The Christmas Star of Bethlehem features in Matthew’s story of the wise men. Your kids will love making simple Star of Bethlehem ornaments.
Christmas is a wonderful time to spend with family, making crafts to gift and to keep.
This Christmas season, make ornaments that will help your kids consider the biblical story of the coming of Jesus.
The Star of Bethlehem
Read Matthew 2:1-12 with your kids.
Before making your ornaments, discuss:
- Where was Jesus born? (Matthew 2:1)
- Who was the king at that time? (Matthew 2:1)
- Who came to see Jesus? (Matthew 2:1)
- How did they know he had been born? What did they come to do? (Matthew 2:2)
- What prophecy did they chief priests and scribes know about Jesus? (Matthew 2:3-6)
- How did Herod scheme against Jesus? How did God protect Jesus from Herod? (Matthew 2:7-8, 12)
- Where did the wise men find the star? (Matthew 2:9)
- How did the wise men react to young Jesus? Why did they react that way? (Matthew 2:9-11)
- Who sent the star to rest over the place where Jesus was? Why was Jesus worthy of worship? (God, Jesus is God the Son in human flesh–fully God and fully human)
Take time to talk to your kids about the Star of Bethlehem before you create your ornaments.
Christmas Star of Bethlehem Ornaments
Check out this fun video of the Star of Bethlehem ornaments!
Tips for Making Bible Crafts with Kids
Doing art projects with kids can be a challenge. For that reason, many parents forgo this valuable time altogether. As an art major and a parent who has done frequent art projects with my four children, I have a few suggestions for you.
- Cover your space. Use painting drop cloths and plastic to keep your furniture and flooring protected.
- Cover your kids. Grab a couple of your old T-shirts and throw them over your kids, buy them painting aprons, or designate clothes specifically for crafting.
- Do the prep work in advance. Do as much prep work for a project as you can before you get the kids involved. Not everything on the page needs to be their work. It’s OK to help.
- Schedule several short sessions for one project. Children need several days to be able to create larger projects. Art is time-consuming and requires energy.
- Encourage your kids. Children are likely to be frustrated by the disconnect in the artwork they envision and the art they actually create. Remind your kids that they improve every time they create, and tell them how much you love their work (even if you don’t know what it is!). Also, stick figures are fabulous.
- Operate the hot glue gun and X-ACTO knife. Hot glue burns are terrible and X-ACTO knives are razor sharp. Until your kids are old enough to cook, I’d advise you do the hot gluing and razor cutting. For this project, you may want to pre-cut the Nativity Scene.
Supplies Needed to Make Your Christmas Star of Bethlehem Ornaments
You’ll need a few supplies to make your project. You may have a few of these items already. If not, these are all fairly inexpensive and will serve you well for multiple projects.
Air Dry Modeling Clay; 2.2 lb., White
Rolling Pin Mat SetStar Cookie Cutter Set – 3 Piece – Stainless Steel2 Wooden Handle Clay ToolsChristmas Baker’s Jute Twine160 Christmas Wood BeadsTapestry Needles
- Air Dry Clay (White)
- Rolling Pins and Mat
- Star Cookie Cutter
- Clay Cutting Knife
- Twine
- Decorative Beads
- Tapestry Needles
Make Your Christmas Star of Bethlehem Ornaments
Here are the steps for your star ornaments:
1) Roll out the clay for your Star of Bethlehem ornaments.
Knead the clay on your rolling pin board, then roll the clay into a ball.
Use your rolling pin to flatten the clay ball to about 1/4 inch.
2) Cut out your Christmas stars.
Peel the excess clay away from your Christmas star cutouts.
Smooth the rough edges of each star with your finger tips.
Use a tapestry needle to make a hole in each Star of Bethlehem ornament that is big enough for your twine to pass through.
3) Let your clay ornaments air dry overnight.
Your Star of Bethlehem ornaments need time to dry before they are painted and decorated, so set them aside in a warm, safe place overnight… like your laundry room or on top of the fridge.
4) Paint and decorate your Christmas Star of Bethlehem ornaments.
Fold the twine in half, and thread a few beads onto the twine. Then, knot the top of the twine.
Your Christmas Star of Bethlehem ornaments are perfect for hanging on your tree or tying onto Christmas gifts or cookies for the neighbors!
Your 12-month Bible verse calendar has themed devotions focusing on:
- The Bible
- Love
- The Church
- Resurrection
- Jesus
- Prayer
- The Holy Spirit
- The Fruit of the Spirit
- Salvation
- Our Father
- Thanksgiving
- Advent
Want a sample calendar? Grab your free Christmas Advent calendar here.
Books Make Great Gifts!
Teach the kids about the Bible and Christian history…
…with fun books they’ll love reading!
Introduce your children to engaging stories written in an engaging narrative they’ll want to read. As they learn more about God’s Word and gain real-life heroes, they will learn to apply Scripture to their own lives. And, give yourself the gift of a book that will help your kids learn and love the Bible.
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