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Follow the Star to Jesus

Shepherds run, wise men follow a star, and twelve-year-old Jesus is found in the temple

  • 🛡️ CTR 4–7
  • Week 2
  • 📅 Sunday, January 10, 2027
🤔 Forehead Guess🏆 Showdown
💡 The big idea

Jesus Christ was born to be my Savior, and like the shepherds and wise men, I can come to Him and grow up like Him.

I can come to Jesus, show Him I love Him, and grow like Him a little more every day.

Study it yourself firstRead Matthew 2; Luke 2 in Gospel LibraryCome, Follow Me manualOpen this week (Matthew 2; Luke 2)
Know the chapters

Christmas just ended, so your class already knows pieces of this story. Now they get it straight from the scriptures. In Luke 2, Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem, find no room in the inn, and lay newborn Jesus in a manger. An angel tells shepherds the good news, the sky fills with angels praising God, and the shepherds hurry to find the baby. When Jesus is still a tiny baby, Mary and Joseph take Him to the temple, where faithful old Simeon and the prophetess Anna recognize Him as the Savior. In Matthew 2, wise men see a new star, travel a long way, and kneel to worship the young child, giving gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Notice that the wise men came to a house and found a “young child” (Matthew 2:11), so they probably came later than the shepherds. Keep King Herod gentle for this age: he was a jealous king who didn’t want a new king, and Heavenly Father kept Jesus safe by warning the wise men and Joseph in dreams. You do not need to tell the class about Matthew 2:16.

The manual also points to Jesus growing up (Luke 2:40–52). When He was twelve, Jesus stayed behind at the temple, listening to the teachers and asking them questions. When Mary and Joseph found Him, He said He needed to be about His Father’s business. Luke 2:52 says He grew in wisdom (His mind), stature (His body), favour with God and favour with people. Children love knowing Jesus was once a child who grew just like them.

For 4- to 7-year-olds, the thread is simple: many people came to Jesus. The shepherds hurried, Simeon and Anna waited, and the wise men traveled far. We come to Jesus by praying, singing, taking the sacrament reverently and being kind. Your 7-year-olds will be baptized this year, which is one of the biggest ways to come to Jesus. Prophets said long before that this would happen: Isaiah wrote about a child who would be born (Isaiah 9:6), and in the Book of Mormon, Samuel the Lamanite said a new star would appear (Helaman 14:5).

Only have 5 minutes?

Read Luke 2:1–20 and Matthew 2:1–11 so you can tell them in your own words. In class, have a child be the star and lead a follow-the-leader walk, then run the Story Drama on your phone or tablet. Teach Luke 2:52 with the Grow Like Jesus motions, play Forehead Guess, and end kneeling quietly like the shepherds. Brought nothing? Tap “I brought nothing”: kids become the star and the gift box.

What to bring5 items

Tick what you have. Forgot something? Every step that needs a supply has a no-supplies version in the plan below.

Before class

  1. Cut out the star. Before class, tape it high on a wall or door across the room, where the wise men can “follow” it.
  2. Put the mirror in the box or bag so it faces up when opened. Don’t let anyone peek.
  3. Clear a space for the drama. Pick one corner to be the manger and another to be the temple.
  4. Add your kids’ names in the My Class tab so roles and the spinner are one tap away.

If your class is wild

  • The story has lots of travel: walking to Bethlehem, running shepherds, slow camels. Let them move in place so no one crashes.
  • Baby Jesus is always the doll or blanket, held gently. Tell the class before the drama: “We are extra gentle with Baby Jesus.”
  • Your readers can read the captions and the angel’s words. Your 4-year-olds make great sheep and camels.
  • The mirror reveal works best if you build suspense. Shake the box, whisper, and only let each child peek one at a time.

The 25-minute plan25 min + bonus

Bonus steps are for when you have extra time. Steps that mention Teach Mode, the Sound Board or other class games refer to the Gospel Sparks app; on the web you can play Forehead Guess and Scripture Showdown from this page.

1. Hook

Follow the Star

3 min

Following a star around the room gets kids moving and sets up the wise men’s long trip to Jesus.

  1. Before anyone sits, say: “Long ago, some wise men saw a brand-new star. They followed it a long, long way. Let’s follow a star too!”
  2. Take the paper star down from the wall and give it to a child. The Star walks slowly around the room; everyone follows on pretend camels.
  3. Every few seconds, hand the star to a new leader. Little ones love leading.
  4. End at your chairs. Say: “The star led the wise men to someone very special. Who do you think it was?” (Jesus!)
  5. SAY“Today we’ll meet lots of people who came to see Jesus.”
🌪️ Camels walk; they never run. Anyone who gallops has to go back to “the east” (the start) and walk again.

