Lesson 1: The Birth of John Foretold
Text: Luke 1:5–25
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: God promised to send John to prepare sinners to receive the Savior. Through His Word, God calls us to repent and declares us righteous because of Jesus.

Law/Gospel: I sin when I doubt God’s Word and promises. God sent His Son to forgive my sin and works through His Word and Sacraments to give me faith to believe and to strengthen my trust in Him.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________

Bible Challenge Question: Who were the parents of John the Baptist? Zechariah and Elizabeth

Notes: 

To bring:

Approximate time: 

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_____________________
Notes: 

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music: Jesus, Our Good Friend (Track 13)
•		Prepare the Way of the Lord (Track 23)
•		On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (Track 21)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit:The Birth of John Foretold
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Point the Way Finger Puppet
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Food Activity: A Message for You
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: Zechariah Charades
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

Lesson 2: The Birth of Jesus Foretold
Text: Luke 1:26–38
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: Because of Christ, God favored Mary and chose her to be the mother of the Savior. Because of Christ, God favors us and chooses us to be His children.

Law/Gospel: Like Mary, I deserve nothing from God because of my sinfulness. God gives me unmerited grace and favor because of His Son.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________	Leader(s):_______________________________________

Bible Challenge Question: Who told Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus? The angel Gabriel 

Notes: 

To bring:

Approximate time: 

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes: 

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music: Savior of the Nations, Come (Track 26)
•		Joy to the World (Track 16)
•		Isaiah 9:6 (Track 10)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit: The Birth of Jesus Foretold
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Baby Peg Doll
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Food Activity: Angels All around Us
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: Secret Messages 
•	                                   Whispering the Magnificat
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

•	Service Project: Helping Young Mothers
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

Lesson 3: Mary Visits Elizabeth
Text: Luke 1:39–56
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: God remembered Mary, filling her womb with the world’s Savior. God remembers us and, through His Word and Sacraments, fills us with Christ Jesus, granting us full salvation. Like Mary, we offer our humble praise.
Law/Gospel: No one is righteous before God. God sent His Son, Jesus, the Righteous One, to be born of Mary, so He could give me His righteousness, granting me full salvation.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________	Leader(s):_______________________________________
Bible Challenge Question: Who did Mary go and visit after receiving good news from the angel Gabriel? Elizabeth

Notes: 

To bring:

Approximate time: 

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes: 

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music: Jesus, I Believe in You (Track 11)
•		My Soul Rejoices (Track 18)
•		Jesus! Name of Wondrous Love (Track 12)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit: Mary Visits Elizabeth
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Praise Bell
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Food Activity: Traveling Trail Mix
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: Unbelievable!
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

Lesson 4: The Birth of John
Text: Luke 1:57–80
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: Through Zechariah, God said John would give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of sins. Through His Holy Word, God speaks to give us knowledge of salvation and forgiveness through His Son, Jesus.

Law/Gospel: As a child of the first parents, Adam and Eve, I am sinful and in need of salvation. John, the son of Elizabeth and Zechariah, and others who proclaim the Good News point me to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________	Leader(s):_______________________________________

Bible Challenge Question: What was Zechariah’s job? (Remember, he was the father of John the Baptist.) He was a priest.

Notes: 

To bring:

Approximate time: 

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes: 

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music: Jesus, Our Good Friend (Track 13)
•		Prepare the Way of the Lord (Track 23)
•		On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (Track 21)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit: The Birth of John
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Nameplate Bible Verse Holder
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Food Activity: Look at Jesus!
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: God’s Light on Earth 
                                   Straight Path of Scripture
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

Lesson 5: An Angel Visits Joseph
Text: Matthew 1:18–25
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: Just as the angel proclaimed to Joseph that Mary would bear an infant who is the Son of God, the Savior, so God proclaims to us in His Word that this same Jesus is our Savior from sin and death.
Law/Gospel: Relying on my own eyes and senses, I trust what is false instead of trusting that Christ is God’s Son, my Savior. God’s Word gives me the truth that Jesus is Immanuel, God with me, my Savior.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________

Bible Challenge Question: What was the name of the man who was engaged to marry Mary? Joseph

Notes: 

To bring:

Approximate time: 

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes: 

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Track 4)
•		John 1:14 (Track 14)
•		O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild (Track 20)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit: An Angel Visits Joseph
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Clothespin Angel
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Food Activity: How Do I Know?
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: Trust in Jesus 
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

Lesson 6: The Birth of Jesus
Text: Luke 2:1–20
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: A Savior is born to you! He is Christ the Lord.

