Today we will talk about first Christmas Bible verses. The birth of Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of our Christian faith and marks the beginning of a new hope for humanity. It was during that first Christmas that God blessed us with a Savior, and because of that, we celebrate the joy, love, and promise embodied in the story of His birth. Many Christians may not fully grasp the importance of these verses or how they relate to the birth of Christ. So, let’s take a moment to meditate on these Scriptures which remind us of the gift we were given on that holy night. Through these verses, we can rekindle the spirit of Christmas in our hearts and understand the deeper meaning behind it.
First Christmas Bible Verses
The Prophecy of His Birth
Throughout the Old Testament, various prophets foretold the coming of a Messiah who would save the world. These prophecies serve as the foundation for our understanding of the first Christmas. By reading these verses, we see how God prepared the way for His Son long before His arrival. This reminds us of God’s perfect planning and timing. It gives us assurance that our faith is rooted in promises that have been fulfilled in history and in God’s everlasting faithfulness to mankind. We can rejoice in knowing that each birth announcement penned in the scriptures speaks of hope and anticipation, pointing us towards our Savior’s glorious entrance into the world.
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 Angel’s Announcement
Picture the moment when an angel descended from heaven, beautifully announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. This segment of the Christmas story shines with divine joy and heavenly glory. We see how God communicates His most miraculous news to those who were perhaps unsuspecting and considered least in society. In these verses, we learn that the good news of great joy was meant for everyone, and we find inspiration in the message of hope that everyone is entitled to experience God’s love. We can celebrate knowing we are all welcomed into the fold, just as the shepherds were embraced by the announcement of His birth.
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
Luke 2:11
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” – Luke 2:11
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 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:14
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
The Journey to Bethlehem
The journey to Bethlehem was not just a physical travails for Mary and Joseph; it symbolizes our spiritual journey towards salvation. Sometimes, we are faced with hardships that lead us to our destinations. This holiday season, we reflect on how obstacles can lead to beautiful blessings and miracles—like the one that night in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. We should take comfort in knowing that although the road may be challenging, it often leads to divine revelations. The love and joy that surrounded the first Christmas are a testament to enduring faith amidst trials, reminding us that God’s path always leads to joy if we embrace it.
Luke 2:4
“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.” – Luke 2:4
Luke 2:5
“He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” – Luke 2:5
Matthew 1:24-25
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” – Matthew 1:24-25
Luke 2:3
“And everyone went to their own town to register.” – Luke 2:3
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…” – Micah 5:2
The Birth of Jesus
The actual birth of Jesus was a holy event that changed the course of history forever. In the midst of humble surroundings and the quiet of nighttime, eternity broke into the temporal realm. These verses remind us that sometimes God’s greatest gifts come in the humblest forms. It is a powerful lesson that we can apply to our own lives: just as Jesus entered the world in such a simple way, He welcomes us with open arms regardless of our past, circumstances, or background. This can encourage us to open our hearts to receive His love, grace, and mercy, knowing that with Him, we are always treasured.
Luke 2:6
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born.” – Luke 2:6
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
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
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 2:8
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” – Luke 2:8
The Shepherds’ Visit
The visit from the shepherds highlights how God chooses to reveal His greatest news to those tending the simplest of duties. It showcases the humility and grace of Jesus’ arrival. Just as the shepherds hurried to see the Baby, we too are encouraged to seek Jesus with urgency and enthusiasm. When we immerse ourselves in these joyful verses, we see that we are called to share the love we’ve experienced through Christ with those around us. This willingness to visit Him mirrors our readiness to embrace joy as we spread kindness and love. We can find inspiration in the shepherds’ commitment to follow God’s call to witness His glory firsthand.
Luke 2:16
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” – Luke 2:16
Luke 2:19
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” – Luke 2:19
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
Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11
The Star of Bethlehem
The magnificent Star of Bethlehem symbolizes hope and guidance, serving as a beacon that led the wise men to the birthplace of Jesus. It reminds us that the light of Christ will always illuminate our path, no matter how dark our circumstances may appear. As we look upon this star, we are reminded to seek guidance through prayer and Scripture, ensuring that we allow God’s light to direct us. Similarly, we can become light bearers for others—pointing them towards Christ by the way we live our lives. The star teaches us the importance of sharing the Good News, just as the wise men did, shining our light in the world.
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
“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.” – Matthew 2:9
Matthew 2:10
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” – Matthew 2:10
Luke 2:9
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” – Luke 2:9
Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” – Matthew 2:11
The Gifts of the Magi
The gifts brought by the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each have deep symbolic meanings that reflect the identity of Jesus. The wise men offered valuable gifts to honor the newborn King, signifying His deity, kingship, and the future suffering He would endure. When we ponder their gifts, we see that we, too, can present our lives, talents, and resources to God’s service. Sharing what we have can cultivate a spirit of love and gratitude. As we embrace the first Christmas story, we can also think about the ways we honor Christ daily and express our love, reflecting His incredible gift of humility and sacrifice.
Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11
Isaiah 60:6
“Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. All from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.” – Isaiah 60:6
Psalms 72:10-11
“The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores will bring tribute to him; the kings of Sheba and Seba will present him gifts. All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him.” – Psalms 72:10-11
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
Revelation 22:12
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” – Revelation 22:12
The Significance of the First Christmas
The first Christmas was more than just the birth of a child; it was the manifestation of God’s incredible love for us. Through Jesus’ arrival, we were offered redemption, hope, and reconciliation with our Creator. It signifies the fulfillment of God’s promises and the dawn of love wrapped in flesh. As we reflect on the deeper meanings of Christmas, we find an invitation to embrace this profound love in our daily lives. We are called to be peacemakers, sharing joy and hope with one another, just as the original intent of the Christmas story urges us to do. Celebrating the first Christmas is a reminder that love has come into the world, and we must carry that love forward to those around us.
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
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
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
1 John 4:9
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” – 1 John 4:9
Ephesians 2:8
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8
Final Thoughts
The story of the first Christmas is filled with wonder, hope, and joy that resonates through the ages. As we’ve journeyed through these Bible verses, we’ve seen the beautiful prophecies, angelic announcements, humble beginnings, and profound significance of Jesus’s birth. Each verse serves as a reminder that Christmas is not just about the celebrations but about the incredible love that God has presented to us through His Son. We are invited to experience that love, to share it, and to shine our lights in the world. So, as we celebrate the holiday season, let’s take a moment to reflect on what this means for us and how we, too, can carry the spirit of Christmas into our everyday lives. Together, let’s cherish the meaning behind those first Christmas Bible verses and embrace the love that has changed the world!
May our hearts be like the shepherds, eager to receive the good news. Let’s remember to seek Jesus with open arms, just as He sought us. This Christmas, let us be reminded that the gift of Jesus is the best present we could ever receive—one that we can share freely with others. Amen!
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
