Christmas object lessons abound, with many options for teachable moments. From shimmering lights to wrapped presents, every holiday decoration and tradition can point kids toward Jesus.
When you use simple, everyday items to teach spiritual truths, kids’ eyes light up. Visuals will stick in their hearts long after the Christmas season ends.
Why Object Lessons Work Well at Christmas
Children connect faith with experiences. They might forget an entire Sunday school lesson, but they’ll remember the glowing candle that showed how Jesus’ light never goes out. Or the cookie cutter that reminded them God is shaping their hearts.
Christmas object lessons don’t just teach facts about the Nativity. They create wonder and encourage discovery. The lessons help kids grasp that God’s love is real.
So don’t be afraid to get creative! Use everyday Christmas items to reveal Immanuel, “God with us.” Turn every object into a window to the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus, the greatest gift of all.
Tips for Using Christmas Object Lessons
- Keep it age-appropriate. Preschoolers love hands-on play. Preteens enjoy thought-provoking discussions.
- Engage the senses. When possible, let kids touch, smell, hear, and even taste.
- Repeat the “why.” After every visual or prop, tie it back to Jesus. Remind kids, “This shows us how much God loves us!”
- Spark imagination. Ask open-ended questions like, “What if you were there the night Jesus was born?”
- Involve families. Send home a note or Family Challenge connected to the lesson. Then parents can keep the conversation going at home.
14 Christmas Object Lessons for Sunday School
Below are 14 attention-grabbing Christmas object lessons for preschoolers through preteens. Each connects to a Christmas-themed Bible passage and reminds children that Jesus came to bring life, love, and light.
1. The Wrapping Paper Surprise
Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:15 – “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
Object: A beautifully wrapped box with nothing inside
Lesson: We often get excited about shiny packages, but God’s greatest gift came in a humble way. Baby Jesus slept in a manger! The wrapping wasn’t fancy, but the gift was priceless.
Kid Connection: Let kids unwrap the empty box. Then talk about how God looks at what’s inside—our hearts—not outward appearances.
2. The Candy Cane Reminder
Bible Passage: Matthew 1:21
Object: Candy canes
Lesson: The red stripes represent Jesus’ sacrifice. White stands for his purity. The hook shape represents a shepherd’s staff. Turn the candy cane upside down, and you’ll see a “J” for Jesus!
Kid Connection: Give each child a candy cane. Talk about how Jesus washes away our sins and leads us like a shepherd.
3. Light in the Darkness
Bible Passage: John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world.”
Object: A flashlight or candle in a darkened room
Lesson: When you turn on the light, darkness disappears. Jesus came to chase away sin and sadness, lighting the way for us to follow him.
Kid Connection: Let each child hold a small candle or glow stick as a reminder to shine for Jesus this Christmas.
4. The Christmas Cookie Cutter
Bible Passage: Romans 8:29
Object: Cookie cutters and dough
Lesson: When we follow Jesus, God shapes us to be more like his Son. Likewise, cookie cutters shape dough into special forms.
Kid Connection: Bake or decorate cookies together. Then discuss how God molds our hearts to reflect Jesus’ love and kindness.
5. The Snowflake Story
Bible Passage: Psalm 139:14
Object: Snowflakes (real or paper)
Lesson: No two snowflakes are the same. God created each one of us unique, with beauty and purpose.
Kid Connection: Have kids make paper snowflakes and share one thing that makes them special in God’s eyes.
6. Ornament of Grace
Bible Passage: Luke 2:10-11
Object: Christmas ornaments
Lesson: We hang ornaments to make a tree beautiful. Jesus came to make our hearts beautiful with his forgiveness.
Kid Connection: Give each child a plain ornament to decorate with words or pictures showing what Jesus means to them.
7. Gift Bag Mystery
Bible Passage: John 3:16
Object: A gift bag filled with unexpected items (e.g., rock, tissue, cross, heart)
Lesson: Discuss how each item represents God’s love, Jesus’ sacrifice, or our faith. Remind kids that God’s gift isn’t what people expected but is exactly what we needed.
Kid Connection: Before revealing each symbol, let kids guess what’s inside.