Law/Gospel: Because of sin, I am afraid and helpless before God and deserve to die. God sent His Son, Jesus, to save me from sin and death, and He makes me His own dear child through faith in Him.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________	Leader(s):_______________________________________

Bible Challenge Question: Who told the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem about Jesus’ birth? Angels!

Notes: 

To bring:

Approximate time: 

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes: 

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music:  John 3:16 (Track 15)
•		Hush! Not a Peep (Track 8)
•		Glory Be to God on High (Track 5)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit: The Birth of Jesus
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Mini Flower Pot Nativity Set
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Food Activity: Haystack Snacks
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: Bursting Pomegranates 
                                   Happy Birthday Party
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

Lesson 7: The Presentation of Jesus
Text: Luke 2:22–40
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: God’s Law requires payment for every sin. God’s Son fulfilled the Law and paid for our sin.

Law/Gospel: God’s Law demands perfection, but I am not perfect. As God and man, Jesus lived a perfect life to satisfy the Law in my place.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________	Leader(s):_______________________________________

Bible Challenge Question: Where did the Jewish people worship in New Testament times? The temple in Jerusalem, sometimes called “Herod’s temple.”

Notes: 

To bring:

Approximate time: 

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes: 

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music: Joy to the World (Track 16)
•		O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild (Track 20)
•		Jesus! Name of Wondrous Love (Track 12)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit: The Presentation of Jesus
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Feathered Dove
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Food Activity: The Best Announcement
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: Cascades of Praise 
                                   Pop Goes Perfection
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

Lesson 8: The Visit of the Wise Men
Text: Matthew 2
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: The Wise Men came to see the Savior and honor Him with gifts. In church, we see the Savior in His gifts of Word and Sacrament, which honor and bless us.

Law/Gospel: Like Herod, I do not want to worship the Savior, Jesus. Christ comes to me, a sinner, to turn my hardened heart toward Him through His gifts of Word and Sacrament, enabling me to offer Him my worship and praise.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________	Leader(s):_______________________________________

Bible Challenge Question: How many Wise Men visited baby Jesus? The Bible does not say, but they brought three gifts.

Notes: 

To bring:

Approximate time: 

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes: 

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music: The Epiphany of Our Lord (Track 27)
•		Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (Track 7)
•		Reaching for a Star (Track 24)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit: The Visit of the Wise Men
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Star Gift Box
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Food Activity: Sandwich Presents
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: God Gives the Best Gifts 
        Shiny Gifts
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

Lesson 9: The Boy Jesus in the Temple
Text: Luke 2:41–52
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: As a boy, Jesus was found in His Father’s house. In God’s house, I hear His Word, learn that Jesus is my Savior, and receive His gifts of forgiveness and salvation.

Law/Gospel: Because of sin, I cannot recognize who Jesus is. Through Baptism and the power of His Word, God makes clear to me that Jesus is His Son and my Savior.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________	Leader(s):_______________________________________

Bible Challenge Question: Name the feast Jesus attended with his parents at the temple when He was twelve years old. Passover

Notes: 

To bring:

Approximate time: 

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes: 

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music: John 3:16 (Track 15)
•		Be Imitators (Ephesians 5:1–2) (Track 2)
•		Within the Father’s House (Track 29)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit: The Boy Jesus in the Temple
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Lost and Found Bookmark
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Food Activity: Stained Glass Cookies
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: Your Mission Is . . .  
 What’s in God’s House
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

•	Service Project: Housekeeping for God
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

Lesson 10: John Prepares the Way
Text: Matthew 3:1–12
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: As John pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God, so our pastors point us to this same Jesus, who grants us forgiveness, life, and salvation.