Class screen: ⭐ Follow the star! · 🐫 🐫 🐫 ⭐

No supplies? Do this instead

Instead of: A paper star (cut from yellow paper, or draw a big star on any paper)

Be the Star

  1. SAY“Long ago, some wise men saw a brand-new star and followed it a long, long way. Who wants to be the star?”
  2. The Star holds twinkle fingers high and walks slowly around the room. Everyone follows on pretend camels.
  3. Every few seconds, tap a new child to be the Star. Show the ⭐ on the screen so everyone knows who’s leading.
  4. End at your chairs. Ask: “The star led the wise men to someone very special. Who was it?” (Jesus!)

Class screen: ⭐ Twinkle, twinkle! Follow me!

2. Story

Story Drama: Who Came to See Jesus?

7 min

Acting out Luke 2 and Matthew 2 shows kids that many people came to Jesus, and they can too.

  1. Hand out the roles (tap Roles in Teach Mode). Extra kids are more Sheep or more Shepherds.
  2. SAY“We are extra gentle with Baby Jesus.” Mary holds the doll or blanket. No child plays Jesus.
  3. Read each scene and pause for the action. Let readers read the big captions.
  4. You read the angel’s words and Jesus’s words in the last scene.
  5. After scene 7, ask: “Who came to see Jesus?” (Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, wise men!) “You can come to Jesus too.”
🌪️ Scene 4 ends with everyone kneeling quietly at the manger. Use it: whisper the next scene so they have to stay still to hear.

Class screen: 👶 Who came to see Jesus? · Shepherds 🐑 · Simeon and Anna 👵 · Wise men 🐫

3. Wiggle break

Shepherds, Sheep and Camels

2 min

A fast calling game gets wiggles out and reviews who came to Jesus.

  1. SAY“When I call a word, turn into it!”
  2. “Shepherds!” (run in place) · “Sheep!” (baa and crawl) · “Camels!” (big slow steps) · “Angels!” (arms wide, stand tall) · “Star!” (twinkle fingers) · “Manger!” (freeze, Baby Jesus is sleeping: shhh).
  3. Speed up, then slow down. End on “Manger!” so everyone is frozen and quiet.
🌪️ Use Freeze Dance music if you like. When the music stops, call “Manger!” and everyone freezes silently.
🧊 Freeze Dance (a class game in the Gospel Sparks app)

Class screen: 🐑 Shepherds! Sheep! Camels! Manger! · 🧑‍🌾 🐑 🐫 👼 ⭐

4. Scripture

Grow Like Jesus: Luke 2:52

3 min

Four big motions teach that Jesus grew up in every way, and kids can grow like Him.

  1. Show the verse. Ask a reader to read it slowly while little ones echo.
  2. Teach the motions. Say it together, starting small on the floor and ending tall.
  3. Ask for one idea for each: “How can you grow in wisdom?” (read, learn) “In stature?” (eat good food, sleep) “With God?” (pray, take the sacrament) “With people?” (be kind, share).
  4. SAY“Jesus was once a child just like you. You can grow like Him every day.”

Class screen: 📏 Grow like Jesus! · Wisdom 🧠 · Stature 📏 · With God 🙏 · With people 🤝 · Luke 2:52

5. Object lesson

The Best Gift for Jesus

3 min

A mirror in a gift box shows kids that the best gift they can give Jesus is themselves.

  1. Hold up the box. Say: “The wise men gave Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh. Inside this box is the best gift anyone can give Jesus. Don’t say what you see!”
  2. Let each child peek in one at a time and keep the secret.
  3. When everyone has peeked, ask: “What did you see?” (Me!)
  4. SAY“The best gift you can give Jesus is you: your heart, your kind choices, your prayers. When you’re baptized, you give Him your promise to follow Him.”
  5. Ask: “What is one thing you can give Jesus this week?”
🌪️ Hold the box yourself while each child peeks, so it doesn’t get grabbed or dropped.

Class screen: 🎁 The best gift for Jesus is… me!

No supplies? Do this instead

Instead of: A small box or gift bag with a hand mirror inside (wrap it if you can)

The Invisible Gift

  1. Cup your hands together like a closed gift box. Say: “The wise men gave Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh. Inside my hands is the best gift anyone can give Jesus.”
  2. Everyone makes their own gift box with their hands. On three, open your hands and look at the friend next to you.
  3. Ask: “Who did you see?” (A friend!) “And who is your friend looking at?” (Me!)
  4. SAY“The best gift you can give Jesus is you: your heart, your kind choices, your prayers. When you’re baptized, you give Him your promise to follow Him.”

