While I was in Belize, I discovered this free printable nativity set available on the made by joel website.
Click here to go to the made by joel link for the free Nativity Scene printable I print the 3 pages on card-stock paper, cut the figures out, and place the set in a quart size ziplock bag to hand out. As the child sets it up for the first time, we talk about the stable, the animals, and the events of baby Jesus' birth.
2023
I discovered that after the children set up the nativity, it is fun to have them watch this video that tells the nativity story. As the song sings about a part of the scene they have set up, the children can point to that item that is being sung about at the time. (See the words below that are in bold print)
The Nativity Song
by Patricia Kelsey Graham
1. This is the season beloved of the year.
Sing a rhyme; Christmastime soon will be here.
Tell the true story of Jesus’ birth,
When, as a baby, he came to the earth.
2. This is the new star, shining so bright,
Lighting the world on that first Christmas night.
This is the angel proclaiming the birth,
Singing “Hosanna!” and “Peace on the earth!”
3. This is the stable, shelter so bare;
Cattle and oxen first welcomed him there.
This is the manger, sweet hay for a bed,
Waiting for Jesus to cradle his head.
4. These are the shepherds, humble and mild,
Hast’ning to worship the heavenly child.
These are the wise men who followed the star,
Frankincense, gold, and myrrh brought from afar.
5. See the sweet mother, Mary so fair,
Joseph, who guided the donkey with care.
See the dear baby of Bethlehem,
Little Lord Jesus, the Savior of men.
