A Christmas message for children’s church is a wonderful way to share the gospel with kids and families. Despite the secularization of Christmas, many people have awareness and curiosity about spiritual matters this time of year. So use the season to share Bible-based Christmas illustrations with young listeners.
Children form many memories at Christmas that stick with them for life. I’m sure you remember important lessons from your childhood Christmas experiences. It’s so important to teach kids the true meaning of Christmas. Plus, you can equip parents with stories, object lessons, and Christmas illustrations they can share at home.
One of the best ways to help children remember biblical truth is to tie it into something they’re already familiar with. Each Christmas message for children’s church below uses familiar items to teach God’s truth. These will stick in kids’ long-term memory. Then each Christmas, even into adulthood, when they see that object they’ll remember what you taught.
Each Christmas message for children’s church below is Bible-based and versatile. Use these during worship services and Sunday school classes. They also work well for family devotions and dinners, Christmas Eve services, Christmas morning, and more.
Christmas Message for Children’s Church
1. The First Christmas Tree Lights
Martin Luther, who led the Protestant Reformation in Germany in the 1500s, was the first person to add lighted candles to Christmas trees. He did so to represent Christ, the Light of the world.
Luther wanted to point people to Jesus. Jesus says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
2. The Christmas Candy Cane
According to legend, a candy maker created the candy cane in the 18th century. He wanted to share the true meaning of Christmas with local children. He prayed and asked God to help him find a way to do this. That prayer led him to an idea—the candy cane.
- He made the candy cane in the shape of a shepherd’s staff to show kids that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. (Psalm 23:1; John 10:11; Isaiah 40:11)
- If you hold the candy cane upside down, it forms the letter “J,” for Jesus. (Isaiah 9:6)
- The candy maker chose hard candy to remind children that Jesus is our rock. Jesus is dependable and strong. (Psalm 31:3)
- The red stripes on the candy cane symbolize the crucifixion and blood that Jesus shed for our sins. By Jesus’ stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
- The candy cane is white to represent the purity of Jesus. He was sinless. (1 John 1:7)
- Finally, the candy maker gave away the candy canes as a gift. He wanted kids to understand that salvation is a free gift from God. (John 3:16)