Class screen: 🎁 The best gift for Jesus is… me!

6. Game

Forehead Guess: Bethlehem Edition

3 min

A Heads Up–style game reviews the story with easy picture words.

  1. Tap Forehead Guess. One child holds your phone or tablet on their forehead with the screen facing the class.
  2. Classmates give clues or act it out without saying the word. The picture helps pre-readers.
  3. Tilt down for “got it,” up to pass. About 30 seconds per guesser.
  4. Pair younger guessers with an older buddy.
🌪️ Animal words are easy to act out: baa like a sheep, bump along like a camel, hee-haw like a donkey.
▶ Play Forehead Guess on the web

Class screen: 🤔 Forehead Guess! · Give clues. Don’t say the word!

7. Talk it over

Talk It Over

2 min

Kids think about how they can come to Jesus and worship Him like the people in the story.

  1. Tap Name Spinner to pick who answers each question.
  2. Little ones can point, act or show with their hands.
  3. Share your own answer to one question.
💬 Ask the class
  • Who was your favorite person who came to see Jesus? Why?
  • The shepherds hurried to Jesus. How can we come to Jesus today?
  • How can you show Jesus you love Him at church?
  • Jesus was once a child. What is one way you can grow like Him?
🎡 Name Spinner (a class game in the Gospel Sparks app)

Class screen: 💬 Let’s talk!

8. Testimony

Kneel Like the Shepherds

2 min

End quiet and reverent, like the shepherds and wise men kneeling by Jesus.

  1. Invite everyone to kneel or sit very still, like the shepherds at the manger.
  2. Hum or softly sing “Away in a Manger” (Children’s Songbook, 42).
  3. Share a short testimony: Jesus was born to be our Savior. He grew up, and He loves each child here.
  4. Invite a child to say the closing prayer.

Class screen: 🧎 We came to worship Him. · Jesus is my Savior 💛

9. Game

Scripture Showdown

5 minBONUS

A team quiz reviews the lesson if you have extra time.

  1. Split into two teams with readers and little ones on each. Tap Scripture Showdown.
  2. Read every question and choice out loud for the pre-readers.
  3. Teams whisper together, then point to an answer. Tap the team that got it right.
▶ Play Scripture Showdown on the web

Class screen: 🏆 Scripture Showdown!

10. Craft

Star Craft

5 minBONUS

Kids make a star that reminds them to come to Jesus like the wise men did.

  1. Each child draws a big star on paper and colors it (help little ones trace one).
  2. In the middle, readers write “Come to Jesus.” Little ones draw something they can give Jesus: a heart, praying hands, a helping hand.
  3. Take it home and hang it where the family will see it.

Class screen: ⭐ Make a star!

No supplies? Do this instead

Instead of: Paper and crayons for the bonus Star Craft

Draw & Guess: Bethlehem

  1. Tap Draw & Guess. One child draws a word from the story on your phone or tablet.
  2. The class guesses. Whoever guesses right draws next.
  3. Whisper the word to pre-readers so they can draw too.

Class screen: 🖍️ Draw it! Guess it!

Story drama

Who Came to See Jesus?

Luke 2:1–20, 25–38, 40–52; Matthew 2:1–12 ↗

Parts to hand out

  • MaryTravels to Bethlehem, lays Baby Jesus (the doll or blanket) in the manger and holds Him gently.
  • JosephWalks beside Mary, knocks on doors, and later searches for twelve-year-old Jesus.
  • AngelStands tall with arms wide and says, “Good news!” The teacher reads the angel’s full message.
  • ShepherdsSleep by their sheep, get a big surprise, then run to find Jesus and kneel.
  • SheepBaa softly, follow the shepherds and lie down quietly by the manger.
  • Simeon and AnnaTwo very old friends at the temple who fold their hands, smile and thank God when they see Baby Jesus.
  • Wise MenRide pretend camels slowly, follow the star, and kneel to give gifts.
  • The StarHolds twinkle fingers up high and walks slowly to lead the wise men.

Scenes

  1. 🫏🛣️ A long trip to Bethlehem

    The ruler of the land told everyone to go to their family’s hometown to be counted. So Joseph and Mary took a long, dusty trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Mary was going to have a baby very soon.

    🎬 Mary and Joseph walk slowly in place. Everyone else goes “clip-clop” like a donkey.

  2. 🚪🌾 No room! A manger bed

    Bethlehem was full of people. There was no room for them in the inn. When Jesus was born, Mary wrapped Him in soft cloths and laid Him in a manger, a wooden box where animals eat hay.

