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King James Version

Christmas Bible verses

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” The Christmas story in 38 passages — and a reading plan that walks through it one day at a time from December 1 to Christmas.

25-day Advent reading plan

One passage a day, in story order — prophecy on December 1, the Word made flesh on Christmas Day.

  1. Dec1

    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. Dec2

    Isaiah 9:2

    The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

  3. Dec3

    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.

  4. Dec4

    Isaiah 11:1-2

    And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

  5. Dec5

    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.

  6. Dec6

    Jeremiah 23:5

    Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

  7. Dec7

    Isaiah 40:3

    The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

  8. Dec8

    Luke 1:26-28

    And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

  9. Dec9

    Luke 1:30-31

    And the angel said unto her, 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. Dec10

    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. Dec11

    Luke 1:37-38

    For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

  12. Dec12

    Luke 1:46-47

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

  13. Dec13

    Matthew 1:20-21

    But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

  14. Dec14

    Matthew 1:22-23

    Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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.

  15. Dec15

    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.

  16. Dec16

    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.

  17. Dec17

    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.

  18. Dec18

    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.

  19. Dec19

    Luke 2:12

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

  20. Dec20

    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.

  21. Dec21

    Luke 2:15-16

    And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

  22. Dec22

    Luke 2:19-20

    But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

  23. Dec23

    Matthew 2:1-2

    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.

  24. Dec24

    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.

  25. Dec25

    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.

Short verses for Christmas cards

Copy one, or put it straight onto a free card.

  • “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”

    — Isaiah 9:2

  • “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

  • “For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

    — Luke 1:37-38

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

    — Luke 1:46-47

  • “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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.”

    — Matthew 1:22-23

  • “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.”

    — Luke 2:10-11

  • “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.”

    — Luke 2:13-14

  • “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.”

    — John 1:14

  • “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

  • “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

    — John 1:4-5

  • “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

    — 2 Corinthians 9:15

  • “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,”

    — Titus 2:11

  • “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.”

    — Isaiah 60:1

  • “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

    — Numbers 6:24-26

  • “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.”

    — Romans 15:13

  • “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

    — Philippians 4:7

  • “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.”

    — 2 Thessalonians 3:16

The promise: prophecies of his birth

Centuries before, the prophets foretold a child, a light and a king born in Bethlehem.

  • “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

    — Isaiah 7:14

  • “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”

    — Isaiah 9:2

  • “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

  • “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;”

    — Isaiah 11:1-2

  • “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.”

    — Micah 5:2

  • “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.”

    — Jeremiah 23:5

  • “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

    — Isaiah 40:3

Mary and Joseph

The angel Gabriel's message, Mary's answer, and Joseph's dream.

  • “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”

    — Luke 1:26-28

  • “And the angel said unto her, 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.”

    — Luke 1:30-31

  • “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.”

    — Luke 1:32-33

  • “For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

    — Luke 1:37-38

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

    — Luke 1:46-47

  • “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

    — Matthew 1:20-21

  • “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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.”

    — Matthew 1:22-23

The birth: Luke 2

The census, the manger, the shepherds and the angels — the Christmas story most families read aloud.

  • “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.”

    — Luke 2:4-5

  • “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.”

    — Luke 2:6-7

  • “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.”

    — Luke 2:8-9

  • “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.”

    — Luke 2:10-11

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

    — Luke 2:12

  • “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.”

    — Luke 2:13-14

  • “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

    — Luke 2:15-16

  • “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

    — Luke 2:19-20

The Wise Men

The star in the east and the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

  • “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.”

    — Matthew 2:1-2

  • “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.”

    — Matthew 2:10-11

  • “When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.”

    — Matthew 2:9

What Christmas means

The verses Christians point to when they explain why the birth matters.

  • “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

  • “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

  • “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

    — John 1:4-5

  • “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.”

    — Galatians 4:4-5

  • “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

    — 2 Corinthians 9:15

  • “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,”

    — Titus 2:11

  • “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.”

    — 1 John 4:9

  • “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.”

    — Isaiah 60:1

  • “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”

    — Luke 2:40

Blessings for a card

Short blessings that fit inside any Christmas card.

  • “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

    — Numbers 6:24-26

  • “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.”

    — Romans 15:13

  • “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

    — Philippians 4:7

  • “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.”

    — 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Questions

What is the most famous Christmas Bible verse?
Luke 2:10–11: "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." Isaiah 9:6 — "For unto us a child is born" — is a close second.
Where is the Christmas story in the Bible?
In the Gospels of Matthew (chapters 1–2: Joseph's dream and the Wise Men) and Luke (chapters 1–2: the angel Gabriel, Mary, the manger and the shepherds). Many families read Luke 2:1–20 aloud on Christmas Eve.
What is a good Bible verse for a Christmas card?
Short, joyful ones work best: Luke 2:10–11, Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:14, John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 9:15 ("Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift") or the blessing in Numbers 6:24–26.
What are 25 Bible verses for Advent?
Our reading plan above gives one passage for each day from December 1 to 25, in story order: seven prophecies, then Mary and Joseph, the birth in Luke 2, the Wise Men, and John 1:14 on Christmas Day.

Scripture from the King James Version (public domain).