As Christmas approaches, Advent is a beautiful time to help children focus on the true meaning of the season. The four themes of Advent are Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Each point us to a part of God’s incredible story. Hope reminds us that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Peace reflects the calm trust Mary and Joseph showed, even when they didn’t understand God’s plan. Joy celebrates the Good News the angels shared with the shepherds, and Love reveals God’s deep care for the world through the gift of His Son. Below you’ll find creative ways to teach each Advent theme through simple lessons, activities, and crafts that point kids’ hearts toward Jesus.

What is Advent? 🎄

Advent is a word that means “coming” or arrival”. Advent is a time of anticipation in the weeks leading up to Christmas, when we celebrate the arrival of Baby Jesus. Each week, a different theme is focused on to help us prepare our hearts for the Christmas season. Love, Joy, Hope, and Peace are important themes at Christmas time. Advent is a celebration of when Jesus came to earth, but we also celebrate Advent as a reminder that Jesus is coming again!

Four Easy and Meaningful Bible Lessons for Advent

If you’re looking for an easy way to lead Advent Bible lessons this year, don’t miss this. These lessons are meaningful for kids and easy for leaders to prepare. They include detailed lesson plans, printable crafts, and hands-on activities.

(Grab the version for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade here!)

see the advent bible lessons for preschool and kindergarten

Hope - Advent Bible lessons 🕯️

Bigger kids will create this printable Bible craft that showcases Old Testament promises fulfilled in Jesus.

In the Old Testament, there are around 300 prophecies about Jesus. When Jesus was born, he fulfilled many of these prophecies, and he would continue to do so throughout his life. The Israelite people had waited for hundreds of years for the promised Messiah, and Jesus’ arrival was the fulfillment of that promise! 

During Advent, we remember the hope the Israelites had and how Jesus is the ultimate source of hope. And we also look forward to the future hope of being with Jesus in heaven.

Prophecies might be a tricky thing for kids to understand, so take time to look through the Old Testament and select a handful of prophecies about Jesus. Then create a paper chain with the prophecies. Or do a simple printable craft focusing on three prophecies Jesus fulfilled at his birth. Some other fun activities included making hope lanterns or playing flashlight games (because Jesus brings light into the world). Check out Hope Advent Lessons for Kids for more details.

peace - Advent Bible lessons 🕊️

Littler kids will create this handprint craft to remind them that Jesus brings peace to the world.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace! And God brings peace to our hearts, even in the most unsettling of circumstances. Mary and Joseph were faced with great uncertainty when an angel announced that Mary would give birth to God’s Son. Yet, in the uncertainty, God brought peace.

Many activities can help kids learn about peace, including several dove crafts (because doves are a common symbol of peace). Kids will enjoy getting their hands messy while creating a handprint dove. Or perhaps they would prefer a less messy craft, like a printable dove mobile. Take your children on a peace walk or make a paper plate dove. For more details on these crafts, check out Peace Advent Lessons for Kids.

joy - Advent Bible lessons 🎉 

Celebrate the JOY of Jesus with this printable crown craft for preschool and kindergarten.

Angels announced the Good News of great joy! Jesus was born! This news is meant to be shared, and it can bring joy to the whole world! Joy is often used interchangeably with happiness, but joy is more than being happy. It’s a deeper knowledge that God is with us and that we can always trust His plan.

There are some fabulous activities to help children feel the joy of the season. Playing musical chairs while listening to joyful music can inspire children to praise their Heavenly Father. Make musical instruments, create joy crowns, or draw a self-portrait of yourself declaring joy to the world! For more information on these ideas and more, be sure to check out Joy Advent Lessons for Kids. 

love - advent bible lessons ❤️

God is Love! God’s perfect love for us shone through when He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth for us. This marked the beginning of God’s rescue plan to bring His people back to Him. And this is definitely something to celebrate!

