Teaching self-control is an essential part of biblical character education for kids, helping them learn to manage emotions, make wise choices, and grow in faith. Through Scripture-based lessons, engaging activities, and meaningful discussions, children can discover how God’s Word guides them to practice patience, restraint, and self-control in everyday situations.

How do you define self-control for kids?

Self-control is when you slow down, think, and make a good choice before you act. So often, we want to react impulsively. Kids push when someone approaches too closely, grab the toy they want to play with, and scream when they are upset. Adults also struggle with self-control, but it may manifest in different ways.  

When we exercise self-control, we take time to reflect on our choices and make decisions that show kindness to others and to ourselves. 

Self-Control Bible Lesson for Kids

Are you looking for an engaging way to teach children about what the Bible says about self-control? Use the Bible story of Jesus Tempted in the Desert to help facilitate the learning. Our scripted lessons, printable crafts, and discussion questions are a great resource to help kids learn about this important character trait.

(Click HERE for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade version!)

Click here for the kindergarten/1st grade version

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT self-control?

The Bible has a lot to say about self-control, especially in our interactions with others and in the face of temptation.

We will face temptations in our lives. Temptation is the desire to do something we shouldn’t, something that goes against what God would want. It isn’t a sin to be tempted, but it is a sin to act on it. One way to resist temptation is to exercise self-control. When we can control our actions, we can resist temptation. 

The good news is that self-control is a Fruit of the Spirit. As we draw closer to God and His Spirit, we are promised help with self-control.

Here are some Bible verses about self-control:

• James 1:19 - “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

• Proverbs 4:25-27 - “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.”

• 2 Timothy 1:7 - “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-control.”

There are also several Bible stories about people who demonstrated self-control. In Daniel 1, Daniel and his friends demonstrated self-control in their dietary choices while in captivity. David showed self-control by sparing Saul’s life in 1 Samuel 24 and again in 1 Samuel 26. Jesus showed self-control when tempted in the desert in Matthew 4. He also demonstrated self-control when he was led to the cross. He could have called down angels to save him, yet he chose to die for our sins.

HOW DO YOU TEACH KIDS ABOUT self-control?

Lessons and activities to teach bigger kids about what the Bible says about self-control.

Take time to teach children the definition of self-control and explore various examples of self-control. These examples can include stories from the Bible where people chose self-control (or didn’t choose self-control), as well as modern, real-life situations kids may face. 

Discuss these stories and scenarios, then apply the material by having children role-play situations that require self-control. Use hands-on crafts and activities to help them engage with the topic. Before they head home, challenge them to practice self-control throughout the week.

SELF-CONTROL JARS

Showing self-control can be hard! When emotions are running high, it can be especially difficult for little learners to pause and take time to calm down and make good decisions. 

Together, brainstorm some things that might help your class to calm down and be ready to make a good decision. These could include going for a walk, reading a book, counting to ten, hugging a trusted adult/stuffed animal, etc.

Then show them the Self-Control Jar. This is a simple tool that can help kids when they are feeling emotional. When they shake the jar, they can take deep breaths and watch the glitter settle to the bottom. 

For a recipe and instructions on how to create your own Self-Control Jar, check out Self-Control for Little Learners. 

Places I can Show Self-Control Booklet

With children, it is often (always!) helpful to set expectations before going to a place or doing an activity. Similarly, brainstorming how to use self-control in different contexts is a valuable activity. It will help children use their critical thinking to identify different places and the expectations in each. For instance, they can run and scream at a park, but they can’t run and scream at a library. 

Take time to discuss and brainstorm how to use self-control in various places. Then have kids record their thoughts in a printable booklet. Check out Self-Control for Little Learners for pages with dotted lines and space for a picture. And check out Self-Control for Older Kids for pages with sentence starters, lines to finish the sentences, and space for a picture.

Kids in kindergarten and first grade will use these picture-based cards to explore strategies to help them when they feel out of control.

Bible Sword Drill

Using a Sword Drill to introduce children to the Bible is an effective way to help them navigate the pages of Scripture and understand the relationships among the books of the Bible. A Sword Drill is a simple exercise in which children are given a verse to look up and then must search for it.

To help kids with this, show them where the Table of Contents is in the Bible. Then teach them how to locate the book in the Table of Contents, flip to the page, and search for the chapter and verse. Initially, this will be a time-consuming and awkward task for children to manage. There will be some hand-holding and guidance. However, this is an important skill for children to have, so fostering this skill is worthwhile.

You’ll find printable cards with the verses and lined pages for children to write the verses in the Self-Control Bible Lesson for Older Kids.

BIBLE STORY about Self Control - Jesus Tempted in the Desert

Bible stories are an effective means of teaching godly character traits. Take time to read a story about self-control, discuss it, and complete an activity that connects to the story. 

The story of Jesus being tempted in the desert, found in Matthew 4:1-11, centres around the theme of self-control. 

After reading the story, discuss the concept of self-control. Satan tried to tempt Jesus multiple times, but each time Jesus was able to quote Scripture and do the right thing. Although Jesus was alone in the desert, hungry and likely tired and thirsty, he still demonstrated self-control. 

Next, do an activity to reinforce the learning. The Self-Control Bible Lesson for Older Kids includes a blank one-page comic strip in which children can draw the story events in comic form.

The Self-Control Bible Lesson for Little Learners includes a printable craft of a desert scene. Kids will use the provided pieces to create a scene of Jesus in the desert, complete with a movable piece that says “When I am tempted, God helps me with self-control.” 

