This Christmas Bible word search hides 18 words from the nativity story in Luke 1-2 and Matthew 1-2: Mary and Joseph, the angel Gabriel, the shepherds, the manger in Bethlehem and the wise men's gifts. Play it right here (drag across a word to circle it, which works on phones), or print it with a separate answer key for Sunday and Sabbath School, kids' church or a Christmas party.
Read it first
Read Luke 2:1-20 aloud before you hand out the puzzle. It takes about three minutes, and most of the easy and medium words are in it. Save Matthew 2:1-12 for the kids who finish early: that's where the star, the wise men, gold, frankincense and myrrh come in.
Talk about it while they search
- The angel told the shepherds "do not be afraid." Why do you think they were scared?
- Jesus was laid in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. Why might God choose such a plain place for his Son?
- Immanuel means "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). What does it mean that God came to be with us?
Christmas party tip
Print the Easy level for younger kids and the Hard level for older ones, and give everyone the same five-minute timer. Every word found earns a turn to place a figure in the nativity set.
Questions teachers ask
What ages is this Christmas Bible word search for?
Easy (10 by 10, across and down only, 8 words) works from about age 6. Medium adds Bethlehem, Savior, Glory and Peace with diagonal words, for ages 8 to 10. Hard has all 18 words, including frankincense and myrrh, in a 15 by 15 grid with backwards words.
Is there an answer key?
Yes. Press Print and the answer key prints on a second page, matched to the level you picked. Untick it to print the puzzle on its own.
Can I print copies for my whole class?
Yes. It's free for church, classroom and home use, and there's no sign-up. Press New puzzle to print a second version with the words in different places.
Are the wise men in the Christmas story in Luke?
No. Luke 2 tells about the shepherds and the manger. The wise men, the star and the gold, frankincense and myrrh come from Matthew 2. The puzzle includes both, so it's a good moment to show kids that the Christmas story comes from two Gospels.
Topics: Jesus