Bible Verses About Christmas and the Incarnation
Discover key Bible verses about Christmas, from Old Testament prophecy to the birth of Jesus in the Gospels, and what they reveal about God with us.
The Bible does not use the word Christmas, but it tells the story the holiday celebrates: the birth of Jesus Christ. The key verses are found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which describe how Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born in Bethlehem. Old Testament prophets like Isaiah and Micah foretold His coming centuries earlier. Other passages, such as John 1:1-14 and Philippians 2:5-8, explain who Jesus is—God in human flesh. These verses answer the question, “What does the Bible say about Christmas?” by pointing to the incarnation: the eternal Son of God took on a human nature to save His people from their sins.
Which Old Testament verses foretold the birth of Jesus?
Long before the first Christmas, God spoke through prophets about a coming child who would be both human and divine.
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel. — Isaiah 7:14 (BSB)
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 (KJV)
These verses promise a son who is “Immanuel” (God with us) and bear titles that belong only to God. They set the expectation that the Messiah would be more than a mere man.
Another prophet named the exact town:
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. — Micah 5:2 (BSB)
Micah not only predicts the birthplace but also hints at the eternal existence of this ruler.
How do Matthew and Luke describe the birth of Jesus?
Matthew focuses on Joseph’s perspective and the fulfillment of prophecy.
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. — Matthew 1:18 (BSB)
Joseph learns that the child is from the Holy Spirit and is told, “You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Matthew then quotes Isaiah 7:14, explaining that Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Luke tells the story from Mary’s side, including the angel Gabriel’s announcement:
Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. — Luke 1:30-32 (BSB)
Mary responds in faith, and later gives birth in Bethlehem, where angels announce the good news to shepherds (Luke 2:1-20). These accounts are the foundation of the Christmas story.
What does the Gospel of John say about Christmas?
John does not describe the manger scene. Instead, he goes behind it to explain who the baby is:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. — John 1:1 (BSB)
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14 (BSB)
This is the incarnation: the eternal Word, who is God, took on human flesh. John’s version of the Christmas story is theological—it tells us that in Jesus, God Himself entered His creation.
Why does the incarnation matter for us today?
The New Testament letters explain the purpose of Jesus’ birth. Paul writes:
But when the 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 our adoption as sons. — Galatians 4:4-5 (BSB)
Jesus was born to redeem sinners and make us children of God. Philippians 2:5-8 adds that He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death on a cross. The manger leads to the cross.
First John gives a test for true faith:
By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. — 1 John 4:2 (BSB)
Christmas is not just a sentimental story; it is the confession that God truly became man.
How should we respond to these verses?
The Bible’s Christmas verses call for worship and faith. Like the shepherds in Luke’s account, we are to glorify God for what we have heard (Luke 2:20). Like Mary, we are to trust God’s word. And like the wise men in Matthew’s account, we are to seek Christ and offer Him our lives (Matthew 2:1-12).
If you want to go deeper, read Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2 slowly. Ask God to help you see the wonder of the incarnation. Talk with a pastor or trusted Christian friend about what these passages mean. And let the truth of “God with us” shape your daily walk.
At Christmas, we celebrate that the eternal Son of God became a baby to save His people. That is the heart of the biblical message.
Common questions
Where is the Christmas story found in the Bible?
The main accounts are in Matthew 1:18–2:23 and Luke 1:26–2:20. Matthew includes Joseph’s perspective and the visit of the wise men; Luke includes Mary’s perspective and the shepherds.
Does the Bible mention Christmas by name?
No, the word Christmas does not appear in Scripture. The holiday is a later Christian celebration, but the events it commemorates—the birth of Jesus—are recorded in the Gospels.
What Old Testament prophecies predict Jesus’ birth?
Key prophecies include Isaiah 7:14 (the virgin will conceive and bear Immanuel), Isaiah 9:6 (a child is born with divine titles), and Micah 5:2 (the Messiah will come from Bethlehem).
Why is the incarnation important for Christians?
The incarnation means that God the Son became fully human while remaining fully God. It was necessary for Jesus to live a sinless life, die in our place, and rise again, so that we can be saved and adopted as God’s children (Galatians 4:4-5).