“Fear not!” – hardly any Bible verse is as well known as the message of the angels to the shepherds. Here you will find 19 Bible verses for Christmas: the most beautiful verses of the Christmas story from Luke and Matthew and words about what the holiday actually means. For Christmas cards, nativity plays, Christmas Eve devotionals, or simply for reading under the tree.
The Christmas Story
The best-known verses from Luke 2 and Matthew 1–2.
-
And the angel said to them: Fear not! 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.
-
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
-
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; for they had no room in the inn.
Luke 2:7Jesus
-
And this shall be the sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:12Jesus
-
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21Savior
-
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel,” that is, God with us.
Matthew 1:23God's presence
-
And when they saw the star, they rejoiced greatly; and going into the house, they saw the little child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped.
Matthew 2:10-11aWorship
-
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19Mary
What Christmas Means
Verses about the light that came into the world.
-
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
-
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness hath not overcome it.
-
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 3:16God's loveGenerosity
-
For unto us is given a child, a son is given unto us; and the government is upon his shoulder; and his name is Wonderful, Counsellor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
-
But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, and made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive adoption.
Galatians 4:4-5Savior
-
For the dispensation of the grace of God is given unto all men.
-
Forasmuch as the love of God hath been manifested unto us, because God hath sent his only begotten into the world, that we might live through him.
1 John 4:9God's love
-
But thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15Thankfulness
-
For this is the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
John 1:9Light
-
Which, though he was in the world, and the world was made by him, neither knew he himself.
Philippians 2:6-7aHumility
-
Forasmuch as Christ Jesus came into the world, not to make merry with sinners, but to save sinners.
Bible texts: Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling.
Related Topics
This goes well with it
“Heaven came down” – that's exactly what Christmas is about. These four pieces are suitable as a gift with a message.
Heavenly Mindset - Oversized T-ShirtOversized shirt with “Heavenly Mindset” – look up.€38
HVN. – SocksWhite socks with “HVN.” for heaven in everyday life.€12
Heavenly Mindset - Poster“Heavenly Mindset” as a poster: strive for that which is above.€12
Heaven Came Down - PostcardPostcard “Heaven Came Down” – for Christmas greetings with depth.€2
The Christmas Story in the Bible
The birth of Jesus is told in two Gospels. Luke 2 is the Christmas story that is read in almost every church on Christmas Eve: the census, the stable, the shepherds in the field, and the angels with their “Glory to God in the highest.” Matthew 1–2 tells the story from Joseph's perspective and reports of the Magi from the East, who followed the star. John 1 tells Christmas without a manger at all – as the Word that “became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Bible verses for the Christmas card
Short verses are best suited for Christmas cards: Luke 2:14 (“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace”), John 1:5 about the light in the darkness, or 2 Corinthians 9:15 (“But thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift”). For those who prefer it more personal, write Isaiah 9:5 with the names “Wonderful, Counsellor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” For the weeks before, you will find verses at Bible verses for Advent, for the turn of the year at Bible verses for the new year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Christmas story in the Bible?
The best-known version is in Luke 2:1-20. Matthew 1:18–2:12 tells of Joseph, the birth in Bethlehem, and the Magi from the East.
Which Bible verse is suitable for Christmas?
The best known are Luke 2:10-11 (“Fear not”), Luke 2:14, Isaiah 9:5, and John 3:16. For cards, short verses like John 1:5 or 2 Corinthians 9:15 are popular.
