Today we will talk about Bible verses about the first Christmas. This remarkable event marked the humble beginning of Jesus Christ, who came to Earth to bring hope and salvation to humanity. We often find ourselves pondering the beauty of that night in Bethlehem, where angels sang, shepherds rejoiced, and a star shone brightly. For many of us, the first Christmas is more than just a story; it’s the essence of our faith. As we dive into these verses, let’s open our hearts to the message of love, joy, and peace that came with Christ’s birth. Let our souls be lifted as we reflect on the significance of this holy night. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s Word!
Bible Verses About the First Christmas
The Prophecy of His Birth
The birth of Jesus did not happen by chance; it was foretold by prophets hundreds of years earlier. As we delve into the verses that reference the first Christmas, we see how God’s plan was laid out long before that blessed night. These prophecies give us a glimpse of the incredible story that unfolded and affirm that God is faithful to His promises. We can gain comfort in knowing that our God is a God of preparation and purpose. Let’s remember that the first Christmas was a fulfillment of promise and hope for us all.
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 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
The Announcement to Mary
The story of the first Christmas introduces us to Mary—a young woman chosen for an extraordinary task. The announcement of Jesus’ birth brought both joy and uncertainty. We walk alongside Mary as she navigates the angel’s message, which reminds us that we’re always part of God’s greater plan. When we reflect on her response, we see immense faith and bravery. Just like Mary, we too can find strength in our moments of doubt. The first Christmas teaches us that God often calls us to things we can’t fully understand, yet He has a beautiful purpose behind it all.
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 1:35
“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
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 1:46-47
“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.'” – Luke 1:46-47
The Journey to Bethlehem
The journey to Bethlehem is as much a part of the first Christmas as the birth itself. Mary and Joseph traveled great distances under challenging circumstances, relying on their faith and determination. This journey speaks volumes about obedience, commitment, and the willingness to embrace God’s calling. As we reflect on their travels, we recognize this might mirror some of our own spiritual journeys. Though there are obstacles along the way, we can trust that God is orchestrating our path, guiding us to where we need to be. May we find inspiration in Mary and Joseph on how to persevere and trust in God’s plan.
Luke 2:4-5
“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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” – Luke 2:4-5
Matthew 2:1
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.” – Matthew 2:1
Luke 2:6
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.” – Luke 2:6-7
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 old, from ancient times.” – Micah 5:2
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 Shepherds and Angels
The shepherds played a pivotal role in announcing the good news of Jesus’ birth. They were the first to hear the angelic message, representing the humble and overlooked members of society. The angels proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest!” serve as a reminder that joy is for everyone. This momentous occasion wasn’t restricted to kings or the elite; it was meant for the poor, the simple, and the everyman. We are called to participate in this joy and spread it to those around us. The first Christmas reminds us to rejoice and share the Good News with all, as anyone can encounter the love of God.
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 2:13-14
“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
Luke 2:15-16
“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.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” – Luke 2:15-16
The Magi’s Visit
The visit from the Magi, or Wise Men, further exemplifies the wonder of the first Christmas. They traveled significant distances, following a star to locate the newborn King. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were not mere offerings but deeply symbolic of who Jesus was destined to be. Each gift represented a unique aspect of His identity—gold for His kingship, frankincense for His divinity, and myrrh for His eventual suffering. Their journey tells us that true worship involves sacrifice and seeking Jesus with all our hearts. Just as the Wise Men followed the light, we too are encouraged to join them in seeking Jesus in our lives today.
Matthew 2:2
“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 2:2
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. 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
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
The Celebration of His Birth
The celebration of Jesus’ birth holds a special place in our hearts. The first Christmas is not just a historical event but a continuously celebrated occasion of joy. As a family of believers, we gather to acknowledge the love and grace that was lavished upon us through Christ’s coming. This season fills our lives with hope, joy, and peace, providing us an opportunity to foster community and love among one another. Just as the angels celebrated in the heavens, we too can lift our voices in praise. The first Christmas calls us to be joyful, to remember, and to indeed celebrate the wondrous gift of our Savior.
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
Matthew 2:10
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” – Matthew 2:10
1 Timothy 1:15
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” – 1 Timothy 1:15
Psalm 98:4
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.” – Psalm 98:4
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 Significance of His Name
The name of Jesus holds profound significance within the context of the first Christmas. The very name “Jesus” means “God saves,” encapsulating the essence of His mission on Earth. As we gather during this season, we can reflect on how He came to seek and save the lost. Names carry weight and meaning, and Jesus is no different; His birth signifies hope and restoration. We must remember that His name is meant to bring us peace and comfort. The first Christmas invites us to consider the impact of His name in our lives and the world around us. When we call upon His name, we tap into the truth of His promises.
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 2:21
“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” – Luke 2:21
Acts 4:12
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12
Philippians 2:9-10
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” – Philippians 2:9-10
John 14:6
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” – John 14:6
The Impact of His Birth
Finally, we must reflect on the impact of Jesus’ birth, which reverberates through history until today. The first Christmas represents a monumental shift, ushering in a new covenant and relationship between God and humanity. Through Him, we receive grace, purpose, and identity. As we celebrate this holy occasion, we become reminded of the reverberating love God’s presence has in our lives. We witness how His birth transformed the world and continues to resonate with so many. The first Christmas not only changed hearts at that time, but it continues to transform lives today. Let’s commit ourselves to carry this impact forward and be a light to others.
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
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
2 Corinthians 9:15
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” – 2 Corinthians 9:15
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
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
Final Thoughts
The first Christmas is a beautiful and transformative story that goes beyond just the birth of Jesus. It is a narrative filled with hope, joy, and the promise of salvation. As we’ve explored these Bible verses, we’ve seen prophecies fulfilled, brave hearts accepting God’s task, and the joy and celebration that accompanied the Savior’s arrival. The first Christmas is a reminder of the profound impact Jesus has had on our lives and continues to have on the world around us. With every verse, we’ve been called to join in the celebration and recognize the beauty of His name and the significance of His arrival. May we continue to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas in our lives, carrying its message of love, joy, and hope to those around us.
As we rejoice in this holiday season, let’s remember to share the Good News with others, just like the shepherds and Wise Men did. They followed and worshiped, and we too can embody that spirit this Christmas. Let us embrace the wonder of the first Christmas and reignite our passion for sharing the love of Christ with the world. We can find peace in knowing that God’s plan for us is beautifully woven together, reminding us that we all have a part to play in this miraculous story.
May each of us feel inspired to not only celebrate Jesus’ birth during the season, but to also carry that same love and joy throughout the entire year. Christmas should not be confined to a day; rather, it should be a way of life for us. Let’s allow the spirit of the first Christmas to guide us as we step into the new year, bringing light and hope to those around us.
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
