Advent is the season of waiting and getting ready for Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December 25, and many families light candles, open Advent calendars, and read the Bible together each week. Reading Advent Bible verses with kids is a simple, peaceful way to slow down in a busy season and remember why Jesus came.
This guide gives you Advent Bible verses for kids arranged week by week around four classic Advent themes: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. All verses are from the King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain.
Quick answer: The best Advent Bible verses for kids follow the four Advent themes: hope (Isaiah 9:2), peace (Isaiah 9:6), joy (Luke 2:10) and love (John 3:16), ending with Luke 2:11 on Christmas Day. In 2026, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29.
What Is Advent? (Explained for Kids)
The word “Advent” means “coming.” For hundreds of years, God’s people waited for the Saviour He had promised. During Advent, we remember that long wait and get our hearts ready to celebrate Jesus’ birthday at Christmas.
Many families use an Advent wreath with four candles – one lit each Sunday – and sometimes a fifth, white candle in the middle for Christmas Day. Each candle stands for a special theme.
Here is the whole plan at a glance. Light one candle each Sunday and read that week’s two Advent Bible verses for kids:
Week 1 Advent Bible Verses: Hope
Hope means waiting for something good, knowing it will really happen. God’s people hoped for the Saviour, and God kept His promise.
Isaiah 9:2
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”
Jesus is like a great light shining in a dark room. Try this: turn off the lights, then light the first candle (with a grown-up’s help) and read this verse.
Micah 5:2
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
Long before Jesus was born, God told His people the exact town where it would happen: little Bethlehem. God’s plans are always right on time.
Week 2 Advent Bible Verses: Peace
Peace is a calm, safe feeling inside. Jesus brings peace between us and God, and helps us live peacefully with others.
Isaiah 9:6
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Jesus is called “The Prince of Peace.” Ask your child: “How can you be a peacemaker at home this week?”
Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
The angels sang these words when Jesus was born. It’s a great verse to sing as you light the second candle.
Week 3 Advent Bible Verses: Joy
Joy is a deep happiness that comes from knowing God loves us. Many churches light a pink candle this week to show that Christmas is getting close!
Luke 1:46-47
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”
Mary sang this happy song after the angel told her she would be Jesus’ mother. Kids can make up their own “joy song” to God.
Luke 2:10
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
The news of Jesus was “great joy” for all people. Who can your family share some Christmas joy with this week?
Week 4 Advent Bible Verses: Love
Love is the reason for Christmas. God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
This might be the most famous verse in the Bible. Help your child put their own name in place of “the world”: “God so loved ___!”
1 John 4:19
“We love him, because he first loved us.”
A short, easy verse for little ones. God loved us first, so we can love Him and others back.
Christmas Day: Jesus Is Born!
Luke 2:11
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
The waiting is over! Light the center candle on Christmas morning and read this verse together before opening gifts.
Bonus Advent Bible Verses for Kids’ Calendars
If you want more verses to tuck into a daily Advent calendar, here are a few extra short ones:
- Luke 1:37 – “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
- Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
- Matthew 2:10 – “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
- John 1:5 – “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:15 – “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”
Easy Advent Activities for Families
- Paper Advent wreath: Cut four candles from purple and pink paper and a green paper wreath. Add a yellow “flame” each Sunday.
- Verse calendar: Write a verse on small cards, number them, and let kids open one each day of December.
- Kindness countdown: Pair each verse with a kind act, like drawing a card for a neighbor.
- Nativity journey: Place Mary and Joseph figures across the room and move them closer to the stable each day until Christmas.
A Simple Advent Prayer for Kids
“Dear God, thank You for keeping Your promise and sending Jesus. As we wait for Christmas, fill our hearts with hope, peace, joy, and love. Help us get ready to celebrate Your Son. Amen.”
Want to read the full prophecy together? You can read Isaiah 9:2-7 (KJV) on Bible Gateway. It covers the week 1 and week 2 verses in one short passage.
More Bible Fun on KIDSgraphy
- Learn more verses with our 100 must-know Bible verses for kids.
- Get grateful hearts ready with Thanksgiving Bible verses for kids.
- Explore more Bible stories for kids.
Make Waiting Wonderful
Waiting is hard for children, especially with presents under the tree! Advent turns that waiting into something meaningful. A few minutes each week with these Advent Bible verses can become a favorite family tradition – and a gentle reminder that the greatest gift of Christmas is Jesus Himself.
For more Christmas fun, read our Christmas Bible verses for kids, share the Nativity story at bedtime, or enjoy the poem The Christmas Mouse.
Advent Bible Verses for Kids: FAQs
What are the four themes of Advent?
Many churches and families use four weekly themes: hope, peace, joy and love. Each Sunday you light one more candle on the Advent wreath and read Bible verses about that week’s theme.
When does Advent start in 2026?
Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. In 2026, the first Sunday of Advent is November 29, and the season ends on Christmas Eve, December 24.
What color are the Advent candles?
Most Advent wreaths have three purple (or blue) candles and one pink candle. The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday for joy. Some families add a white “Christ candle” in the center on Christmas Day.
What Bible verse is read on the first Sunday of Advent?
Many families start with a verse about hope, such as Isaiah 9:2: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.” It reminds kids that Jesus came to bring light to the world.
How do you explain Advent to a child?
Tell your child that Advent means “coming.” It is the time when we get ready to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, a little like counting down to a birthday party. Each week we light a candle, read a verse and learn something new about why Jesus came.