The Shepherds Hear Good News

Luke 2:8-20


Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Gospel of Luke. Luke loved Jesus and wanted others to know and love Jesus, too. And the word gospel means “good news!”

One quiet night near the town of Bethlehem, some shepherds were taking care of their sheep. The stars twinkled above them, and the fields were calm. The shepherds watched their sheep closely to keep them safe from danger. It was an ordinary night, just like many others.

But suddenly, something amazing happened!

A bright light filled the sky, and an angel of the Lord appeared right in front of the shepherds. The shepherds were so surprised and afraid that they covered their faces. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy for everyone. Today in Bethlehem, a Savior has been born. He is Christ the Lord.”

The angel told them, “You will find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Then, all at once, the sky filled with more angels—hundreds and hundreds of them! They were singing and praising God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those He loves.”

The shepherds watched in wonder as the angels filled the night with their beautiful song. When the angels went back into heaven, the night became quiet again.

The shepherds looked at one another and said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this special baby the Lord told us about.”

They hurried across the fields and into the little town. Finally, they found the stable where Mary and Joseph were. Inside, lying in a manger just as the angel had said, was the baby Jesus.

The shepherds knelt beside Him with happy hearts. They knew they were looking at God’s special Son.

After they saw Him, the shepherds couldn’t keep the good news to themselves. They went back to their fields, praising God and telling everyone they met, “Jesus has been born! God has sent us a Savior!”

Their hearts were full of joy, and they shared that joy wherever they went.

God sent angels to tell the shepherds that Jesus was born. The shepherds were so happy that they went to see Jesus and then told everyone the good news. Jesus brings joy to all people!


Dear God,

Thank You for sending Jesus to be our Savior. Thank You for the angels who told the shepherds the good news. Help us have joyful hearts like the shepherds and help us share Your love with others.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.





Bible Verse: “Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11, BSB

Paraphrase: “Jesus is born! He is the Savior God promised to us.”



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. “Shepherds in the Field” Movement Game

Objective: Help children experience the surprise and excitement the shepherds felt when the angels appeared.

Materials: None.

Activity: Children pretend to be shepherds watching their sheep. Invite them to move slowly and quietly around the room, “tending” their invisible sheep. Then say, “Suddenly, an angel appears!” and have them freeze with surprised faces. After a moment, say, “The angel brings good news!” and have them lift their hands in joy. Repeat with more variations—walking, tiptoeing, lying down “watching the stars,” etc.

Talk About It: “The shepherds were surprised, but the angels told them not to be afraid. God’s good news brings joy!”


2. “Angel Message” Star Craft

Objective: Reinforce the angel’s message of good news.

Materials: Yellow or white paper, star shapes (pre-cut or drawn), crayons, stickers, glue sticks, optional cotton balls for clouds.

Activity: Each child decorates a large star to remind them of the angels’ joyful message. They can glue cotton balls to make “clouds,” draw an angel, or add stickers.

Talk About It: “The angels told the shepherds that Jesus was born. We can remember their happy message when we look at our star.”

 
3. Shepherd’s Visit Role Play

Objective: Help children understand the shepherds’ excitement in going to see Jesus.

Materials: Simple cloth scraps or scarves for shepherd “costumes,” a box or basket filled with paper for the “manger,” a doll wrapped in cloth for “Baby Jesus.”

Activity: Children take turns pretending to be shepherds traveling to Bethlehem. They “hurry” across the room and gather around the manger to see Baby Jesus.

Talk About It: “The shepherds hurried to see Jesus because they were excited. Jesus is God’s special gift to everyone.”


4. “Good News, Jesus is Born!” (Musical Activity)

Objective: Celebrate the angels’ message with a joyful, easy-to-sing song.

Materials: None (optional: soft “angel arms” motions).

Activity: Teach children the following short song to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (Public Domain). Encourage them to make “angel wings” with their arms while singing.

Song: “God News, Jesus is Born!” (to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”)

    Angels came to tell the news,
    “Jesus is born—good news for you!”
    Shepherds heard and went to see
    Baby Jesus peacefully.
    Angels came to tell the news,
    “Jesus is born—good news for you!”

Talk About It: “The angels shared good news, and the shepherds shared it too. How can we share God’s love with others?”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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