​Bringing the Christmas Story to Life: Age-Appropriate Resources for Nurturing Faith and Family Traditions
The Christmas story, at its heart, is much more than a tale of an extraordinary birth; it's a true story rich with themes of love, hope, and redemption. Sharing this story with children is crucial as it not only roots them in their faith but also imparts essential values such as compassion, kindness, and the importance of family and community. For children, these themes resonate deeply, laying a foundation for their moral and spiritual development.
However, the traditional scriptural telling of the Christmas story, while profoundly significant, can sometimes be complex for younger minds to grasp. This is where diverse resources like age-appropriate books, engaging videos, interactive Bible studies, and thoughtfully produced movies come into play. These resources translate the essence of the Christmas narrative into forms that are not only comprehensible but also captivating for children of various age groups.
For preschoolers, picture books and animated shows with vivid illustrations and simple language bring the story to life in a way they can easily understand and enjoy. Elementary school children, with their growing curiosity, can delve deeper into the story through interactive Bible studies and books that connect the Christmas story with familiar holiday traditions. Middle schoolers, on the threshold of forming their own perspectives, benefit from resources that blend storytelling with deeper insights into the Christmas narrative. Finally, for high schoolers, more analytical and reflective resources, including documentaries and books, offer a mature understanding of the story's significance.
By introducing the Christmas story through these varied mediums, children not only learn about their faith in a manner that resonates with their stage of development but also develop a lifelong interest and appreciation for the richness and depth of their Christian heritage. This approach ensures that the story of Christmas is not just heard but is truly experienced and internalized, shaping the way young individuals view the world and their place in it.
Resources for sharing the Christmas Story:
Preschool Children (Ages 3-5)
Books:
- "The Christmas Story" by Patricia A. Pingry: Simple text and bright illustrations suitable for preschoolers.
- "Room for a Little One" by Martin Waddell: A gentle, warm story that introduces the nativity in an accessible way for young children.
Videos/Shows:
- "VeggieTales: The Star of Christmas": An animated, fun, and age-appropriate way to tell the Christmas story.
- "The Beginner's Bible: The Very First Christmas": Short and engaging, ideal for young children.
Elementary School Children (Ages 6-10)
Books:
"The Christmas Story for Kids" The FULL Story of Jesus' Birth
"Itsy Bitsy Christmas—Christmas story" Story of two mice on a search to find a king who was coming to Bethlehem, after much searching they find baby Jesus and learn how he came to save us all.
Bible Studies:
- "Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands": An interactive Bible study with crafts, helping children explore the story in an engaging way.
Videos/Shows:
- "The Star (2017) - The Nativity Scene (10/10) | Movieclips" The Star - The Nativity: Bo (Steven Yeun) and the other animals witness the newborn Jesus Christ.
Superbook - The First Christmas - Season 1 Episode 8 - Full Episode (Official HD Version)
The Beginners Bible - Relive the miraculous events surrounding the very first Christmas as Mary receives a heavenly visitor and learns that she, of all women, has been chosen to the mother of God’s son
Middle School Children (Ages 11-13)
Books:
- "Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent" by Arnold Ytreeide: A captivating advent narrative that weaves in the Christmas story.
- "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas" by Ann Voskamp: Offers a deeper exploration suitable for this age group.
Bible Studies:
YouVersion offers a fantastic variety of Bible studies that can be perfect for middle schoolers during Christmas. Here's a selection of engaging studies tailored for that age group:
1. "The Christmas Story"
Description: A study focusing on the birth of Jesus Christ and the events surrounding His arrival.
Key Themes: Advent, prophecy fulfillment, the birth of Jesus.
2. "Discovering God's Love at Christmas"
Description: Exploring the love of God demonstrated through the gift of Jesus.
Key Themes: God's love, the significance of Christ's birth, the meaning of Christmas.
3. "The Nativity Story for Teens"
Description: A study diving into the details of the Nativity story with a focus on its relevance to teenagers.
Key Themes: Understanding the context of Christ's birth, application to modern life.
4. "Christmas Promises: 25 Days of Advent"
Description: A daily study leading up to Christmas, exploring promises fulfilled through Jesus.
Key Themes: Advent, promises of God, the anticipation of Christ's birth.
5. "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift"
Description: A study on the significance of the Christmas story and its connection to the bigger picture of God's plan.
Key Themes: Redemption, the coming of Jesus, God's plan of salvation.
These studies offer a mix of reflections on the Christmas story, the significance of Jesus's birth, and how it connects to our lives today. They're engaging and catered specifically to the curious minds of middle schoolers, making the Christmas season a great time for spiritual exploration and growth.
