There is something truly magical about curling up with our children and reading Christmas stories together. Little bodies wiggle closer, the room feels softer, and suddenly the season becomes still enough for their hearts (and ours) to hear what it’s really all about. While the fun Christmas books have their place, I’ve found that Christ-centered Christmas stories help anchor our children in truth. They gently pull their attention back to Jesus, His love, His kindness, and the miracle of His birth — in language they can understand.
Here are eight of my favorite Christ-centered Christmas books for little ones (#8 is my absolute favorite! I secretly hope for my son to choose this one every night!), and why they matter so deeply.
1. The Beginner’s Bible: The Very First Christmas
Simple, bright, and faithful to Scripture. This is one of the first nativity books I ever read to my boys, and it remains a favorite. It tells the story clearly, without adding confusion or too many details for young minds.
Why it matters: Children remember stories told simply. This book keeps the nativity story the centerpiece.
2. The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell
This one is beautifully written with a repeating theme children latch onto: God keeps His promises. The illustrations are lively and expressive, and the story helps kids understand that Jesus’ birth wasn’t random — it was God’s plan from the beginning.
Why it matters: Kids need to know that God keeps His word, even when life feels uncertain. This story plants that seed.
3. The Little Drummer Boy
We read this one every year because the message is timeless: bring Jesus what you have. You don’t need to be great or important — just willing.
Why it matters: It teaches kids that worship is simple, sincere, and from the heart.
4. Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson
A sweet story about a little mouse who discovers the manger scene and learns that baby Jesus’ arrival is far more important than finding a cozy place to sleep.
Why it matters: It helps small children connect emotionally with the nativity in a way that feels cozy and imaginative.
5. Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Poetic, lyrical, and breathtakingly illustrated. All creation whispers, “He’s here!” Young children feel the excitement build with every page.
Why it matters: It shows the wonder of Jesus’ birth in a way kids can feel, not just hear.
6. You Are Always Loved — Our Family’s Devotional
This devotional is dear to my heart. I wrote it for little ones who feel deeply, worry easily, or need gentle reminders of how loved they are. Each day explains God’s love in simple, tender words, with talking points, Scripture, prayers, and ACTS prompts.
Why it matters: Christmas is the perfect time to tell children the truth about themselves: they are loved, chosen, and worth celebrating because Jesus came for them.
7. The Nativity: Six Glorious Pop-Up Scenes by Francesca Crespi
Engaging pop-up scenes bring the stable, angels, shepherds, and star to life. Even older kids get pulled into the magic of it.
Why it matters: Hands-on visuals help children retain the story long after December ends.
8. Finding Christmas by Lezlie Evans
This one has my heart. It’s about three woodland friends—Hare, Squirrel, and Mouse—who are excited for Christmas but discover an injured swallow outside in the snow. Instead of keeping their gifts for themselves, they give them all away to help the little bird heal. Warm blankets, coneflower tea, singing songs… their kindness becomes the heart of the story.
Why it matters: This is one of the most beautiful pictures of Christlike love in a children’s Christmas book. It gently shows kids what it means to give, to help, to notice someone hurting—and to offer what you have with joy. It’s tender, cozy, and full of the kind of goodness I hope fills my children’s hearts. (And yes… I secretly hope my son chooses it every night.)
Why These Books Matter
Christ-centered Christmas books help our children slow down and understand what we’re actually celebrating. They remind us—parents included—that Christmas is more than a season. It’s a story. A promise kept. Hope in human form. And through these stories, our children see: ✨ God keeps His promises ✨ Jesus came for everyone ✨ Love looks like giving ✨ Small hearts can understand big truths ✨ Christmas is beautiful because Christ is beautiful If you have a favorite Christ-centered Christmas book, tell me in the comments—I’m always adding new treasures to our basket. 🤍