Children’s sermons for Christmas come with many possible object lessons. Just think of all the symbols from the holidays! Yet because the season is bursting with excitement, kids also tend to get distracted.
The good news? Brief yet powerful children’s sermons for Christmas can cut through the noise. As a children’s pastor or Sunday school teacher, you can help kids grasp the true meaning of Christmas.
First let’s consider ways to make Christmas children’s messages land with listeners of every age. Then we’ll dive into a dozen great object lesson ideas.
Reach Kids of All Ages at Christmas
- Keep it visual. You don’t need Pinterest-level props, but you do need something kids can see or touch. A simple object—flashlight, blanket, crown, gift bag—anchors their attention and ties the message together.
- Make the truth bite-sized. Christmas Scriptures can get long and wordy. So zero in on one simple takeaway per message: God keeps his promises. Jesus is the Light. We can share God’s love. Kids retain more when you focus on one core idea.
- Invite participation. Ask questions, let kids guess, let them hold props, or invite them to repeat a short phrase. Interaction turns a listening moment into a learning moment.
- Speak to multiple ages. Use a concrete example for younger kids. Add a slightly deeper spiritual application for older ones.
- Keep Christmas fun, without losing the message. Kids don’t need us to compete with Santa or glitter. They need reminders that Christmas is full of joy, thanks to Jesus.
12 Children’s Sermons for Christmas
Use these creative angles for children’s sermons, worship messages, or mini-devotions in Sunday school. Each includes a theme, object idea, and focus verse.
1. The Light That Never Goes Out
Object: Flashlight or LED candle
Theme: Jesus is the Light of the World
Bible Verse: John 8:12
Turn off or dim the lights. Show how even a tiny light changes everything. Explain that the world was dark with fear and sin. But when Jesus was born, God’s light came into the world—and it can never be shut off.
2. God Keeps His Promises
Object: Gift box with a card inside that reads PROMISE
Theme: Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises
Bible Verse: Isaiah 9:6
Open the gift and read the promise inside. Share how God promised a Savior long before Jesus was born, and God kept that promise. Kids learn that God always follows through.
3. The Greatest Birthday Ever
Object: Birthday hat or balloon
Theme: Celebrating Jesus’ birth
Bible Verse: Luke 2:11
Ask kids whose birthday Christmas celebrates. Talk about how people celebrate Jesus’ birthday by giving gifts, singing, gathering with family, and worshiping. All because God sent his Son into the world!
4. The Shepherds’ Surprise
Object: Toy sheep
Theme: God comes to ordinary people
Bible Verse: Luke 2:8-12
Explain how shepherds weren’t important or fancy. Yet God sent angels to them first. Kids learn that God’s good news is for everyone, not just popular or powerful people.
5. Jesus Came Close
Object: A blanket
Theme: God came near through Jesus
Bible Verse: Matthew 1:23
Wrap the blanket around yourself or a child volunteer. Share that Immanuel means “God with us.” Jesus came as a tiny baby so we would know that God isn’t far away. He is close, comforting, and caring.
6. The Manger Mystery
Object: A small box of hay or straw
Theme: Humility and God’s unexpected plan
Bible Verse: Luke 2:7
Ask kids if they would ever put a newborn baby in an animal feeding box. Why would God let his Son be born in the humblest place? Because Jesus came for every person, rich or poor. God chooses surprising ways to show his love.
