Bible Verses for Celebrating Christmas

Celebrating Christmas is rooted in the joy and wonder of Jesus’ birth, as revealed in Scripture. Luke 2:10-11 declares the angel’s message: “I bring you good tidings of great joy… for there is born to you this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Isaiah 9:6 prophesies the coming of a “Child” who is “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,” inspiring awe and celebration.

The shepherds’ response in Luke 2:20, “glorifying and praising God,” models heartfelt worship for believers today. Matthew 2:10 captures the wise men’s “exceedingly great joy” upon finding Jesus, encouraging festive rejoicing. These verses call Christians to celebrate Christmas with gratitude, worship, and the sharing of God’s love revealed through Christ’s birth.

Table of Contents

Prophecies of the Messiah’s Birth

These verses foretell the coming of the Messiah, highlighting details about His birth as prophesied in the Old Testament.

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” This prophecy points to the virgin birth of Jesus, emphasizing His divine nature as “God with us.”
Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from old, from everlasting.” This verse specifies Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah, fulfilled in Jesus’ birth.
Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This describes the Messiah’s divine titles and His role, fulfilled in Jesus.
Jeremiah 23:5 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.” This prophecy highlights the Messiah’s lineage from David, fulfilled in Jesus’ genealogy.
Genesis 49:10 “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.” This early prophecy points to the Messiah coming from the tribe of Judah, fulfilled in Jesus.

The Birth of Jesus

These verses describe the events surrounding Jesus’ birth as recorded in the Gospels.

Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” This verse captures the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.
Matthew 1:18 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with the child of the Holy Spirit.” This highlights the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus.
Luke 2:4-5 “Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.” This describes the journey to Bethlehem, setting the stage for Jesus’ birth.
Matthew 1:25 “And [Joseph] did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.” This confirms the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding Jesus’ name and birth.
Luke 2:11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The angel’s announcement to the shepherds declares the birth of the Savior.

The Significance of Jesus’ Birth

These verses explain the theological and spiritual importance of Jesus’ birth for humanity.

John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” This verse underscores the incarnation, God becoming human in Jesus.
Galatians 4:4-5 “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” This highlights Jesus’ birth as God’s plan for redemption.
1 Timothy 3:16 “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed in in the world, received up in glory.” This summarizes the significance of God taking on human form in Jesus.
Philippians 2:7 “But [Christ Jesus] made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” This emphasizes Jesus’ humility in being born as a human to serve and save.
Hebrews 2:14 “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy the power of death.” This connects Jesus’ birth to His mission to overcome death through His sacrifice.

Joy and Celebration

These verses reflect the joy and celebration associated with the announcement and reality of Jesus’ birth.

Luke 2:10 “Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.’” The angel’s announcement to the shepherds emphasizes the universal joy of Jesus’ birth.
Luke 2:13-14 “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, goodwill toward men!’” The angels’ praise reflects the celebratory nature of the Messiah’s arrival.
Matthew 2:10 “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.” The wise men’s reaction to finding Jesus shows the joy His birth inspired.
Luke 1:46-47 “And Mary said: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.’” Mary’s song of praise (the Magnificat) expresses her joy at being chosen to bear the Messiah.
Luke 2:20 “Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.” The shepherds’ response to Jesus’ birth is one of worship and celebration.

Sharing the Christmas Message

These verses encourage proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ birth and its implications.

Luke 2:17-18 “Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told to them by the shepherds.” The shepherds actively shared the news of Jesus’ birth with others.
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Jesus’ Great Commission includes sharing the message of His life, starting with His birth.
Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This verse encourages believers to share the gospel, including the story of Jesus’ birth.
John 20:31 “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” The purpose of sharing Jesus’ story, including His birth, is to lead others to faith.
Mark 16:15 “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’” This command emphasizes the call to share the good news of Jesus, beginning with His birth.

Conclusion

The birth of Jesus Christ, as foretold in prophecy and celebrated in Scripture, stands as the cornerstone of Christian faith, bringing hope and salvation to humanity. Through the humble arrival of the Messiah, God’s love and redemption were revealed, inspiring joy and worship across generations.

This miraculous event calls believers to share the good news, spreading the message of peace and goodwill. By reflecting on these verses, we are reminded to celebrate and proclaim the transformative power of Christ’s birth.