Christmas is a joyous celebration in the Christian faith, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The Bible contains verses that illuminate the significance of this momentous event. These verses capture the essence of the Christmas story, conveying the message of hope, love, and salvation through Christ Jesus. Here are Christmas verses from the Bible, each accompanied by a brief commentary.
Christmas Verses in the Bible
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
This prophecy from Isaiah foretells the birth of Jesus and describes His divine attributes, emphasizing the transformative impact of His coming.
Luke 2:11 (ESV)
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
The angel’s proclamation to the shepherds heralds the birth of the Savior, emphasizing Jesus’ role as the promised Messiah.
Matthew 1:23 (NIV)
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).”
This verse from Matthew underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
John 3:16 (ESV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Christmas is a manifestation of God’s love, as expressed through the gift of His Son, providing humanity with the opportunity for eternal life through faith.
Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
This verse highlights the divine timing of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing His redemptive purpose and the transformation of believers into adopted children of God.
Micah 5:2 (ESV)
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
Micah prophesies the specific birthplace of the Messiah, emphasizing the humble origins of the Savior who will rule over Israel.
Luke 1:30-33 (NIV)
“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.'”
The angel’s announcement to Mary underscores the exalted nature of Jesus’ birth, connecting Him to the royal lineage of David and proclaiming the eternal nature of His kingdom.
Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV)
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
The wise men’s response to the birth of Jesus exemplifies the reverence due to the newborn King, acknowledging His divinity through their worship and precious gifts.
Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Isaiah’s prophecy reinforces the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth and the significance of His name, emphasizing the intimate connection between God and humanity.
Luke 2:14 (NIV)
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
The heavenly chorus at Jesus’ birth announces the arrival of peace on earth, a divine gift bestowed upon those who receive God’s favor through Christ.
Luke 2:19 (ESV)
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”
Mary’s contemplation highlights the profound and mysterious nature of Jesus’ birth, inviting believers to reflect on the divine significance of the event.
John 1:14 (NIV)
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John encapsulates the incarnation of Jesus, emphasizing the divine becoming human to dwell among humanity, bringing grace and truth.
Matthew 1:21 (ESV)
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
The name ‘Jesus’ itself signifies salvation, emphasizing the central purpose of Christ’s coming—to save humanity from the bondage of sin.
Isaiah 11:1 (NIV)
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots, a Branch will bear fruit.”
This verse symbolizes the restoration of God’s people through the birth of Jesus, referred to as the Branch, who will bring forth new life and spiritual fruit.
Luke 2:10 (ESV)
“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'”
The angels announce the universal significance of Christ’s birth, bringing joy that transcends boundaries and is meant for all people.
Matthew 2:6 (NIV)
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'”
This prophecy reaffirms Bethlehem as the birthplace of the promised Shepherd, linking Jesus to the role of a caring and guiding leader.
Isaiah 7:15 (ESV)
“He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.”
Symbolic language in this verse depicts Jesus as a righteous and discerning figure, choosing good over evil in His earthly life.
Matthew 1:23 (ESV)
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).”
The name ‘Immanuel’ emphasizes the profound truth of God’s presence among humanity through the birth of Jesus.
Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'”
The heavenly proclamation emphasizes the glorious nature of God and the promise of peace for those who find favor in His sight.
Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.”
Isaiah’s prophecy foretells the arrival of Jesus as a beacon of light, dispelling the darkness of sin and bringing divine illumination.
Also Read: What is the Meaning of Christmas?