MORE Crafts and activities to teach about self-control

• Self-Control Marshmallow Snack: Have a conversation with children that sometimes self-control can be very hard. We might want something immediately, and waiting can be difficult. Then give each child one marshmallow. Tell them that if they can wait for two minutes, they will get another marshmallow. This is a simple (and tasty) way for kids to practice self-control.

• Self-Control Traffic Light: A traffic light signals to stop, slow down, and go. This can be a great analogy for self-control because we need to stop or slow down to make a good decision. Create a simple traffic-light craft to serve as a visual aid. Check out Housing a Forest for a simple traffic-light craft using a popsicle stick and construction paper. And Crafting a Fun Life features a traffic-light craft using DIY puffy paint.

• Pausing Games: Play simple games that require children to move around and then pause. This could be Freeze Dance, Freeze Tag, or Red Light, Green Light. Then help kids connect that this is like self-control. Sometimes we have to pause (or freeze) so we can make a good decision.

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE LESSONS ABOUT building godly character?

This lesson on self-control is part of a seven-part Character Education mini-series. Other lessons include contentment, kindness, courage, forgiveness, perseverance, and honesty. 

Biblical character education wouldn’t be complete without lessons on forgiveness. This includes helping children learn how to show grace, restore relationships, and follow Jesus’ example of love. Using these hands-on crafts, engaging activities, and printable lesson plans will help children better understand what forgiveness looks like in everyday life and why it matters according to Scripture.

How do you define forgiveness for kids

Forgiveness is choosing to let go of bad feelings towards someone who has hurt you. Forgiveness isn’t necessarily a feeling; it’s a conscious choice. It doesn’t have to be a one-time event either. Sometimes forgiveness means choosing each day to forgive the person for the harm they caused us in the past. With God’s help, we can overcome the hurt, but it might take time. 

Forgiveness is important because God calls us to forgive. When we forgive, it helps to release us from past hurts so we can move forward without bitterness.

Forgiveness Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for an engaging way to teach children about the character trait of forgiveness? Use the Bible story of the Prodigal Son to help facilitate the learning. Our scripted lessons, printable crafts, and discussion questions are a great resource to help kids learn about this important character trait.

(Click HERE for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade version!)

Click here for the kindergarten/1st grade version

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT forgiveness?

One of the core messages of the Bible is forgiveness, centred around God’s great love for us. We live in a broken world, yet God made a plan to redeem the world through Jesus. It is through Jesus that we have forgiveness from our sins and hope for a future with Him. Without Christ’s redeeming blood, we wouldn’t have forgiveness and a way back to God.

And God calls us to forgive each other, too. There are many verses about forgiveness in the Bible. Here are a few verses:

• Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

• Matthew 6:14 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

• Luke 6:37 – “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

• Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

• 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.”

Alongside Bible verses, there are also several poignant stories centred on the theme of forgiveness, including the Prodigal Son, Joseph Forgiving His Brothers, and The Unforgiving Servant.

HOW DO YOU TEACH KIDS ABOUT FORGIVENESS?

Activities to teach bigger kids about what the Bible says about forgiveness.

Take time to teach children the definition of forgiveness and explore different examples of what forgiveness looks like. These examples can include stories from the Bible where people chose to forgive, as well as modern, real-life situations kids may face. Discuss these stories and scenarios, then apply the material by having children role-play situations in which they must demonstrate forgiveness. Use hands-on crafts and activities to help them engage with the topic. Before they head home, challenge them to practice forgiveness throughout the week.

Bible Sword Drill

Using a Sword Drill to introduce children to the Bible is an effective way to help them navigate the pages of Scripture and understand the relationships among the books of the Bible. A Sword Drill is a simple exercise in which children are given a verse to look up and then must search for it. The first kid to locate the verse is the winner.

To help kids with this, show them where the Table of Contents is in the Bible. Then teach them how to locate the book in the Table of Contents, flip to the page, and search for the chapter and verse. At first, this will be a time-consuming and awkward task for kids to manage. There will be some hand-holding and guidance. But this is an important skill for kids to have, so fostering this skill is worth the time.

For printable cards with the verses, check out Forgiveness Bible Lesson for Older Kids.

BIBLE STORY about Forgiveness - The Prodigal Son

Dive into forgiveness with the parable of the Prodigal Son.

Bible stories are an effective means of teaching biblical character traits. Taking time to read a story about forgiveness, discuss it, and complete an activity that connects to the story is a great way to solidify learning. 

The story of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-32 centres around the theme of forgiveness. 

After reading the story, discuss the concept of forgiveness. Children can examine how the father in the story forgave his son completely, whereas the older brother struggled with forgiveness because he felt his brother did not deserve celebration. The older brother resented the younger brother, while the father forgave and loved.

Then, do an activity to reinforce the learning. The Forgiveness Bible Lesson for Little Learners includes a simple “Welcome Home” craft to remind children of the story's conclusion, when the lost son is welcomed home with open arms and a big celebration. For this craft, they will color and cut out a picture of a door. Then they will glue this over a ‘welcome home’ scene, so the door can still open and reveal the party inside.

You’ll find the same printable craft in Forgiveness Bible Lessons for Older Kids, as well as a writing reflection page where kids reflect on what the prodigal son was thinking while feeding the pigs. This is also included in the Forgiveness for Little Learners, in a craft format rather than a reflection page.

Click here for more ideas on teaching the story of the Prodigal Son.

MORE Crafts and activities to teach about forgiveness

• Forgiveness Envelope: Have kids draw a time when someone else’s actions hurt them. If they are not able to think of an idea, they are welcome to draw a hypothetical example. Then fold it up and put it in an envelope. Then pray over the envelopes and give the hurts to God, symbolizing that the child is forgiving the person who hurt them.

