Today we will talk about Bible verses about the first Christmas. This special time celebrates the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, a momentous event that changed the world forever. It’s a beautiful story full of joy, grace, and the promise of hope. As we reflect on these verses, let’s open our hearts to feel the warmth of that first Christmas night. Let’s remember the love and hope that God brought into our lives through the birth of His Son. May these scriptures inspire our celebrations and help us to share the love of Jesus with everyone around us. So, as we read together, let’s quiet our minds and let the Word of God guide our thoughts and actions.
Bible Verses About the First Christmas
The Annunciation
In the story of the first Christmas, the Annunciation is a pivotal moment. It is when the angel Gabriel visited Mary to announce that she would give birth to Jesus, the Savior of the world. This event teaches us about faith and acceptance. It shows how God can choose ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. We can relate to Mary’s surprise and willingness to embrace God’s plan for her life. As we reflect on this part of the story, we can consider how God has plans for each one of us.
Luke 1:26-28
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’” – Luke 1:26-28
Luke 1:30-33
“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.'” – Luke 1:30-33
Matthew 1:20-21
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 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 1:20-21
Luke 1:34-35
“‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; so the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.'” – Luke 1:34-35
Luke 1:38
“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.” – Luke 1:38
The Journey to Bethlehem
The journey to Bethlehem is a significant part of the Christmas story. Mary and Joseph traveled to fulfill the census decree, showcasing their obedience despite the challenges. This journey symbolizes our own paths in life, where we often face obstacles yet move forward in faith. It reminds us to trust in God’s plan, even when the journey gets tough. As we think about their travels, let’s consider the times we have stepped out in faith and how God has been with us on our journeys.
Luke 2:1-3
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.” – Luke 2:1-3
Matthew 2:1
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.” – Matthew 2:1
Luke 2:4-5
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” – Luke 2:4-5
Luke 2:6
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born.” – Luke 2:6
Matthew 2:5-6
“‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written: But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'” – Matthew 2:5-6
The Birth of Jesus
The birth of Jesus is the central miracle of Christmas and serves as a beacon of hope for all of us. This event fulfills multiple prophecies from the Old Testament and demonstrates God’s immense love. As we celebrate His birth, we are reminded of the humility of Jesus, who chose to enter the world in the simplest of circumstances. This teaches us about the value of humility and the beauty found in simplicity. Each year, we can take time to reflect on this incredible gift of love and how we can share that same love with others.
Luke 2:7
“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” – Luke 2:7
Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6
Matthew 1:23
“‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” – Matthew 1:23
Luke 2:11
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” – Luke 2:11
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
The Announcement to the Shepherds
The announcement to the shepherds conveys the heart of the Christmas message: good news for all people. The angels delivered their message to simple, everyday people who were out in the fields, signifying that Jesus came for everyone, regardless of status. As we read through these accounts, we can reflect on how God often reaches out to us in our ordinary lives and calls us to share the joy of His arrival. Embracing this part of the Christmas story reminds us to seek and share the light of Christ in our communities.
Luke 2:8-9
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” – Luke 2:8-9
Luke 2:10-11
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'” – Luke 2:10-11
Luke 2:12
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'” – Luke 2:12
Luke 2:13-14
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'” – Luke 2:13-14
Luke 2:15
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'” – Luke 2:15
The Visit of the Magi
The visit of the Magi shows how Jesus’ birth attracted people from all walks of life. These wise men traveled far, inspired by a star, to honor the newborn King. This moment highlights the significance of Jesus not just for the Jews, but for all nations. As we reflect on the Magi’s journey, we can be encouraged in our own spiritual pursuits, seeking to know Jesus more deeply and sharing His love wherever we go. Their story reminds us that every act of worship, big or small, is valuable in God’s eyes.
Matthew 2:1-2
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'” – Matthew 2:1-2
Matthew 2:3-4
“When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.” – Matthew 2:3-4
Matthew 2:9-10
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” – Matthew 2:9-10
Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11
Matthew 2:12
“And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.” – Matthew 2:12
The Significance of the Nativity
The nativity scene has come to represent the essence of Christmas—the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. It symbolizes hope, love, and new beginnings. Each character in the nativity—from Mary and Joseph to the shepherds and animals—contributes to the beautiful story of redemption. As we reflect on the nativity, we can remind ourselves of the humility and grace that surrounded Jesus’ birth and how we can embrace these qualities in our own lives. This scene encourages us to look beyond material gifts and focus on the gift of Jesus and the love that binds us together.
Luke 2:16
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” – Luke 2:16
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Matthew 2:13-15
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’ So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod.” – Matthew 2:13-15
Romans 8:32
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” – Romans 8:32
Luke 2:19
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” – Luke 2:19
The Prophecy of Peace
Throughout the story of the first Christmas, the theme of peace resonates deeply. The angels promised peace on Earth to those on whom God’s favor rests. In a world often fraught with turmoil, this promise of peace becomes even more precious. Reflecting on these verses inspires us to be agents of peace in our communities and to carry the message of Christ’s love wherever we go. We can share this peace with others, fostering love and unity in our relationships. The prophecy of peace is a reminder that no matter our circumstances, we can find solace in our faith.
Isaiah 9:7
“Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” – Isaiah 9:7
Luke 2:14
“‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'” – Luke 2:14
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
Romans 5:1
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1
The Gift of Salvation
The ultimate gift of Christmas is the gift of salvation that Jesus brings. His birth signifies the initiation of a divine plan for redemption and eternal life. It is a gift that we can receive freely, and it requires our acceptance. This aspect of the Christmas narrative encourages us to share the good news of salvation joyfully. We can celebrate not only the birth of Jesus but also the life-changing message he brings. Let’s take a moment to be grateful for this gift and consider how we can share it with others, inviting them into the love and grace of God.
John 1:12
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Acts 4:12
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12
Romans 10:9
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Final Thoughts
As we celebrate the first Christmas through these impactful verses, we are reminded of God’s deep love for us. From the meaningful journey of Mary and Joseph to the birth of Jesus and the joy shared with shepherds and wise men, every detail holds significance. We learned about the importance of faith, the promise of peace, and the joyful news of salvation. These themes resonate with us today, encouraging us to embody the virtues celebrated during Christmas in our daily lives. Let’s carry the true spirit of Christmas with us, sharing love, hope, and the message of Jesus with those around us.
We can embrace the reality that Christmas brings us together as a community, a time when we can reflect on our blessings and extend kindness to one another. The lessons we’ve drawn from the first Christmas story inspire us to be a source of light and joy in a world that can sometimes feel dark. Moving forward, let’s actively seek ways to spread this message of love and hope, following the example set during that holy night so many years ago.
May the joy of Christmas continue to shine in our hearts throughout the year, guiding us in our faith and interactions with others. Let’s make every day an opportunity to celebrate the gift of Jesus and to be the hands and feet of His love in our communities.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4