The Angel Visits Mary
Scripture: Luke 1:26-56
Theme: God keeps His promises — Jesus is coming!
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
“God’s Love is Always Near!” “God loves you so much, just like He loved Mary!” “He sends His angels to help and keep His promises!” “Jesus is coming soon, let’s wait and be ready!” Optional reflection: children can draw a picture of Jesus helping their friends, then share one way they can help someone else this week. This extra activity supports the lesson’s theme and gives teachers a simple, lowprep option for extending the discussion.
Bible Story
God’s Love for You! One day, God sent an angel to Mary. “Don’t be afraid,” the angel said. “God loves you! He has a big surprise for you.”
Mary was very happy and said, “Oh, thank you, God!” She knew God’s love was always there.
The angel told Mary about Jesus. “God is sending Him to you!” the angel said. Mary believed God’s love was always near.
Mary sang a song of joy: “My soul is glad because of God!” She loved God’s big, kind heart.
Why This Story Matters God loves you so much! He sends His love to us every day, just like He did to Mary. Your love for God is special too!
Activities
Supplies:
- Sing & Point: Start with the song “Jesus Loves Me” (simple version). Hold up the “Jesus loves you!” sign and say, “God’s love is like a big star, bright and kind!”
- Color the Star: Give each child a star-shaped paper. Say, “Let’s color it with our crayons, just like God made us!” Let them color freely while you read a short verse from Luke 1:30 (“Mary was very happy!”).
- Sensory Touch: Put glitter or confetti in a small bowl. Say, “God’s love is like sparkles, it shines on you too!” Let them touch and feel it while saying, “God loves you!” (Repeat 2-3 times.)
- Wrap Up: Play “God’s Love Never Ends” (simple hand motions) and end with a hug: “God’s love is always with you, just like His angel said!”
Supplies:
- Tell the Story: Sit on the floor and read Luke 1:26-30 slowly. Pause at “Mary was very happy!” and say, “She danced with God’s love!”
- Angel Wing Dance: Give each child a scarf or blanket to wrap around their arms like wings. Say, “Let’s dance like angels, up and down, happy and high!” Play music and let them wiggle.
- Mary’s Joy: Say, “Mary was so happy because God loves her!” Have them stand up tall and wave their arms like arms open in love. Say, “God’s love is always kind and happy!”
- Peace Sign: End by holding hands in a circle. Say, “God’s love is like a hug, it’s safe and strong!” Sing “Love Is Like a Light” (simple version) with motions.
- Note: For babies, focus on touch/coloring; for toddlers, add movement. Always end with a prayer: “Thank You, God, for loving us like a star!”
Discussion Questions
- Here are four simple, open-ended discussion questions to help babies and toddlers explore God’s love in The Angel Visits Mary:
- Mary said, “How can this happen?” (Luke 1:34). What do you wonder about God’s love? What makes you feel safe and happy?
- Mary was very scared but trusted God. When have you felt scared, but someone made you feel brave and loved? How?
- Mary sang about God’s love, “The Lord has helped me!” (Luke 1:46-55). When do you feel God is helping you? Draw a picture of someone who loves you like God does!
- God gives us big, sweet hugs. How does God show you His love? Can you tell me one way He’s been kind to you today?
Prayer Focus
“Dear God, love us always, Like a baby in Mary’s womb, You hold us safe and full of joy. Thank You for Your big, warm love! Come and be with us today!”
To the Cross
The angel told Mary she would have a baby who would be called the Son of the Most High. This was the moment God entered human history as a baby , the first step toward the cross. Jesus came as a baby so He could grow up to be our Savior.
Teaching Tips
- Analyze the Request:
- Engage with Sensory Play and Repetition
- Encourage Simple Verbal Interaction
- Maintain a Slow, Gentle Pace
- Use Visual Aids to Enhance Understanding
Family Take-Home
This week’s lesson tells the story of how God sent the angel Gabriel to visit young Mary, telling her she would soon become the mother of Jesus. With faith and courage, Mary said “yes” to God’s big plan, setting the stage for the birth of Jesus, a gift of love and hope for all families.