• Whiteboard Eraser Illustration: Take time to brainstorm different sins and write them on a whiteboard. Try to fill the board (or a section of the board) with a lot of ideas. Then talk about how this is like the human heart. It is covered in sin. But when we ask for forgiveness, Jesus washes our sins away and forgives us. Take an eraser and start erasing the writing off the board.

• Egg Illustration: This is similar to the one above, but it uses a hard-boiled egg. Use a Sharpie to write sins all over a hard-boiled egg. Then start peeling the egg and tell kids that when we ask Jesus for forgiveness, he takes away all the sin and we are left with a clean and soft heart.

Songs about forgiveness

Music is a powerful tool and can be a great way to help kids (and adults) reflect on a topic. Consider playing one or more of the following worship songs for children to reflect on. Give them paper to color on or play-dough to fiddle with while they listen. Some of the songs are about God’s great love for us and His forgiveness of our sins, and others are about the importance of forgiving others because God has forgiven us.

• East to the West by Casting Crowns

• Forgiveness by Matthew West

• Amazing Grace by LifeTree Kids

• Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave

• You Forgive Me by LifeTree Kids

• God Forgave by LifeTree Kids 

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE LESSONS to build godly character?

This lesson on contentment is part of a seven-part Character Education mini-series. Other lessons include contentment, kindness, courage, honesty, perseverance, and self-control. 

Teaching kindness and empathy to children is an essential part of Bible-based character education, helping them learn to love others as God calls us to. Through Scripture, children can learn to notice others’ needs, show compassion, and treat people with care and respect in everyday situations. This collection of ideas focuses on simple, hands-on ways to teach kindness and empathy through Bible stories, engaging crafts, and activities that make these important values easy for kids to understand and practice at home, in the classroom, or at church.

How do you define KINDNESS AND EMPATHY FOR KIDS?

Kindness is being genuinely friendly, generous, and considerate towards others. Empathy is thinking about how another person might be feeling. These two things go hand-in-hand. Kindness is the action we show someone, and empathy is the thought process behind those kind actions. Kindness and empathy help others to see the love of Jesus.

Jesus commands us to be kind to others. Jesus set an example of kindness and empathy during his life, and he wants us to follow that example by helping others, using kind words, and treating others as we would like to be treated.

Kindness Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you seeking an engaging way to teach children about the character trait of kindness? Use the Bible story of the Good Samaritan as a springboard for learning. Our scripted lessons, printable crafts, and discussion questions are a great resource to help kids learn about this important character trait.

(Click HERE for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade version!)

Click here for the kindergarten and 1st version

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT KINDNESS?

Stories about kindness and verses about kindness appear throughout the entire Bible. Kindness is one of the Fruits of the Spirit, which God tells us to put on. When we show kindness to others, we are showing them the love of God. Kindness shows others that we are different and points people toward God. 

Kindness is something that grows as we get closer to God. It’s something that we will continue to get better at, as the Holy Spirit works in our lives. Here are a few verses about kindness:

• Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

• Colossians 3:12 “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

• Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

• John 13:34 “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

• Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.”

• Hebrews 13:16 “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

HOW DO YOU TEACH KIDS ABOUT KINDNESS?

Take time to teach kids the definition of kindness and look at different examples of kindness. This could be stories from the Bible where people were kind, or this could be modern real-life scenarios. Take time to discuss these stories and scenarios. Then, get really practical and have kids act out scenarios where they need to show kindness. Do crafts and activities to help them engage with the topic. Then, before they head home, challenge them to practice kindness throughout the week! 

KINDNESS CUT AND PASTE SORTING CARDS

This kind vs. unkind sorting activity is a great conversation starter for littler kids.

To start the conversation about kindness and empathy, have younger kids do a cut-and-paste sorting activity. Kids will take the pictures provided in Kindness and Empathy for Little Learners and sort them onto the T-chart. Children will determine whether actions such as pinching, pushing, giving a hug, or giving a high five are kind.

This activity can serve as a springboard for discussing situations that may occur in your home or classroom. Discuss how our actions affect others, and how we should be conscious of how we treat them.

Kindness BINGO

Kindness bingo makes it fun to search out kind things to do for others. There’s a version for little kids, and another for kids in 1st-3rd grades.

Many kids enjoy a challenge, especially when it’s in the form of a game. Challenge your kids to a game of Kindness BINGO. This is a multi-day activity in which kids complete random acts of kindness outlined on a simple BINGO worksheet. These acts of kindness were intended to be performed independently by children, without requiring parents or teachers to purchase anything.

You can choose to offer an incentive (class party, small candy) for completing the whole chart, or you may choose to see kindness as its own reward! There’s a version in both Kindness and Empathy Bible Lesson for Older Kids and Kindness Bible Lessons for Little Learners.

Kindness BIBLE STORY - The Good Samaritan

Bible stories are an effective way to reinforce Bible-based character traits. Taking time to read a story about kindness, discussing it, and doing an activity that connects with the story is a great way to solidify learning. 

The Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37 is a great example of someone kind, and several people who are not kind.

After reading the story, discuss kindness and empathy. Kids can look at how the Samaritan treated the Jewish man who was left beaten at the side of the road. They can also examine the responses of the priest and the Levite and discuss whether their actions were kind.

After reading the story and discussing it, do an activity to reinforce the learning. Have kids write or draw about how they can be a Good Samaritan in their neighbourhoods. For printable journal pages appropriate for second, third, and fourth grade, check out Kindness Bible Lesson for Older Kids. For pages suitable for preschool, kindergarten, and 1st grade, see Kindness Bible Lessons for Little Learners.

