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Hands-on Nativity Story

 

Although I was raised in a Christian home, I did not grow up celebrating the birth of Christ during the Christmas season. Our church denomination believed in being silent where the Bible is silent. Since we don’t know the exact day that Jesus was born, we just didn’t go there. Christmas was all about Santa, toys and not about the Baby Jesus. (I know, I Know! I could write a book on the bizarreness of it all.)

My perspective shifted in my teenage years. The story of Christmas is when the whole world acknowledges a baby in a manger and the wise men. How could I turn my back on such an opportunity to glorify God and the birth of Jesus?

This hands-on nativity is a perfect addition however, I received my first nativity set when I was nineteen. It was an adorable resin one and my parents gave it to me to use in the kindergarten and preschool classes I taught on Sunday mornings. The faces of my little students lit up every time I brought it with me. We would act out the stories, and everyone got a turn because the pieces were practically indestructible.

Printable Nativity

 

That first nativity was a blessing and the start of a collection. We’ve added one a year, and have included several kid-friendly nativity sets. They go on a low shelf or in a basket, and the younger ones play with them all month long. The hands-on role play really helps to keep the focus on Christ and the Christmas Story. My children get so excited this time of year because they love counting down to our Jesus Birthday Party!

I usually choose a couple of free printable nativity scenes for my kiddos to play with every year. This year, I decided to make a hands-on magnetic nativity set for my active 6-year-old. She rearranges the items on the front of the fridge all the time, and I know this printable nativity scene will be a fun activity for her to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

nativity samples

Of course, we want you to have our own nativity scene too! Just cut out, and glue a magnet to the back. You might want to laminate them first for durability. Put them all on display at once, or add a piece a day.

The Printable Pack

This printable nativity pack contains worksheets and everything you will need for your story:

  • Over 20 story cards in different colors
  • The nativity story verses from Matthew & Luke
  • 24 numbered stars to lead Mary & Joseph on a countdown to Christmas

–>-> DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE NATIVITY SCENE <-<–

Countdown to Christmas

Supplies needed to tell the Story of Jesus

  • Pencils
  • Card Stock paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue sticks or craft sticks
  • crayons

Check out these other FUN Resources

FREE Nativity Playdough Mats – Super FUN for the kiddos

FREE Nativity Handwriting Sets – Print and Cursive

Another fun way to engage in the story of the birth of Christ with your kids is to read some nativity books together and do nativity crafts. You could wrap them up and start a new countdown tradition. For even more resources, check out my Nativity Pinterest Board and Advent Coloring Pages: Free Printable Coloring Pages for Kids.

Please share! How do you use your nativity set to keep Christ in Christmas?