Check out Love Advent Lessons for Kids for ideas on teaching this Advent theme. You’ll find ideas like heart ornaments and a printable snow globe craft featuring the Nativity scene. To help kids connect with the Advent theme of love, take time to focus on how God shows his love to us, and how God wants us to show love to others. Brainstorm ideas with kids about ways they could show love to others. Challenge kids to do acts of love (kindness), then make a paper chain, adding a link for each act. 

As Christmas draws near, Advent helps kids focus on the true meaning of the season. Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love each reveal part of God’s amazing story. Hope shows that Jesus fulfills God’s promises, Peace reminds us to trust God’s plan, Joy celebrates the Good News of His birth, and Love reflects God’s gift of His Son. These Advent lessons, crafts, and activities guide kids to keep their hearts centered on Jesus.

Teaching children about the Advent theme of love is a beautiful way to help them understand the heart of Christmas. During the Advent season, families and churches reflect on the incredible love God showed by sending His Son, Jesus, to the world. These simple Advent crafts and activities invite kids to experience and share that love in creative, hands-on ways—reminding them that Christmas isn’t just about gifts and lights, but about God’s love shining through us.

What is Advent?

Advent is a word that means “coming” or arrival”. Advent is a time of anticipation in the weeks leading up to Christmas, when we celebrate the arrival of Baby Jesus. Each week, a different theme is focused on to help us prepare our hearts for the Christmas season. Love, Joy, Hope, and Peace are important themes at Christmas time. Advent is a celebration of when Jesus came to earth, but we also celebrate Advent as a reminder that Jesus is coming again!

Advent Bible Lessons on Love for Children

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the Advent theme of Love? Be sure to check out our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts. These resources are perfect for children aged 3 to 8 years old!

(Click HERE for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade versions!)

Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version

Lighting the Candle of Love

The printable Advent wreath is the perfect craft to complete as you light the Advent candle each week. It’s included in all Advent lessons.

Lighting Advent candles is a tradition of the Advent season. The four candles lit represent love, joy, peace, and hope.

When lighting the Candle of Love (or turning on the electric candle), take a moment to help children understand that God is Love. God’s perfect love for us shines through at Christmas. He loved us so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to earth for us. When Jesus was born, it marked the beginning of God’s great rescue plan —a plan to save His people and bring them close to Him again.

Each of the Advent Bible lessons includes a printable wreath (and candle) to accompany this process. As you light the Candle of Hope, you can also add the printable candle to each child’s wreath craft.

LOVE Craft for Preschool

Little learners will create this simple sliding circles craft that depicts John 3:16 and the manger - reminding them that Jesus is the greatest gift of love.

Preschoolers will enjoy a simple craft that helps them understand that Jesus came to earth as a baby because He loves us. Jesus is the greatest gift we could ever receive!

In this craft, kids will cut out two circles: one with a Nativity scene, and one with John 3:16 on it. The template pieces can be found in the Advent Lesson on Love for Preschool. Then, the kids will color and cut out the pieces. Use a paper fastener to affix them together so the Bible verse is positioned in front of the Nativity.

This craft can serve as a reminder that the entire Christmas story is a beautiful portrayal of God’s great love for us. 

LOVE Craft for Bigger Kids

Create a simple printable Nativity snow globe scene to help kids remember that God loves them! This craft is 3D, so it can stand on a child’s dresser or nightstand as a daily reminder that they are deeply loved.

Use the template pieces provided in the Advent Lesson on Love for Bigger Kids. Kids will cut, colour, and glue the pieces together to make a three-sided snow globe, featuring the nativity scene, John 3:16, and the lesson’s big idea: “Love points to the greatest gift of all: God sent His son for us.”

The Candle of LOVE - Worship Songs

Music is a powerful way to help kids connect with the heart of each Advent theme. Worship songs give kids a chance to move, sing, and express what they’re learning in a memorable way.

These songs focus on the incredible love that God showed by sending Jesus for us. As kids sing, they’ll learn that God’s love never ends and that we can reflect that love in how we treat others.

• Reckless Love by Cory Asbury

• Jesus Loves Me by Lifetree Kids

• God Loves us So by Lifetree Kids

• Love of God by Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake

• God So Loved by We the Kingdom

Try using the songs above to open your Sunday School lesson, during transition times, or as a way to wrap up your class with worship and celebration.

