Top 10 Children’s Christian Songs: Timeless Hymns for Kids

Sharing faith with children can be a joyful experience, and music plays a vital role in this journey. Christian songs resonate deeply with kids, helping them understand and connect with God’s love and teachings in a memorable way. For generations, classic Christian hymns have filled Sunday School classrooms and homes with messages of faith, hope, and love. These songs aren’t just tunes; they are powerful tools for nurturing a child’s spiritual growth from an early age.

Here are 10 timeless children’s Christian songs, perfect for enriching Sunday School lessons, family worship time, or simply singing along at home. These hymns are not only easy to learn but also carry profound biblical truths that resonate with young hearts.

10. This Little Light of Mine

“This Little Light of Mine” is a simple yet powerful song about sharing your faith and letting your inner light shine for Jesus. It encourages children to be bold in expressing their beliefs and not to hide their faith. The repetitive lyrics and actions make it incredibly engaging for young children, teaching them about courage and witness in a fun, accessible way.

Lyrics

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.

All around the neighborhood, I’m going to let it shine.
All around the neighborhood, I’m going to let it shine.
All around the neighborhood, I’m going to let it shine.
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m going to let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m going to let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m going to let it shine.
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.

Don’t let Satan [blow] it out! I’m going to let it shine.
Don’t let Satan [blow] it out! I’m going to let it shine.
Don’t let Satan [blow] it out! I’m going to let it shine.
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.

9. This Train is Bound for Glory

“This Train is Bound for Glory” is a lively spiritual that uses the metaphor of a train to represent the journey to heaven. It teaches children about righteousness and holiness, emphasizing that only those who live according to God’s word will be on this train to glory. The song’s rhythmic nature and repetitive chorus make it easy for kids to learn and sing along, reinforcing the concept of striving for a life that pleases God.

Lyrics

This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory,
Don’t ride nothin’ but the righteous and holy
This train is bound for glory, this train.

This train don’t carry no gamblers, this train,
This train don’t carry no gamblers, this train,
This train don’t carry no gamblers
No hypocrites, no midnight ramblers,
This train is bound for glory, this train.

This train don’t carry no liars, this train,
This train don’t carry no liars, this train,
This train don’t carry no liars,
Truth is what the Lord desires,
This train is bound for glory, this train.

This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory,
Don’t ride nothin’ but the righteous and holy
This train is bound for glory, this train.

8. He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” is a comforting and reassuring children’s Christian song that highlights God’s omnipotence and care. It reminds children that God is in control of everything, from the vast world to each individual person. The song’s simplicity and repetitive structure make it easy for even the youngest children to grasp the concept of God’s all-encompassing love and power.

Lyrics

He’s got the whole world in his hands he’s got the whole wild world in his hands
He’s got the whole wild world in his hands he’s got the whole world in his hands

He’s got the little bitty baby in his hands he’s got the little bitty baby in his hands
He’s got the little bitty baby in his hands he’s got the whole world in his hands
He’s got the whole world in his hands…

He’s got you and me brother in his hands he’s got you and me sister in his hands
He’s got you and me brother in his hands he’s got the whole world in his hands
He’s got the whole world in his hands…

He’s got everybody here in his hands he’s got everybody here in his hands
He’s got everybody here in his hands he’s got the whole world in his hands
He’s got the whole world in his hands…He’s got you and me brother…He’s got the whole world in his hands…

7. Give Me Oil In My Lamp

“Give Me Oil In My Lamp” is a prayerful song that uses the metaphor of a lamp and oil to represent being ready and filled with the Holy Spirit. It encourages children to ask God to fill them with His Spirit, joy, love, and peace, so they can serve Him effectively until Jesus returns. This song beautifully illustrates the need for spiritual preparedness and reliance on God’s grace.

Lyrics

Give me oil for my lamp, keep it burning
Give me oil for my lamp I pray
Give me oil for my lamp, keep it burning
Keep it burning till the light of day

Chorus:

Sing Hosannah, sing Hosannah
Sing Hosannah to the King of Kings
Sing Hosannah, sing Hosannah
Sing Hosannah to the King

Make me fishers of men keep me searching
Make me fishers of men I pray
Make me fishers of men keep me searching
Keep me searching till the light of day

Give me joy in my heart keep me praising
Give me joy in my heart I pray
Give me joy in my heart keep me praising
Keep me praising till the break of day

Give me peace in my heart keep me resting
Give me peace in my heart I pray
Give me peace in my heart keep me resting
Keep me resting till the break of day

Give me love in my heart keep me serving
Give me love in my heart I pray
Give me love in my heart keep me serving
Keep me serving till the break of day

6. I’m All Wrapped Up

“I’m All Wrapped Up” is a simple, repetitive, and joyful song expressing complete devotion to Jesus. Its catchy tune and actions make it a favorite in Sunday schools and children’s ministries. The song’s simplicity is its strength, conveying the idea of being completely immersed and joyful in one’s faith in an enthusiastic and memorable way for children.

Lyrics

I’m all wrapped up, all tied up, all tangled up in Jesus.
I’m all wrapped up, all tied up, all tangled up in God.
I’m all wrapped up, all tied up, all tangled up in Jesus.
I’m all wrapped up, all tied up, all tangled up in God.

