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.