More Advent activities for Kids

The Candle of Love

• Heart Ornaments: There are several cute heart ornaments that you could make to accompany a lesson on love. Check out these heart ornaments made from beads and pipecleaners from Crafts on Sea. Or these heart salt dough ornaments from Live Well Play Together. 

• Love Challenge: God demonstrated the greatest form of love by sending His Son, Jesus. And God calls us to love one another. Brainstorm ideas on how your children can demonstrate love throughout the week. Some ideas might include making a card for a friend, helping a parent with a chore, or saying thank you to someone.

• Love Paper Chain: Every time a child does something loving, add a link to a paper chain. Watch as the chain grows with every act of love!

• Love Scavenger Hunt: Print verses about love on pieces of paper cut into the shape of a heart. Hide these around the room and have kids search for them. As they find a heart, take a moment to read the verse together before they resume searching.

Are you looking for more Advent Bible Lessons to teach this Christmas?

This 4-week Advent Bible lesson series helps children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with lessons focused on hope, peace, joy, and love. Each Bible lesson includes hands-on crafts, age-appropriate discussion questions, and simple teacher instructions that make teaching easy and fun.

The Advent theme of Joy reminds us of the happiness and celebration that filled the world when Jesus was born that first Christmas night. Teaching children about joy during Advent helps them understand that true joy comes from knowing God’s love, not just from gifts or holiday fun. Explore meaningful Bible lessons, creative activities, and hands-on crafts that help kids experience the lasting joy that comes from Jesus and share it with others throughout the Christmas season.

What is Advent?

Advent is a word that means “coming” or arrival”. Advent is a time of anticipation in the weeks leading up to Christmas, when we celebrate the arrival of Baby Jesus. Each week, a different theme is focused on to help us prepare our hearts for the Christmas season. Love, Joy, Hope, and Peace are important themes at Christmas time. Advent is a celebration of when Jesus came to earth, but we also celebrate Advent as a reminder that Jesus is coming again!

Grab your JOY Bible lesson here!

Looking for the easy way to lead an Advent Bible lesson on joy? These printable lesson plans include scripted instructions, hands-on activities, and printable crafts.

(Click HERE for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version)

Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version

Lighting the Candle of JOY

This printable advent wreath is the perfect craft to accompany lighting the advent candle each wreath. Kids will add a printable candle at each lesson.

Lighting the candle is a tradition of the Advent season. The four candles lit represent love, joy, peace, and hope. 

When lighting the Candle of Joy (or turning on an electric one), pause to remind children that joy is more than just feeling happy. Happiness can fade when circumstances change, but joy lasts because it’s rooted in God’s goodness. Happiness is a feeling, but joy is the knowledge that God is good and we can always trust Him! 

Each of the Advent Bible lessons for kids includes a printable wreath (and candle) to accompany this process. As you light the Candle of Hope with your group, you can also add the printable candle to each child’s wreath craft.

Crown of JOY Craft for Preschool

Little learners will make a joy crown that reminds them that Jesus brings joy!

Young learners will enjoy making a JOY crown to remind them of the angel’s message in Luke 2:10 - I bring you good tidings of great joy.”

Use the printable template found in the Joy Advent Lesson for Preschoolers. Have the children decorate their crowns with crayons, markers, glitter and/or stickers. Use a single-hole punch to punch a hole at each end, and then tie a string or ribbon through each end to secure it around the child’s head.

Next, have the children wear their crowns while doing a joyful freeze dance activity. Turn on some music and let them dance! 

JOY self portrait for Bigger Kids

In this joy art project, kids will make a self-portrait of themselves proclaiming the Good News of Great Joy!

In the Nativity story, the angels and shepherds had the honor of sharing the Good News of great joy - Jesus’ birth! Now, we have the privilege of sharing the Good News of Jesus with others.

Challenge older kids to create a self-portrait announcing the news of Jesus’ birth —the Good News of great joy! 