Movies:
finding movies specifically tailored for middle schoolers with Christian content centered around Christmas can be a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Here's a list of movies that fit the criteria:
1. "The Nativity Story" (2006)
Synopsis: This film beautifully portrays the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, focusing on Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem.
Why it Fits: It's a faithful retelling of the biblical narrative, suitable for younger audiences to understand and appreciate.
2. "The Star" (2017)
Synopsis: An animated film that tells the story of the Nativity from the perspective of the animals, particularly a small but brave donkey named Bo.
Why it Fits: It's an imaginative and kid-friendly take on the Christmas story while staying true to its Christian roots.
3. "Christmas Angel" (2009)
Synopsis: A heartwarming story about a young girl who helps restore the faith of people in her community during the holiday season.
Why it Fits: This film focuses on faith, kindness, and the true spirit of Christmas.
4. "The Ultimate Gift" (2006)
Synopsis: While not solely focused on Christmas, it's a tale about a young man's journey to inherit his grandfather's fortune by completing a series of tasks that lead him to discover the true meaning of wealth and life.
Why it Fits: It emphasizes values like generosity, compassion, and finding purpose beyond material wealth, which align with Christian principles.
5. "A Dog Named Christmas" (2009)
Synopsis: This heartwarming story follows a young man with a developmental disability who adopts a dog named Christmas for the holidays, impacting his family and community.
Why it Fits: It touches on themes of love, acceptance, and the joy of giving during the Christmas season.
These movies blend entertainment with Christian values, making them suitable for middle schoolers to enjoy while reinforcing the true essence of Christmas.
High School Children (Ages 14-18)
Books:
- "The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas" by Ann Voskamp: A more mature, in-depth exploration of the biblical narrative. See listed under middle school above as well. This book is appropriate for both age groups.
- "God With Us: A Journey Home" by Sarah Young: Offers a deep and reflective look at the Christmas story.
Bible Studies:
- "The Case for Christmas: A Journalist Investigates the Identity of the Child in the Manger" by Lee Strobel: A more analytical approach, suitable for teenagers.
YouVersion offers various Bible studies perfect for high schoolers to explore the Christmas season in a deeper, meaningful way. Here are some engaging studies focused on Christmas:
1. "The Christmas Story for Students"
Description: An in-depth study diving into the biblical narrative of Christ's birth, exploring its significance and relevance for teenagers.
Key Themes: The birth of Jesus, prophecy fulfillment, the message of hope and salvation.
2. "Advent: The Weary World Rejoices"
Description: A study focused on the Advent season, reflecting on the anticipation of Christ's coming and its relevance to our lives today.
Key Themes: Anticipation, hope, waiting for the Messiah.
3. "The Nativity of Jesus: A Study for Teens"
Description: A study specifically tailored for teens, delving into the details of the Nativity story and its significance for their faith journey.
Key Themes: Understanding the context of Christ's birth, application to modern life.
4. "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas"
Description: While designed for families, this study can be engaging for high schoolers, exploring the deeper meaning of Christmas and God's plan through the birth of Jesus.
Key Themes: Redemption, the coming of Jesus, understanding God's plan of salvation.
5. "The Christmas Experience for Students"
Description: This study takes students on a journey to experience the wonder of Christmas through biblical stories and practical applications.
Key Themes: Engaging with the Christmas narrative, applying its truths to everyday life.
These studies provide an opportunity for high schoolers to delve into the heart of the Christmas story, its significance, and how it relates to their personal faith and daily lives. They aim to deepen their understanding of the season beyond the traditional aspects, focusing on the spiritual essence of Christmas.
Movies/Documentaries:
- "The Star of Bethlehem" (Documentary): Explores the scientific and historical background of the Christmas star, offering a different perspective.
Additional resources that can effectively engage high school students in understanding the Christmas story and the broader aspects of Christianity:
Books:
- "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis: This classic work provides a rational exploration of Christian faith, ideal for teenagers beginning to form their own beliefs.
- "The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus" by Lee Strobel: Strobel's investigative approach to the life of Jesus Christ can appeal to the inquisitive minds of high school students. (As a high schooler, this book brought me back to my faith in tumultuous times.)
- "Jesus: A Pilgrimage" by James Martin, SJ: Combining historical insights and personal reflections, this book offers a deeper understanding of Jesus's life and teachings.
Documentaries and Films:
- "A Charlie Brown Christmas": While it's a classic children's movie, its timeless message and straightforward presentation of the Christmas story make it suitable for all ages, including teenagers.
