Today we will talk about what verses are the Christmas story. Many Christians do not know what this means. The Christmas story is centered around the birth of Jesus Christ, who is celebrated as the Savior and Messiah in the Christian faith. As we read the scripture together, we are invited to reflect on the significance of this joyous occasion—the arrival of hope, love, and light into the world. This story is filled with angels, shepherds, and stars, all pointing towards the miraculous birth that changed everything. Be in the mood of meditation as we read through God’s word, allowing ourselves to be immersed in the beauty and wonder of this profound story.
What Verses Are The Christmas Story
The Prophecy of Jesus’ Birth
In understanding the Christmas story, we first look at the beautiful prophecies that foretold the coming of our Savior. These verses remind us that God had a plan for humanity long before Jesus’ arrival. The prophecies were not just wishes; they showcased His divine intention to bring hope and a solution to our needs. In the Old Testament, we see clear indications of the Savior whom we would later know as Jesus—each prophecy perfectly aligning with the events that unfolded in the Christmas story. This not only strengthens our faith but also illustrates the excitement with which the world awaited the birth of our Lord. The prophecies tell us that there is a purpose behind this grand narrative, and we can be assured that God fulfills His promises.
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” – Micah 5:2
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
Jeremiah 23:5-6
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.” – Jeremiah 23:5-6
Zachariah 9:9
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” – Zachariah 9:9
The Annunciation to Mary
The moment the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary is a pivotal point in the Christmas story. This announcement signifies that God chose an ordinary young woman to be part of His extraordinary plan. We can learn so much from Mary’s response—her faith and willingness to accept what seemed impossible. As we explore these verses, we see both the fear and joy that Mary experienced and how God’s assurances guide her through uncertainty. The message to Mary encourages us today to trust in God’s plans, even when they may confuse or challenge us. It reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their circumstances, to bring forth His purpose.
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 1:30-31
“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.'” – Luke 1:30-31
Luke 1:34
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” – Luke 1:34
Luke 1:35
“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 1:35
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
Every journey can be considered an adventure and especially that embarking on the journey to Bethlehem. Upon learning of her pregnancy, Mary traveled while being heavily pregnant, displaying incredible dedication to her calling. The challenges she faced during this time might resonate with many of us, as we have our own journeys, both literal and metaphorical. This part of the Christmas story shows us the importance of persistence, faith, and embracing where God is leading us, even amidst uncertainty. As we go through life, we can take comfort knowing that God is with us on our journeys too, guiding and supporting us along the way.
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
Luke 2:4
“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.” – Luke 2:4
Luke 2:5
“He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” – Luke 2:5
Luke 2:6
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born.” – Luke 2:6
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
The Birth of Jesus
The climax of the Christmas story is, of course, the moment of Jesus’ birth. This miraculous event encapsulates all the love and joy that God poured into humanity. The simplicity surrounding His birth—humbly in a stable—reminds us that greatness can be found in the most unexpected circumstances. As we ponder these verses, we recognize how Jesus came to serve, to save, and to show unconditional love for each one of us. This moment signifies the arrival of hope into our world, and we celebrate that Jesus is our greatest gift.
Matthew 1:21
“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
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 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” – Luke 2:14
The Visit of the Shepherds
The visit of the shepherds is a beautiful addition to the Christmas story that emphasizes God’s heart for the humble and the lowly. Shepherds, who often worked in solitude, were the first to receive the news of Jesus’ birth—their reaction teaches us about the importance of responding joyfully to God’s revelation. We, like the shepherds, are invited to share the good news with others, experiencing and spreading joy in the process. This highlights that God’s love reaches all people, regardless of status or circumstance. As we reflect on these verses, we can appreciate our role in sharing the light of Christ with the world.
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
Luke 2:16
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” – Luke 2:16
Luke 2:17
“When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” – Luke 2:17
Luke 2:18
“And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” – Luke 2:18
Luke 2:19
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” – Luke 2:19
The Visit of the Magi
In another fascinating layer of the Christmas story, we encounter the Magi—wise men from the East. Their journey was marked by curiosity and determination to worship the newborn King. They followed a guiding star, symbolizing guidance and light in their quest. Their gifts also held significant meaning: gold for kingship, frankincense for divinity, and myrrh for mortality—each representing the nature of Christ. The visit of the Magi points to the universal recognition of Jesus as Lord and profound respect for who He is. These verses encourage us to seek Jesus with our whole hearts while sharing His light with others, just as they did.
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 2:9-10
“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 country by another route.” – Matthew 2:12
Matthew 2:13
“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.'” – Matthew 2:13
The Significance of the Birth
As we contemplate the significance of Jesus’ birth, we recognize that this moment was not only marked by delight; it was also about fulfilling God’s purpose for humanity. The coming of Jesus to this world signifies peace, hope, and redemption for all who believe. His life embodies love and sacrifice, as He came to save people from their sins. This part of the Christmas story is a reminder of the unconditional love that God has for us and the lengths He went to in ensuring our salvation. His birth invites us to embrace a new life and hope through His grace and mercy.
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 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 2:30-32
“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” – Luke 2:30-32
Galatians 4:4-5
“But when the set 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 adoption to sonship.” – Galatians 4:4-5
1 John 4:9-10
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10
The Joy of Christmas
Finally, the joy of Christmas culminates from all the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. It is a time filled with celebration, thankfulness, and anticipation for all that God has done and continues to do. The messages from the angels to the shepherds and the stars leading the wise men echo joy and hope. As we read these verses, we can carry that joy into our lives and share it with those around us. This celebration is more than just a holiday; it’s the awareness of divine love, the kindness we extend to others, and the hope we foster for tomorrow. Amidst the busyness of the season, let us not forget the pure joy the Christmas story brings to the world.
Luke 2:10
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'” – Luke 2:10
Luke 2:20
“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” – Luke 2:20
Isaiah 52:7
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'” – Isaiah 52:7
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
Nehemiah 8:10
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our exploration of what verses tell the Christmas story, we recognize the tapestry woven with prophecies, announcements, journeys, and profound events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Each of these moments contributes significantly to understanding God’s immense love for humanity. The Christmas story is not just about a singular event but rather a grand narrative that continues to unfold in our lives today. Let’s take this season to wholeheartedly embrace the happiness, the hope, and the joy that Jesus brings into our hearts and share that light with others. Together, we can celebrate the miracle of Christmas and be vessels of God’s love in our world.
As we celebrate Christmas each year, may we deepen our appreciation for the miraculous birth of our Savior and reflect on how it applies to our lives. Remembering that every moment is led by God’s hand encourages us as we journey forward, with our hearts filled with joy, gratitude, and love. May the lessons learned from the Christmas story resonate within us and guide us throughout the year ahead.
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