Christmas: it's the most wonderful time of the year. From Christmas music to Christmas plays, Christmas books, Christmas gifts, Christmas trees, Christmas services, and Christmas dinners, there is just so much to love about the best time of year. But it's all too easy to forget that Jesus Christ, that little baby born in a manger, is the true reason why we celebrate Christmas. In this blog, you’ll discover the true meaning of Christmas, read Bible verses about Christmas, and even see how short Christmas Bible verses are also Biblical prophecies that point to Jesus, our Messiah. So, let’s dive into this topic and celebrate Jesus together.
What is the Meaning of Christmas?
Contrary to popular belief, Christmas isn’t about Santa. Christmas means way more than the traditions of decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and leaving out delicious cookies to get on Santa’s good side. Christmas is about Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
Have you ever seen a Nativity Scene? The Nativity scene paints the picture of what Christmas is all about. Nativity Scenes remind us of Christmas Bible verses that showcase the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
The birth of baby Jesus is a display of God’s incredible love for humanity and the humility of Jesus, God’s only Son, to become a human just to save the lost. Bible verses about Christmas and Biblical prophecies about the coming of Jesus can be read throughout the Old Testament. From Genesis to Malachi, we see God giving His people words of hope and words of encouragement that a savior will come into the world to make the wrong things right.
Thus, Jesus is the reason for the season! Christmas was always meant to be about Jesus. Jesus was always generous, compassionate, kind, and forgiving. And as Christians, we are meant to follow in Jesus’ footsteps during the Christmas season, and every other day of the year. Though Christmas is a special time of year where we grow in generosity, humility, and thanksgiving, Jesus invites His followers to be like Him 365 days a year, 24/7. Here at the Everyday Faith podcast, we share real-life stories of Christians who are sharing Jesus’ love, hope, healing, and encouragement with those around them every day. You can listen to our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube!
Have you accepted Jesus into your heart yet? If not, today is your day! Learn more about Jesus’ love for you and how you can be free from the weight of sin in our blog: This is For You!
Bible Verses About the Birth of Jesus
Bible verses about the birth of Jesus are the best Bible verses to read during the Christmas season. Feel free to pick out one of these Bible verses about Christmas to read every morning or every evening. As you do so, the wonder and awe of Jesus Christ will fill your heart daily! It is truly a miracle that Jesus became a baby, lived 33 years on this earth, and ultimately gave His life to save us from sin, death, and evil. Jesus is worthy of our celebration and meditation on these Christmas Bible verses:
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. - Luke 2:10-11
Christmas Bible verses tell us of the wonder of Jesus’ birth. In this Bible verse about Christmas, we hear the story of an angel telling a group of shepherds not to be afraid. Most people felt afraid when they saw angels in the Bible. However, in these Bible verses for Christmas, this angel tells the shepherds the most incredible news: that the Messiah, the Savior of the world, is born! Christmas Bible verses show us that the Jewish people had been waiting for the Messiah for a long, long time! And finally, Jesus was born, and the earth had a righteous King.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21
This Bible verse for Christmas comes from the Gospel of Matthew. Gospel is a big word that means “Good news.” The good news in this book starts with this Christmas Bible verse about Jesus being born. In Christmas Bible verses, an angel usually announces that Jesus is to be born and also warns the people listening not to be afraid. Bible verses about Christmas remind us again that Jesus ' birth is the best news in the whole world.
New to following Jesus? He is the best, and the Bible is His word! Learn more about how to read the best book in the world: How to Study the Bible for Beginners
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
This Bible verse about Christmas comes from Isaiah 9. This Christmas Bible verse was most likely written in 734 BC. Because Jesus was born around 6 - 4 BC, this means this particular prophecy about Jesus’ birth was written around 700 years in advance. Wow! Christmas Bible verses are also often Messianic prophecies. Messianic prophecies are Bible verses about Jesus that are found in the Old Testament. This means they were written about Jesus, the Messiah, long before He ever came to earth.
