Advent activities for children’s ministry build excitement for Christmas. By focusing on the season’s real meaning, pastors and Sunday school teachers help kids know that Jesus is God’s greatest gift.
During Advent, we wait expectantly for Jesus’ arrival in Bethlehem. We also prepare our hearts for his eventual return. So take Advent activities for children’s ministry beyond countdown calendars. Creatively engage young minds and hearts as they get ready to celebrate Jesus’ birthday!
10 Advent Activities for Children’s Ministry
Adapt these Advent activities for children’s ministry at your church:
1. The Jesse Tree: Following Jesus’ Ancestry
The Jesse Tree is a visual journey through the Bible. It features symbols representing people and events in Jesus’ lineage. Gather branches or a small tree. Then make or collect symbols (like small paper or felt ornaments) for each story you’ll share.
Each day, hang a symbol on the tree and tell a Bible story about a key figure in Jesus’ family. For example, start with Adam and Eve, include Old Testament people like King David, and end with John the Baptist. This activity shows how God keeps his promises throughout history.
Why it works: A Jesse Tree emphasizes God’s plan for salvation, showing how Jesus’ birth connects to a larger story. Kids enjoy watching the tree fill up.
2. Kindness Challenge: Gifts for Jesus
Instead of an Advent calendar with treats, issue a Gifts for Jesus challenge. Each day, kids draw a slip of paper from a jar or open a small envelope containing a kindness activity. Ideas include “Give a hug to a family member,” “Help set the table,” or “Tell someone why you’re grateful for them.”
Encourage kids to see each act as a gift to Jesus, inspired by his love and example. Keep track of acts of kindness on a chart. Or children can create a paper chain of gifts that grows.
Why it works: Kids learn that Christmas isn’t just about receiving. It’s about giving from the heart, just as Jesus gave himself for us.
3. Advent Storybook Time
Gather kid-friendly books about Christmas. Each day or week, read together and discuss the anticipation of Jesus’ birth. Options include:
- The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell
- Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell
- Who Is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate
- Jotham’s Journey by Arnold Ytreeide (for older kids)
Why it works: Storytime encourages curiosity and reflection. Pictures help kids visualize and understand the events of Christmas.
4. Light of the World Craft
Create simple candles to remind kids that Jesus is the Light of the World. You’ll need battery-operated tea lights, small glass jars, tissue paper, and glue. First have kids glue the tissue paper onto jars for a stained-glass effect. After that dries, place the tea light inside. Then have kids “light” their candle each evening to symbolize Jesus’ coming.
During the first week, introduce the Light of the World theme. Discuss what it means to have Jesus’ light in our lives. Each week of Advent, add a new theme like hope, peace, joy, and love.
Why it works: This craft offers a nightly reminder of Jesus’ presence, light, and love.
5. Advent Prayer Stations
Set up Advent prayer stations around the classroom, church, or home. Each represents a theme or part of the Christmas story. Examples include Waiting, Angel’s Message, Bethlehem, and The Manger. At each station, kids engage in a simple activity. They can light a candle, draw a picture, or write a prayer.
As children move from station to station, they experience Christmas interactively. Do this in one session or revisit it weekly.
Why it works: Sensory experiences are ideal for tactile learners.
