The Top 5 Religious Christmas Movies for Children

screen cap from Veggie Tales 'St. Nicholas'

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While Christmas is celebrated around the world by people of varying degrees of faith or belief in the actual Christmas story, some families are still trying to teach their kids about the birth of Jesus and the original reason for the season. After all, it's not about the presents or carols or Christmas feasts; it's about the birth of Jesus and the joy he brings to the world.

The cartoons below put Christ back into Christmas in fun and entertaining ways.

01
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The Very First Noel (2006)

Narrated by Andy Griffith as Melchior, one of the three wise men, "The Very First Noel" is an animated short that tells the wonderful story of the first Christmas and the birth of Jesus. The colorful, CG-animated tale is told in rhyme, as the wise men make their journey from the East and follow the Star of Bethlehem.

Softly played renditions of various Christmas carols create a beautiful musical background for the poetic story. Perfect for all ages, this is a great film to put on during a Christmas party or to feature for family movie night.

02
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Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving (2009)

"Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving" is part of the "Veggie Tales" series. In this holiday film, our veggie pals learn about the pure joy of giving as Larry tells a story about a little boy named Nicholas who makes a discovery in Bethlehem that changes Christmas forever.

"Veggie Tales" movies teach kids Bible-related lessons through silly stories and songs about Larry the Cucumber and his vegetable friends.

03
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A WowieBOZowee Christmas (2007)

The DVD series "BOZ The Green Bear Next Door" uses CG animation and lovable characters to help children discover the wonders of God's world. In "A WowieBOZowee Christmas," Boz and his next door friends, the Baxter family, help children learn about the true meaning of Christmas as they share their Christmastime experiences and traditions. Their celebrations include giving gifts from the heart, singing Christmas carols, and acting out a live nativity scene.

This colorful show is sure to delight children while emphasizing the message that Christmas is not only about Jesus but also about the joy that he and his followers bring to the world.

04
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Read and Share DVD Bible - The Jesus Series - Christmas (2009)

This cartoon is adapted from the pages of the popular "Read and Share" Bible. The title is part of "The Jesus Series" and introduces children to the life of Christ through an uninterrupted half-hour presentation on Jesus' arrival on earth.

The series is definitely recommended to get your children into the beauty and wonder of God's written word, but the Christmas special is especially good.

05
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The Small One (1978)

The DVD "Classic Cartoon Favorites, Vol. 9 — Classic Holiday Stories" contains several classic animated Disney Christmas holiday specials, including "The Small One." This Disney cartoon reflects the charm and magic that made the company legendary.

"The Small Onetells the story of a young boy who is devastated to learn that he must sell his donkey, Small One. In the end, the boy is comforted by the kind and gentle man who buys the donkey, and Small One is privileged to be the donkey that carries Mary to Bethlehem. This title is featured on a couple of different DVDs from Disney, including the one pictured.