The joy of Christmas is beautifully captured in the voices of children celebrating the birth of Jesus through song and scripture. Hosting a children’s Christmas carol service is a wonderful way to inspire young hearts and remind them of the true meaning of Christmas. Integrating Bible readings that highlight the Christmas story adds a meaningful, reflective touch to the service. Here are 20 specially chosen Bible readings for a children’s Christmas carol service, perfect for sharing God’s love and the story of Jesus’s birth.
20 Bible Readings for Children’s Christmas Carol Service
Isaiah 9:6
- “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 speaks of the birth of Jesus long before it happened. It’s a great reading to open a children’s Christmas service, introducing Jesus as the awaited savior.
Luke 2:4-5
- “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
This passage begins the journey to Bethlehem, setting the scene for the miracle of Jesus’s birth. It’s a fitting choice for a moment in the service when anticipation is building.
Matthew 1:23
- “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
The name “Immanuel” reminds us that God is with us. It’s a short and meaningful verse, ideal for young readers to share in a children’s Christmas carol service.
Luke 2:6-7
- “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
This beloved verse describes Jesus’s humble birth, symbolizing love and simplicity. It’s perfect for introducing the carol “Away in a Manger.”
John 1:14
- “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14 speaks of Jesus as the living Word. Children can reflect on this verse to understand the significance of Jesus coming to live among us.
Matthew 2:1-2
- “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’”
This passage introduces the Wise Men, who represent all those who seek Jesus. It’s ideal to read before singing a song like “We Three Kings.”
Luke 1:30-31
- “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.’”
A favorite passage for children, Luke 1:30-31 shows Mary’s humble acceptance of God’s plan. This reading could accompany “Silent Night.”
Micah 5:2
- “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
This Old Testament prophecy about Bethlehem can help children appreciate the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Luke 2:8-10
- “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”
The excitement of the angel’s announcement to the shepherds is wonderfully captured in this passage, ideal for children who will enjoy acting out the shepherds’ reaction.
Matthew 2:11
- “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
The arrival of the Wise Men brings the story of Jesus’s birth to life, symbolizing worship and generosity.
Luke 2:13-14
- “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”
This angelic praise is a powerful reading, leading beautifully into the carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
Isaiah 7:14
- “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Another prophecy about Jesus, this verse reminds children of God’s promises.
Luke 2:15
- “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”
A call to action for the shepherds, this verse inspires children to seek out Jesus just as the shepherds did.
Psalm 98:4
- “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.”
Psalm 98 captures the joy of the season, making it a perfect introduction to a joyful carol.
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.”
This well-loved verse summarizes the heart of the Christmas message.
Galatians 4:4-5
- “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
Galatians 4:4-5 reflects the purpose of Jesus’s birth, ideal for older children to appreciate the redemption story.
Romans 6:23
- “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This verse teaches children about God’s gift to humanity, tying into the idea of Jesus as a gift of love.
Luke 1:46-47
- “And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’”
Mary’s joyful response to God’s promise is an inspiration for children to feel gratitude and joy.
Isaiah 40:3
- “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’”
Isaiah’s words highlight the preparation for Jesus’s arrival.
Luke 2:20
- “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
Conclusion
Choosing Bible readings for Children’s Christmas carol service is a wonderful opportunity to help young ones connect with the Christmas story. Each passage introduces an element of awe, compassion, and joy that can stay with children for years to come. These readings offer an immersive way to bring the wonder of Christmas to life, enriching the celebration for families and children alike.
Read also: 30 Christmas Wishes with Bible Verses for a Faith-Filled Holiday
