5 Psalms that Point to Jesus

Christmas is almost here!

As we've been reading through the Psalms, we've been reminded that long before Jesus was born, the Psalmists were already giving us clues about the coming Savior. Isn't that amazing!

As we come up to Christmas, take some time and use these five Psalms as a simple activity to find Jesus in the Bible long before He arrived in Bethlehem.

It’s a powerful way to show your kids that God’s plan to rescue us has always been in the works.

1. Psalm 2: The Son is Announced

• The Message: The nations of the world are chaotic and rebellious, but God has a plan. He announces that He has installed His own King, saying, "Today I have become your father, and you are my son."

• Connecting to Jesus: This is an amazing preview of Jesus’ true identity. He isn't just a baby in a manger; He is God’s anointed Son, the true King over all the chaos of the world.

• Actionable Tip: Read verses 7–8 together. Ask your child: "If Jesus is God’s own Son and the King of everything, how should that change the way we celebrate His birthday this year?"

2. Psalm 8: God Becomes One of Us

• The Message: David looks at the stars and is amazed that a massive, powerful God cares about tiny humans. He marvels that God made humans "almost like gods and crowned them with glory and honor."

• Connecting to Jesus: The New Testament tells us that Jesus is the one who was made "a little lower than the angels" for a short time when He became a human baby. He stepped down from heaven to be like us so that He could save us.

• Actionable Tip: Go outside tonight and look at the stars (or look at Christmas lights!). Talk about how amazing it is that the God who made all of those lights chose to become a baby for us.

3. Psalm 24: Welcoming the King of Glory

• The Message: This Psalm commands the gates and ancient doors to "proudly lift up your heads" and "the glorious King of glory will come in."

• Connecting to Jesus: We are preparing for the arrival of the King one day. This Psalm (and this time of year) reminds us that we aren't just opening presents; we need to open the "doors" of our hearts to let Jesus, the King of Glory, come in and rule our lives.

• Actionable Tip: While you are decorating your front door or hanging a wreath, ask your child, "We are getting our house ready for Christmas, but what is one way we can get our hearts ready for Jesus today?"

4. Psalm 72: The King Who Brings Peace

• The Message: This is a prayer for a perfect King who will rule with justice, defend the poor, and bring peace. It mentions that kings from distant shores will bring him gifts and bow down to him.

• Connecting to Jesus: Jesus is the ultimate Prince of Peace. The image of kings from faraway lands bringing gifts is a beautiful foreshadowing of the Wise Men (Magi) traveling to worship the young Jesus.

• Actionable Tip: While wrapping a present or looking at a nativity scene, talk about the Wise Men. Ask, "They brought Jesus expensive gifts. What is a gift you can give Jesus this year?" (e.g., kindness to a sibling, obeying parents quickly).

5. Psalm 89: The Forever Promise

• The Message: The Psalmist sings about God’s incredible love and His specific promise to King David: that someone from David’s family would always be king.

• Connecting to Jesus: God keeps His promises, even when it takes a long time. Jesus was born into the family line of King David in Bethlehem (David's city) to fulfill this exact promise. He is the Forever King.

• Actionable Tip: Focus on verses 1–2 about singing of God’s great love forever. Turn on some favorite Christmas songs and have a mini-worship session in the living room, thanking God that He always keeps His promises.

Keep Discovering Jesus in the Psalms!

The Psalms are packed with pictures of who Jesus is and what He came to do. Don't stop here!

The Simple Bible Journal for Kids series covering the Psalms guides your kids through the entire book of Psalms. It’s the perfect tool to help them build a daily habit of finding God in scripture, reading, reflecting, and responding in their own unique way.

Give them the gift of a deeper faith this Christmas.

👉 Click here to get the first book in the series on Amazon today!