Christmas is a season of joy, love, and reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), it is a time to celebrate the Savior’s coming into the world and ponder the significance of His birth. The scriptures provide a profound understanding of this event and invite us to remember Christ’s divine mission.
This article presents 25 LDS scriptures that beautifully highlight the significance of the Christmas story. These scriptures offer spiritual insights and lessons that can deepen our faith and understanding of the Savior. As we study these passages, we will learn about the prophecies, the circumstances surrounding Christ’s birth, and the messages of peace, hope, and joy that His arrival brings to the world.
1. Isaiah 9:6
“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’s prophecy about the birth of Jesus is one of the most well-known Christmas scriptures. It emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus and His important role in bringing peace to the world. His birth was not just a historical event, but the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.
2. Luke 1:30-31
“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.”
In these verses, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive the Son of God. These words remind us of the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth and the humility of Mary in accepting God’s will.
3. Luke 2:4-7
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
These verses tell the story of Jesus’ humble birth in Bethlehem. The Savior came into the world not in a palace, but in a lowly manger. His birth teaches us that true greatness comes through humility and service.
4. Matthew 2:1-2
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
The visit of the wise men to see the newborn King is a beautiful reminder of the worldwide significance of Christ’s birth. The wise men recognized the Savior as the King, even though He was a child in a humble setting.
5. Luke 2:10-12
“And the angel said unto them, 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. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
This announcement from the angel to the shepherds highlights the good news of Christ’s birth. The Savior’s arrival is a source of joy for all people, bringing salvation and peace.
6. Luke 2:13-14
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
These verses reveal the joy and heavenly celebration that accompanied Christ’s birth. The angels praised God, declaring peace on earth—a message that resonates with us at Christmas.
7. John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
John’s account emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus, calling Him “the Word” made flesh. He came to live among us and show us the way to salvation through His grace and truth.
8. Alma 7:10-13
“And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost… and behold, he shall take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.”
This passage from the Book of Mormon prophesies of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and His divine mission to take upon Himself the sins, pains, and sicknesses of the world. The Savior came not only to be born but to fulfill His role as the Redeemer.
9. Mosiah 3:5-8
“For behold, the time cometh, and the Son of God shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem, which is the land of our forefathers… and he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue… and he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
The Book of Mormon gives additional insight into the purpose of Christ’s life. This passage points to the Savior’s suffering and His mission to save all mankind.
10. Matthew 1:21
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
This verse reveals that the name “Jesus” means “Savior” because He came to save His people from their sins. His birth was the first step in this divine mission.
11. Luke 1:46-49
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.”
Mary’s song of praise in this scripture reveals her deep faith and gratitude for the role she would play in bringing the Savior into the world. Her humble acceptance of God’s plan is an example to us all.
12. 2 Nephi 19:6
“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.”
This verse from the Book of Mormon mirrors Isaiah’s prophecy, reinforcing the importance of Christ’s birth and His divine titles.
13. Matthew 2:9-11
“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him.”
The wise men’s visit to see Jesus is a beautiful example of seeking Christ. They recognized Him as the King and worshipped Him, bringing gifts of great value.
14. Luke 2:8-9
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”
The shepherds were among the first to hear the good news of Christ’s birth. Their humble position serves as a reminder that the message of the Savior is for all people, regardless of their status in life.
15. John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
This powerful scripture summarizes the purpose of Christ’s birth: God sent His Son to save us. The love that motivated this act is the same love that should inspire our own actions during Christmas and throughout the year.
16. D&C 93:11-14
“And I, John, saw that he received not of the fullness at first, but received grace for grace; and he received not of the fullness at first… but I, John, bear record of the things which I saw, and heard, and felt. And he gave me, and also those who came after me, a full account of his mission and works.”
This scripture reminds us that Christ, though divine, grew in wisdom and grace. His journey was one of learning and growing, teaching us that we too can grow in grace and truth.
17. Luke 2:15-16
“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”
The shepherds acted quickly in response to the angel’s message. Their immediate response teaches us the importance of following God’s guidance when we receive it.
18. Matthew 2:13
“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”
This scripture highlights God’s protection over His Son. Despite the challenges, Jesus was safely preserved, showing that God’s plans for His children cannot be thwarted.
19. Ether 12:27
“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me.”
Though not a direct Christmas scripture, this verse speaks to the Savior’s role in helping us overcome our weaknesses. His birth and life offer hope that we can be made strong through Him.
20. 2 Nephi 2:6-8
“Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah… and behold, the Messiah is the gift of God unto all men… and because of the Messiah, we shall all be saved.”
These verses underscore the gift of Jesus Christ and the redemption that He offers to all people. Christmas is a time to remember and celebrate this gift.
21. Luke 1:32-33
“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
This passage speaks of Christ’s eternal reign and the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. The Savior’s birth marks the beginning of His everlasting kingdom.
22. Matthew 1:23
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
This verse reminds us that Jesus is “Emmanuel,” or “God with us.” His birth signifies that God came to dwell among His people, offering His presence and salvation.
23. Mosiah 15:1-3
“And now Abinadi said unto them, I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men… and he shall take upon him the pains and the sins of the world.”
This passage teaches us about Christ’s divine nature and mission. His birth marks the beginning of the Atonement, where He would take upon Himself the sins and pains of all.
24. Luke 2:28-32
“Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”
Simeon, who was promised to see the Messiah before he died, recognizes Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation. Christ’s birth is the light that shines for all people.
25. D&C 19:16-17
“For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent… which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit.”
While not a Christmas scripture in the traditional sense, these verses from the Doctrine and Covenants remind us of the ultimate reason for Christ’s birth: His willingness to suffer for us. His life, beginning at Christmas, led to the Atonement, where He took upon Himself the sins of the world.
conclusion
These 25 scriptures provide a comprehensive view of the significance of Christ’s birth. Christmas is not just a time to celebrate His arrival but also to reflect on His mission and the gift He offers to each of us. As we read and ponder these scriptures, we are invited to come closer to Him, to remember His love and grace, and to follow Him more faithfully.
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