The Best Children’s Books About the True Meaning of Christmas

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You guys don’t even know how thankful I am to be raising boys who adore books.  I grew up being a little bookworm and love sharing my love of reading with my sons.  Since Christmas is my absolute favorite season, I have been working hard to collect some new favorite Christmas books for us to enjoy – especially children’s books about the true meaning of Christmas.  If want my boys to fill their hearts and their minds with Jesus and his birth during this season while we also celebrate presents and all that goes along with that.

Many of you have the same desire for your children so I figured I’d better share the best children’s nativity books and other books that focus on the true meaning of Christmas with you.

Children’s Books About the True Meaning of Christmas

This is the Stable

This book is a short and simple poem telling the story of the birth of Christ.  The thing I love most about this book is that the illustrator did a great job of portraying Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and all the other characters as they truly were – Middle Eastern.  Too often they’re all shown as Caucasians but I love my boys seeing a more accurate picture of who they were.

The Christmas Promise

We absolutely adore this book.  It’s probably my favorite Christmas book since I’m a Bible nerd.  It tells about Jesus coming as the King and how he fulfills the promises laid out by the prophets.  It tells the whole nativity story in a fun, engaging way while also throwing some simple theological truths in!

The Littlest Watchman

If you’re familiar with the Jesse tree, this is a great children’s book for you!  It tells a story of a boy who is waiting to see the stump sprout (a representation of the branch of Jesse… aka Jesus), showing us that God’s promises are coming to fruition.

Humphrey’s First Christmas

This is a cute and funny story about the camel that carried the Wisemen to see baby Jesus.  Of course he gets into all sorts of silliness but, once he meets Jesus, realizes what is truly important.  It’s silly but sticks to the true meaning of Christmas well!

The Legend of the Candy Cane

Ever wonder how a Candy Cane can point to the birth of Jesus?  This sweet story gives the answer while, unfortunately, making your kiddo want candy.  This book is a fun way to link a common Christmas goody to the true meaning of Christmas.

The Tale of Three Trees

This story is great for both Christmas and Easter.  Three trees that woodsmen are chopping down long to be made into great objects but all get made into simple things that they are not thrilled about.  All three of the objects are used in the life of Christ (spoiler: one’s a manger) and show how even simple lives can be used for God’s glory.

The Legend of St. Nicholas

If you’re like us and enjoy throwing some Santa into your holiday celebrations but still want to focus on Jesus, this book is for you!  It tells the story of the real St. Nicholas and how his life was used to honor Jesus.  It talks about how we give presents because Jesus was the greatest present.  Such a fun way to do Santa without doing Santa the normal way.

The Legend of the Christmas Tree

This is another book that gives the spiritual reason for a holiday tradition.  This time the book focuses on the Christmas tree and how it can remind us of the birth of Christ.

The Crippled Lamb

This is a perfect book for kids who feel left out or have special needs.  It tells a story of a crippled lamb who couldn’t do what normal lambs do.  But because he wasn’t able to, he got to witness the birth of Jesus.  A super sweet story that is definitely a timeless classic.

Your Turn:
What are your favorite Christmas books that focus on Jesus?

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