Shepherds Nativity Activities

Teach your kids about the shepherds of the biblical Christmas story with these fun Shepherds Nativity Activities for Kids.

I love the biblical story of the angels announcing Jesus’ birth to the shepherds in the area around Bethlehem, told in Luke 2:8-21. The Lord of the Host of Heaven sent His multitude of the heavenly host to let some poor, dirty shepherds know His Son–the King of Kings–had become man.

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As you read the story of the shepherds with your family, there are a few things you may want to point out:

In Luke 2:9, the Bible tells us: “And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.” Ask your kids if they remember the glory of the Lord leading the Israelites through the wilderness and filling the Temple. Read Exodus 24:12-18 and 2 Chronicles 5:2-14. Ask your children if they can think of a reason the shepherds were afraid.
The shepherds were very humble people, and Jesus was born in a very humble manner. Talk to your kids about what it would be like for a mother to lay her baby in a manger.
The angels weren’t just a messenger service. They came to praise God. The shepherds too, hurried to see Jesus and to tell Mary and Joseph about what they had heard. On their way home, the shepherds praised God. We can praise God for the gift of His Son every day.
In John 10:11, Jesus says: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” You can read Psalm 23 with your family to find out more about what our good shepherd does for us.

I’ve compiled some fun shepherd studies and activities for you below to help your children really understand the story of the shepherds from Luke 2. Check them out!

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Shepherds Nativity Activities

Here are some activities about the Nativity shepherds for you to try with your kids this year!

Toilet Paper Roll Shepherds Craft ~ This fun craft is a great way for kids to learn about the shepherds!

Angels and Shepherds Book Craft ~ This printable book craft is another great way for your kids to learn the Bible story of the Shepherds and the Angels.

Learn How to Draw A Shepherd with Art for Kids Hub ~ These simple instructions should make every kid feel like a pro!

Sammy and His Shepherd by Susan Hunt ~ Spend several nights on this family read-aloud to learn about Jesus as our Shepherd.

Neat Christmas Shepherd Gear

Kurt Adler J3767 Wooden Nativity Advent Calendar with 24 Magnetic Piece Nativity Fabric Advent Calendar (Countdown to Christmas)Child Shepherd Costume (Medium)Wendell August Nativity Shepherds Ornament, Metal, Handmade in the USA Forge Willow Tree hand-painted sculpted figures, Shepherd and Stable Animals, 4-piece set

More Shepherds of the Nativity Fun Ideas

The Interrupted Nativity by Stephen O’Rear from Clubhouse Jr. ~ Perform this short skit as a family! Older kids can use this skit as an example as they write their own!
Make a Jesus is My Good Shepherd painting from Teach Kids Art.
Make rice crispy sheep from Clubhouse Jr. and write a portion of the Luke 2:10-12 or John 10:11 on each of the tags.
Download the cheerful While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night lyrics PDF from Children Love to Sing and memorize the poetry together.
Make your little shepherd a 10 Minute Nativity Shepherd Costume from Vanilla Joy.
Create Toilet Paper Roll Shepherds from Blessings Overflowing and Pom Pom Sheep from Mum in the Madhouse.
Assemble these adorable No-Bake Sheep Grahams from Couponing for 4 as a family.