Christmas Bible Verses: 30 Scriptures About the Birth of Jesus
Summary: The best-known Christmas Bible verses tell the story of Jesus' birth: Isaiah 9:6 ("For unto us a child is born"), Luke 2:10-11 ("I bring you good tidings of great joy... a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord") and Matthew 1:23 ("they shall call his name Emmanuel... God with us"). Below are 30 KJV Scriptures about the birth of Jesus, grouped from prophecy to the manger, with short meanings and ideas for cards.
Scripture quotations in this guide are from the King James Version (KJV).
Christmas is, at its heart, a Bible story. Long before the lights, the carols and the wrapping paper, there were prophets who waited, a young woman who said yes to God, shepherds in a field and wise men following a star. The verses that tell that story still have the power to quiet a busy December and point our hearts back to Jesus.
This guide gathers 30 Christmas Bible verses in the order the story unfolds. Read one a day through Advent, use them around the dinner table, or borrow a short one for your Christmas cards. If you love learning what verses mean in context, our guide to Bible verses for every season is a good companion.
What does the Bible say about the birth of Jesus?
The Christmas story is told in two Gospels. Matthew 1 and 2 follow Joseph, the angel's message in a dream, the birth in Bethlehem and the visit of the wise men. Luke 1 and 2 follow Mary, the angel Gabriel, the journey to Bethlehem, the manger and the shepherds. John 1 adds the "why" behind it all: "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us."
Behind both accounts stand centuries of promises in the Old Testament. Christmas is the moment those promises came true. To understand more about who this child is, read our guide Who is Jesus?
Which Old Testament verses promised Christmas?
1. Isaiah 7:14
"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
Written centuries before Bethlehem, this promise names the child "Immanuel," a name Matthew later explains as "God with us."
2. Isaiah 9:2
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:2)
Christmas comes in the darkest weeks of the year for much of the world, and this verse explains why candles and lights feel so fitting.
3. Isaiah 9:6
"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." (Isaiah 9:6)
Perhaps the most loved Christmas verse of all. Each name tells us something about who Jesus is for us.
4. Micah 5:2
"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." (Micah 5:2)
God named the little town of Bethlehem long before the census sent Joseph and Mary there.
What did the angel say to Mary and Joseph?
5. Luke 1:30-31
"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." (Luke 1:30-31)
6. Luke 1:37
"For with God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37)
Six words of hope for anyone facing something that feels impossible this Christmas.
7. Luke 1:38
"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38)
Mary's simple yes is a model of trust for every believer.
8. Luke 1:46-47
"And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47)
The opening of Mary's song, often called the Magnificat, is a beautiful prayer of praise for the season.
9. Matthew 1:21
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
The angel explains the name: Jesus came to save.
10. Matthew 1:23
"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." (Matthew 1:23)
"God with us" may be the shortest summary of Christmas there is.
What are the Bible verses about the night Jesus was born?
11. Luke 2:7
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)
The King of kings arrived humbly, in a borrowed feeding trough.
12. Luke 2:10
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." (Luke 2:10)
13. Luke 2:11
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
The good news came first to ordinary shepherds working the night shift. Christmas is for everyone.
14. 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, good will toward men." (Luke 2:13-14)
15. Luke 2:19
"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)
An invitation to slow down this December and ponder, as Mary did.
16. Luke 2:20
"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." (Luke 2:20)
What do the Bible verses about the wise men say?
17. Matthew 2:2
"Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:2)
18. Matthew 2:10
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." (Matthew 2:10)
19. Matthew 2:11
"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11)
The first Christmas gifts were given to Jesus, a gentle reminder of who the season is really about.
What do Christmas verses say about why Jesus came?
20. John 1:14
"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." (John 1:14)
21. John 1:5
"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:5)
22. John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
The manger points to the cross. Christmas is the beginning of the greatest rescue story ever told.
23. John 8:12
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)
24. Galatians 4:4-5
"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5)
25. 1 John 4:9
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9)
26. Titus 2:11
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men," (Titus 2:11)
27. 2 Corinthians 9:15
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)
"Unspeakable" here means too wonderful for words. It makes a lovely one-line verse for a gift tag.
What are some joyful Christmas verses for the season?
28. Psalm 96:12
"Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice" (Psalm 96:12)
29. Romans 15:13
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)
A wonderful blessing to write inside a card to a friend.
30. Revelation 3:20
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)
There was no room at the inn, but Jesus still knocks today, asking for room in our hearts. If you would like to open that door, our guide on how to know Jesus personally explains how.
What is a good short Bible verse for a Christmas card?
Short verses fit beautifully in a card or on a gift tag. Here are some favorites:
- "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given" (Isaiah 9:6)
- "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
- "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14)
- "God with us." (Matthew 1:23)
- "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." (Matthew 2:10)
- "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Several of these verses are painted on the front of our Christmas cards, which are blank inside so you can add your own message. Mix any designs you like; buying more cards together brings the price down automatically.
How can I use these Christmas verses this season?
- Read through the story in December. One verse a day from December 1, with a few doubled up, takes you from Isaiah to the wise men by Christmas.
- Read them at the table. Let a different family member read the verse of the day before dinner.
- Write one in every card. A verse turns a quick greeting into a blessing.
- Memorize one together. Luke 2:11 and Isaiah 9:6 are perfect for children.
- Pray the verse back to God. Our beginner's guide to prayer shows how.
For a guided daily rhythm, the Come, Emmanuel 25-Day Advent Devotional walks through the season one printable page at a time.
A Christmas prayer
Father, thank You for keeping Your promises and sending Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. In the busyness of this season, quiet my heart to ponder these things as Mary did. Fill my home with the joy the angels announced and the peace that only Jesus brings. Help me share the good tidings of great joy with everyone I meet. In Jesus' name, amen.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Christmas story in the Bible?
The Christmas story is told in Matthew 1:18 to 2:12 and Luke 1:26 to 2:20. Isaiah 7, Isaiah 9 and Micah 5 contain the promises it fulfills, and John 1 explains its meaning.
What is the most famous Christmas Bible verse?
Luke 2:10-11 and Isaiah 9:6 are among the best known: "I bring you good tidings of great joy... For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord," and "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given."
Does the Bible say Jesus was born on December 25?
No. The Bible does not give the date of Jesus' birth. Christians began celebrating it on December 25 centuries later. What the Bible does tell us clearly is why He came.
What is a good Christmas Bible verse for kids?
Luke 2:11, Matthew 1:23 ("God with us") and Matthew 2:10 are short, joyful and easy for children to remember.
What does Emmanuel mean?
Matthew 1:23 explains it directly: Emmanuel means "God with us." It is one of the names Isaiah gave the promised child.
