Summary
Kids learn to navigate to Luke and find the story where the angel Gabriel tells Mary she will have a special baby named Jesus.
They see that this “announcement” shows Jesus is the promised King and Son of the Most High, and that God can use ordinary people for His big plans.
They see that this “announcement” shows Jesus is the promised King and Son of the Most High, and that God can use ordinary people for His big plans.
Verse
Luke 1:31: “You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.
Simple motions:
Simple motions:
- “Give birth to a son” – cradle arms like a baby.
- “Call him Jesus” – point up, then touch your heart.
Movement – “Message from God”
Set two lines: Heaven’s Messenger and Mary in Nazareth:
Tie-in:
- One child at a time is “Gabriel,” holding a rolled paper “message.”
- They walk from the “Heaven” line to “Mary,” and when they arrive, everyone says together a shortened message:
“Don’t be afraid, Mary… you will have a son… name him Jesus.” - Rotate kids through as Gabriel and Mary.
Tie-in:
- a real angel came with real words from God about Jesus.
Lesson – “The Angel Visits Mary” (Large group)
Find Luke together:
Tell/Read Luke 1:26–33 in kid language:
Highlight key points:
Mary’s response:
Connect to kids:
- Show how Luke is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament.
- Use the table of contents to turn to Luke 1.
Tell/Read Luke 1:26–33 in kid language:
Highlight key points:
- God sends Gabriel to Nazareth, to Mary.
- Mary is surprised and afraid.
- Gabriel says, “Don’t be afraid… you have found favor with God.”
- She will have a son named Jesus, who will be great, called Son of the Most High, and will be a King forever.
Mary’s response:
- Summarize verse 38: Mary says, “I am the Lord’s servant… may your word to me be fulfilled.”
- Emphasize her trust and “yes” to God’s plan, even when she didn’t understand everything.
Connect to kids:
- “This is the moment when the promise of a Savior becomes very close—God is telling Mary, ‘He’s coming through you.’
- “God still knows ordinary people by name and invites us to trust Him too.”
Small Groups – “Find and Mark the Announcement”
Each child with a Bible:
Younger kids can draw Mary and an angel with a speech bubble “Jesus.”
- Leaders guide them (using TOC and headings) to Luke 1:26–38.rmcalvary+6Have them underline verse 31 (or bracket verses 31–33).
- Give a small sticker or tab labeled “Announcement to Mary” and place it at Luke 1.On a half-sheet, they complete two sentences:
- “God’s message: You will have a son. Name him ______.” (Jesus)
- “Who is He?” (Son of the Most High, King forever, Savior—pick one phrase to keep it simple).
Younger kids can draw Mary and an angel with a speech bubble “Jesus.”
Game – “Promise or Announcement?”
Stand = Promise (before Mary)
Sit = Announcement (to Mary)
Read short lines:
Each time it’s an announcement, kids say:
Sit = Announcement (to Mary)
Read short lines:
- “A child will be born… called Mighty God, Prince of Peace.” → Promise (Isaiah 9).
- “You will have a son and you are to call him Jesus.” → Announcement (Luke 1).
- “A ruler will come from Bethlehem.” → Promise (Micah 5:2).
- “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” → Announcement.
Each time it’s an announcement, kids say:
- “We found it in Luke 1!”