Christmas Bible Verses: The Story from Prophecy to the Manger
Quick answer
The key Christmas Bible verses are Isaiah 9:6 and 7:14 (prophecy), Micah 5:2 (Bethlehem), Matthew 1:23 (Emmanuel), Luke 2:10-14 (the angels and shepherds), Matthew 2:10 (the star) and John 1:14 (the Word became flesh). Read in order, they tell the whole story. Advent 2026 begins Sunday, November 29; Carols for Christmas is a guided way through it.
The promise: Old Testament prophecy
- "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14, KJV).
- "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given ... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, KJV).
- "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth" (Micah 5:2, KJV).
The birth: Matthew and Luke
- "They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matthew 1:23, KJV).
- "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11, KJV).
- "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14, KJV).
- "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19, KJV).
- "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy" (Matthew 2:10, KJV).
Only Matthew and Luke narrate Jesus' birth. Matthew follows Joseph and the wise men; Luke follows Mary and the shepherds. Read the full account in the story of the nativity.
Our pick
The Gospel of Luke
Luke in a single illustrated softcover, home of the shepherds, the angels and Mary's song.
Shop now
Our pick
The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew in a single illustrated softcover, centered on promise and fulfillment and Jesus as Immanuel.
Shop nowThe meaning: God with us
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." (John 1:14, KJV)
John's Gospel has no manger scene. It explains what Christmas means: the eternal Word of God became a human being.
Reading these verses through Advent
Advent is the four Sundays before Christmas; in 2026 it runs from Sunday, November 29 to Christmas Eve. One simple plan: prophecy in week one, Mary and Joseph in week two, the shepherds in week three, the wise men and John 1 in week four. See what is Advent for its history.
Our pick
Carols for Christmas: A Devotional Journey for Advent
An Advent devotional that walks through five traditional carols over four weeks leading to Christmas.
Shop nowKeep reading: What Is Advent? · The Story of the Nativity · Christian Christmas Gifts for Women.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main Christmas verse in the Bible?
Luke 2:11, unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord, is the verse most often read on Christmas.
Where is the Christmas story in the Bible?
The birth of Jesus is told in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2; John 1 reflects on its meaning.
What Old Testament verses predict Jesus' birth?
Christians traditionally read Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6 and Micah 5:2 as prophecies fulfilled in Jesus' birth.
When does Advent start in 2026?
Advent 2026 begins on Sunday, November 29, the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
,%20Micah%205:2%20(Bethlehem),%20Matthew%201:23%20(Emmanuel),%20Luke%202:10-14%20(the%20angels%20and%20shepherds),%20Matthew%202:10%20(the%20star)%20and...){kind=link}