Music is one of the best ways to teach, so it’s no surprise that it is often used in sharing aspects of faith. These best Christian songs for kids range from time-honored classics to contemporary songs that combine spiritual lessons with fun and dance.
1. Jesus Loves Me
“Jesus Loves Me” might be one of the most famous kids’ hymns of all time. The earliest record of the song appeared in 1860 as a poem. When it was turned into a song two years later, it found immediate popularity that has hardly wavered in the nearly two centuries since.
Everyone who grew up attending church—and even some who didn’t—knew this song before they were out of diapers. The simple tune is easy to learn and teaches one of the simplest, most important lessons of the Christian faith.
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2. This Little Light of Mine
“This Little Light Of Mine” is one of the most popular gospel songs of all time, but no one really knows when it was released. Some people say it was composed in the 1920s and became more widely known during the 1960s. Regardless, it remains as popular now as it was at its start.
It is usually thought to be based on Matthew 5:14-16. “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Many versions for kids include special dances or hand motions.
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3. He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands
Another popular song for kids, “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” is an easy song for kids of all ages! This one is extra fun because it is simple and repetitive but also ideal for a group setting.
Many versions for kids are sung with accompanying dance moves or hand motions, which change with each verse. You might see rocking motions for “He’s got the little bitty baby in his hands,” blowing motions for “He’s got the wind and the rain in his hands,” and pointing for “He’s got you and me brother/sister in his hands.”
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4. I’ve Got That Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy
This is a fun song that teaches kids all about why Christians should live lives full of joy. Some versions include a call and response element, which kids will have fun with! The song and lyrics are simple on their own, but they offer a great opportunity to teach kids why Christians believe that they can be joyful no matter what their circumstances are.
This was composed in 1925 and has been popular, especially with children, ever since. Many versions include hand motions, which make it even more fun.
5. I’ve Got Peace Like a River
“Peace Like A River” is a classic hymn from the 19th century. Featuring a simple tune and a beautiful message, it is still a great choice for kids today. Many people might know it by the name “It Is Well With My Soul,” which is the main line repeated throughout the chorus.
Though it is more somber than many kids’ church songs, it can be a great way to share the message of the comfort that faith brings, especially during difficult times.
Next: The best hymns of all time
6. The Animals Went in Two By Two
You’re probably familiar with this song. It is sung to the same tune as “The Ants Go Marching,” a popular nursery rhyme. But in this case, instead of ants marching into an anthill, the song is about the animals marching into Noah’s ark.
Young kids will enjoy this animal-themed song, which tells a story that they have probably heard many times before. Some versions include silly verses about hippos getting stuck in the door and a turtle worried that he is running late.
7. Go Down, Moses
“Go Down, Moses” is an African-American spiritual hymn that tells the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt. It played a central role in the Underground Railroad, where the phrase was used as a code word.
The song was famously covered by Louis Armstrong and other famous singers. Even though it was never written explicitly for kids, the song is still a great one for sharing the story of the Exodus with children.
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8. Children, Go Where I Send Thee
“Children, Go Where I Send Thee” is a simple hymn that doubles as a counting song, a concept that most kids will be familiar with. It was originally an African-American spiritual hymn, but nowadays, it is often sung as a Christmas carol.
There are many versions, but they all follow the same basic structure of counting up to 10 or 12, with each verse containing a reference to a Bible verse. It is a fun song that will engage kids while teaching them about important passages in the Scriptures.
Next: Greatest Christmas songs for Children & Kids
9. Father Abraham
“Father Abraham” is a silly song meant for church groups, summer camps, and other big group settings. It is usually sung with special hand motions and even includes lyrics with the instructions.
The tune is upbeat and fun but still teaches an important lesson about the story of Abraham in Genesis and how God promised him that his descendants would outnumber the stars. It ties into the lesson that we are all a part of God’s family.
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10. In The Sweet By And By
Christians believe that there should be no fear of death, so it stands to reason that kids should learn about it once they are old enough. “In The Sweet By And By” is a traditional hymn that describes the beauty of heaven and how we will all live there together one day.
