Jesus Is Born!
CHRISTMAS EVE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
Today I want to tell you a story that starts with some shepherds.
Q: Do you remember what shepherds do?
A: [children respond]
So, shepherds take care of their sheep out in the fields. They make sure they are fed and safe and warm.
One night many years ago, the shepherds tucked the sheep in for bed and read them a bedtime story. I think the story said something about how “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”
And the sheep went to sleep and so did the shepherds. Everyone was sleeping soundly on that silent night until…
Suddenly, the shepherds woke up to something amazing!
Q: What are these?
A: Angel wings!
Right. An angel appeared to the shepherds in the field.
Now angels are really huge and shiny and sparkly and kind of scary! But the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news.”
Q: What do you think that good news might be about?
A: [children respond]
The angel told the shepherds that Jesus the Savior was born in a manger in Bethlehem.
Then even more angels appeared. A multitude of the heavenly host come to the shepherds!
And they said:
JESUS IS BORN
GLORY TO GOD
PEACE TO GOD’S PEOPLE
Can you say that with me? Repeat after me:
JESUS IS BORN
GLORY TO GOD
PEACE TO GOD’S PEOPLE
The angels left and I’m sure the shepherds were still shocked and amazed. They decided to go see the baby the angels had told them about.
So, the shepherds had their coffee and packed their snacks and went on a little road trip.
They went to see Mary and Joseph and…who!?
A: JESUS!
Yes, of course, they went to see Jesus. And just like the angels, the shepherds proclaimed:
JESUS IS BORN
GLORY TO GOD
PEACE TO GOD’S PEOPLE
Let’s review.
First the angels said:
JESUS IS BORN
GLORY TO GOD
PEACE TO GOD’S PEOPLE
Then the shepherds said:
JESUS IS BORN
GLORY TO GOD
PEACE TO GOD’S PEOPLE
And everyone was so excited! The shepherds rejoiced with Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. Then they headed home.
Now the Bible doesn’t tell us this part, but I kind of think the shepherds went home and taught their sheep how to say
JESUS IS BORN
GLORY TO GOD
PEACE TO GOD’S PEOPLE
But how do sheep talk?
A: Baaa
So, when the sheep shared the message, it sounded more like
BAAAA
BAAAA
BAAAA
Ok, so help me remember.
First the angels said:
JESUS IS BORN
GLORY TO GOD
PEACE TO GOD’S PEOPLE
Then the shepherds said:
JESUS IS BORN
GLORY TO GOD
PEACE TO GOD’S PEOPLE
Then the sheep said:
BAAAA
BAAAA
BAAAA
I think the sheep told all their animal friends and family. And the shepherds told their friends and family.
Now it’s our turn to share the message, because remember, this message is for everyone. The message of Jesus’ birth when first to the shepherds in the fields. The good news of God will find us everywhere we go!
Can we practice our message together one more time?
JESUS IS BORN
GLORY TO GOD
PEACE TO GOD’S PEOPLE
Ok, everyone in the pews, help us out so all of Fayetteville, maybe all of Arkansas can hear the good news.
Can we practice our message together one more time?
JESUS IS BORN
GLORY TO GOD
PEACE TO GOD’S PEOPLE
Ok, everyone in the pews, help us out so all of Fayetteville, maybe all of Arkansas can hear the good news.
JESUS IS BORN
GLORY TO GOD
PEACE TO GOD’S PEOPLE
Before you go back to your seats, let us pray together.
Almighty God, we thank you for the birth of our Savior Jesus. We pray that we may share you glory and peace throughout the world with the angels, the shepherds, and the sheep as our guides. Be with us as we celebrate this Christmas. Through your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
© 2021 The Rev. Adelyn Tyler
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – Fayetteville, Arkansas