This fun, air dry clay Nativity ornament to make with your kids will help your family think about the biblical story of the birth of Jesus.
The book of Isaiah is largely a book in which God tells the people of Judah they’ve been proud and idolatrous. They haven’t worshiped him as he should be worshiped (or at all, in some cases), and they’ve been unjust to those in need–the fatherless, widows, and foreigners. As such, God is going to judge them harshly.
Even so, God offers hope. He will preserve a remnant — a people devoted to him. Also, God is going to send a Messiah to save his people from their sins.
In Isaiah 9:6, ESV, God promises:
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Jesus is that Messiah. That’s the reason the celebration of Christmas continues today. Remembering who Jesus is and why he came is vital for our kids!
Help kids learn the gospel with this free poster and memory card set.
Your kids will love this simple Nativity ornament to make as you discuss Isaiah 9:6!
Nativity Ornament to Make with Kids
Before making your Nativity ornaments, read Isaiah 9:6, then discuss:
- Who is speaking in this verse? (God the Father.)
- Who gave us Jesus, God’s Son and God the Son? (God the Father.)
- What does the verse tell us about Jesus?
- What does it mean when we say Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor? (This is not like a modern-day therapist, but rather the Counselor in the government with all the good plans. Jesus is a wise ruler.)
- The verse says Jesus is Mighty God. Remember that God is three persons in one–God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Which one is Jesus?
- Jesus is God the Son. When God says Jesus is Everlasting Father, he means Jesus is a kind and loving father to us, his children.
- What does it mean that Jesus is the Prince of Peace? (Jesus will one day bring peace for all who love and follow him.)
As you make your Nativity ornaments, discuss Isaiah 9:6, and talk about why we celebrate his great plan for salvation at Christmastime.
Christmas Nativity Ornament
Check out this fun video of the Nativity ornament!
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 Homemade Nativity 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 Set2 Wooden Handle Clay ToolsChristmas Baker’s Jute TwineTapestry NeedlesApple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set, 16Mr. Pen- Paint Brushes, 10pcFiskars Softgrip ScissorsMr. Pen Hot Glue Gun
- Air Dry Clay (White)
- Rolling Pins and Mat
- Clay Cutting Knife
- Twine
- Tapestry Needles
- Acrylic Paint
- Paint Brushes
- Scissors
- Hot Glue Gun
Nativity Ornament | Make it with your kids!
Here are the steps for your Nativity ornaments:
1) Create the stable background for your Nativity scene.
Knead a piece of clay and roll it into a flat piece.
Use your clay knife to cut a simple house outline from the flat clay as shown above.
Next, cut a border the same size as the house base as shown.
Carefully place the border onto the stable base.
2) Create the Mary and Joseph Nativity scene figures.
Prepare the clay pieces for the Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus clay figures as shown above.
For the Mary and Joseph clay figures, make disc-shaped heads, a body and head covering (a half-circle for each). Make a staff for Joseph.
For the baby Jesus figure, create a head, body and swaddling clothes (the flat round clay piece).
Attach the head and body for each figure, then place the head on the head covering as shown.
Wrap the head covering around each figure’s head and upper body as shown above.
Attach the staff to the Joseph figure.
3) Make the baby Nativity scene figure.
Wrap the baby in the swaddling clothes, leaving the face visible. If there is extra clay, just cut off the excess.
4) Finish the Nativity ornament.
Use a tapestry needle to make a hole on the top of the stable.
Cut a star from rolled clay.
Allow the clay figures to dry overnight in a safe, warm place (like the top of your fridge!).
4) Paint your Nativity scene figures.
The following day, allow your child to paint the Nativity ornament stable and figures with acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry.
5) Assemble your Nativity ornament.
Use hot glue to assemble your Nativity ornament. This is a job for mom or dad. Hot glue is, well, HOT!
Glue the figures as shown with the star above. Use a tapestry needle to insert twine through the hole you created. Tie a knot in the twine to make a loop to hang the Nativity ornament.
Hang the Nativity ornament as a reminder of what God has done for us.
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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