the shepherd’s story - loyola press

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Help the shepherd find his

way to the stable.

© Loyola Press. All rights reserved. | www.loyolapress.com | 800-621-1008

The Shepherd’s StoryMAZE

Merry Christmas! Illustration from the bookThe Shepherd’s Story by Jimmy Dunne

www.loyolapress.com © Loyola Press. All rights reserved.

“How blessed are we all,that one child was born,How blessed are we all

on this great Christmas morn!”

—The Shepherd’s Story by Jimmy Dunne

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!

By Jimmy DunneIllustrated by Ivan Kravets

Shepherd’s StoryThe

Illustration from the bookThe Shepherd’s Story by Jimmy Dunne

www.loyolapress.com © Loyola Press. All rights reserved.







Make an ornament featuring art from The Shepherd’s Story by Jimmy Dunne.


The Shepherd’s StoryORNAMENT

1. Cut the dotted lines with scissors.

2. Pre-fold the tabs and the four sides of the pyramid.

3. Spread glue on the tabs.

4. Fold the pyramid sides together to meet and press the tabs to glue sides together.

5. Attach a string or ornament hook to the top so you can add it to your tree or use as a decoration on Christmas gifts.


© Loyola Press. All rights reserved. | www.loyolapress.com | 800-621-1008© Loyola Press. All rights reserved. | www.loyolapress.com | 800-621-1008

IMAGINE You Are ThereImagine yourself in Bethlehem with the shepherd from The Shepherd’s Story. Use all of your

senses to create the scene in your mind. Record some of your imaginings below.

What do you see?

What do you hear?

What do you feel?

What do you smell?

What do you taste?


Guided Reflection on The Shepherd’s Story


Everyone has an imagination. Let’s use ours today to grow closer to God.

Look closely at page 25 in The Shepherd’s Story. What words come to mind as you look at the shepherd holding Jesus? What else do you notice about this picture?

When Jesus was born, cameras hadn’t been invented yet, so there are no photographs of Jesus. Artists use their imaginations, and here, the illustrator drew Mary and Joseph wide-eyed and joyful. It’s completely OK if you don’t picture them like this at all. God gave us our imaginations, and they’re especially important to our prayer. God often uses them to suggest ideas to us.

Let’s get ready to imagine holding the baby Jesus. First, let’s quiet ourselves and close our eyes. Keep them closed, and listen to your breathing. (Pause.) Take a slow, deep breath in. (Pause.) Then slowly and silently breathe out. (Pause.) Breathe in and out, in and out. (Pause.) Come, Holy Spirit. (Repeat.)

Imagine yourself standing near the manger. You can smell animals. Their bodies are keeping it nice and warm for Jesus. Mother Mary smiles and invites you to come closer to Jesus. How do you feel? Excited? Hesitant? Nervous? Something else? (Pause.)

Note to reflection leader: Read the book The Shepherd’s Story by Jimmy Dunne and illustrated by Ivan Kravets. Discuss the story with the children. Then take some time to lead this guided reflection based on the story. Adjust the pauses as you see the children respond and as the Holy Spirit makes the pace clear to you.




Jesus starts fussing, as babies do, and Mary picks him up. He quiets again, and Mary offers Jesus to you. You bravely take the baby into your arms. If you never held a baby before, don’t worry. Mary stands nearby, making sure you have support to safely hold her Son. Move your arms as if you’re actually holding a small baby. (Pause.)

Jesus’ little body feels fragile through the soft blanket. You realize that Jesus, like any baby, depends completely upon his parents for everything. What a mystery that God chose to come to earth this way. (Pause.)

Listen! Imagine hearing his quiet breathing. It’s a peace-filled moment. (Pause.) Maybe you hear faint music from angels who hover around the manger. All around is joy.

A cow moos, and Jesus is startled. Hold Jesus a little tighter. Gently rock him. Jesus looks right into your face, which is a few inches from his. Jesus is looking at you. (Pause.) You’re not anxious about anything. Let your body rock and relax.

You are holding God as a human baby. Imagine that the baby’s warmth is moving into you as love. (Pause.) You become aware that every human life is blessed and precious from the beginning, including yours. All is calm.

You probably have questions. Ask God to help you with answers. (Pause.)

Mary says, “My Son will need your help to show love to the people in your life.” What might you say to Mary? (Pause.)

Mary tells you that she knows some people are hard to love. People around us may not love us as well as we want them to. “Don’t worry,” she says. “Jesus will help you learn how to love more, and better.”




Spend a few moments thinking about how God loved you first. (Pause.) God always loves. God loves so much that he became human as a child like you.

You may wish to tell Jesus that you love him. (Pause.)

Jesus grew up and did so much good. By his life, Jesus shows how God wants us to live our lives. Think about how you might respond to God’s invitation to do good. (Pause.) God lets you choose. And God depends upon you.

Is there anything you would like to say to Jesus? (Pause.)

Take a moment to ask Jesus to help you never leave God’s side.

It’s time to give the baby back to his mother. But remember that God never leaves you.

Before opening your eyes, thank God for this special prayer time. (Pause.) Know that you can visit Jesus in your imagination anytime.

Slowly, think about where you are sitting right now. Take a few breaths, and when you feel ready, open your eyes. Stretch if you’d like.

Join the angels by saying aloud, “Glory to God in the highest!”


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the shepherd’s story - loyola press

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