The Bible defines the meaning of Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is recognized as the Savior and Son of God (Luke 2:10-11). It teaches children about love, hope, and the gift of salvation, embodying the message of peace and joy brought by Christ’s arrival into the world.
Scripture
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,
25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Understanding Christmas in the Bible for Kids
Understanding the meaning of Christmas for kids encompasses not only the joy of gift-giving and festive celebrations but also the profound spiritual truths found in the Bible. Central to this understanding is the account of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:10-11, which proclaims the arrival of the Savior, anointed to bring salvation and hope to all. This moment signifies God’s immense love for humanity, as articulated in John 3:16, where it emphasizes that God gave His only Son so that we may have eternal life. Teaching children the significance behind this event instills in them an appreciation for the essence of Christmas as a time of celebrating God’s love and grace.
Moreover, the concept of Christmas encourages children to reflect on values like generosity and kindness, mirrored in Acts 20:35, which reminds us that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” By understanding the biblical narrative and its implications, children can learn that Christmas is not merely about receiving gifts but about embodying the love Christ demonstrated throughout His life. In promoting the joy, peace, and humility that accompanied Christ’s birth, as described in Philippians 2:5-7, children can grow to appreciate that the true meaning of Christmas lies in cultivating a spirit of love and service in their communities, following the example set by Jesus Christ.
In addition to the birth narrative of Jesus, understanding Christmas for children can be enriched by exploring the prophetic promises in the Old Testament that foretold His coming. Passages like Isaiah 9:6 speak of a Child being born, a Son given to us, emphasizing that this child would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. By sharing these prophecies, kids can grasp the anticipation and hope that surrounded the coming of Jesus. This deepens their comprehension of why we celebrate Christmas, illustrating that God had a divine plan to reconcile humanity through His Son’s birth, infusing the holiday with a sense of wonder and purpose.
Additionally, the spirit of Christmas is intricately linked to the practice of love and community. Stories from the New Testament, such as those illustrating Jesus’ interactions with others, exemplify the beautiful ways He served and cared for the marginalized. Children can learn the importance of inclusivity and compassion by discussing parables like the Good Samaritan. These narratives reveal that the essence of Christmas is about relationships—both with God and with one another. By emphasizing the value of togetherness, whether through family gatherings, community service, or acts of kindness, children can internalize that the true celebration of Christmas is found in expressing love and joy, fostering a spirit of unity that reflects Christ’s teachings.
The Gift of Love and Generosity
One of the broader meanings of Christmas for kids is the emphasis on love and generosity. The season encourages children to understand the importance of giving to others, reflecting the love that is central to the Christmas story. This can be illustrated through acts of kindness, sharing with those in need, and recognizing the joy that comes from giving rather than receiving. Teaching kids about the spirit of generosity helps them develop empathy and compassion, values that are essential in their growth and development.
The Importance of Family and Community
Christmas also highlights the significance of family and community. For children, this time of year can be a reminder of the importance of coming together with loved ones, celebrating traditions, and creating lasting memories. It teaches them about the value of relationships and the support systems that surround them. By understanding the role of family and community during Christmas, kids can learn to appreciate the bonds they share and the joy that comes from being part of a larger group.
The Hope and Joy of New Beginnings
Another key aspect of Christmas is the theme of hope and new beginnings. For children, this can be a powerful lesson about the potential for change and growth in their own lives. The Christmas story symbolizes the arrival of hope through the birth of a new life, encouraging kids to embrace the idea that every day is an opportunity for renewal and positive change. This understanding can inspire them to set goals, dream big, and approach life with optimism and enthusiasm.
How to Embrace Joy, Giving, Love, and Faith in Life
Embracing joy, giving, love, and faith in our daily lives is a beautiful journey that transforms not only our hearts but also the world around us. Start by cultivating a spirit of gratitude; take a moment each day to reflect on the blessings in your life, no matter how small, and let that gratitude blossom into joy. When you give—whether it’s your time, resources, or a listening ear—you not only uplift others but also deepen your own sense of purpose and connection. Love, in its purest form, is an active choice; practice it by being present and compassionate, even in challenging situations. Finally, nurture your faith through prayer, scripture, and community, allowing it to guide you and provide strength during life’s trials. Remember, it’s in these simple yet profound acts that we truly embody the essence of Christ’s teachings, creating a ripple effect of positivity and hope in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Bible References to Christmas Meaning for Kids:
Luke 2:1-20: 2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.
10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Isaiah 9:6-7: 6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
John 1:1-14: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.
8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.
11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Matthew 2:1-12: Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,
2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;
4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”
9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Galatians 4:4-7: 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Micah 5:2-5: 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth.
5 And he shall be their peace.
Isaiah 7:14: 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Philippians 2:5-11: 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Romans 5:6-11: 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—
8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
1 John 4:9-14: In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
Titus 3:4-7: 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.