- “The Case for Faith" (Documentary based on Lee Strobel's book)**: This documentary addresses common doubts and questions about Christianity, which is pertinent for high schoolers exploring their faith.
- "Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus": This film investigates historical evidence for biblical events, encouraging critical thinking and exploration.
Podcasts and Audio Series:
- "The Bible Project Podcast": Offers accessible and engaging theological discussions that can help high school students connect biblical stories to deeper themes.
- "Exploring My Strange Bible": A podcast series that dives into various biblical narratives and themes, offering insights in an engaging format.
Interactive Resources:
- "She Reads Truth" or "He Reads Truth" Apps: These apps provide daily Bible reading plans and devotionals, catering to a modern, tech-savvy audience.
Online Courses and Study Guides:
- "The Life of Jesus" on Coursera: This course offers a historical and cultural look at Jesus's life, providing an academic perspective.
- Bible Study Guides from websites like "Bible Gateway": These guides offer structured approaches to studying different aspects of the Bible, including the Christmas narrative.
YouTube Channels:
- The Bible Project: Their visually engaging videos break down complex biblical themes and stories in an easily digestible format.
- Ascension Presents: Offers videos on various topics related to Christianity, including discussions relevant to the Christmas season.
By using these resources, high school students can engage with the Christmas story and Christian teachings in a way that's intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching, catering to their growing desire for deeper understanding and personal connection with their faith.As we explore these diverse resources to share the Christmas story, it's essential to remember that the way we present these narratives to children can significantly impact their understanding and appreciation. To make this a meaningful experience, it's crucial to create an engaging and interactive environment. Parents and educators can foster discussions around the stories, asking open-ended questions to encourage children to think deeply about the themes and lessons. It's also beneficial to connect these stories to real-life examples and family traditions, helping children see the relevance of the Christmas narrative in their daily lives.
Moreover, sharing these stories should not be a solitary activity; it's an opportunity for family bonding. Families can set aside dedicated time during the Advent season for reading together, watching movies, or participating in Bible studies. This not only strengthens family relationships but also builds a shared understanding of faith and values. In doing so, the Christmas story becomes more than just a seasonal tale—it transforms into a living, breathing part of the family's faith journey. The key is to approach these resources as tools to not just educate but also to inspire, creating a lasting impact that goes beyond the Christmas season, nurturing a deep and enduring connection with the Christian faith.
In conclusion, by thoughtfully selecting and sharing these resources, families can enrich their Christmas celebrations with deeper meaning and joy. It's an opportunity to pass down cherished beliefs and traditions, ensuring that the true essence of Christmas continues to inspire and guide future generations.
And each family's journey with these resources will be unique. It's important to choose materials that resonate with your family's values and beliefs, and to adapt the approach as children grow and their understanding evolves. The ultimate goal is to create a loving and nurturing environment where the Christmas story is not just a tale from the past, but a living part of your family's present and future.
Students are free to talk about their faith in public schools and that incluces Merry Christmas Greetings. It's part of their Free Speech rights. They can also talk about Christmas in class discussions or in a homework project. They can have a Christmas party in school and wear clothing with Christian words. Students are not restricted at all in their expression about Christmas.
KEEP IN MIND THAT THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT TEACHERS CAN SAY ABOUT CHRISTMAS AND WHAT STUDENTS CAN SAY.
As we've discussed throughout this website, teachers cannot try to officially establish religion in schools. That's why they cannot promote Christmas.
However, students can talk about Christmas all they want.
My daughter for instance had to write a letter to Santa in third grade. Well she decided to write a letter to Jesus instead and thanked him about coming to this earth to help us. She wrote five pages and I was so surprised that the teacher posted those five pages down the classroom door. That teacher knew my dauther's rights and she also knew her rights of being allowed to display the student's work. To this day I never got a chance to talk to that teacher but am still impressed.
Students from K-12 Can:
- say Merry Christmas to anyone
- wear Christmas clothing with religious messages
- use Christmas book covers, folders etc.
- write an essay about Jesus' birth, salvation etc
- bring Christmas cards with Christian messages
- have a Christimas party for classmates at school (as long as it's voluntary and not in the classroom during an official class)
- bring up the real reason for Christmas in a class discussion
- keep in mind that students have free speech rights which are not quenched during Christmas season. Find out more in the Student Rights section
Teaching about Christmas in public schools
Many educators want to teach about Christmas but are afraid to do so. Their fear usually stems from complaints they have had (or think they will have) from parents, administrators, or colleagues.
The good news is, schools and teachers CAN teach about the religious aspects of holidays as an important part of learning about American culture. Part of a Student’s Education In the case of Florey v. Sioux Falls School District, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, upheld the constitutionality of the school’s policy on religious holidays.