Law/Gospel: Sin hardens my heart against God, and I try to earn my salvation. God’s Word works in my hardened heart, causing me to repent and believe in the Savior.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________	Leader(s):_______________________________________

Bible Challenge Question: True or false: John said that he was not the Messiah, but was sent to prepare the way for His coming. True; see John 3:28.

Notes: 

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________ Notes:

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music:  Prepare the Royal Highway (Track 22)
•		Jesus, I Believe in You (Track 11)
•		Child of God (Track 3)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit: John Prepares the Way
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Lamb-of-God Victory Flag
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Food Activity: Heart-of-Joy Snack
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: Floating Fruit
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

Lesson 11: The Baptism of Jesus
Text: Luke 3:15–22
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: Jesus was baptized “to fulfill all righteousness” so that our Baptism might give us forgiveness of sins and rescue us from death and the devil.

Law/Gospel: Because of God’s wrath and anger over sin, I and all people need a Savior. In Baptism, I am made a child of the heavenly Father and an heir of heaven.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________	Leader(s):_______________________________________

Bible Challenge Question: Name the two Sacraments of the Lutheran Church. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Notes: 

To bring:

Approximate time: 

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes: 

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music: Be a Believer (Track 1)
•		I’m with You (Track 9)
•		God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It (Track 6)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit: The Baptism of Jesus
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Baptism Picture Frame
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Food Activity: Water-and-the-Word Snack
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: Baptism Talk 
 Water Game
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

•	Service Project: Baptism Family Tree
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

Lesson 12: The Temptation of Jesus
Text: Luke 4:1–13
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: The devil tempted Jesus to sin, but Jesus, true God and true man, did not sin. He kept God’s Law on our behalf and became the sinless sacrifice for our sins so that we might have forgiveness and new life.

Law/Gospel: The devil tempts me, and I often give in. In Christ, God forgives my sin, provides all that I need for this life and the next, and gives me power to overcome temptation.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________	Leader(s):_______________________________________

Bible Challenge Question: True or false: Once you become a Christian, you are never tempted to do anything wrong again. False. We are tempted every day! The Holy Spirit can help us overcome temptation. Quoting Bible verses can often help us.

Notes: 

To bring:

Approximate time: 

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes: 

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music: God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It (Track 6)
•		Rise Up (Track 25)
•		New Creation (Track 19)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit: The Temptation of Jesus
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Rock Food
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Food Activity: Tempting Treats
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: God’s Power to Resist Temptation Role-Play
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes:

Lesson 13: Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
Text: John 1:43–51
Date Used: ______________________

Key Point: Jesus called Philip and Nathanael to believe in Him. In Jesus, access to heaven is given to all who believe.

Law/Gospel: My sinful nature does not recognize Jesus as the Son of God. I futilely try to manipulate Jesus into being what I want. Jesus is the only true God, the Savior who rescues me from sin, death, and the devil. He is the true Jacob’s ladder upon whom the angels will come down and escort me to my heavenly home.

Approximate time: 

To bring:

Engage 

Location:_____________________	Leader(s):_______________________________________

Bible Challenge Question: xxxxxxx
Name two of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (also called Judas the son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot

Notes: 

To bring:

Approximate time: 

Explore

Level 1 (Grades 1–3)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):____________________________________________
__________________________
Notes: 

Level 2 (Grades 4–6)
Location:__________________
Leader(s):______________________________________________________________________
Notes: 

Adult Bible Study
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes: 

To bring:

Express Options (Choose 2 or more!)

Slot 4*:

Slot 3*:

Slot 2:

Slot 1:

Slot 5*:

Slot 6*:

Approximate times:

•	Music:  We Have Seen the Lord (Track 28)
•		Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus (Track 17)
•		Jesus, I Believe in You (Track 11)
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Skit: Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Craft: Follow Me Footprints
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	
•	Food Activity: Come and See
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):_______________________________________
Notes:

•	Group Activity: Gathering Strength
Location:_____________________
Leader(s):______________________________________
Notes: