As kids press poinsettia leaves into the shape of Christmas trees, they’ll learn how Christmas trees can point us to Jesus.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2

You’ll need:

• Bible (try this kid-friendly option!)
• poinsettia plants
• wax paper
• hand towel
• iron
• ironing board
• silver glitter glue

Allergy Awareness: Poinsettia leaves contain some latex in the sap. Who knew?! Ask kids if they have a known allergy to latex before handling the leaves. And encourage everyone to wash their hands after they’re done touching the leaves.

Christmas Star

Show kids a poinsettia flower. Point out the star shape of each flower.

Say: Poinsettias are often used to decorate for Christmas because they’re great winter plants. And the star shape of the flower reminds us of the first Christmas star.

Read aloud Matthew 2:1-2.

Ask: What are other places you see stars around Christmas?

Christmas Trees

Say: Another place we might see the Christmas star is on a Christmas tree. There’s a story from hundreds of years ago that tells of a Christian named Martin Luther. He went for a walk in the woods around Christmas and noticed how the snow shimmered on the branches of the evergreen trees. It reminded him of a shining star, pointing us to heaven. So he took a tree home and decorated it for Christmas.

Let’s use poinsettias and Christmas trees to make a fun craft that points us to Jesus.

Give each child two pieces of wax paper. Have kids pick leaves and petals off the poinsettia and arrange them in the shape of a Christmas tree on one piece of wax paper. When kids are done arranging, have them set their wax papers on the ironing board and place their second piece of wax paper on top.

Iron each child’s wax paper, first setting the hand towel on the craft and then ironing evenly on medium dry heat. The heat will seal the wax paper together, preserving the kids’ arrangements.

Let kids decorate their wax paper creations with silver glitter glue to make the branches shimmer the way Martin Luther observed.

Ask: What will you do this Christmas to stay focused on Jesus?

Have kids hold up their crafts.

Say: Our Christmas trees help us remember Jesus in another way, too. They’re pointy at the top, like an arrow pointing us to heaven. This Christmas, have some fun thinking of ways you can point your celebrations to Jesus!

Looking for more Christmas crafts? Check out these ideas!