📖

A Long Journey

No Room at the Inn

Day 116of 180
Week 24of 36
15Minutes
← Day 115Day 116 of 180Day 117 →
🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand that Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem

2

Recognize God's plan in guiding Mary and Joseph

3

Develop empathy for travelers who must make difficult journeys

📖 Scripture Connection

Luke 2:4-5

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to David's city, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage, being pregnant.”

— Luke 2:4-5 (WEB)

Shows God's careful plan for Jesus's birth and the journey Mary and Joseph had to take

📦 Materials Needed

  • World English Bible
  • Donkey picture
  • Map of Israel
  • Toy donkey (optional)
  • Blanket or cloth
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

Welcome to today's BibleMouse adventure! Last time we learned how Mary said yes to God's special plan.

💭 Review Question: Can you remember who told Mary she would have a baby?
2Teaching (5 min)

Today we'll learn about Mary and Joseph's long journey to Bethlehem. It was a very special trip!

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Mary and Joseph had to travel far from their home
  • They traveled on a donkey
  • Mary was going to have her baby soon
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Have you ever taken a long trip?
  • How do you think Mary felt riding on a donkey?
3Activity: Journey to Bethlehem (6 min)
storytelling

Act out the journey using a blanket as a donkey and moving across the room

📝 Instructions:
  1. Spread out blanket as 'donkey'
  2. Help child 'ride' the donkey
  3. Pretend to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem
  4. Talk about how long and tiring the trip was
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Just walk slowly and pretend to ride

Challenge: Use map to show actual route, discuss distances

4Closing (3 min)

Review the journey and God's special plan

📝 Review Questions:
  • Where were Mary and Joseph going?
  • Who was taking care of them?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for taking care of Mary and Joseph on their special journey.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about finding a place to stay in Bethlehem!

💎 Memory Verse

Luke 2:11

“Today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, was born for you.”

— Luke 2:11 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Donkey Hop Memory Verse - Child hops like a donkey for each word of the verse

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 90 miles, a difficult trip for a pregnant woman

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use gentle, age-appropriate language
  • Focus on God's love and care
  • Encourage imagination in storytelling
🤔 Common Struggles:

Sitting still during the story, understanding long journeys

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Child's engagement, ability to retell simple parts of the story

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Color a BibleMouse journey map from the Resource Guide
  • Make a simple donkey craft using paper and crayons

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 117 →Back to Bible