Christmas is a special time in the Christian tradition, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The Bible is rich with scriptures that capture the essence of this joyous occasion, shedding light on the significance of the Savior’s arrival.
As we reflect on the biblical narrative, we find profound truths about God’s love, redemption, and the hope that Christmas brings to humanity. Here are scriptures about Christmas, with commentary.
Scriptures About Christmas
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'”
The angel’s announcement encapsulates the essence of Christmas, proclaiming the birth of the Savior and the source of great joy for all.
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.”
This verse highlights the redemptive purpose of Jesus’ birth, signaling the beginning of God’s plan for salvation.
Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Isaiah’s prophecy anticipates the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing the divine presence of God among His people.
John 1:14 (ESV)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John beautifully articulates the incarnation, emphasizing the tangible presence of God in the person of Jesus, embodying grace and truth.
Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV)
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.”
The wise men’s journey to worship the newborn King illustrates the response of joy and reverence that Christmas inspires.
Luke 1:30-33 (ESV)
“And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end.'”
Mary’s encounter with the angel reveals the royal lineage and eternal reign of Jesus, emphasizing the magnitude of the Christmas story.
Galatians 4:4 (NIV)
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.”
This verse underscores the divine timing of Jesus’ birth, highlighting the intentional and purposeful nature of God’s plan.
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’s prophecy pinpointing Bethlehem as the birthplace of the ruler of Israel foreshadows the fulfillment of this prophecy in the Christmas narrative.
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.”
Isaiah’s prophetic declaration unveils the multifaceted nature of the coming Messiah, embodying roles that bring comfort, strength, and peace.
Luke 2:14 (ESV)
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
The angelic proclamation signifies the divine glory and the gift of peace that Christmas extends to those who receive God’s favor.
Luke 2:13-15 (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!’ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.'”
The heavenly hosts join in the proclamation, reinforcing the joyous occasion and prompting the shepherds to witness the miraculous event firsthand.
Matthew 2:1-2 (ESV)
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'”
The arrival of the wise men from the East underscores the universal significance of Jesus’ birth, drawing people from different nations to worship the newborn King.
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’).”
The name ‘Immanuel’ encapsulates the central message of Christmas, signifying the intimate presence of God among humanity through the birth of Jesus.
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 angel’s reassurance encourages a spirit of joy that transcends boundaries, promising good news for all people through the birth of Jesus.
John 3:16 (NIV)
“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 demonstration of God’s boundless love, expressed through the gift of His Son for the salvation of the world.
Luke 2:19 (ESV)
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”
Mary’s contemplation reflects the depth of the mysteries surrounding Jesus’ birth, inviting believers to cherish and reflect on the profound nature of Christmas.
Matthew 2:11 (NIV)
“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
The wise men’s worship and presentation of gifts symbolize the honor and reverence due to the newborn King, acknowledging Jesus’ divinity.
Isaiah 11:1 (ESV)
“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.”
Isaiah’s imagery portrays the regenerative nature of Jesus’ birth, bringing forth new life and spiritual fruit from the lineage of Jesse.
Luke 2:20 (NIV)
“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
The shepherds’ response echoes the joy and gratitude that should accompany the acknowledgment of Christ’s birth, inspiring praise to God.
Matthew 1:25 (ESV)
“But knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”
This verse emphasizes the divine origin of Jesus, born of a virgin, and the fulfillment of God’s promise in giving Him the name ‘Jesus.’
Matthew 2:9-11 (NIV)
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 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.”
The continuation of the wise men’s journey, guided by the star, culminates in a scene of profound worship as they recognize the significance of the child.
Luke 2:15-16 (ESV)
“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.”
The shepherds’ prompt response to the heavenly proclamation demonstrates a humble eagerness to witness the fulfillment of God’s revelation in Bethlehem.
John 1:9-14 (NIV)
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John poetically portrays Jesus as the true light entering the world, highlighting both the rejection and the transformative power of receiving Him as the Son of God.
Isaiah 7:15 (ESV)
“He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.”
This prophetic image symbolizes Jesus’ righteousness and discernment, choosing good over evil in His earthly life.
Luke 2:21 (NIV)
“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”
The circumcision of Jesus signifies His entry into the covenant and fulfills the naming revealed by the angel, reinforcing the divine nature of His identity.
Matthew 2:13 (ESV)
“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.'”
The angel’s guidance to Joseph underscores the divine protection surrounding Jesus, ensuring His safety from the threat posed by King Herod.
Luke 2:33-35 (NIV)
“And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.'”
Simeon’s prophetic words foreshadow the dual nature of Jesus’ impact, bringing salvation to some and opposition to others, ultimately revealing the thoughts of hearts.
Matthew 2:14 (ESV)
“And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt.”
Joseph’s immediate obedience to God’s guidance demonstrates his role as a protector and provider for the Holy Family, ensuring Jesus’ safety.
Luke 2:40 (NIV)
“And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.”
This verse offers a glimpse into Jesus’ childhood, emphasizing His growth, strength, wisdom, and the continual favor of God upon Him.
John 3:17 (ESV)
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
The overarching purpose of Jesus’ birth is articulated here, emphasizing salvation as God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Also Read: Christmas Verses in the Bible (With Comentary)