It has been around since the 1860s and has been covered countless times. This is an easy song that introduces children to Christian teaching about death and eternal life in a simple way.
11. All Things Bright And Beautiful
“All Things Bright And Beautiful” is a 19th-century hymn that is perfect for kids thanks to its simple melody and message. In fact, it was first published in the 1848 volume Hymns For Little Children.
The song describes how all the beautiful and wonderful things of the world, both big and small, were created in God’s image. Kids will enjoy the verses that describe animals, flowers, birds, nature, and other things that they see every day.
12. For The Beauty of The Earth
“For The Beauty Of The Earth” is a simple 19th-century hymn of praise for all the beautiful plants and animals that we see all over the earth. It is incredibly easy to learn, with only three verses that culminate in a single repeated line: “Lord of all, to Thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise.”
If you want to teach your children an easy but beautiful hymn of praise and gratitude, this is an excellent choice.
13. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” is a 19th-century hymn of comfort. It was written to remind us that no matter what happens or who we have in our lives, Jesus will always be our friend.
The song was written by Joseph Scriven, an Irish immigrant to Canada. Though it is slower and more complex than many other hymns, it is still a great song to teach kids. You can also find modernized versions of the song that might be a little more accessible to children in the 21st century.
14. His Eye is on The Sparrow
“His Eye Is On The Sparrow” is a gospel song from the early 20th century. It has been adapted countless times in a variety of styles. This beautiful song teaches children that they should never be afraid because they know that God is watching over them.
The text is based on several passages in Matthew, most notably Matthew 6:26, which reads: “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap… and yet Your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
15. Ask Seek Knock
It can be tricky to talk to kids about prayer, especially when it comes to asking for things. But Jesus actually taught us that we should ask Him for what we need. “Ask Seek Knock” is a reminder that as God’s children, we should all feel okay asking Him for our desires, even if it means being persistent.
The lyrics are based on Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.”
16. All Creatures of Our God And King
“All Creatures Of Our God And King” is an older hymn based on text written by St. Francis of Assisi, “Canticle Of The Sun,” in 1225. It has been adapted many times, but this beautiful hymn is one of the most famous musical versions. It’s a hymn of praise to God for creating all the beautiful things in the world, from plants to planets, animals, clouds, and more.
17. Made For This
“Made For This” is a contemporary Christian song for kids that might not be widely known. Nevertheless, it perfectly encapsulates what Christians believe about their purpose in life.
We aren’t all destined to do the same things, but God has a plan for every person and guides them to where they are meant to be. This song is a great way to teach kids about the way that He cares for them and shepherds them along their special path in life.
18. John 14:27
If you can’t quite remember how John 14:27 goes, you’ll never forget it after hearing this song. It quotes Jesus in the Gospel when He said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The song is a reminder that whatever we do, we don’t do it alone. It is a vitally important reminder for listeners of all ages, and a great way to teach kids this lesson.
19. Fruit of The Spirit
Kids will enjoy this silly song “Fruit Of The Spirit.” It combines a fun theme and a singable tune with a solid lesson on the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The song is easy to sing for kids of all ages, and it offers the chance to combine it with silly dance moves or hand motions. You can make up your own if you like, though the last verse includes verbal instructions to get into bunches like grapes. It’s a great way to have fun and learn at the same time.
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20. Lord of All Hopefulness
“Lord Of All Hopefulness” is a beautiful hymn dating from the 1930s. The melody is based on an old Irish folk song, which was also used for several other popular hymns, including “Be Thou My Vision.”
The song lyrics ask Jesus to be there at every part of our day, from waking to doing our work, coming home, and going to sleep. It is a beautiful song for showing children that God is present with us through the normal routine of our day.
21. Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
“Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace” is also known as the Prayer of St. Francis. Though the text can’t officially be traced to the medieval saint, it does seem to share many of the attitudes and practices that he taught. These, in many ways, resemble the Beatitudes of the Gospel.
The text has been set to music many times, but the best-known version is the 1967 adaptation by Sebastian Temple. This beautiful song is a prayer for God to help us learn to spread peace and love wherever we go.
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As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.
