Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Christmas Day

Theme: Jesus Is Born to Save Us

Gathering & Welcome

(Gather the children together near the crib if possible.)

Leader:
“Today is Christmas.
Today the Church celebrates something wonderful and serious at the same time.

Jesus is born.
God has come close.
The Saviour has arrived.”

Make the Sign of the Cross.

Leader:
“Lord Jesus,
You came into the world to save us.
Help us to listen and welcome You.
Amen.”

Opening Conversation

Ask gently:

“What happens when someone really important comes to visit?”

“Do you have to make room for them?”

Listen briefly.

Say:
“Christmas is about making room.
Not just in our houses,
but in our hearts.”

Introducing the Gospel

Say:
“Today’s Gospel tells us about the night Jesus was born.
It was not a fancy night.
It was quiet.
And God chose it on purpose.”

The Gospel (Child-friendly – Luke 2)

(Read slowly.)

Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem.
There was no room for them in the inn.
So Mary gave birth to her baby
and wrapped Him in cloths
and laid Him in a manger.

Nearby, shepherds were watching their sheep.
An angel appeared and said:

“Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news of great joy.
Today a Saviour has been born to you.
He is Christ the Lord.”

Suddenly many angels praised God and said:
“Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to people of good will.”

Leader:
“The Gospel of the Lord.”
Children:
“Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.”

Explaining the Gospel

Say clearly:
“Jesus is born for a reason.

The angel does not say:
‘Today a baby is born.’

The angel says:
‘Today a Saviour is born.’”

Pause.

“That means Jesus comes to save us —
from sin,
from being far from God,
from doing wrong and feeling stuck.”

Built-in Activity: Who Is Jesus?

Ask the children to answer aloud:

“Who is Jesus?”
(God’s Son / Our Saviour)

“Why did He come?”
(To save us)

Then say together slowly:

“Jesus, our Saviour.”

Why Jesus Is Laid in a Manger

Say:
“Jesus is not born in a palace.
He is born in a stable.

That tells us something important.

Jesus comes for everyone —
the poor,
the small,
the people no one notices.”

Point to the crib.

“He comes close so no one is afraid of Him.”

Built-in Activity: Making Room

Say:
“Imagine your heart is like a house.

Sometimes it is tidy.
Sometimes it is messy.

Jesus still wants to come in.”

Ask gently:

“What might stop Jesus coming into our hearts?”
(unkindness, lying, not listening, selfishness)

Then say:

“Jesus does not come to shout.
He comes to forgive, help, and save.”

The Shepherds’ Choice

Say:
“The shepherds had a choice.

They could stay where they were.
Or they could go and see Jesus.

They went quickly.”

Ask:

“What do you think they felt?”
(excited, amazed, happy)

Say:
“When we choose Jesus,
we become joyful too.”

Quiet Prayer Moment

Invite the children to be still.

Say slowly:
“Jesus,
Thank You for coming close to us.
Thank You for loving us.
Please come into my heart.”

(Short silence.)

Children’s Creed (Simple)

Leader:
“Do you believe Jesus is God’s Son?”
Children: “Yes, I believe.”

“Do you believe Jesus came to save us?”
“Yes, I believe.”

“Do you want to welcome Jesus this Christmas?”
“Yes, I do.”

Children’s Intercessions

Leader:
“Jesus is born for everyone. Let us pray.”

For the Church — that she may always teach people about Jesus.
Lord, hear us.

For families — that our homes may be places of love and forgiveness.
Lord, hear us.

For people who are poor or lonely — that Jesus may be close to them.
Lord, hear us.

For ourselves — that we may welcome Jesus and try to live like Him.
Lord, hear us.

(Optional Hail Mary.)

Sending Back

Leader:
“As we go back to the church, remember:

Jesus is born.
Jesus is our Saviour.
Jesus is with us.

Let us walk back quietly
and thank God for His gift.”

(Sign of the Cross.)