Christmas craft ideas for children’s ministry teach about Jesus’ birth in fun, hands-on ways. Crafts are an excellent way to make Bible lessons meaningful and memorable. Whether you teach preschoolers or older kids, crafting reinforces the Christmas story through creativity and joy.
Crafts are an interactive way to capture children’s attention. Tactile, visual, and creative experiences help kids retain Bible lessons. By making a craft related to the nativity story, children engage with Scripture. Christmas craft ideas for children’s ministry also serve as take-home reminders. Parents can use the projects to reinforce messages at home.
5 Christmas Craft Ideas for Children’s Ministry
These Christmas craft ideas bring the nativity to life for children. So use these tips to make crafts manageable for younger kids and meaningful for older ones.
1. Nativity Scene Ornaments
Materials: Clear plastic ornaments, shredded paper (for hay), ribbon, nativity stickers, glitter, and glue.
Instructions: Fill the ornament with “hay.” Seal it, then tie a ribbon for hanging. Decorate the outside with stickers and glitter.
Tip for Younger Kids: Pre-cut the shredded paper and provide easy-to-peel stickers.
Tip for Older Kids: They can write a Bible verse or prayer on a paper slip and include it in the ornament.
2. Handprint Manger Scene
Materials: Construction paper, brown paper bags, paint, markers, and glitter.
Instructions: Use brown paper to create a manger shape. Have children dip their hands in =paint to create “hay” handprints inside the manger. Then add a small cut-out of baby Jesus and decorate the scene with stars and angels.
Tip for Younger Kids: Ask volunteers to assist with handprints and clean-up.
Tip for Older Kids: Let them create a detailed background, with Bethlehem scenery or a starry sky.
3. Star of Bethlehem Glow Lanterns
Materials: Mason jars, battery-operated tea lights, yellow tissue paper, star stickers, and glue.
Instructions: Have kids glue yellow tissue paper around the jar. Add star stickers. Then place a tea light inside to create a lantern symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
Tip for Younger Kids: For easier handling, pre-cut tissue paper squares.
Tip for Older Kids: Challenge them to add details about the star or wise men.
4. Good News Scrolls
Materials: Parchment paper, craft sticks, ribbon, and markers.
Instructions: Have children write Luke 2:10-11 (“I bring you good news…”) or another angelic message on parchment. Roll it up and tie it with ribbon to create a scroll.
Tip for Younger Kids: Provide templates with the verse written in dotted lines. Then children can trace it.
Tip for Older Kids: Have them decorate scrolls with angel illustrations. Or they can create personalized messages to share the Gospel.
5. Christmas Card Outreach
Materials: Cardstock, craft supplies (stickers, markers, stamps, etc.), and envelopes.
Instructions: Children design cards that share the message of Jesus’ birth. Then they can distribute cards to family members, neighbors, or homebound congregants.
Tip for Younger Kids: Provide pre-printed images for coloring.
Tip for Older Kids: Have them add a Christmas greeting or Bible verse.
Tips for Crafting with Different Age Groups
For Younger Children (Preschool-Kindergarten)
- Keep it simple! Limit crafts to just a few steps.
- Prepare materials. Pre-cut shapes and pre-measure supplies. Organize all materials for quick assembly.
- Focus on sensory elements. For more interactivity, use textured items.
- Be hands-on. Provide guidance and assistance, as needed.
