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Bible verses for Christmas
Essential passages for Christmas cards, services, and readings — the prophecy, birth, and meaning of the incarnation.
What are the best Bible verses for Christmas?
Christmas in the Bible is not primarily about December 25. It is about the incarnation — God entering the human story as a child born in Bethlehem. The nativity passages are among the most read and recited scriptures in the world.
These verses are chosen for Christmas cards, Advent services, church readings, and family devotions. They cover the prophecy, the birth narrative, and the theological meaning of what happened when the Word was made flesh.
Key passages
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. Angels were heralds of the new-born Savior, but they were only sent to some poor, humble, pious, industrious shepherds, who were in the business of their calling, keeping watch over their flock.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour. Angels were heralds of the new-born Savior, but they were only sent to some poor, humble, pious, industrious shepherds, who were in the business of their calling, keeping watch over their flock.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
For unto us a child is born — the great messianic prophecy. The Syrians and Assyrians first ravaged the countries here mentioned, and that region was first favoured by the preaching of Christ. Those that want the gospel, walk in darkness, and in the utmost danger.
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. This verse speaks in the wider setting of fulfillment and kingdom of heaven as Matthew unfolds its message.
"And the Word was made 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."
The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us — the theological heart of incarnation. There was great hatred between the Samaritans and the Jews. Christ's road from Judea to Galilee lay through Samaria.
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."
Out of Bethlehem shall he come forth that is to be ruler in Israel. Having showed how low the house of David would be brought, a prediction of the Messiah and his kingdom is added to encourage the faith of God's people.
Main takeaways
- The Christmas story in the Bible begins with prophecy centuries before the birth itself.
- The nativity reveals God entering poverty, not power — a stable, not a palace.
- The incarnation is the theological heart of Christmas: God with us.
Related books
Related people
Related places
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Town identified with Jesus’ upbringing and with the ordinary hiddenness before public ministry.
The city at the heart of biblical kingship, temple worship, the passion narratives, and Christian memory.
Reading paths
Start with the person of Jesus before trying to master the whole canon. This route keeps the reading human-scale and direct.
Further guides
Prophecies about Jesus explained
A guide to the major Old Testament passages Christians read in relation to Christ, and how the New Testament uses them.