    🎬 Joseph knocks on three pretend doors; everyone shakes their head: “No room!” Mary gently lays the doll or blanket down.

  3. 🐑👼 An angel visits the shepherds

    That night, shepherds were out in the fields with their sheep. Suddenly an angel came, and bright light shone all around! The angel said, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.” A Savior was born in Bethlehem! Then the whole sky filled with angels praising God.

    🎬 Shepherds and Sheep pretend to sleep, then jump up surprised and cover their eyes from the bright light. The Angel says, “Good news!”

  4. 🏃🐑 The shepherds hurry to Jesus

    The shepherds said, “Let’s go see!” They hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus lying in the manger, just like the angel said. Then they told everyone they met about Him.

    🎬 Shepherds and Sheep run in place, then tiptoe to the manger and kneel very quietly.

  5. 🏛️👵 Simeon and Anna meet Baby Jesus

    When Jesus was still a tiny baby, Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple. An old man named Simeon had been promised by the Holy Ghost that he would see the Savior. He held Baby Jesus and thanked God. A very old woman named Anna, who prayed at the temple day and night, thanked God too.

    🎬 Simeon and Anna fold their hands, smile big and say, “Thank you, Heavenly Father!”

  6. ⭐🐫 Wise men follow a new star

    Far away in the east, wise men saw a bright new star. They knew it meant a new King had been born. They traveled a long, long way on camels, saying, “We have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

    🎬 The Star walks slowly with twinkle fingers. The Wise Men ride pretend camels behind it, bumpy and slow.

  7. 🎁🏠 Gifts for young Jesus

    The star led them to the house where young Jesus lived with Mary. The wise men were so happy! They knelt down and worshipped Him and gave Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. A jealous king wanted to hurt Jesus, but Heavenly Father warned the wise men and Joseph in dreams, and Jesus was kept safe.

    🎬 The Wise Men kneel and hold out pretend gifts. Everyone else kneels too and folds their arms.

  8. 📏🌱 Jesus grows up

    Jesus grew up in the town of Nazareth. He grew taller and stronger. He learned and grew wiser. He grew closer to Heavenly Father, and He was a good friend to people.

    🎬 Everyone starts crouched small and slowly grows up tall, tall, tall!

  9. 🏛️📜 Twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple

    When Jesus was twelve, His family went to Jerusalem. On the way home, Mary and Joseph couldn’t find Him! They searched for three days and found Him in the temple, listening to the teachers and asking questions. The teacher reads what Jesus said: “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Jesus was already doing Heavenly Father’s work.

    🎬 Mary and Joseph search with hands over their eyes, then say, “There He is!” Everyone else sits like the temple teachers and listens carefully.

Key verse

Luke 2:52 ↗
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
In kid words: Jesus grew smarter, grew taller, grew closer to Heavenly Father, and was a good friend to people.
🙌 “And Jesus increased” = start crouched and grow up tall · “in wisdom” = tap your head · “and stature” = stretch up high on your tiptoes · “and in favour with God” = point up, then fold your arms · “and man” = wave or high-five a friend.

More verses

Luke 2:11 ↗
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
In kid words: Today in Bethlehem your Savior was born. He is Christ the Lord!
Matthew 2:2 ↗
“we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him”
In kid words: We saw His star, and we came to worship Him!
Luke 2:16 ↗
“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”
In kid words: The shepherds hurried and found Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus in the manger.
Luke 2:49 ↗
“wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”
In kid words: Didn’t you know I need to be doing Heavenly Father’s work?

Forehead Guess words16 words

  • ⭐ Star
  • 🐑 Sheep
  • 🧑‍🌾 Shepherd
  • 👼 Angel
  • 🌾 Manger
  • 🐫 Camel
  • 🎁 Wise Men
  • 🪙 Gold
  • 👑 King
  • 🫏 Donkey
  • 👶 Baby
  • 🏛️ Temple
  • 📏 Grow
  • 🏘️ Bethlehem
  • 🧎 Kneel
  • 🏨 Inn
Clues for each word
  • Star: It twinkles in the sky and led the wise men
  • Sheep: Baa! A fluffy animal
  • Shepherd: Takes care of sheep
  • Angel: Told the shepherds the good news
  • Manger: A hay box where Baby Jesus slept
  • Camel: A tall animal with a hump
  • Wise Men: They brought gifts to young Jesus
  • Gold: A shiny gift for a king
  • King: He wears a crown
  • Donkey: Hee-haw! An animal with long ears
  • Baby: Jesus was born as one
  • Temple: Simeon and Anna met Jesus here
  • Grow: Get taller and bigger
  • Bethlehem: The little town where Jesus was born
  • Kneel: Get down on your knees to pray
  • Inn: “No room here!” Mary and Joseph couldn’t stay there
▶ Play Forehead GuessFull screen, 60-second timer, works on any phone.

