Christmas Picture Books with Spiritual Themes

I love finding great Christmas picture books to read with my kids to help the holiday come alive, and especially to find books that share the true reason behind the season. Below are some of our favorite picture books that show the birth and role of Christ.

Also check out the other Christmas book lists I’ve shared:

Favorite Fun and Cute Christmas Picture Books

Profound Christmas Picture Books

Christmas Chapter Books for Kids (coming soon)

Christmas Chapter Books for Adults (coming soon)

Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson

This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas books. I love the sweet story of a mouse who finds a little nativity set that he thinks would be the perfect home for him. He keeps pulling all the figures out until the night he hears the Christmas story being read and realizes who that baby really is. I’ve given this book as a gift along with a child friendly nativity set.

Little Star by Anthony DeStefano

This book tells the story of the little, ignored star that ends up shining brightly for the baby Jesus on the night of His birth. I love several of the messages it includes. Last year we read this on Christmas Eve and then decorated star sugar cookies.

Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell

This is a very tender story of animals making room for each other and showing unique kindness and peace until finally welcoming in the ultimate Little One. The illustrations are stunning and so evocative combined with the thoughtful text.

Are You the Babe of Bethlehem? by Dona Haws

You can see my full review and some pictures of the inside and I am hosting a giveaway for it that lasts for two more days!

Who is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate

A sweet, simple story of the animals who know someone special is coming to their house and are doing everything they can to prepare.

Santa’s Favorite Story by Hisako Aoki and Ivan Gantschev

As a great reminder that Christmas is about so much more than Santa and presents, this book shows Santa telling the story of the First Christmas and reminding others for the whole reason behind everything he does.

Under the Star by Jane Yolen

A counting book with a rhythmic text, this is another great way to teach children about the first Christmas.

The Tale of the Trees retold by Angela Elwell Hunt

This book is great for both Christmas and Easter and I’ve been reading and loving it ever since I was young. Now I get to introduce this moving folktale to my children about three trees that have a significant role in the story of Christ.