The policy stated: Music, art, literature, and drama having religious themes or basis are permitted as part of the curriculum for school-sponsored activities and programs if presented in a prudent and objective manner and as a traditional part of the cultural and religious heritage of the particular holiday.
Reading the Christmas Story In Stone v. Graham, the Supreme Court stated “The Bible may constitutionally be used in an appropriate study of history, civilization, ethics, comparative religion, or the like.” Christmas Carols The Supreme Court assumes your school is having children sing Christmas carols. In Lynch v. Donnelly, dealing with the public display of a nativity scene, the Court commented: "To forbid the use of this one passive symbol while hymns and carols are sung and played in public places including schools, and while Congress and state legislatures open public sessions with prayers, would be an overreaction contrary to this Nation’s history and this Court’s holdings." (Emphasis added)
The largest organization of public school music teachers, the National Association for Music Education, states that “the study and performance of religious music within an educational context is a vital and appropriate part of a comprehensive music education. The omission of sacred music from the school curriculum would result in an incomplete educational experience.” Terminology It may be helpful to use the term “recognizing Christmas” rather than “celebrating Christmas.” Using the word “celebrate” may cause some people to feel that you are promoting religious participation in the holiday.
There is a difference between “participating” in the holiday in a devotional manner and “recognizing” the holiday in an engaging academic manner. It is also best to teach about Christmas using words of attribution such as: “Christians believe…;” “The Bible says…;” “Christmas is special for Christians because...;” and so forth. Nativity scenes can be used as teaching aids to illustrate the cultural lesson regarding the birth of Jesus. They are not permanent fixtures in the classroom. Christmas carols can be sung as educational experiences for culture understanding; not religious experiences.
Reading the story of the birth of Jesus to students is permissible to help students gain a basic academic familiarity with a person who has influenced so many people throughout history in government, art, literature, music, and social movements. Presented with an eye toward education, not endorsement or devotion, recognizing the religious aspects of Christmas is a legitimate academic activity. It is best to start early this fall to inform teachers and administrators that they need not censor Christmas from their programs.
Credit: Go Gateways: Christmas in your School. gogateways.org/articles/2018/1/31/christmas-in-your-school
The good news is, schools and teachers CAN teach about the religious aspects of holidays as an important part of learning about American culture. Part of a Student’s Education In the case of Florey v. Sioux Falls School District, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, upheld the constitutionality of the school’s policy on religious holidays.
The policy stated: Music, art, literature, and drama having religious themes or basis are permitted as part of the curriculum for school-sponsored activities and programs if presented in a prudent and objective manner and as a traditional part of the cultural and religious heritage of the particular holiday.
Reading the Christmas Story In Stone v. Graham, the Supreme Court stated “The Bible may constitutionally be used in an appropriate study of history, civilization, ethics, comparative religion, or the like.” Christmas Carols The Supreme Court assumes your school is having children sing Christmas carols. In Lynch v. Donnelly, dealing with the public display of a nativity scene, the Court commented: "To forbid the use of this one passive symbol while hymns and carols are sung and played in public places including schools, and while Congress and state legislatures open public sessions with prayers, would be an overreaction contrary to this Nation’s history and this Court’s holdings." (Emphasis added)
The largest organization of public school music teachers, the National Association for Music Education, states that “the study and performance of religious music within an educational context is a vital and appropriate part of a comprehensive music education. The omission of sacred music from the school curriculum would result in an incomplete educational experience.” Terminology It may be helpful to use the term “recognizing Christmas” rather than “celebrating Christmas.” Using the word “celebrate” may cause some people to feel that you are promoting religious participation in the holiday.
There is a difference between “participating” in the holiday in a devotional manner and “recognizing” the holiday in an engaging academic manner. It is also best to teach about Christmas using words of attribution such as: “Christians believe…;” “The Bible says…;” “Christmas is special for Christians because...;” and so forth. Nativity scenes can be used as teaching aids to illustrate the cultural lesson regarding the birth of Jesus. They are not permanent fixtures in the classroom. Christmas carols can be sung as educational experiences for culture understanding; not religious experiences.
Reading the story of the birth of Jesus to students is permissible to help students gain a basic academic familiarity with a person who has influenced so many people throughout history in government, art, literature, music, and social movements. Presented with an eye toward education, not endorsement or devotion, recognizing the religious aspects of Christmas is a legitimate academic activity. It is best to start early this fall to inform teachers and administrators that they need not censor Christmas from their programs.
Credit: Go Gateways: Christmas in your School. gogateways.org/articles/2018/1/31/christmas-in-your-school