Jesus Visions

A Christmas Letter from Jesus to Your Child (to Read Aloud)

One bright star over the hills above the lake at dusk, an old olive tree dark against the sky.

Children listen differently when a letter has their name on it. A letter from Jesus at Christmas can be a gentle way to tell the story of the first Christmas, and to tell your child that they are known and loved.

Below is a letter you can copy by hand, print, or simply read aloud. Write your child's name in the blanks, or type their name and print the letter with it already filled in.

The letter

Dear ______,

A long time ago, on the very first Christmas, I was born in a little town called Bethlehem. There was no room for my family at the inn, so my first bed was a manger, the box where the animals ate. That night, shepherds out in the fields heard good news from the angels, and they hurried to see me.

I am telling you this because Christmas is a birthday, and you are part of it. When your family lights the tree, sings a carol or wraps a present, you are remembering the night I came to be with you.

I know your name, ______. I know what makes you laugh and what makes you worry at bedtime. When you talk to me, even about small things, I am listening.

This Christmas, be kind to someone who feels left out. Share something you love. And when you open your presents, remember that the best gifts are the people sitting around you.

Merry Christmas. I love you.

Jesus

The verse to read with it

After the letter, read the words the angel said to the shepherds:

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11 (KJV)

Ways to make it their own

  • Add one line about their year. A new school, a new baby sister, a brave moment at the dentist. One real detail makes the whole letter feel written for them.
  • Choose the moment. Christmas Eve after dinner, tucked into a stocking, or left beside the nativity scene for the morning.
  • Keep it. Children often ask for the same letter the next year. Tuck it in a book with the date.

Hear Jesus say their name

If you would like your child to hear their own name, our Christmas films and songs are made for one person at a time. Here is one of our samples, a Christmas song made with the name Noah:

A sample Christmas song made with the name Noah.

You can order a Christmas message from Jesus with your child's name, or a Christmas song with their name sung in it. For more ideas, see our Christian gifts for kids.