Leader Guide
Game
- Bible or the Superbook Bible App
- Optional: painter’s tape
- “Where’s the Star?” Questions
- Nativity Skyline
- Chalkboard and chalk, or whiteboard and marker, to tally points
- Six paper plates, OR circles cut from cardstock, OR purchased plastic flying discs
- Stapler or tape
- Yellow and dark markers
- Chair
- Poster board or cardboard, about 16" x 20"
Draw a large star on the bottom of each of the six paper plates with a dark marker.
Color the inside of each star with the yellow marker.
Place two plates together—top to top—and staple or tape around the rims to create three flying discs. If you prefer not to make your own discs, you may draw or tape stars on plastic flying discs.
Make a copy of the “Where’s the Star?” Questions.
Make a copy of the Nativity Skyline Pattern and attach it to the center of the poster board.
Mark or tape a line at one end of the room.
Place the chair, with the seat facing the line or mark, about 10–12 feet from the line.
Place the bottom of the poster on the floor and lean the top against the chair, or use tape to secure it in place.
In our video, we saw how the star drew the Wise Men to find Jesus. Matthew 2:2 tells us that the Wise Men went to Jerusalem and asked King Herod,
Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We saw His star as it rose, and we have come to worship Him.
The Wise Men were from the East, where a prophet named Balaam had lived many centuries earlier. The Bible tells us in Numbers 24:17 that Balaam gave this prophecy:
A Star will rise from Jacob; a Scepter will emerge from Israel.
Jacob is another name for Israel. Does anyone know what a scepter is? A special staff or wand or stick that a king held to show authority.
So, when the Wise Men saw that special star rise in the heavens, they were probably reminded of the ancient prophecy saying that a King would come from Israel. The Bible tells us what happened after they left King Herod in Jerusalem. Read Matthew 2:9–10.
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the East guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
Point to the Nativity Skyline on the poster board on the floor in front of the chair.
Do you see a star in the picture? No, it’s missing.
Let’s play a game where you must place a star over the scene! Hold up the flying discs with stars on them. For every “star” that lands in the seat above the picture, your team receives one point!
Divide the class into two teams and have them line up, single file, at the starting mark or line. Ask one team a question from the list of questions. Team members may briefly discuss the answer before giving it. If the team gives the correct answer, the first three children on that team each have one chance to toss a star disc so it lands on the chair seat above the Bethlehem poster. Have the players who tossed the discs retrieve them, give them to the next players, then go to the end of their team’s line.
Each team may score a maximum of three points per turn. If a team answers incorrectly, the other team has a chance to answer correctly and score up to three points. Tally points on the board. Continue asking questions, alternating between teams, as time allows. Be prepared to help children with special needs. The team with the most points wins.
“Where’s the Star?” Questions for Grades 1–3
Shortened or paraphrased answers are also correct.
Name two things that you would find in a Nativity scene. Manger, animals, angel, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, shepherds, Wise Men, stable, straw, star.
Name two other things that you would find in a Nativity scene. Manger, animals, angel, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, shepherds, Wise Men, stable, straw, star.
Who told Mary she was going to have a child? An angel, Gabriel.
What did the angel tell Mary her son would be called? Jesus, the Son of God.
In what town was Jesus born? Bethlehem.
What guided the Wise Men to Jerusalem? The star seen in the east.
Where did the shepherds find Jesus? In a manger.
What is a manger? A feeding trough.
What did Mary use to keep Jesus warm? She wrapped Him in strips of cloth.
Who did the Wise Men meet with before they found Jesus? King Herod.
What was the name of Mary’s husband? Joseph.
What did King Herod tell the Wise Men he wanted to do when he found where Jesus was? Worship Him.
Why was Jesus born in the stable? There was no lodging available for them; no room at the inn.
How did the shepherds learn about the birth of Jesus? An angel of the Lord.
“Where’s the Star?” Questions for Grades 4–6
Shortened or paraphrased answers are also correct.
What was the name of the angel who told Mary she was going to have a child? Gabriel.
Where did Joseph and Mary begin their trip? Nazareth.
Why were Mary and Joseph going to Bethlehem? Everyone was required to return to his/her place of birth.
Who was Caesar Augustus? The ruler of the Roman Empire.
What order did Caesar Augustus give? A census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.
What is a census? A count by the government of the people who live in a place.
What is another name for Bethlehem? The City of David.
What is a manger? A feeding trough for animals.
Name three things you might expect to see at Jesus’ birthplace. Stable, animals, straw, etc.
Who were the first people to visit Jesus after He was born? Shepherds.
How did the shepherds learn about the birth of Jesus? An angel of the Lord.
What did the angels say when Jesus was born? Glory to God in the highest.
What did the Wise Men ask King Herod? Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
Why did King Herod want to know when Jesus was born? He was afraid Jesus would take over his kingdom.