Introduction: Scriptures About Christmas
Christmas is a season that holds profound significance for Christians around the world. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, whose life and teachings transformed humanity. While Christmas traditions and cultural practices vary across the globe, the central theme remains the same: the coming of Christ into the world to bring light, hope, and salvation. The scriptures of the Bible provide deep insights into the significance of this event and offer a powerful call to “Come unto Christ.”
In this article, we will explore 15 key scriptures that illuminate the message of Christmas and the invitation for all to come unto Christ. These scriptures are carefully selected to help deepen our understanding of the Christmas story and its relevance in our lives today. From prophecies in the Old Testament to the fulfillment of these prophecies in the New Testament, these passages offer a rich theological foundation that enhances our celebration of Christmas.
1. Isaiah 9:6 – The Prophecy of the Birth of Jesus
“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 is one of the most famous prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the birth of Jesus Christ. This verse speaks of a future child who would be born to bring peace and salvation to the world. The titles given to Jesus in this passage—Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—reflect His divine nature and His role as the Savior. The prophecy points to the coming of Christ, who would not only be a physical child born into the world but also a divine being who would offer eternal peace to all who follow Him.
This scripture is particularly meaningful at Christmas, as it invites us to reflect on the profound nature of Christ’s birth and the hope He brings to the world. It calls us to recognize Jesus as the source of peace and divine wisdom.
2. Matthew 1:21 – The Angel’s Announcement to Joseph
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
In Matthew 1:21, the angel of the Lord speaks to Joseph, telling him that Mary will give birth to a son, and He will be named Jesus. The name “Jesus” is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning “The Lord saves.” This scripture emphasizes the primary purpose of Christ’s coming—to save humanity from sin.
Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ arrival into the world, not only as a baby but as the Savior who would ultimately die on the cross for the redemption of all who believe in Him. This scripture serves as a reminder that the true meaning of Christmas is found in the salvation that Jesus offers, and it calls us to come unto Christ for forgiveness and transformation.
3. Luke 2:10-11 – The Angel’s Announcement to the Shepherds
“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.”
In the well-known passage of Luke 2:10-11, an angel announces the birth of Jesus to a group of humble shepherds. This message is one of joy and hope, as the Savior, Christ, has been born in the city of David. The angel’s proclamation of “good tidings of great joy” highlights the global significance of Jesus’ birth—not just for the people of Israel but for all nations.
The invitation to “come unto Christ” is clear in this passage. The birth of Jesus was a message of joy for everyone, and it is a message that still calls us to seek Him today. His birth is the beginning of God’s plan for salvation, and we are invited to embrace the joy that comes from knowing Him.
4. John 1:14 – The Word Became Flesh
“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 speaks to the divine mystery of the incarnation—how the eternal Word of God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the profound truth that Jesus, who existed with God from the beginning, took on human form and lived among humanity. His coming is not just an event in history but a manifestation of God’s love and grace.
At Christmas, we celebrate the fulfillment of this divine promise. Jesus, the Word made flesh, came to live among us, to teach us, and ultimately to redeem us. This scripture encourages us to draw near to Christ and behold His glory, full of grace and truth.
5. Micah 5:2 – The Prophecy of the Birthplace of the Messiah
“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 foretells the birthplace of the Messiah, specifically that the ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town. This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling God’s plan for His Son to be born in humble surroundings.
This passage reminds us that God’s purposes often unfold in unexpected ways. Bethlehem’s smallness was not an obstacle to the fulfillment of God’s promise. Similarly, the humble birth of Jesus invites all of us, regardless of our status or background, to come unto Him, who was born to rule in glory.
6. Luke 2:13-14 – The Heavenly Host Praises God
“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.”
In this passage, after the angel announces Jesus’ birth, a heavenly host of angels appears, praising God and declaring peace on earth. This declaration points to the profound significance of Christ’s coming—not only as a personal Savior but also as the Prince of Peace who would bring reconciliation between God and humanity.
The message of peace in this verse is central to the Christmas story. Jesus came to restore peace between mankind and God, and this peace is available to all who come unto Him. This verse invites us to join the heavenly hosts in worship and to embrace the peace that Christ offers.
7. Matthew 2:1-2 – The Visit of the Magi
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 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.”
The visit of the wise men, or Magi, from the East is another important aspect of the Christmas story. These wise men followed a star that led them to the birthplace of Jesus, and they came to worship Him as the King of the Jews. The journey of the Magi symbolizes the universal nature of Christ’s birth—Jesus came not only for the Jewish people but for all nations.