MORE KINDNESS Crafts and activities

• Kindness Paper Chain: Brainstorm ideas with your kids about ways to show kindness. Then, whenever you notice a child doing something kind, write that action on a strip of paper. Connect the strips of paper to form a paper change. The children will enjoy watching the paper chain grow as more acts of kindness are added to it.

• Rock Painting: Paint rocks and draw hearts on them, or write kind words or Bible verses on the rocks. Whenever kids see their painted rocks, it will be a visual reminder that God calls us to be kind to one another.

• Kindness Day: Set aside a day (or a period of time) to complete a project that demonstrates kindness to an individual or a group. Brainstorm some ideas with kids and pick a project together. This could include cleaning up the playground, picking up litter on the street, making cards for seniors at a local seniors’ home, or reading books to younger children.

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE LESSONS ABOUT CHARACTER BUILDING?

This lesson on kindness and empathy is part of a seven-part Character Education mini-series. Other lessons include contentment, courage, forgiveness, honesty, perseverance, and self-control. 

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to teach children about Christ-like love in a fun and meaningful way. Jesus commands us in John 13:34 to “love one another”. There are many ideas to help kids engage with the topic of love leading up to Valentine’s Day. Be sure to keep reading for ideas of Valentine’s Day crafts, kid-friendly songs, and scripted Bible lessons that help kids understand what real, biblical love looks like. These engaging activities make it easy to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a strong foundation in God’s Word.

WHAT does the bible say ABOUT Love?

The Bible does not explicitly mention Valentine’s Day, as this wasn’t a celebration observed by people in the Old or New Testaments. However, the Bible has a lot to say about love. Here are some prominent themes in the Bible about love:

God loves us.

• John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

• Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

• Psalm 136:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.”

God wants us to love Him.

• Deuteronomy 6:5 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

  • This Old Testament verse is echoed several times in the New Testament:  Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27. 

• Joshua 22:5 “Be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

God wants us to love other people.

• John 13:34 “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

• Matthew 22:39 “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

• Colossians 3:14 “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together.”

Valentine’s Day Bible Lesson for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach about Valentine’s Day? The story of Jesus giving his disciples a new commandment about love is a great connection. The lessons include lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts.

(Click HERE for the preschool/kindergarten version)

grab the valentine's day lesson for kids

A BIBLE STORY ABOUT LOVE: Jesus Gives His Disciples a New Commandment

In John 13, Jesus is celebrating Passover with his disciples. This is on the night before Jesus went to the cross. Jesus and his disciples were sharing a special meal. We now call this the Last Supper. Jesus knew he would soon leave them, so he wanted to give them one last, very important instruction.​

In John 13:34, he said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”​Jesus explained that when people see how his followers love each other, they will know they belong to him.​

Jesus showed what real love looks like by serving others and by giving his life for us. He wanted his friends and all of us to love others the same way: kindly, unselfishly, and with a caring heart.

HOW DOES THIS STORY CONNECT TO Valentine’s Day? 

Valentine’s Day is all about love, and Jesus wants us to love others.​ Valentine’s Day is when we remind people that we love them. It’s a day to tell our family and friends how much we love them. But Jesus’ kind of love isn’t just for one day. We can show love every day with kind words, helping hands, and caring hearts!

Other Bible Stories about Love

There are many Bible stories about love. Here are a few that could be appropriate to teach leading up to Valentine’s Day:

• The Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:25-37, is a beautiful lesson about loving your neighbor as yourself.

• One of the “Lost Parables”, which includes the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. Each of these teaches us an important lesson about how valuable we are to God. 

• Ruth and Naomi, found in the book of Ruth, is a story about loyalty, kindness, and love.

• David and Jonathan, found in 1 Samuel 18-20, is a story about the love shared between friends.

• Zacchaeus, found in Luke 19:1-10, is a beautiful story about how Jesus’ love can change hearts. 

Valentine’s CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL - kindness cupcakes

Kindness Cupcakes are a fun printable craft to do with preschool and kindergarten kids.

God’s love is sweet! And cupcakes are sweet! Share about God’s love with this printable kindness cupcake craft from Valentine’s Day Bible Lessons for Preschool.

In this craft, kids will color and cut out the three pieces of their cupcake (wrapper, cupcake, and icing). Then they will use glue to assemble their craft. On each ice cream is a reminder about God’s love for us, including “God made you special”, “You are loved”, and “You are God’s child”.

Then, kids can write their friends’ names on the cards and hand them out as Valentine’s cards! 

Valentine’s CRAFT FOR BIGGER KIDS - kindness coupons

Bigger kids in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades can make Kindness Coupons.

Planning for acts of kindness can become a fabulous way to help kids think about ways to love and serve those around them. Instead of giving a traditional Valentine’s card, have kids create Kindness Coupons for their family. 

Be sure to brainstorm ideas with kids about various acts of kindness they could do. These might include shovelling the driveway when it snows, setting the table, letting someone else choose the game for family game night, helping to pack lunches for school, or cleaning the toilet.

Then, using the template provided in Valentine’s Day Bible Lesson for Bigger Kids, have kids write their ideas onto their Kindness Coupons. Once they are finished, staple the coupons together so kids can give the coupons to family or friends.

OTHER Valentine’s CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

• A Heart Wreath: Check out the Resourceful Mama for a cute heart wreath craft. This craft uses supplies you likely already have on hand and can be a beautiful Valentine’s Day decoration. You could even have kids write phrases or Bible verses, such as "God loves me,” “God wants me to love others,” or “John 3:16,” on the various hearts as a visual reminder of the Bible’s teachings on love.

