By Mary Kizior
As the cold weather sets in, the Christmas season is the perfect time of year to snuggle up with your little ones to read Christmas stories—and there are so many good picture books to choose from!
Christmastime is full of pro-life themed stories. It makes sense because the Christmas story is the greatest pro-life story ever told! This time of year we can talk about Mary’s “yes” to God and apply that attitude to our own lives. It’s a time of year when we wait in awe and wonder to relive the coming of the baby whom God sent to save us all! Now is the perfect time to pray for all moms and dads who are being gifted with new life. And it’s the perfect time to reach out in charity to struggling moms, to the oppressed, to the poor, to the elderly, and to all of the “least of these.”
Every family has its favorite Christmas stories. We have chosen some of our favorites that are not only Christmas classics, but that also weave a pro-life message throughout the story.
Our top pick
Little Star by Anthony DeStefano
When all the other stars won’t shine for a tiny baby in a stable, Little Star alone gives his light for Jesus. Little Star shows children how even the smallest person can teach Jesus’ message of love to the world. Challenge your children so see what they can do to really shine Christ’s light on the “least of these” this Christmas.
Read Little Star with The Christmas Star: Celebrating the Most Important Pro-Life Feast. In this one-class lesson, K-2 students explore how they can give their all for Baby Jesus on His birthday.
Other recommended books:
’Twas the Evening of Christmas by Glenys Nellist
‘Twas the Evening of Christmas is a delightful twist on the poem “‘Twas the Night before Christmas” and tells the story of the Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem and Christ’s birth in a stable. The beautiful illustrations and catchy rhymes provide the perfect starting point to tell your child about the miracle of Christ’s birth. From there you can begin beautiful conversations about the miracle of every child and encourage your children to pray for moms and dads—especially those struggling with hardship during pregnancy.
Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
Mortimer’s Christmas Manger is a charming picture book about the meaning of God’s greatest gift to us. Mortimer the mouse learns to trust in God to give him a warm house. Use this story to help your children think of ways they can sacrifice for others this Christmas—just like Mortimer gave up his nice warm house.
God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren
God Gave Us Christmas is a delightful picture book in which Mama Bear helps Little Bear understand that Christmas is about more than just Santa. In the book, the two set off on a journey and discover that God is everywhere and that Jesus is the greatest gift God’s ever given us. Use this story to remind your children how much God loves us.
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
The Crippled Lamb tells the story of an orphaned and crippled lamb named Joshua. One night, Joshua finds his purpose in keeping a newborn infant warm in the manger and being one of the first creatures to welcome Jesus into the world. Not only is this sweet story about Jesus’ lowly birth in a manger, but it also reminds us that we each have a purpose in this world, even if we have trouble seeing it sometimes. Help your children see the great value they have as part of God’s plan.
The Christmas Candle by Richard Paul Evans
The Christmas Candle is a story about the relationship we have with our neighbors as members of our human family. On his way home for Christmas, Thomas buys a simple candle to guide him. He then encounters a beggar woman, a poor man, and a small girl, all shivering in the cold. When the light of a simple candle transforms their features to look like his mother and siblings, Thomas uses everything he has to help them. In the end, Thomas realizes that even the poor people on the street are his own family members. This is the perfect story to read as you prepare to help those in need in your community. Invite your children to come up with a plan to help someone less fortunate.
Looking for more pro-life Christmas books? Check out our Christmas lesson bundle.
What is your family’s favorite Christmas picture book? Tell us in the comments!
Mary Kizior is a content developer for American Life League’s Culture of Life Studies Program, which stresses the culture of life as an integral part of every academic discipline. CLSP is dedicated to helping students become effective communicators of the pro-life message. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to see how we can help you foster a culture of life at home and in school.
