The Story of the Christmas Tree
Getting Ready
As you share this ministry message, you will want the children to be looking at a Christmas tree. In the space in which
you will meet, display a small, pre-lit tree, or show a large, full-color picture of a Christmas tree with lights.
Bookmark John 10:28; Matthew 28:19; John 3:16; and Isaiah 9:2 in your Bible so you can find these verses quickly when
you are ready to read each of them to the group. If possible, use a child-friendly translation of the Bible.
Introduction
Many families get ready for Christmas by decorating a Christmas tree. Decorating the tree is one of my favorite
things to do at Christmastime. Did you know we can learn a lot about Jesus and why he came to earth by looking
at a Christmas tree? Here’s how.
Getting to the Heart
(Call the children’s attention to the Christmas tree or a picture of one.) What color is this Christmas tree? Yes, most
Christmas trees are green, and all living Christmas trees are that color. At Christmas, we decorate a specific type of
tree called an “evergreen.” Evergreens they don’t lose their leaves in the fall; they stay green all year round or forever.
Out in nature, green is the color of life. Grass is green. Moss is green. Most plants are green. When you look at a
green Christmas tree, you can remember that Jesus lived, died, and rose again so that you can have life: life with
God, now and forever. Because of Jesus, you have eternal life! It’s God’s Christmas gift to you! Listen to what Jesus
said. (Read John 10:28.)
Now let’s look at the shape of the tree. What shape do you see? Yes, Christmas trees are sort of shaped like
triangles. How many sides does a triangle have? That’s right! A triangle has three sides. The number three
reminds us of the Trinity; we worship the one, true, triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Listen to what Jesus
said. (Read Matthew 28:19.)
Christmas trees point up—to heaven. You can do it, too! Put your hands above your head like this. (Demonstrate
raising your arms above your head, touching your fingertips together to form an upward arrow. Allow the children
to do the same. Then have everyone lower their arms, and continue.) God sent Jesus from heaven to live on earth.
In love, Jesus came to live with us, to be very close to us. Jesus obeyed God perfectly in our place. Then he died
for us to take our sins away. But he didn’t stay dead. Jesus rose from the dead on the first Easter so you and I can
belong to God’s forever family! Now, we have a forever Friend in Jesus and a forever home in heaven! Listen to
how this verse explains that: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
What do people put under the tree? Yes, presents! These remind us that Jesus is the greatest Gift of all. Toys are
fun, but they all eventually break or their batteries wear out or we just get tired of them. But Jesus doesn’t break.
He doesn’t run out of batteries. We won’t ever get tired of having him as our forever Friend!
We also put lights on Christmas trees. Listen and see if you can tell why. (Read Isaiah 9:2.) The twinkly lights
remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world. He shows us the way to heaven, and he will take us safely there.
Taking It Home
Not only can we live in Jesus’ light, but we can “turn on the light” for others as we tell them about Jesus. Now that
we have talked together today, you can use the Christmas tree to help you do that! The (name the Story of the
Christmas Tree item you will be distributing) I am giving you will remind you about everything we said and help
you share the story with others.
© 2014 CTA, Inc. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original
purchaser and it intended for use within a church or other Christian organization.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry
of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Faith Talk @ Home
Conversación en casa
sobre la fe
Christmas trees are everywhere this time of year—in
stores, in homes, in many churches, and on front
lawns. Throughout December, as you decorate, shop,
and celebrate the season with friends and family, say
to your child(ren):
Hay árboles de Navidad por todas partes en esta época
del año: en tiendas, hogares, muchas iglesias y jardines a
la entrada de las casas. Durante todo diciembre, cuando
decores, hagas compras, y celebres las festividades con
amigos y familiares, diles a tus hijos o hijas:
I see a Christmas tree. What color is it? What does the
color green help us remember?
Veo un árbol de Navidad. ¿De qué color es? ¿Qué nos
ayuda a recordar el color verde?
I see a Christmas tree. What shape is it? What does
that shape help us remember?
Veo un árbol de Navidad. ¿Qué forma tiene? ¿Qué nos
ayuda a recordar esa forma?
I see a Christmas tree. It points up like an arrow. What
does that help us remember?
Veo un árbol de Navidad. Apunta hacia arriba como una
flecha. ¿Qué nos ayuda a recordar eso?
I see a Christmas tree. We put presents under the tree.
What is God’s greatest Gift to us?
Veo un árbol de Navidad. Nosotros ponemos regalos
bajo el árbol. ¿Cuál es el regalo más grande de Dios para
nosotros?
I see a Christmas tree. Look at all the lights! Who is the
Light of the world?
Veo un árbol de Navidad. ¡Miren todas las luces! ¿Quién
es la luz del mundo?