christians believe Jesus was born because the Bible tells us what happened and because Jesus’ birth fits God’s promises.”
4. Do It Together: Evidence Sort — 7 minutes
Say each statement aloud. Ask Joella whether it is a person who saw or heard something, a Bible promise or written record, or a detail from the Christmas story.
- “Mary heard the angel’s message.”
- “Joseph heard an angel in a dream.”
- “Shepherds heard the angels praise God.”
- “Shepherds went to see baby Jesus.”
- “Luke wrote down the story.”
- “Jesus was born in Bethlehem.”
- “Wise men followed a special star.”
After each answer, respond with a short explanation. For example:
“Yes. The shepherds heard the angels, and then they went to see Jesus. Their experience is one reason Christians believe the message about Jesus’ birth.”
5. Joella Does It Alone: Draw and Tell — 5 minutes
Ask Joella to draw one part of the Christmas story. Offer these choices:
- Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus
- The shepherds visiting Jesus
- The angels telling the shepherds the good news
- The wise men following the star
When she finishes, ask her to tell you:
- “What is happening in your picture?”
- “Who saw or heard something in this part of the story?”
- “Why do Christians believe Jesus was really born?”
6. Brief Recap and Prayer — 3 minutes
Ask Joella to complete these sentences:
- “Jesus was born in the town of ______.” (Bethlehem)
- “The people who visited Jesus at night were ______.” (shepherds)
- “The shepherds heard good news from ______.” (angels)
- “Christians believe the Christmas story because it is written in the ______ and was shared by people connected to what happened.” (Bible)
Finish with a short prayer:
“God, thank You for sending Jesus. Thank You for the Bible and for the people who shared the good news about Him. Help us trust You and remember the joy of Christmas. Amen.”
Quick Check of Understanding
Ask: “What is one reason Christians believe that Jesus was really born?”
An acceptable answer is: “The Bible tells us,” “The shepherds saw Jesus,” “The angels told the shepherds,” “Mary and Joseph knew what happened,” or “Jesus was born where God promised.”