First, kids will draw and color a self-portrait using the portrait template provided in the Joy Advent Bible Lesson for Bigger Kids. After completing their self-portraits, kids will use a speech bubble template to decorate the word JOY. Then they can glue this to their self-portrait. 

This craft reminds us that the joy of Christmas is not just for us to keep to ourselves. It’s good news meant to be shared!

The Candle of Joy- Worship Songs

Music is a powerful way to help kids connect with the heart of each Advent theme. Worship songs give kids a chance to move, sing, and express what they’re learning in a memorable way.

These joyful songs are full of energy and celebration! They help kids remember that Jesus’ birth is good news for everyone and that real joy comes from knowing him. Encourage your class to sing, dance, and celebrate the good news together.

• Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee by Lifetree Kids

• Joy to the World by Lifetree Kids

• The Joy by The Belonging Co. 

• Praise by Elevation Worship (feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown and Chandler Moore)

Try using the songs above to open your Sunday School lesson, during transition times, or as a way to wrap up your class with worship and celebration.

More Advent activities for Kids

• Musical Instruments: The Bible says to make a joyful noise to the Lord. So why not make musical instruments and have kids make a joyful noise in the classroom? Check out Artsy Craftsy Mom for ideas on instruments like hand drums, spoon maracas, and popsicle stick harmonicas.

• Musical Chairs: Play a simple game of musical chairs and listen to songs about joy. Encourage kids to dance and sing as they play the game!

• Pass the Parcel: Or play a game of pass the parcel. This game brings joy!

• Finger Painting Christmas Lights: Mindy Jones has a cute finger-painting craft where kids create a picture of a string of Christmas lights with the words “Joy to the World” underneath.

Are you looking for more Advent Bible Lessons to teach this Christmas?

The complete Advent Christmas Bible Lesson set includes four engaging lessons on hope, peace, joy, and love, each with printable crafts, discussion questions, and simple teacher instructions. It’s the perfect way to help kids prepare their hearts for Christmas throughout the Advent season in Sunday School or Children’s Church.

The Advent theme of Peace invites us to slow down and remember the calm and comfort that Jesus brings, even in the middle of a busy Christmas season. Teaching children about peace during Advent helps them see that true peace comes from trusting God, just as Mary and Joseph did when they learned of God’s plan. Keep reading for simple lessons, activities, and song ideas to help kids understand and experience the lasting peace that Jesus gives.

What is Advent?

Advent is a word that means “coming” or arrival”. Advent is a time of anticipation in the weeks leading up to Christmas, when we celebrate the arrival of Baby Jesus. Each week, a different theme is focused on to help us prepare our hearts for the Christmas season. Love, Joy, Hope, and Peace are important themes at Christmas time. Advent is a celebration of when Jesus came to earth, but we also celebrate Advent as a reminder that Jesus is coming again!

Easy Bible Lessons for Kids About Peace

Are you ready to lead an Advent Bible lesson on Peace this Christmas Season? These printable lessons include scripted teaching instructions, printable crafts, and hands-on activities that make planning a breeze!

(Click HERE for the Preschool/Kindergarten version!)

Click here for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version

Lighting the Candle of Peace

The printable advent wreath craft is the perfect tool to use as you light each week’s Advent candle. The printable pieces are included in every Advent Bible lesson.

Lighting the candle is a tradition of the Advent season. The four candles lit represent love, joy, peace, and hope. 

When lighting the Candle of Peace (or turning on the electric candle), take a moment to help children understand that Jesus is the Prince of Peace! Peace means trusting God even when things feel hard or scary. We know that God is in control, so we don’t have to worry. Mary and Joseph chose to trust God, even when they didn’t understand His whole plan. We can also trust that God is with us and will take care of us, not matter what happens.

Each of the Advent Bible lessons includes a printable wreath (and candle) to accompany this process. As you light the Candle of Hope, you can also add the printable candle to each child’s wreath craft.

What does the dove have to do with peace?

