⭐ Nativity bingo for Sunday school

How to play Nativity bingo

Nativity bingo retells the Christmas story from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, one word at a time. The list covers the people (Mary, Joseph, the angel Gabriel, the shepherds, the Wise Men, King Herod), the places (Nazareth, Bethlehem, the stable and the manger), the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and well-known lines such as "Do not be afraid" and "Good news of great joy". It also includes the four Advent themes of hope, peace, joy and love. A few squares, like the camel and the stable, come from tradition and nativity scenes rather than the Bible text, which makes a nice talking point with older kids. It suits Sunday school, a church Christmas party, a children's program rehearsal or a family Advent evening.

1. Read or tell the story first: Luke 1:26–38 and 2:1–20, then Matthew 2:1–12.
2. Print a card for each child and use small stars or cotton balls as markers.
3. Call words with the caller. For each one, ask a child where it fits in the story.
4. The first full line wins, and the winner retells the story using the words in their line.

Tips for a better game

• Young children do best with 3×3 cards and the picture-friendly words: star, sheep, donkey, manger, angel.
• Doing an Advent series? Play a new round each Sunday and focus on that week's theme word.
• Your tradition may use different words, such as Magi or Three Kings. Edit the word box to match.