The Story of the Shepherds

The Story

• Read or tell the story from the gospel of Luke 2:8-16.
• The Jesus Is Born Video tells this story directly from the Word of God, illustrating it with felt figures.

Ideas for discussion

1. Why were the shepherds the first people to hear the wonderful news about the Lord’s birth? (The shepherds were protecting their sheep from wild animals and other dangers. This symbolizes protecting what is good. The shepherds picture true innocence—a willingness to be led by the Lord.)
2. What did the angel tell the shepherds? (That the baby Lord was born, and they could find Him lying in a manger, wrapped in swaddling cloths.)
3. The angel was joined by a host of angels praising the Lord. What did they say? (“Glory to God in the highest! And on earth peace, good will toward men!” Luke 2:14)
4. What did the shepherds do when they heard what the angel said? (They hurried to see the baby Lord. Then they told other people what they had seen and heard.)
5. How can we celebrate the Lord’s birth in ways that open our eyes to the wonder of His coming?

Read more about the story of the shepherds

• "The Lord Is Born" by Philip B. Schnarr, illustrated by Marguerite L. Acton (ages 4-6)
  Retells the story of the Lord’s birth and the shepherds going to visit Him.
• "Swaddling Clothes" by Patrick A. Rose (ages 7-14)
  This family talk describes what swaddling clothes are and how they were used in Biblical times to keep babies safe and warm.
• "Glory to God in the Highest" by Walter E. Orthwein (ages 18 and up)
  The greeting of the angels sums up everything the Lord taught while He was in the world: love to the Lord and love to the neighbor.

Projects and activities for all ages

• Dramatize the Story of the Lord’s Birth (ages 4-10)
  Dramatize the story of the shepherds while someone reads the story from the Word.
• Diorama of the Angels (ages 3-8)
  Make this project to help children celebrate the angels telling of the Lord's birth.
• Picture the Angels Appearing to the Shepherds (ages 7-10)
  Use oil pastels or chalk to show the host of angels appearing to the shepherds at night.
• Christmas Lantern (ages 6-12)
  Assemble a Christmas lantern to celebrate the the Lord coming into the world.
• Silent Night Video (ages 7 and up)
  A beautifully sung and illustrated video of "Silent Night".
• Host of Angels Decorative Wall Hanging
  Use a stencil to create lovely wall hanging of the host of angels.

Coloring pages illustrating this story

• For unto You Is Born this Day Coloring Page by Robert Glenn
  Lovely illustration of the angel appearing to five shepherds at night.
• Glory to God in the Highest by Edith Elphick
  Print out this beautiful coloring page of the angels appearing to the shepherds.
• Baby Jesus and Shepherd Coloring Page by Robert Glenn
  Drawing of a shepherd looking at the Lord as Mary holds Him and Joseph looks on.
• Glory to God Coloring Page by Robert Glenn
  Pictures the angel with 2 sheep, 2 shepherds and the words “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Conclusion

As the shepherds hurried to see the newborn King, let us celebrate the Lord’s coming with a renewed willingness to be led by Him. 

“I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). 

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