• Fingerprint Art: Macaroni Kid has an easy fingerprint heart craft where kids use a stamp pad (or paint) to create a heart shape with their fingerprints.

• Love Notes to God: Use any art supplies you already have to decorate cards and write messages to God, thanking Him for His great love.

• Coffee Filter Sun Catcher Hearts: Use coffee filters and washable markers to create simple sun catchers to hang in the window. For instructions, check out Farm House Mama.

WORSHIP SONG TO CONNECT TO GOD’S GREAT LOVE

Worship songs are a great way to help kids reflect on the goodness of God. We know that God loves us, and He wants us to love others. Many songs remind us of God’s great love for us and His command to show love to others. Here are some suggestions:

• Give a Little Kindness by Orange Music

• Reckless Love by Cory Asbury

• God Loves Us So by Lifetree Kids

• God Really Loves Us by Crowder (feat. Maverick City Music)

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. 

Looking for more Bible lessons for kids?

Be sure to check out our 52-week Bible curriculum for both preschoolers and kindergarteners, as well as older children in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grades. These lessons cover stories from the New and Old Testaments, including: Genesis, Moses and the Exodus, the prophets, the life of Jesus, parables, and Jesus’ miracles. 

The New Year is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about fresh starts, gratitude, and trusting God with the future. A Bible-focused New Year’s lesson helps kids reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past and look forward with hope and confidence in His plans. There are many creative ways to celebrate the New Year with a biblical emphasis—through fun crafts, engaging activities, meaningful Bible verses, printable lessons, and worship ideas that remind kids that every new beginning comes from God.

What the Bible says about New Year’s

The Bible does not explicitly mention New Year’s, as this isn’t a celebration that people in the Old Testament or New Testament observed. However, there are many themes throughout the Bible that fit really well with New Year’s. Here are a few:

• God’s mercies are new every morning: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23

• God is always with us: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

• We need to trust God in everything we do: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

• Trusting God with our plans: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

NEW YEAR’S BIBLE LESSONS FOR KIDS

Are you looking for a simple way to teach about New Year’s? The story of God Leading the Israelites Through the Desert is a great connection. The lessons include lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts.

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

grab the new year lesson for preschool and kindergarten

A BIBLE STORY FOR THE NEW YEAR - GOD LEADS THE ISRAELITES THROUGH THE DESERT

The Israelites had just left Egypt after about 400 years of slavery. God had heard the Israelites’ cry for help and sent Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. They didn’t know where they were going, but they trusted God to lead them.

God led the people through the desert. During the day, He would lead them by a pillar of cloud. During the night, He would lead them by a pillar of fire. When the pillar moved, the people would follow. When the pillar stopped, the Israelites would stop. The Israelites could trust that God was leading them and would keep them safe.

HOW DOES THIS STORY CONNECT TO THE NEW YEAR? 

This story is a wonderful reminder for the start of a new year. Just like the Israelites, we don’t know what will happen in the year ahead, but we can trust God to lead us. God knows the path before us and promises to stay with us every step of the journey. When we pray, listen, and follow God’s Word, He helps us make good choices and shows us the right direction. Even when we can’t see what’s next, we can feel safe because God leads the way.

bible crafts for the new year

Cloud and Fire Craft for Preschool

Kids in preschool and kindergarten will make this printable craft that shows the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire that God used to lead the Israelites.

Just like God led the Israelites, He will lead us! God will show us the way. Preschool children will enjoy creating a simple craft that relates to the Bible story of God leading the Israelites by fire and cloud. Give each child the printable cloud, flame and circle found in the New Year’s Bible Lesson for Preschool. Then, they decorate the fire with glitter and markers and put cotton balls on the cloud. Attach all three pieces and remind kids that God is with us day and night, leading the way.

Be sure to help kids make the connection that, just like the Israelites trusted God with their journey, we can trust God as we journey into a new year.

Lantern Craft for Older Kids

Bigger kids can use tissue paper, glue, a jar, and an electric candle to make this simple lantern craft.

Older kids can create a small lantern made from a glass jar, tissue paper and glue. This lantern will remind them that, just like God led the Israelites with fire at night, He will guide us through each day of the new year.

In this craft, kids will use liquid glue to attach small pieces of tissue paper to a glass jar. Then have kids glue “God Shows Me the Way” onto the lantern. The template can be found in the New Year Bible Lesson for Older Kids.

Put a small electric tealight into the lantern and watch it glow!

New Year’s Compass craft for older kids

This printable compass craft is included in the New Year Bible lesson for bigger kids.

A compass is used to guide people on journeys. A New Year is like a journey because we don’t know what’s to come. Just like a compass points the way, God shows us where to go in life when we follow Him and trust His plan.

To help kids make this connection, check out the printable compass craft available in the New Year’s Bible Lesson for Older Kids. In this craft, kids will decorate their paper compass and use a paper fastener to attach the arrow, allowing it to spin.

The compass will serve as a reminder that God will lead the way.

OTHER New Year’s CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

• New Year’s Clocks: Make a paper plate clock with kids, complete with movable hands! Then talk about how God gives us each a new day and a new year. For simple instructions, check out Mum in the Madhouse or The Spruce Crafts.

• Blessing Jar: Give each child a jar. These could be from the dollar store or collected from a recycling bin. Use tissue paper and glue to decorate the jars. This will be their Blessing Jar for the New Year. Every time they think of something they are grateful for, or something wonderful happens, they can write it down and remember all the blessings God gives us throughout the year.

