The well-known Bible verses used to tell the Christmas story can become so familiar that we stop thinking about how Jesus’ coming affects us. Take some time to reflect on these verses anew.
Prophetic Verses about Jesus’ Coming
Reflect: How does it affect you to know that Jesus was God’s plan of salvation long before He ever arrived on this earth?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isa. 7:14)
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)
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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isa. 9:6-7)
Also read: Isa. 11:1; 40:1-11
Biblical Account of Mary & Joseph Learning of Jesus’ Conception
Reflect: How does their acceptance of God’s plan move you in following His will for your life?
… God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. … You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. … “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.” … “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Lk. 1:26-38)
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. … 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.” … When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. … (Matt. 1:18-25)
Biblical Account of Jesus’ Birth
Reflect: What will you do to make sure you have room in your heart for Jesus this holiday season?
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken … So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem … While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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. (Lk. 2:1-7)
Bible Verses about the Shepherds
Reflect: Once Christmas comes and goes, will you still speak of Jesus with others? … will you continue to praise God for sending Jesus?
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby … An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them … 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. … So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child … The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Lk. 2:8-20)
Scripture about the Wisemen
Reflect: As you look forward to Jesus’ second coming, what will you have to offer Him?
Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 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.” … 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. … 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 … (Matt. 2:1-12)
To reflect on other realities about God and His ways in light of Christmas, check out the Holiday Reflections Discipleship Guides resource which includes a guide for Christmas and thirteen other holidays.