Christmas Bible Verses: The Story and Promise of Jesus' Birth
The Christmas story is best told in the Bible's own words. These verses are grouped for the ways people actually use them — a line for a card, a reading for Christmas Eve, a quiet moment by the tree — each one ready to copy, print, or send.
The Promise Foretold
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." — Isaiah 9:6 (BSB)
"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." — Isaiah 7:14 (BSB)
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel — One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity." — Micah 5:2 (BSB)
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned." — Isaiah 9:2 (BSB)
The Christmas Story
"Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High." — Luke 1:31–32 (BSB)
"And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." — Luke 2:7 (BSB)
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." — Luke 2:10–11 (KJV)
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." — Luke 2:14 (KJV)
"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 (BSB)
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh." — Matthew 2:10–11 (BSB)
What Christmas Means
"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." — John 1:14 (BSB)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:16 (BSB)
"But when the 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 our adoption as sons." — Galatians 4:4–5 (BSB)
"This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him." — 1 John 4:9 (BSB)
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone." — Titus 2:11 (BSB)
How to Use These Verses
For a Christmas card, Isaiah 9:6 and Luke 2:14 are the classics; John 1:14 says the most in the fewest words. Reading aloud on Christmas Eve? Take the story in order — Luke 1:31–32, Luke 2:7, then Luke 2:10–11 in the King James wording generations have heard by candlelight. Pair the reading with a Christmas Eve prayer, a Christmas dinner prayer, or a Christmas morning prayer for family — and if you are preparing your heart in the weeks before, see What is Advent? and the Advent candle lighting prayers. Every translation quoted here is public domain, so you can reprint any verse in a card, program, or gift without permission.