• Follow the Leader Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course using the furniture in the room. For instance, set up chairs for kids to weave around, or a table for them to crawl under. Then choose a child to be the leader, who must lead the group through the obstacle course. Then discuss how God wants us to follow Him and trust Him, much like children follow a leader and trust their guidance.

• Footprints: Trace each child’s footprints onto pieces of paper. Then write words or verses about trusting God to lead them through the new year. For example, “I trust God to lead me this year” or “God promises to lead me”.

WORSHIP SONGs TO DEDICATE THE NEW YEAR TO THE LORD

Worship songs are a great way to help kids reflect on the goodness of God. We can trust that God is always with us and will lead us through life. Things will not always be easy, but God promises to be with us through the good times and the bad. 

Here are some song suggestions:

• Way Maker by Leeland

• Goodness of God by Bethel Music

• Trust in You by Lauren Daigle

• I’m Trusting You by Lifetree Kids

• Let’s Trust in Jesus 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. 

Looking for more Bible lessons for kids?

Be sure to check out our 52-week Bible curriculum for both preschoolers and kindergarteners, as well as older children in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grades. These lessons cover stories from the New and Old Testaments, including: Genesis, Moses and the Exodus, the prophets, the life of Jesus, parables, and Jesus’ miracles.

Bring the Old Testament to life for kids with creative crafts and engaging activities that make Bible stories memorable and fun. From Jonah and the Whale to Queen Esther, Elijah on Mount Carmel, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Naaman’s Healing, Joshua and the Walls of Jericho, David and Goliath, and Elisha and the Widow’s Oil, these hands-on ideas help children understand God’s power, courage, faith, and love through play and creativity.

The Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and a Queen

God used ordinary people to make a significant impact for the people of Israel. David was a shepherd boy who became king. Esther was a Jewish orphan who became queen. Naaman was healed because a servant girl had the courage to speak up. Daniel was captured as a boy and brought to serve the king in a foreign land, eventually rising in power. Elijah, Jonah, and Elisha were prophets who delivered messages from God. The stories of the Old Testament kings, queens and prophets help teach kids about obedience, courage, and standing up for what is right.

JONAH AND THE WHALE

Jonah and the Whale is a beloved story for kids (and adults) because it teaches about the importance of obedience while also engaging our natural curiosity about what it was like in the belly of a giant sea creature! Jonah was tasked with taking a message to Nineveh. However, this was a group of people that Jonah had no interest in visiting, so he ran away. His disobedience eventually led to him being swallowed by a giant fish, where he stayed for three days and nights. After Jonah repented, God caused the fish to spit Jonah up, and Jonah went to Ninevah to deliver the message.

There are many ways to teach this story. Have kids create an underwater wax-resist scene using crayons and paint. Do directed drawings of whales and fish, or make an ocean in a bottle. For details on these activities, as well as links for the directed drawings, be sure to check out Jonah and the Whale Bible Lessons for Kids.

JOSHUA AND THE WALLS OF JERICHO

Joshua became the leader of the Israelites after Moses, and Joshua led the people into the Promised Land. But before they could get there, they had to get through Jericho, a fortified city. God commanded the people to walk around Jericho for seven days, following God’s specific instructions, and on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho came crashing down. The Israelites had conquered the city.

This story is exciting because young kids get caught up in the excitement of the Israelites walking silently for six days and then shouting on the seventh day. For ideas on how to teach this story, check out Joshua and the Walls of Jericho Bible Lessons for Kids. Along with a marching game and links to YouTube videos, you’ll find ideas like a printable trumpet craft for younger kids and a printable walls of Jericho craft for older kids. 

DAVID AND GOLIATH

David and Goliath is a well-known story of the Israelites being challenged by the Philistine giant, Goliath. No one wanted to fight Goliath! David, a young shepherd boy, volunteered to fight Goliath. Using a slingshot and a stone, David won the fight! This story of bravery resonates well with kids because it reminds them that God can use anyone!

To help kids connect with this story, there are numerous activities and crafts available. Create a tape figure on the wall, measuring 9 feet tall, so kids can visualize how tall Goliath was. Make a popsicle stick slingshot or play a game of bowling (the bowling pins represent Goliath, and the bowling ball represents the stone David flung). For more details on these activities, as well as a printable craft for younger kids, check out David and Goliath Bible Lessons for Kids.

ELISHA AND THE WIDOW’S OIL

God cares for our needs! And the story of Elisha and the widow’s oil is a beautiful example of this. Elisha was a prophet of God. One day, a desperate widow approached him and explained that her sons were about to be taken as slaves because she couldn’t pay her husband’s debt. Elisha told the woman to gather jars and pour oil into the jars. Her oil multiplied, and she sold it to pay off the debt. This story is a remarkable example of how God cares for us!

Help kids engage with this story through activities like making clay jars or participating in relay races. Have kids join in water relays, where they try to fill containers, just like the widow filled jars with oil. Be sure to check out Elisha and the Widow’s Oil Bible Lessons for Kids for more details. You’ll also find printable crafts, including an oil resist art project.

NAAMAN IS HEALED

The Bible has many stories about miraculous healings and each one is exciting! The story of Naaman is one of these stories. Naaman was sick with leprosy and was healed when he followed some peculiar instructions. Elisha, the prophet, gave instructions for Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Once he had washed seven times, the leprosy was gone!