Curious to learn more about Messianic prophecies and see how many of them are Christmas Bible verses too? You can read a master-list here: 351 Old Testament Messianic Prophecies About Jesus
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 7:14
This Christmas Bible verse is another Messianic prophecy that talks about the birth of Jesus. Can you imagine being the person writing down this Bible verse from God? Isaiah was writing Bible verses for Christmas around 700 years before Jesus was ever born. Isaiah 7:14 is one of the best Christmas Bible verses because the Lord was speaking about Jesus, the Savior of the World, long before he came.
Did you know God is always speaking? Learn more about discerning the voice of God in our blog: How to Hear the Voice of God & Learn How the Holy Spirit Speaks
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - Luke 2:14
Luke 2 is a passage of scripture that shows us several Bible verses for Christmas. This particular Christmas Bible verse is also a song of praise. After an angel appeared to the shepherds telling them the good news of Jesus’ birth, the angel was suddenly joined by a great company of heavenly host who were all praising God, saying this Christmas Bible verse simultaneously. How wild to think that so many angels sang this Bible verse about Christmas all at once!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16
In the Gospel of John, we find a Christmas Bible verse that says more about why Jesus came to earth. This Bible verse about Christmas tells us that Jesus came as a baby because He so loved the world. Later on in the story, Jesus gives his life and dies on the cross for the sins of the whole world. Bible verses for Christmas shine light on the eternal hope that Jesus offers. When we choose to believe in Jesus, we receive freedom from sin and hell and get to live with Jesus in Heaven, forever.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” - Micah 5:2
This Christmas Bible verse from Micah 5 is also another Messianic prophecy from scripture. Jesus is the ruler over all Israel, who is from ancient times. In the Bible, Jesus is sometimes referred to as the Ancient of Days. Even though Jesus is fully God, Christmas Bible verses show us that He was also fully man when He came to earth. Even though He is God, He became a man. This concept in Bible verses about Christmas is called the incarnation. The incarnation is a big word that means “the embodiment of God the Son in human flesh as Jesus Christ.”
When you start to read Christmas Bible verses, you'll discover just how far God will go to show you that He loves you. Learn more about the love of God in our blog: 15 Bible Verses About God’s Love For You
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. - Luke 1:35
This Christmas Bible verse tells us that Jesus was born in a miraculous manner. The Holy Spirit brought Jesus to the earth. Even though Mary was a virgin, this Bible verse about Christmas shows the miraculous way that Jesus was born.
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 1:14
In the Bible, Jesus is often referred to as the Word of God. In this Christmas Bible verse, this name for God is used to show us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us on earth. Christmas Bible verses are nothing short of miraculous!
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. - Zechariah 9:9
This Christmas Bible verse from Zechariah is another reminder of how powerful Messianic prophecies are. Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, the prophet Zechariah wrote about how Jesus would change the world through this Christmas Bible verse. Bible verses for Christmas often have a dual meaning, such as this passage from Zechariah 9, which also tells us about Palm Sunday and the triumphal entry in Matthew 21.
You can read the whole of this awesome passage where Zechariah 9:9 is fulfilled in Matthew 21:1-11
The Christmas Story
For our final Bible verse for Christmas, we’ll read the whole of the Christmas story. Jesus’ birth is the reason we celebrate Christmas, and the best Christmas Bible verses share the whole story:
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband, was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. - Matthew 1:18-25
Conclusion
As you can see, when you unwrap the meaning for the season, you’ll find that Bible verses on the birth of Jesus and Christmas Bible verses are at the core. While the twinkling lights, tasty treats, and memories of Santa’s sleigh can be fun, it’s essential that we remember that Jesus, the Savior of the world, is who we celebrate each December.
As you soak in these profound Bible verses about Christmas and read these timeless prophecies that point to His miraculous birth, it's easy to find yourself in awe of God. Jesus gave up everything to redeem creation, save us from sin, and prove His everlasting love for us. So, remember Jesus at Christmas dinner, Christmas service, and of course, as you’re unwrapping presents under the Christmas tree! As you learn more about Jesus and follow His ways, you’ll become more like Him, from now to Christmas day, to all year round.
You can discover more about how to follow Jesus every day with our FREE e-book: Living Out Your Everyday Faith