This passage invites us to seek Christ, just as the Magi sought Him with great reverence and devotion. It calls us to come unto Christ, acknowledging Him as the King and Savior of all.
8. John 3:16 – The Gift of God’s Love
“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 is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, and it captures the essence of the Christmas message. It reminds us that Jesus’ birth was a gift of love from God to the world. The birth of Jesus was not merely a historical event but the beginning of God’s redemptive plan to offer eternal life to all who believe in Him.
This verse underscores the importance of coming unto Christ, accepting His gift of love, and finding eternal life through Him. It calls all of us to recognize the profound love that God has for humanity and to respond by believing in Jesus.
9. Hebrews 2:14-15 – Jesus’ Purpose in Coming to Earth
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
Hebrews 2:14-15 speaks to the purpose of Jesus’ incarnation—He came to take on human flesh so that He could defeat the power of death and the devil. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers freedom from the fear of death and eternal life to all who trust in Him.
Christmas is a time to reflect on the powerful purpose of Christ’s coming. His birth in Bethlehem was the first step in His mission to free humanity from sin and death. This scripture invites us to come unto Christ, who has already conquered death on our behalf.
10. Luke 2:16-20 – The Shepherds Visit the Christ Child
“And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”
The shepherds’ visit to the baby Jesus is a beautiful moment in the Christmas story. Upon hearing the angel’s announcement, the shepherds rushed to find the Christ child and, upon seeing Him, shared the good news with everyone they encountered.
This passage reminds us of the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus’ birth with others. As we celebrate Christmas, we are called not only to come unto Christ but to share His message of hope and salvation with the world around us.
11. Romans 15:12-13 – The Hope of Christ for the Gentiles
“And again, Isaiah saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 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.”
This passage highlights that Christ’s coming was not only for the Jews but for the Gentiles as well. Jesus, the “root of Jesse,” came to bring hope to all people, and through faith in Him, Gentiles could receive the joy, peace, and hope that comes from believing in Christ.
At Christmas, we celebrate the fact that Christ’s salvation is available to all, regardless of background or nationality. This passage calls all people to come unto Christ, where they will find hope and peace.
12. Philippians 2:6-8 – Jesus’ Humility in Coming to Earth
“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
Philippians 2:6-8 speaks to the humility of Jesus, who, despite being equal with God, chose to take on human form and live a life of service. This humility is particularly evident in His birth in a manger and His eventual death on the cross.
Christmas is a time to reflect on the humility of Christ and to follow His example of selfless service. As we come unto Christ, we are invited to embrace His humility and live lives of love and service to others.
13. Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:18-20, known as the Great Commission, is Jesus’ call to His disciples to go into all the world and spread the good news of salvation. This mission, which began with the birth of Jesus, continues today.
The Christmas season is a reminder of this commission. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, we are also called to share the message of His life, death, and resurrection with others, inviting them to come unto Christ and experience His saving power.
14. Revelation 21:3-4 – The Ultimate Fulfillment of Christ’s Promise
“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Revelation 21:3-4 speaks to the ultimate fulfillment of Christ’s promise—the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom where there is no more pain or death. This vision of a future where Christ dwells with His people is a reminder that Christmas is not just about Jesus’ first coming but also about His return to establish peace and eternal joy.
This passage encourages us to look forward to the hope of Christ’s second coming, which is made possible because of His first coming. It calls us to come unto Christ, who offers both the peace of His first coming and the hope of His return.
15. Titus 2:11-14 – The Grace of God Manifested
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Titus 2:11-14 speaks to the grace of God that was revealed through the birth, life, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His coming teaches us to live righteous and godly lives, eagerly awaiting His return.
This scripture underscores the invitation to come unto Christ and receive His grace. His birth marked the beginning of God’s plan for salvation, and His life calls us to live lives that reflect His love, grace, and truth.
Conclusion
The birth of Jesus Christ is the central event of Christmas, and these 15 scriptures provide a powerful reminder of His purpose, mission, and invitation to all people. From His prophetic birth in Isaiah to His return in Revelation, these passages invite us to come unto Christ, the Savior of the world.
As we reflect on the Christmas story, let us remember the invitation to accept Christ into our hearts and lives, allowing His light to shine brightly within us. May we celebrate His birth by living according to His teachings and sharing His love and peace with the world around us.
Christmas is not just a historical event but a call to action—come unto Christ and experience the transformative power of His love and grace.