Be sure to check out Naaman is Healed Bible Lessons for Kids for some great activities and crafts. Some ideas include playing a game of “Simon Says”, making the connection that Naaman had to obey the instructions in order to be healed. Decorate soap dispensers to remind kids that God washes us clean from sin. You’ll also find printable templates for a retelling of the story spinner craft and instructions for a fun activity where kids reenact the healing of Naaman with a laminated figure.

DANIEL AND THE LIONS’ DEN

Daniel and the Lions’ Den teaches us the importance of trusting God and standing up for what is right. King Darius was tricked into making a law that required everyone to pray only to him. Daniel refused to obey this law and was thrown into the lions’ den. But God sent an angel to protect Daniel!

There are some fun lion crafts to do that go well with this story. Check out Daniel and the Lions Den Bible Lessons for Kids to find ideas such as Pin the Tail on the Lion, paper plate lions, lion masks, and a printable Daniel and the Lions scene.

ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL ON MOUNT CARMEL

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal is a powerful story that teaches us that God is the One True God. The people of Israel were worshiping the false god, Baal. Elijah called all the prophets of Baal and the people of Israel onto Mount Carmel. He challenged them to have Baal send down fire from heaven, but nothing happened. When Elijah called on God to send down fire from heaven, it was a fabulous display of power. The Israelites learned that God was the One True God!

There are some great ways to help kids connect with this story. For ideas, click HERE! You’ll find ideas like water relays to remind kids of the part in the story where Elijah douses the altar and offering in water before calling on God to send fire. Challenge kids to a Rock, Paper, Scissors championship and make a connection that there was a “duel” between God and Baal. You’ll also find printable crafts for both younger and older kids, where they create an altar with fire consuming it.

ESTHER THE BRAVE QUEEN

Esther was a Jewish girl who became queen. When an evil man plotted to have all the Jews killed, Esther showed bravery and risked her life to talk to the king. Her bravery saved the Jewish people and put an end to the evil plan.

Check out Esther the Brave Queen Bible Lessons for Kids for ideas to teach this story. You’ll find ideas for relay races, YouTube videos, a Bravery Feast snack, and a printable crown craft. 

A WHOLE YEAR OF BIBLE LESSONS FOR KIDS

These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners, as well as for older children in first, second, and third grades. Don’t miss checking out the 52-week curriculum at a deep discount!

Esther is a powerful story of courage, faith, and God's providence, making it a wonderful Bible story to teach children. Keep reading for creative and engaging ideas to help kids understand the story of Queen Esther, including hands-on crafts, fun activities, printable lesson plans, and links to kid-friendly YouTube videos. These resources make it easy to bring Esther’s brave story to life.

The Story of Esther

The details of the story are found in the book of Esther. King Xerxes was in search of a new queen. He married Esther, a Jewish girl who lived with her cousin, Mordecai. Esther kept her Jewish identity a secret from the king.

King Xerxes had a trusted official, Haman, who hated the Jews. He especially hated Mordecai because Mordecai refused to bow down to him. Haman wanted to rid the nation of Jews, so he had the king make a law that would have all the Jews killed. Mordecai told Esther to talk to the king about this, even though this might cost Esther her life.

Esther prepared two feasts for the king and Haman. At the second feast, she revealed that she is Jewish. Because of her courage, Esther was able to save the Jewish people. 

Esther the Brave Queen - Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you planning to teach the BIble story of Esther? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3-8.

(Check out the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade version HERE)

Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version

Background Information About Esther

Esther’s parents died, so she was adopted by her cousin, Mordecai. You might hear her called Hadassah, which was her Hebrew name. She changed her name to Esther before going to the palace so she could hide that she was a Jew.

Haman was a powerful man who wanted people to bow down to him. Mordecai refused to bow down because that would be an act of worship, and Mordecai would only worship God. This made Haman furious, so he tricked the king into authorizing all Jews to be killed. Neither the king nor Haman knew that Esther was a Jew. 

CROWN CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL

Making a crown is a classic preschool craft! There are several ways to do this. You could cut thick strips of construction paper, use card stock, or print the templates from Esther the Brave Queen for Preschool. Use stickers, crayons, pom poms, markers, and glitter to decorate the crowns. Be sure to help kids make the connection between the crown and the story of Queen Esther, otherwise they will just be excited to decorate a crown.

“I CAN SERVE GOD” CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

Esther Bible craft for bigger kids.

God often places us in a situation where we can do His work right where we are. God placed Esther in the palace because he knew that she would be in the right place at the right time to save the Jews. She was there “for such a time as this.” 

Brainstorm with kids about places they can serve God right where they are. For example, “At soccer, I can help my coach set up cones. At home, I can listen to Mom and Dad the first time they ask me to do something.”

Then have kids trace their hands and cut them out. Glue these hands onto the heart template from Esther the Brave Queen for Older Kids. On the heart, have kids draw or write at least one way they can serve God.

Other Activities to Teach About Esther

• Get Ready Relay: Esther prepared a feast for the king and Haman. Set up a relay race where kids race to gather all the items needed for a feast. Place a basket with items like paper plates, napkins, and pretend food at the end of the room. Kids will take turns racing to the other end and gathering their items. The first team to collect everything wins. 

• Bravery Scenarios: Put together a list of scenarios and have kids discuss how to be brave. For example, “It is the first day of school and you feel nervous about going to class,” or “Your soccer coach has asked you to lead the warm-up activity for your teammates”, etc. 

• Bravery Feast: Have a snack and pretend you are at Esther’s feast. While snacking, discuss what it means to stand for what is right and be brave.

