The Christmas Connection: “Why Jesus Was Born”? John 16
We all know the Christmas story: a baby, a stable, and bright star. But how often do we connect that sweet scene in Bethlehem directly to the most powerful verse in the New Testament? John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…” This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s the mission statement for Jesus’ entire life. This post breaks down John 3:16 for kids, linking the love, the gift, and the promise directly to the Nativity. If you want your Children’s Ministry lesson this December to go beyond carols and camels, read on to discover how to teach the connection between God’s greatest gift and the promise of everlasting life.
When we talk about John 3:16 at Christmas, we can emphasize three key points: Love, The Gift, and The Purpose.
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. John 3:16
1. The Love Behind the Lights: “For God so Loved the World…” ❤️
Christmas is often filled with love—love for family, love for giving gifts, and love for the cozy, joyful season. This is the perfect time to introduce the most important love of all: God’s love.
- God’s Unstoppable Love: Remind children that God didn’t just say He loved the world; He showed it in the most dramatic way possible. This love wasn’t a sudden idea; it was a plan God had for all time, even before the first star shone over Bethlehem.
- Love Sent Down: Just as we send Christmas cards or packages across long distances, God sent His love from heaven to Earth. He looked at the world, saw everyone making mistakes (sins), and knew we needed help. His great love compelled Him to act.
- The World He Loves: Explain that “the world” includes every person—the wise men, the shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and every child sitting in the room. God loves everyone unconditionally, no matter what they did yesterday or what they wear today.
2. The Unique Gift: “…that He Gave His Only Begotten Son…” 🌟
Every Christmas, we give and receive presents. This year, focus on the unique nature of God’s gift.
- The Manger Holds the Promise: The baby Jesus, lying in that humble manger, was God’s one-of-a-kind Gift. He is the Only Begotten Son. This means Jesus is completely unique—He is fully God yet became fully human, just for us.
- The Gift Cost Everything: When we give a gift, we sacrifice time or money. God sacrificed His Son. Explain that this baby wasn’t just cute; He was sent with a great destiny. He was born so He could grow up and complete the mission: to take away our sin by dying on the cross.
- The Gift is for You: Just like a gift tag has your name on it, Jesus was born for each individual child. The angel’s announcement to the shepherds wasn’t just a historical event; it was the delivery announcement for the most important present ever given. The true spirit of Christmas is receiving this Gift.
3. The Condition of Acceptance: “…that Whosoever Believeth in Him…” 🙏
What good is a gift if it stays under the tree? God’s gift of Jesus must be received!
- Whosoever: This is the most inclusive word in the Bible! At Christmas, we invite everyone to the party. God’s invitation is for every single person (“whosoever”). No one is excluded.
- Believing is Receiving: Explain that if someone handed you a wrapped present, you have to do two things to enjoy it:
- Believe it’s for you.
- Receive it by taking it and opening it.
- Believing in Jesus means trusting Him completely to save you from your mistakes (sins). It’s not about being good enough; it’s about trusting what Jesus did for you. It’s the moment your heart says, “Yes, Jesus, I want Your gift!”
4. The Lasting Result: “…should not Perish, but have Everlasting Life.” ✨
Unlike a toy that breaks or batteries that run out, the gift God gives lasts forever.
- Beyond the Tinsel: Explain that when the Christmas decorations are put away and the toys are broken, the promise of John 3:16 remains. This is the everlasting result!
- Perish (Separation): Use a simple analogy. When someone is sad or isolated, they feel separated. “Perish” means eternal separation from God’s love and light because sin creates a wall.
- Everlasting Life (Reconnection): Explain that everlasting life is the opposite. It’s a wonderful new life that begins the moment you trust Jesus, and it lasts forever with God in heaven. It means having God’s friendship and love forever! The baby born in Bethlehem opened the door to this eternal friendship.
💡 Lesson Activities for Christmas Ministry
Activity 1: The Tagged Gift Exchange
- Materials: Small slips of paper, pens, a Christmas tag.
- Lesson: Hold up a decorated Christmas tag. Explain that this tag is like John 3:16—it holds the message.
- Activity: Have the children write their own name on a slip of paper. Explain that the verse says “Whosoever”(meaning their name!) will not perish. Read the verse, pointing to the words on the slips. Place all the slips inside a small box labeled “Everlasting Life.” Shake the box and celebrate that every name is safe inside God’s promise.
Activity 2: From Birth to Belief
- Materials: Pictures or craft cutouts representing the manger scene, a cross, and a child with a smiling heart.
- Lesson: Create a simple visual line representing Jesus’ life journey.
- Start: Place the manger (The Birth, The Gift). Read the first two parts of the verse.
- Middle: Place the cross (The Sacrifice, The Purpose). Explain that this is why He was born.
- End: Place the smiling heart (The Belief, The Result). Explain that when we believe, we get the eternal gift.
- Conclusion: Show how the beautiful Christmas story (the manger) is only the beginning of the amazing love story found in John 3:16.
Activity 3: Unconditional Love Lights
- Materials: Small battery-operated string lights or glow sticks.
- Lesson: Darken the room slightly.
- Activity: Give each child a light or glow stick. As you read John 3:16, explain that God’s love is like this light—it shines brightly and never goes out. When we believe in Jesus, we are stepping out of the darkness of “perish” and into the bright, warm light of “everlasting life” that Jesus brought into the world that first Christmas night.
Conclusion: The Meaning That Never Fades
Teaching John 3:16 during the Christmas season powerfully anchors the child’s faith. It moves the focus from the temporary joy of Santa and presents to the eternal joy of salvation. Christmas is the celebration of God’s love manifesting in a baby, and John 3:16 explains the eternal consequence of that beautiful, world-changing birth. Every time a child sees a nativity scene, they should be reminded that the baby Jesus is the greatest gift God ever gave, ensuring that whosoever believes will receive the promise of everlasting life.