The Christmas Story, According to Kids

The Christmas story is one of the most beloved tales in history, but what happens when we hear it through the innocent, humorous lens of children? Southland Christian Church in Kentucky, USA gave kids the chance to tell the story of Jesus’s birth in their own words—and the result is nothing short of heartwarming.

In a viral video that has captured the hearts of people across the globe, kids reimagine the nativity with their own funny and charming twists. What did the wise men bring to the baby Jesus? According to one child, it was diapers, wipes, and Air Jordans! Another declared, “Gold, Frankenstein, and myrrh” as the gifts. The adult actors, dressed as biblical characters, sheep, and even stars, act out the kids’ retellings, making for a delightfully humorous rendition of the iconic story.

One child’s version of the angel’s visit to Mary is particularly memorable: “She was just doing laundry and then the angel just appeared, and she was really scared,” they explained, painting a vivid image of Mary’s surprise. Then, Mary and Joseph’s journey to “Bethle-ha-ha-ham” in search of a place to stay takes a comical turn, with the couple being turned away at the inn.

As the story continues, the arrival of the wise men and shepherds brings more funny surprises. The baby Jesus is greeted with stuffed animals, diapers, wipes, milk, and yes, even Air Jordans. One child quips about the crowded and “too stinky” barn where the baby was born, a comment that shows just how much the children’s natural humor shines through.

Hanna Wahlbrink, who was the creative director at Southland Christian Church when the video was produced for the church’s 2015 Christmas Eve service, shared that the team didn’t want to direct the kids too much. “We really wanted the kids to take the lead,” Wahlbrink said. The result was a series of adorably candid moments that have resonated with audiences far beyond the church community.

As one child says, “I love you, and you’re the best baby I’ve ever seen. There. I said it.” These genuine, unscripted moments are exactly what the church’s video producer, Neil Gregory, hoped for when producing the video. “We really didn’t want to script it because we knew the kids would give us better sound bites than anything we could come up with on our own,” Gregory explained. And indeed, the kids’ heartfelt and humorous lines have added a special touch to this retelling of the Christmas story.

Originally created for Southland Christian Church’s Christmas Eve service, the video has since gone viral, spreading holiday cheer far and wide. People from across the U.S., Canada, and Australia have reached out, sharing how the video has warmed their hearts and brought smiles to their faces—regardless of their religious background.

This viral moment is a beautiful reminder of how the simple joy of children can bring people together, even in unexpected ways. Southland Christian Church has proven that the message of Christmas, when shared with humor and warmth, can touch lives in ways we never imagined.