Today we will talk about old testament bible verses for christmas. Many Christians do not know what this means. The Old Testament holds profound insights that help us better understand the arrival of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Each verse tells a story of hope, prophecy, and preparation for the joyful occasion of Christmas. Let’s take this opportunity to meditate and gain insights into God’s perfect plan as we read through these verses. Through ancient texts, we can find encouragement and motivation as we celebrate the birth of our Lord. Let’s open our hearts and minds to the wisdom contained in these timeless scriptures.
Old Testament Bible Verses for Christmas
Prophecies of the Messiah
When we think of the Old Testament, we often forget how many prophecies foretold the coming of Christ. This is an amazing part of God’s plan. In these verses, we see God’s promise of sending a Savior long before He arrived on Earth. These prophecies help us appreciate the significance of Christmas, as they declare the hope and joy that the birth of Jesus brings to the world. Each of these scriptures reminds us that God’s word is alive, indicating how long He has been working for our salvation. As we reflect on these prophecies, we can feel connected to the past and filled with anticipation of the future, knowing that our faith is based on a rich history!
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
“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
Isaiah 11:1
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” – Isaiah 11:1
God’s Promises of Salvation
Looking through the Old Testament, we find plenty of verses showcasing God’s faithful promises. As we read these verses, we can sense that God’s desire has always been to save us and provide a way for us to be reunited with Him. The assurance of salvation through the forthcoming Messiah fills our hearts with peace and joy. In knowing how God worked throughout the ages, we can appreciate the significance of Christmas as not just a historical event, but as the fulfillment of His promise to us. These promises call us to rejoice during this special season and be reminded that God always keeps His word!
Psalm 130:7
“Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.” – Psalm 130:7
Isaiah 49:6
“He says: ‘It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.'” – Isaiah 49:6
Joel 2:32
“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, among the survivors whom the Lord calls.” – Joel 2:32
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
The Joy of Salvation
The joy of salvation is a recurring theme in the Old Testament that enhances our experience during Christmas. This joy stems from the promise of Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” As we read these verses, we see a glimpse of the joy that comes with recognizing God’s incredible love toward humanity. This joy is deeper than happiness; it allows us to carry the assurance that God is near and interested in our lives. Having this joy can transform our Christmas celebrations into a time of deep gratitude and worship. We learn to rejoice in the understanding that salvation is a gift we receive because of God’s grace and mercy.
Psalms 51:12
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” – Psalm 51:12
Psalms 35:9
“And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in his salvation.” – Psalm 35:9
Isaiah 12:3
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” – Isaiah 12:3
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
Isaiah 61:10
“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness.” – Isaiah 61:10
Angelic Announcements
Angels play a crucial role in announcing the good news of salvation. Their messages illuminate the excitement surrounding the coming of Christ. In the Old Testament, there are instances where angels delivered messages that pointed toward hope and the promise of a future Savior. As we reflect on these verses, we’re filled with gratitude for the heavenly hosts who ushered in the message of joy—our Lord Jesus Christ—bringing light into our world. The stories of these divine announcements remind us of the beauty and wonder of Christmas. It helps us feel connected to the heavenly realm as we celebrate this season of joy.
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
Daniel 9:21-22
“While I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, ‘Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.'” – Daniel 9:21-22
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
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 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
The Significance of Bethlehem
Bethlehem holds a special significance in the story of Christmas. It’s the place where Jesus was born, and the Old Testament spoke of this small, humble town as a remarkable setting for the mighty events that were to come. These scriptures reflect the beauty of God’s choice to bring salvation through what seems insignificant. As we reflect on these verses, we are encouraged to see how God often uses humble beginnings to create extraordinary outcomes. During Christmas, we can be reminded that greatness does not always come from grand places or circumstances; it often emerges in our hearts and minds as we recognize God’s handiwork in our lives.
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
Genesis 35:19
“So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).” – Genesis 35:19
Ruth 1:2
“The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah.” – Ruth 1:2
1 Samuel 16:1
“The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.'” – 1 Samuel 16:1
Matthew 2:6
“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 2:6
The Promise of Hope
The theme of hope resonates throughout the Old Testament, especially as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. This hope isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a firm assurance that God has a plan for us. The birth of Christ is the illustration of that hope being fulfilled. We can find comfort in knowing that God never leaves us in despair; rather, He offers us hope in His promises. As we reflect on these verses, we allow ourselves to be filled with the anticipation that comes with knowing God is at work even in our darkest moments. This Christmas, let’s remember that our hope rests in Jesus and the promises He fulfilled!
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Psalm 33:18
“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.” – Psalm 33:18
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Isaiah 38:20
“The Lord will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the Lord.” – Isaiah 38:20
The Celebration of God’s Goodness
The goodness of God is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, which leads perfectly to our Christmas celebrations. God’s provisions, His love, and unwavering promises often remind us that every good gift comes from Him. In the context of these scriptures, we see how God’s goodness was perfectly showcased in the birth of Jesus. Christmas is a magnificent opportunity for us to celebrate that goodness in our lives, allowing it to overflow into gratitude and praise. Reflecting on God’s goodness during this season invites us to examine how blessed we are, filling our hearts with joy as we remember His love and grace. Let’s rejoice in the goodness of God as we gather with loved ones and celebrate the gift of Christ!
Psalm 107:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1
Exodus 34:6
“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.'” – Exodus 34:6
Psalms 100:5
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” – Psalm 100:5
2 Chronicles 5:13
“The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: ‘He is good; His love endures forever.'” – 2 Chronicles 5:13
Psalm 63:3
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” – Psalm 63:3
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the Old Testament Bible verses related to Christmas, we are reminded of the richness of God’s story. Each verse brings to light the prophecies, promises, and hope that lead to the joyful celebration of our Savior’s birth. The scriptures help us comprehend how profoundly God loves us and desires a relationship with each of us. This season encourages us to embrace joy, hope, and gratitude as we remember the humble beginnings of Jesus and the tremendous love that He brings.
Let’s take these reflections into our Christmas celebrations, recognizing how the Old Testament beautifully sets the stage for the birth of Christ. As we cherish these timeless messages, may our hearts overflow with excitement and anticipation of the love, peace, and goodness experienced through our Lord. Wishing you all a meaningful, joyful Christmas filled with the essence of God’s promises and love!
May your hearts be filled with the essence of Christmas and may these verses guide you throughout this holiday season and beyond!
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
