Christmas songs fill the radio. Decorations cover every store. But do you know the actual Bible verses behind the holiday? People stick to Luke 2 and call it done.

They miss the prophecies from Isaiah, the hope in Psalms, and the powerful promises scattered throughout Scripture. This complete guide shares Christmas scriptures you can actually use.

You’ll learn what makes these verses different from shared lists, why the Bible emphasizes Christ’s birth across both testaments, and how to use these passages for personal study, family readings, and holiday cards.

Let’s explore the whole story Scripture tells about Christmas.

What Are Christmas Scriptures?

Christmas scriptures are Bible verses that tell the story of Jesus Christ’s birth and its meaning.

They fall into three main types: prophecy verses that predicted His coming, nativity verses that describe the actual birth events, and fulfillment verses that explain why it all matters.

The popular passages from Luke and Matthew are well known. But many powerful verses from Isaiah, Psalms, and even Romans get skipped over.

These overlooked scriptures add depth and context to the Christmas story. They show how God planned this moment from the beginning.

64 Bible Verses About Christmas Every Believer Needs

From prophecy to birth to salvation, here’s the complete Scripture story. Read, reflect, and share the verses that reveal Christmas’s true meaning.

Old Testament Prophecies Bible Verses About Christ

Christmas didn’t start in Bethlehem. Hundreds of years earlier, God promised a Savior through His prophets. These verses show how the Old Testament prepared the world for Christ’s arrival.

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.

2. 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.

3. Isaiah 11:1

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.

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.

5. Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come.

6. Numbers 24:17

There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.

7. Jeremiah 23:5

I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper.

8. Malachi 4:2

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.

The Birth of Jesus Bible Verses from Luke

The prophecies came true in a small town stable. These verses from Luke capture the miraculous night when God became man, from the angel’s announcement to Mary to the shepherds’ visit.

9. Luke 1:30–31

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.

10. Luke 1:32–33

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

11. Luke 2:4–5

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

12. Luke 2:6–7

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.

13. Luke 2:8–9

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

14. Luke 2:10–11

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.

15. Luke 2:12

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

16. 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.

Bible Verses About Christ’s Purpose Revealed

Jesus wasn’t born just to be celebrated. He came with a specific mission: to save humanity from sin. These scriptures explain why His birth matters for every person who has ever lived.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. John 1:9

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

21. 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.

22. 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.

Bible Verses on Hope, Joy, and Peace at Christmas

Christmas brings emotions that go deeper than holiday cheer. These verses capture the supernatural hope, genuine joy, and lasting peace that only Christ’s birth can provide to a broken world.

23. Isaiah 40:9

O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

24. Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

25. 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.

26. Luke 1:46–47

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

27. 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.

Lesser-Known Bible Verses About Christmas

Most people skip past these powerful verses. But they add rich context and deeper meaning to the Christmas story, showing God’s plan reaching far beyond the manger scene we know so well.

28. Isaiah 42:6

I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.

29. Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

30. Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

31. Psalm 72:11

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

32. Isaiah 49:6

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Light and Salvation Bible Verses from Scripture

Jesus came as light breaking into darkness. These verses reveal how God’s love brought salvation to everyone, offering hope that no amount of darkness can extinguish or overcome.

33. Luke 2:29–30

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.

34. 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.

35. Titus 2:11

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.

36. 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.

37. Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Reflection and Worship Bible Verses from Scripture

Some scriptures aren’t just for reading, they’re for pondering deeply. These verses invite us to pause, worship, and respond personally to the gift of Christ, just like Mary and the wise men did.

38. Philippians 2:6–7

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.

39. Colossians 1:15

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.

40. 2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

41. Luke 2:19

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

42. Matthew 2:10–11

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 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.

Additional Christmas Bible Verses from Scripture

These last verses complete the full picture of Christmas. They tie together prophecy, birth, and redemption, showing how one night in Bethlehem changed everything for eternity.

43. Isaiah 60:1

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

44. Psalm 98:3

He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

45. Luke 1:68

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people.

46. Luke 2:28–32

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

47. John 6:38

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

48. Romans 8:3

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.

49. Hebrews 2:14

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.

50. Revelation 12:5

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

51. Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

52. Psalm 96:11–12

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice.

53. Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.

54. Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

55. Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.

56. Psalm 2:7

I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

57. Luke 1:78–79

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

58. John 12:46

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

59. Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

60. Ephesians 2:8

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

61. 1 Timothy 1:15

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

62. Isaiah 35:4

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.

63. Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will rejoice over thee with singing.

64. Psalm 130:7

Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

How to Use Christmas Scripture Verses?

Christmas scriptures work well for many purposes throughout the season. Start your morning with one verse for personal study and reflection.

Read these passages aloud during family dinners or Christmas Eve gatherings. Kids love hearing the story straight from the Bible.

You can also write a favorite verse in Christmas cards to friends and family. Share them on social media or in text messages. Print them on gift tags or frame them as holiday decor.

Many people memorize one or two verses each December. This keeps the true meaning of Christmas close to their hearts all year long.

Wrapping It Up

Christmas scriptures remind us why we celebrate in the first place. These verses show God’s plan from Genesis to Revelation.

They connect ancient prophecies with the birth in Bethlehem and the hope we have today. Reading these passages keeps Christ at the center of your holiday season.

Don’t let another Christmas pass by without knowing the whole story. Pick three verses from this list and read them with your family this week.

Write one on a card for someone who needs encouragement. Share these christmas scripture verses with friends who want to understand the real meaning of the season.

Start today and make this your most meaningful Christmas yet.