In the Old Testament, Noah saw a dove return to the Ark with an olive branch, showing that the storm was over and God had made the world safe again. And in the New Testament, when Jesus was baptized, God sent His Spirit to rest on Jesus like a dove, signifying His peace and love. 

That’s why we use the dove as a symbol of peace; it reminds us that Jesus came to bring peace to the world and peace to our hearts.

Handprint dove Peace Craft for Preschool

This hanging craft makes the perfect keepsake to remind littler learners that Jesus brings peace to the world.

Handprint crafts are always fun (albeit messy) for young kids. And you can even turn a handprint into the wings of a dove! 

Doves are a symbol of peace, so this craft provides a fun visual for kids to remind them that Jesus came to Earth as a baby to bring peace to the world.

For this craft, paint the child’s palm and then have them firmly press their hand onto a circular piece of paper. Once their handprint is dry, glue a dove body over it. Use a string to attach the Big ideas: Jesus brings peace to the world!

You can find the template pieces for this craft in the Peace Advent Lesson for Preschool. 

PEACE hanging mobile Craft for Bigger Kids

Bigger kids can create this craft that digs deeper into how the Bible defines peace.

Older kids will enjoy making the Peace Hanging Mobile found in the Peace Advent Lesson for Bigger Kids.

Using the template pieces provided, have kids color and cut out the four pieces of the mobile. The mobile pieces include Bible verses about peace to help kids reflect on the topic.

Use some string and a single-hole punch to attach the pieces together. Kids could hang this in their window or on their Christmas tree as a reminder that Jesus brings perfect peace.

The Candle of PEACE - Worship Songs

Music is a powerful way to help kids connect with the heart of each Advent theme. Worship songs give kids a chance to move, sing, and express what they’re learning in a memorable way.

These worship songs help children understand that true peace comes from knowing Jesus. As they sing, they’ll be reminded that Jesus calms our hearts, brings people together, and teaches us to share His peace with the world around us.

• Peace Be Still by Hope Darst

• The Blessing by Bethel Music (feat. We the Kingdom)

• It is Well By Audrey Assad

• Goodness of God by Bethel Worship (feat. Jenn Johnson)

Try using the songs above to open your Sunday School lesson, during transition times, or to wrap up your class with worship and celebration.

More Advent activities for Kids

• Paper Plate Dove: Doves are a symbol of peace in the Bible. Take some time to create these paper plate doves by Craft Project Ideas.

• “Peace on Earth” Globe Craft: While a popular craft for Earth Day, creating a simple globe being held in hands is a beautiful reminder that God holds the whole world in His hands and brings peace. Be sure to check out this simple paper plate Earth globe from Crayola.

• Peace Walk: Take a walk and challenge kids to notice things that make them feel peace, such as falling snow, a gentle breeze, or leaves rustling in the wind. Thank God for bringing peace to the world.

Are you looking for more Advent Bible Lessons to teach this Christmas?

This 4-week Advent Sunday School series helps children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with lessons focused on hope, peace, love, and joy. Each Bible lesson includes hands-on crafts, age-appropriate discussion questions, and simple teacher instructions that make teaching easy and fun.

Teaching kids about Advent is a wonderful way to help them understand the true meaning of Christmas and prepare their hearts for Jesus’ coming. The Advent theme of hope reminds children that God always keeps His promises and that Jesus’ birth brought hope to the whole world. Through simple Bible lessons, fun activities, and meaningful discussions, you can help kids see that even when things feel uncertain, we can place our hope in God’s love and faithfulness.

What is Advent?

Advent is a word that means “coming” or arrival”. Advent is a time of anticipation in the weeks leading up to Christmas, when we celebrate the arrival of Baby Jesus. Each week, a different theme is focused on to help us prepare our hearts for the Christmas season. Love, Joy, Hope, and Peace are the central themes of Advent. Advent is a celebration of when Jesus came to earth as a baby, but we also celebrate Advent as a reminder that Jesus is coming again!

Advent Bible Lessons about Hope for Children

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the Advent theme of Hope? Be sure to check out our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts. These resources are perfect for children aged 3 to 8 years old!

(Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version!)