• Build a Courage Jar: Esther had to be brave when going to the king. There are many Bible verses that talk about God being with us and being strong and courageous. Take some time to read these with your kids and write them on popsicle sticks. Then put the popsicle sticks into a jar. Whenever kids are faced with a situation where they need to be brave, they can take out a popsicle stick and read a verse or a phrase to feel encouraged. 

YouTube Videos About Esther

YouTube videos about Esther might pair well with your lesson. Please ensure to preview any video you show to make sure the content is appropriate for your teaching context. Here are some suggestions:

• The Story of Queen Esther by Minno Bible Stories for Kids

• God’s Story: Esther by Crossroads Kids Club

• Esther - Bible Story by Saddleback Kids

• Esther: The Girl Who Became Queen by VeggieTales

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS, KINGS, AND QUEENS?

This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and Queens. The other stories include Elijah and the Prophets of Baal, Elisha and the Widow’s Oil, Naaman is Healed, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Joshua and Jericho, David and Goliath, and Jonah.

These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners and for older children in first, second, and third grades.

The story of Esther reminds kids about the importance of courage! These teaching ideas are a great way to help kids engage with the story.

Dive into the story of Jonah with fun and engaging resources that help kids understand God's mercy and Jonah’s journey. With creative crafts, interactive activities, and kid-friendly YouTube videos, children will connect with this powerful Bible story. These ideas are perfect for Sunday school, homeschool lessons, family devotion time, or faith-based schools.

The Bible Story of Jonah

The story of Jonah is outlined in the Book of Jonah. Jonah was a prophet of God and one day, he received a message to go to Ninevah to preach the message God would give him. Jonah didn’t want to go, so he ran away on a ship.

While Jonah was out to sea, God sent a storm. The sailors were all terrified and asked Jonah to pray. Jonah told them to throw him overboard and the storm would stop. The sailors listened and when they threw Jonah overboard, the storm stopped.

God send a big fish to swallow Jonah. He spent three days and nights in the belly of the fish. Then the fish spat him onto land. Jonah went to Ninevah to deliver the message from God and the people of Ninevah turned from their wickedness.

Jonah and the Whale Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you planning to teach the story of Jonah? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3-8.

Check out the Preschool/Kindergarten Version HERE

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

Background Information About Jonah

Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire, and the Assyrians were an enemy of Israel. History books tell us a lot about Nineveh, and we know that Nineveh was a place known for causing great pain to Israelites and doing terrible things.

Jonah was likely afraid of the Ninevites, and he didn’t think they deserved God’s mercy or love because of all the terrible things the Ninevites had done.

A Whale in the Ocean CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

The ocean is a place of wonder and mystery. There are so many things, like underwater volcanoes, caves, and plant life!

Have kids create a wax resist underwater scene, highlighting the wonders of the ocean. Do this by using crayons to draw a scene. Make sure to press relatively hard with the crayons. Once kids are done drawing, use watered down water colors to paint blue over the page. The paint has to be quite watered down or it doesn’t work as well. When the scene is dried, kids can glue a whale into their scene. Check out Jonah and the Whale for Older Kids for the whale template.

‘Inside the Fish’ CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL

Kids will get a kick out of this simple craft! It will also help them as they describe the story of Jonah and the Whale to their family.

Using the printable templates in Jonah and the Whale for Preschool, have kids color their fish and Jonah. Cut the fish on the indicated line and glue Jonah into the mouth of the whale. Using a paper fastener, hinge the two pieces of the fish together so the fish looks like it’s eating Jonah!

Other Activities to Teach About Jonah

• Fish Art: Take time to do a fish drawing, like some of these from Art for Kids Hub:

• Surprise Shark: This directed drawing is fun because it’s a shark that folds out to show a fish in its mouth. Instead of doing a shark, have kids draw a whale and then draw Jonah in the whale’s mouth.

• Cartoon Whale

• A Realistic Whale  

• Hide Jonah: Use a small figurine, like a LEGO person, to be Jonah. Have your group sit in a circle and designate one kid to be “it”. That kid has to leave the circle and cover their eyes. The other kids will pass Jonah around to music. When the music stops, everyone pretends to be holding Jonah. The “it” person has to guess who is actually holding Jonah. 

• Ocean in a Bottle: Check out Happy Hooligans for an Ocean in the Bottle craft. After making the ocean in a bottle, give each kid a small laminated Jonah and Big Fish to add to their bottle. Kids can watch him and the whale swimming around.

• PomPom Shooters: Using balloons and toilet paper rolls, create a pompom shooter. Then have the kids use their imaginations that the toilet paper holder is the big fish, and the pompom being shot out is Jonah being spat out of the fish! For step-by-step instructions on how to create a pompom shooter, check out Little Bins for Little Hands.

YouTube Videos About Jonah

There are some great YouTube videos to help kids visualize the story. As always, be sure to preview the videos to ensure they are age-appropriate. Here are some suggestions:

• Jonah and the Whale by The Beginner’s Bible

• The Story of Jonah and the Whale by Minno Bible Stories for Kids

• God’s Story: Jonah by Crossroad Kids’ Club

• Jonah and the Fish by Saddleback Kids

• The Story of Jonah and the Whale by VeggieTales

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS, KINGS, AND QUEENS?

This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and Queens. The other stories include Elijah and the Prophets of Baal, Elisha and the Widow’s Oil, Naaman is Healed, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Esther the Brave Queen, David and Goliath, and Joshua and the Battle of Jericho.

These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners, as well as for older children in first, second, and third grades.

Jonah and the Whale is a story that creates wonder in kids (and adults) of all ages! There are so many great ways to help kids engage in the learning in memorable ways.

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.