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!
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
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
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.
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.