Christmas has always been full of wonder. Lights sparkle in the darkness, songs fill the air, and children can hardly wait for presents under the tree. But as parents and teachers, we have the privilege of helping little hearts remember what this season is truly about.
It is about Jesus.
In the rush of shopping lists, school programs, and classroom crafts, it is easy to let the story of Christ’s birth become just one small part of Christmas. Yet teaching children about Jesus during this season is one of the greatest gifts we can offer them. It helps them see that the joy we celebrate is not just about gifts or glitter, but about the Savior who came to bring hope to the world.
Children naturally connect Christmas with excitement and joy. When we anchor that joy in Jesus, it takes root in something eternal. Reading stories that center on the birth of Christ helps them see the beauty of His coming in ways they can hold onto and understand.
Here are a few of my favorite picture books that beautifully tell the story of Jesus’ birth and help children experience the wonder of Christmas in a meaningful way:
A Very Noisy Christmas by Tim Thornborough A lively and interactive retelling of the Nativity story that invites children to join in with sounds and excitement as the good news of Jesus’ birth spreads.
God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren Through the gentle story of a curious cub and her mother, this book shows how God gave us Christmas as a reminder of His love and His presence with us.
Who Is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate Told from the perspective of animals preparing the stable for baby Jesus, this sweet, rhythmic story reminds children that even the smallest acts of preparation can honor God.
The King of Christmas by Todd R. Hains A beautifully illustrated story that helps children understand that Jesus is the true King, born not in a palace but in a manger, showing that God’s love reaches every corner of the world.
If you teach preschoolers or kindergarteners in December, the Christmas story can become part of your literacy lessons too. Connecting letter learning with the story of Jesus gives every letter meaning and purpose.
J is for Jesus – Read J Is for Jesus by Crystal Bowman. Talk about how Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Make candy cane crafts and explain how the candy cane’s shape reminds us of a shepherd’s staff.
K is for King – Read The King of Christmas. Discuss what makes Jesus the true King and let children decorate paper crowns that say “Jesus is King.”
L is for Lion – Read There’s a Lion in My Nativity! and talk about how Christmas can surprise us, just like the story. Let children color or draw lions and stables to show how joy and excitement filled that first Christmas night.
M is for Manger – Read M Is for Manger. Have children build simple manger scenes from popsicle sticks while you talk about the humble place where Jesus was born.
N is for Nativity – Revisit There’s a Lion in My Nativity! and talk about what a nativity scene shows us. Encourage children to retell the Christmas story in their own words using pictures, props, or felt pieces.
Whether you are reading with your children at home or teaching in a classroom, every story, song, and conversation can point back to Jesus. Children remember the stories we share with them, especially the ones filled with wonder, hope, and truth.
This Christmas, may our homes and classrooms overflow with reminders of the greatest story ever told: the story of Jesus, the Savior who came near so that we might know God’s love.
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.— John 1:14
Grace in the Disarray 