Scripture Showdown8 questions

  1. Where was Baby Jesus born?
    • A. A castle 🏰
    • B. Bethlehem 🏘️
    • C. A boat ⛵
    Show answer

    ✅ B. Bethlehem 🏘️ Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, and Jesus was born there.

  2. Where did Mary lay Baby Jesus?
    • A. In a manger 🌾
    • B. In a car seat 🚗
    • C. In a tree 🌳
    Show answer

    ✅ A. In a manger 🌾 There was no room in the inn, so He slept in a manger.

  3. Who told the shepherds the good news?
    • A. A cow 🐄
    • B. A mailman 📬
    • C. An angel 👼
    Show answer

    ✅ C. An angel 👼 An angel said a Savior was born, and then the sky filled with angels.

  4. What did the shepherds do after the angels left?
    • A. Went back to sleep 😴
    • B. Hurried to find Jesus 🏃
    • C. Ate lunch 🥪
    Show answer

    ✅ B. Hurried to find Jesus 🏃 They came quickly and found Baby Jesus, just like the angel said.

  5. What led the wise men to Jesus?
    • A. A map 🗺️
    • B. A dog 🐕
    • C. A star ⭐
    Show answer

    ✅ C. A star ⭐ A bright new star showed them the way.

  6. What did the wise men give Jesus?
    • A. Gold and other gifts 🪙
    • B. Toys and candy 🧸
    • C. Nothing at all 🚫
    Show answer

    ✅ A. Gold and other gifts 🪙 Gold, frankincense and myrrh: gifts for a King!

  7. Who held Baby Jesus at the temple and thanked God?
    • A. King Herod 👑
    • B. Simeon 👴
    • C. A shepherd 🧑‍🌾
    Show answer

    ✅ B. Simeon 👴 The Holy Ghost promised Simeon he would see the Savior, and he did!

  8. What is the best gift we can give Jesus?
    • A. Money 💵
    • B. A cake 🎂
    • C. Ourselves: our hearts and choices 💛
    Show answer

    ✅ C. Ourselves: our hearts and choices 💛 Jesus wants our love, our prayers and our kind choices.

▶ Play Scripture ShowdownTeams take turns on one screen.

Songs

  • Stars Were Gleaming Children’s Songbook, p. 37

    Sing it after the Follow the Star hook. Find it ↗

  • Away in a Manger Children’s Songbook, p. 42

    Little ones know it well. Use it for the quiet testimony at the end. Find it ↗

  • Jesus Once Was a Little Child Children’s Songbook, p. 55

    Jesus grew up just like them, which goes with Luke 2:52. Find it ↗

This week’s challenge

A Gift for Jesus

This week, give Jesus a gift every day: say a prayer, help someone, share a toy, or be reverent at church. Tell your family about the shepherds and the wise men who came to see Jesus.

Text the parents

Today in Primary we acted out Luke 2 and Matthew 2: shepherds hurried to the manger, Simeon and Anna met Baby Jesus at the temple, and wise men followed a star. We learned Luke 2:52, that Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and with God and people. Ask your child: what was in the gift box, and what is the best gift we can give Jesus?

📝 After class

What worked? Who needs a check-in this week? Jot it here on a printed copy, or in the app’s private class notes.

Got extra time?

📏 Grow Chart · 4 min

  1. Tape a long strip of paper to the wall. Mark each child’s height and write their name.
  2. SAY“You grow in stature, like Jesus! You can grow in wisdom, with God and with people too.”
  3. Ask each child to name one way they’ll grow like Jesus this week.

🔎 Lost and Found · 4 min

  1. Hide a small picture of the temple (or a paper with a temple drawn on it) somewhere in the room.
  2. Kids search like Mary and Joseph searched for twelve-year-old Jesus. Say “warmer” or “colder.”
  3. When it’s found, say: “Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple, doing His Father’s work. We can do Heavenly Father’s work too, by helping and being kind.”

📜 Prophets Knew! · 3 min

  1. SAY“Long before Jesus was born, prophets said He would come.” Read Isaiah 9:6 to the class.
  2. Tell how Samuel the Lamanite, in the Book of Mormon, said a new star would appear (Helaman 14:5).
  3. Ask: “Did it come true?” (Yes!) “Prophets teach us true things today too. We can listen to the living prophet.”

Sources

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version, the Bible used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tap or click a reference to open it in Gospel Library. Start with the official Come, Follow Me manual; these ideas are here to help it come alive.

All CTR 4–7 lessons