Happy Birthday Jesus Cake

Every Christmas, from the time my older kids were small, we’ve had a birthday party for Jesus.  The cake isn’t the same every year but this Happy Birthday Jesus cake is my favorite of all the cakes we’ve made.  The recipe is full of symbolism and helps little ones understand the true meaning of Christmas.

We’ve done different things many years when we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. 

Some years we’ve had a full-out party with decorations and many years we’ve just kept it simple with a birthday cake.  However we choose to celebrate, it’s a tradition that my kids love and one that holds a lot of meaning for our family.

This colorful layered cake recipe is my favorite.  Every detail of the cake has significance and a related Bible verse. 

Before we eat the cake, the older kids read the Bible passages while the younger ones listen {and repeatedly try to blow out the candle}.

As we were preparing for the party this year, Luke and Lila had many questions.  They continually asked when Jesus would be arriving for his party. Lila wanted to know if he’d be traveling by car.  During the party, the dog barked and Luke asked, “is it Jesus?”.  {They couldn’t be a whole lot cuter than they are right now and I’m loving having these twin toddlers to add a whole lot of fun to the holiday season.}

But back to the cake.

This colorful layered cake design comes from the small book, “Keeping Christ in Christmas for Kids” by Donna and Nick Medendorp. I have no idea where we got this book or where you can obtain one but you can click on the picture below to see the details.

Each detail of the birthday cake has a symbolic meaning. 

Bake the cake ahead of time with the different colored layers and a round shape, and decorate it with white frosting, hearts and a star on top of the cake.

{As I was preparing the cake this morning, Lila saw the green layer and asked, “is it broccoli cake?”.  I’m happy to say it’s not.}

Before eating the cake, light the candle then explain each of the symbolic pieces to the kids and read the accompanying Bible verses.

When the readings are finished, sing Happy Birthday to Jesus, and then let the kids blow out the candle.

This cake is the perfect addition to a Happy Birthday Jesus party and a memorable way to help kiddos understand what the religious meaning of Christmas is about.

What are your favorite Christmas traditions?

For another religious activity for Christmas, check out this paper chain advent reading idea for kids.