Click here for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version

Lighting the Candle of Hope

Each week, kids will add a new Advent candle to their printable wreath craft.

Lighting a candle is part of celebrating Advent. Hope is traditionally the first candle to be lit. This candle is also called the “Prophets’ Candle”. This is fitting because Jesus fulfilled over 300 Old Testament prophecies.

When lighting the Candle of Hope, take a moment to help children understand that for years, the Israelites had been waiting for the promised Messiah. They had hope!

When we light the Hope Candle, we remember the hope the Israelites had and how Jesus is the ultimate source of hope. It’s also important to reflect on the hope we have in Jesus: a future with Him forever. 

Lighting a candle with your Sunday School class is a meaningful way to connect with the Advent season. In our class, we use a combination of electric candles in a makeshift wreath and a printable wreath craft that’s given to each child.

Each Advent Bible lesson includes a printable wreath (and candle) to accompany this process. As you light the Candle of Hope, you can also add the printable candle to each child’s wreath craft.

preschool craft - my hope is in jesus!

A simple angel craft for preschool that kids can trace and display.

Jesus is our source of hope! And in the Christmas story, angels were the messengers of hope. They tell Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds about the coming arrival of Jesus!

In this craft, found in Hope Advent Bible Lessons for Preschool, kids will make an angel to remind them that Jesus is their hope. On the angel is a traceable sentence which reads “My hope is in Jesus!” They can trace this and then decorate their angels.

Kids can hang their angel on the fridge, in the window, or on their Christmas tree to remind them of the great hope we have in Jesus!

prophecies fulfilled - a craft for Bigger Kids

In the craft for bigger kids, you will make a bible that’s filled with 3 of the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus.

Older kids will enjoy a craft where they can examine three prophecies that were fulfilled at the time of Jesus' birth. This craft serves as an excellent springboard for conversation, helping kids learn that God kept His promises by sending Jesus. 

Using the template pieces provided in Hope Advent Bible Lessons for Older Kids, have children fold their printable Bible, then color and cut out three printable ornaments. Each ornament features a Bible verse. Glue the three ornaments into the Bible. These Bible verses are prophecies that were fulfilled.

Not only does this craft help facilitate class discussions about fulfilled prophecies, but it will also serve as a reminder to kids when they share what they've learned with their parents.

The Candle of Hope - Worship Songs

Music is a powerful way to help kids connect with the heart of each Advent theme. Worship songs give kids a chance to move, sing, and express what they’re learning in a memorable way.

These songs remind kids that our hope comes from God’s promises and the good news of Jesus’ birth. As children sing, they’ll celebrate that even when things feel uncertain, we can always trust God’s plan and look forward to what he has promised.

• Living Hope by Phil Wickham

• Way Maker by Leeland

• In Christ Alone by Keith and Kristyn Getty

• My Hope is in the Lord by Lifetree Kids

• Tis’ So Sweet to Trust in Jesus by Lifetree Kids

Try using the songs above to open your Sunday School lesson, during transition times, or as a way to wrap up your class with worship and celebration.

More Advent activities for Kids

The Candle of Hope

• Prophecy Chain: Look through the Old Testament with children and select a handful of prophecies about Jesus. Write them on strips of paper, and then attach the strips to make a paper chain.

• Flashlight Games: Jesus brings light (hope) into the world! Play some flashlight games with your children as a way to connect to the topic of light. Check out Wilwaukee with Kids for some fun ideas.

• Hope Lanterns: In keeping with the idea that Jesus brings light (hope) into the world, create some simple lanterns using jars, tissue paper, and tea lights. Decorate the outside of the jar by gluing tissue paper onto it. Then insert the tea light.

• Hope Bible Hunt: Print Bible verses about hope into slips of paper. Hide these around the room and have children search for them. As each verse is found, read it out. 

Are you looking for more Advent Bible Lessons?

This lesson is part of a four-week series about Advent that is perfect to use in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The other lessons are Love, Joy, and Peace. Each lesson includes a scripted lesson, discussion questions, and printable crafts.