About this resource

Follow The Star: a 4-Week Teaching Series for Children's Ministry Topic: Christmas Scripture: the Gospels Decorating Theme: Road Trips Age Group: Elementary (Get the Preschool version here !) Many families hit the road during the Christmas season, whether it's to visit loved ones or take a much-needed break. It's a time-honored tradition-one that might even be traced back to the first Christmas when a bright star dropped a pin on a special location to guide people to the birthplace of the savior. In this 4-week series, kids will learn that God gives people to guide us , God gives hope to guide us , God gives a Savior to guide us , and God gives direction to guide us . BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES God gives people to guide us. (John the Baptist Is Born: Luke 1:5-25, 57-66; Matthew 3:1-6) God gives hope to guide us. (An Angel Visits Mary: Luke 1:26-38; James 5:7-11) God gives a Savior to guide us. (Jesus Is Born: Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 7:10-16) God gives direction to guide us. (The Magi Visit Jesus: Matthew 2:1-12; Matthew 2:13-23) WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES: This week, kids follow the story of how John the Baptist was born to prepare people for the savior. Whether it's a map or someone who's made the trip before, Christmas road trips remind us of how we need someone who knows the journey ahead. This week, we'll hear how God gave Zechariah and Elizabeth a baby, John, who would grow up to prepare the way for Jesus. John helped guide people towards God, showing us how God gives people to guide us . This week, kids follow the story of how an angel visited Mary to deliver a special message from God. On long road trips, the hope of seeing loved ones during the holidays keeps us going. This week, we'll hear how an angel visited Mary to announce she would give birth to Jesus, who would help bring a new hope to the world. Faced with unexpected news, Mary found hope in God's faithfulness, showing us how God gives hope to guide us . This week, kids follow the story of how Jesus was born and shepherds were invited to meet the newborn savior. One of the most essential pieces of road trip gear is a map or GPS to guide you toward your final destination. This week, we'll hear how angels guided a group of shepherds to Bethlehem so they could be the first people to meet Jesus. Their incredible journey was an important sign for everyone that God gives a Savior to guide us . This week, kids follow the story of how a star helped the Magi visit Jesus and worship him. When you don't have a map to guide you, a landmark can help keep you from getting lost during your road trip. This week, we'll hear how God used a shining star to help guide the Magi to Jesus, and they even brought him gifts! Their journey to Bethlehem is an incredible reminder that God gives direction to guide us . MEMORY VERSE: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - John 8:12b (NIV)

What’s included