Celebrate Jesus’s birth with traditions from around the world and resources that highlight the diversity of all God’s beloved children
Read
Many of the books listed here are picture books—great for engaging kids in a multicultural Christmas experience, yet also worthwhile and enjoyable for readers of all ages.
Native American / Indigenous
- Birth of the Chosen One by Terry M. Wildman
- Advent and Christmas readings from First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament
- “Be With Us, Great Spirit,” found in Voices: Native American Hymns and Worship Resources (Discipleship Resources, 1992). This call to worship (page 65) has an Advent feel of expectancy, arrival, and impending incarnation.
- An Aboriginal Carol by David Bouchard
African American / Black
- Mary Had a Baby: An Advent Bible Study Based on African American Spirituals by Cheryl Kirk-Duggan and Marilyn E. Thornton
- Who Built the Stable? A Nativity Poem by Ashley Bryan
- Celebration Song by James Berry
- What a Morning! The Christmas Story in Black Spirituals by John Langstaff
- A Child is Born by Margaret Wise Brown
Asian
- Ming’s Christmas Wishes by Susan L. Gong
- Maya and Her Christmas Lantern by Maria Reynolds
- Tree of Cranes by Allen Say
Hispanic
- The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola
- Federico and the Magi’s Gift: A Latin American Christmas Story by Beatriz Vidal
- ’Twas Nochebuena by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
Multicultural
- The King of Christmas: All God’s Children Search for Jesus by Todd R. Hains
- Joy to the World: Christmas around the Globe by Kate DePalma; also in Spanish
- Silent Night (The Christmas Choir) by Lara Hawthorne
- Three Wise Women by Mary Hoffman
- Light from Afar: An Advent Devotional from around the World by Nadiyka Gerbish, Joel Bengbeng, Cláudio Carvalhaes, and Sidwell Mokgothu
- Christmas traditions around the world
- Elizabeth and Mary devotion: called to encourage
European
- Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard
- The Legend of Old Befana by Tomie dePaola
Listen
Christmas carols are much-loved in many cultures. Some people even go door-to-door singing Christmas carols to their neighbors to spread cheer and the gospel message. Try listening to your favorite Christmas carol in another language!
A virtual choir from First Hamilton CRC sings “Ere zij God” (Glory to God), a well-loved Dutch carol
See
The following art pieces are linked here for personal viewing and pondering, or for purchase and use at home, in community, or at church. Please respect the artist’s creativity and do not reproduce or use the images without proper permission.
The Holy Family
The Magi
Other Christmas characters
Jesus, the Light of the world
Hands-on: Do, Make, Taste
These tactile activities will encourage and equip you to incorporate some global Christmas elements in your own home.
Add some global flavor to your celebrations with these recipes:
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” –Luke 2:10-11
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