5. My God Is So Big

“My God Is So Big” is an awe-inspiring song that teaches children about the immensity and power of God. It uses vivid imagery of mountains, rivers, and stars to illustrate God’s creation and might. This song helps children understand that God is not just powerful but also intimately involved in creation, making Him both grand and personal in their understanding.

Lyrics

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do

The mountains are His, the rivers are His
The stars are His handiwork too
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do, hey, hey

My God is so great, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do
My God is so great, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do

The mountains are His, the rivers are His
The stars are His handiwork too
My God is so great, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do

The mountains are His, the rivers are His
The stars are His handiwork too
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do

There’s nothing my God cannot do
There’s nothing, nothing, nothing He can’t do

4. Father Abraham Had Many Sons

“Father Abraham Had Many Sons” is an action-packed song that teaches children about Abraham, a key figure in the Bible, and the concept of being descendants of Abraham through faith. It’s incredibly engaging because it involves physical movements, adding a fun, kinesthetic learning element. This song is excellent for getting kids active while learning a biblical lesson about faith and lineage.

Lyrics

Father Abraham had many sons
Had many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them
And so are you
So let’s just praise the Lord

[Yell “right arm” and move right arm, as if marching.]

Father Abraham had many sons
Had many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them
And so are you
So let’s just praise the Lord

[Yell “right arm, left arm” and move both, as if marching.]

Father Abraham had many sons
Had many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them
And so are you
So let’s just praise the Lord

[Yell “right arm, left arm, right leg” and move all, as if marching.]

Father Abraham had many sons
Had many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them
And so are you
So let’s just praise the Lord

[Yell “right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg” and move all, as if marching.]

Father Abraham had many sons
Had many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them
And so are you
So let’s just praise the Lord

[Yell “right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg, chin up” and move all, as if marching.

Father Abraham had many sons
Had many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them
And so are you
So let’s just praise the Lord

[Yell “right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg, chin up, turn around” and move all, as if marching.]

Father Abraham had many sons
Had many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them
And so are you
So let’s just praise the Lord

[Yell “right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg, chin up, turn around, sit down” and move all, as if marching. Sit down at the end.]

3. I’m In the Lord’s Army

“I’m In the Lord’s Army” uses military imagery to convey the idea of being a soldier for Christ. It teaches children about spiritual warfare and their role in God’s kingdom. The song’s marching rhythm and actions make it dynamic and engaging, helping kids understand that they are active participants in their faith, fighting for good under God’s banner.

Lyrics

I may never march in the Infantry, (march)
Ride in the cavalry, (pretend you’re riding a horse)
Shoot the artillery. (clap hands together)

I may never zoom o’er the enemy,(spread arms out and pretend to be a plane)
But I’m in the Lord’s Army. (point one finger up to God)

I’m in the Lord’s Army, (yes, sir!) (salute)
I’m in the Lord’s Army, (yes, sir!)
I may never march in the Infantry,
Ride in the cavalry,
Shoot the artillery.

I may never zoom o’er the enemy,
But I’m in the Lord’s Army, (yes, sir!)

Thanks to Holly for sending this verse in!
Use same actions as above verse.

I may never march in the infantry,
Ride in the Calvary,
Shoot the Artillary,
I may never fly over land and sea,
But I’m in the lord’s Army.

2. Zacchaeus

“Zacchaeus” tells the biblical story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus. This song teaches children about repentance, forgiveness, and Jesus’s inclusive love. The actions that accompany the song, like pretending to climb a tree, help kids visualize the story and remember the powerful message of transformation and acceptance found in the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus.

Lyrics

Zacchaeus was a wee little man, A wee little man was he.(using both hands, make it look like you are showing the size of a very small man.)
He climbed up in the sycamore tree, the Savior for to see.(using both hands act as though you are climbing up a tree)

And when the Savior passed that way, He looked up in the tree,(using you fingers, make it look as though someone is walking.)
And he said, “Zacchaeus, you come down from there;
For I’m going to your house today, for I’m going to your house today.”(Start clapping your hands when singing this verse.)

And Zacchaeus came down from that tree, and he said,”What a better man I’ll be.
I’ll give my money to the poor.
What a better man I’ll be. What a better man I’ll be.”

1. Jesus Loves Me

“Jesus Loves Me” is arguably the most well-known and beloved children’s Christian song globally. Its simple yet profound message of Jesus’s unconditional love is foundational to Christian faith. The song’s gentle melody and straightforward lyrics make it perfect for teaching young children about God’s love for them, as individuals and as part of His larger family. It’s a cornerstone of early Christian education and continues to be cherished across denominations.

Lyrics

Jesus loves me! This I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! This I know
As He loved so long ago
Taking children on His knee
Saying, “Let them come to Me.”

Jesus loves me still today
Walking with me on my way
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live.

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide
He will wash away my sin
Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way
Thou hast bled and died for me
I will henceforth live for Thee…

These classic children’s Christian songs are more than just simple tunes; they are foundational tools for faith development. Singing these songs with children is a wonderful way to instill biblical truths, encourage worship, and create joyful memories centered around faith. Whether in Sunday School, at home, or in the car, these songs offer timeless messages of God’s love, power, and presence that will resonate in children’s hearts for years to come.

Photo: ©RNS/Brian Kaylor