The birth of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant events in Christianity. It marks the arrival of the Savior and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. For Christians around the world, the nativity of Jesus represents hope, peace, joy, and divine intervention in human history. The birth narrative, though found primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, is also echoed in the Old Testament through prophecies that point toward the coming Messiah.
In this article, we will explore 25 Bible scriptures that detail the birth of Jesus. These scriptures not only recount the story of His birth but also reveal the spiritual significance behind it. From prophetic announcements to angelic proclamations, these passages serve as the foundation of Christian belief in the Incarnation—the moment when God became flesh.
25 Bible Scriptures About the Birth of Jesus
1. 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.”
This prophecy from the Old Testament foresees the miraculous birth of Jesus. The name “Immanuel” means “God with us,” a perfect description of Jesus’ role on Earth.
2. Isaiah 9:6-7
“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.”
This powerful prophecy from Isaiah highlights the divine nature of Jesus and His eternal reign. It’s often read during Christmas celebrations as a reminder of Jesus’ kingship.
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, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
This scripture points to Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah, affirming the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring a ruler from this humble town.
4. Matthew 1:18-20
“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. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
This passage introduces the circumstances surrounding the conception of Jesus and Joseph’s initial response to Mary’s pregnancy.
5. 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.”
The angel instructs Joseph on the name and purpose of the child. “Jesus” means “Yahweh saves,” signaling that His birth would mark the beginning of God’s salvation plan.
6. Matthew 1:23
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’).
Here, Matthew directly quotes Isaiah’s prophecy to affirm that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to be with His people.
7. Matthew 2:1-2
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, 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.'”
The visit of the Magi reveals how the birth of Jesus was marked by a cosmic sign—His star—and the recognition of His kingship by outsiders.
8. Matthew 2:6
“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”
This verse reaffirms the prophecy of Micah, emphasizing the significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah.
9. Luke 1:26-28
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, 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.”
The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise of a Savior.
10. Luke 1:30-33
“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. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.'”
This angelic message not only confirms Mary’s role in the birth of Jesus but also emphasizes the eternal nature of His reign.
11. 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.'”
This verse reveals the divine nature of Jesus and His miraculous conception through the Holy Spirit.
12. Luke 2:4-5
“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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy about the Messiah’s birthplace.
13. Luke 2:6-7
“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.”
The humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth are described here—born in a manger because there was no room in the inn.
14. Luke 2:8-12
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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.'”
The announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds is a pivotal moment, showcasing the joyful message of salvation.
15. Luke 2:13-14
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'”
The angels’ song celebrates the arrival of the Savior and the peace He brings to the world.
16. Luke 2:15-16
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”
The shepherds’ response to the angelic announcement demonstrates their eagerness to witness the fulfillment of God’s promise.
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17. Luke 2:21
“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.”
Jesus’ circumcision is a key moment in His early life, confirming His Jewish heritage and the name given to Him by the angel.
18. Luke 2:25-32
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.”
Simeon’s declaration upon seeing Jesus as an infant shows that Jesus was recognized as the promised Messiah by those who had been waiting for His arrival.
19. Luke 2:34-35
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.'”
Simeon prophesies about the challenges Jesus and Mary will face, foreshadowing the suffering Jesus will endure.
20. 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.”
This passage from the Gospel of John highlights the theological significance of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing the Incarnation—the Word becoming flesh.
21. 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.”
This famous verse underscores the purpose of Jesus’ birth: God sent His Son to offer salvation to the world.
22. 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.”
Paul reflects on the timing of Jesus’ birth, highlighting that He was born to redeem humanity.
23. Philippians 2:6-7
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
This passage reflects on the humility of Jesus’ birth and His choice to take on human form.
24. Revelation 12:5
“She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne.”
This symbolic verse in Revelation refers to the birth of Jesus, who is destined to rule the nations.
25. Revelation 22:16
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
Jesus’ declaration in Revelation reaffirms His royal lineage and His identity as the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Conclusion
The birth of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. These 25 scriptures provide a detailed and profound look at the biblical narrative surrounding His birth. From Old Testament prophecies to New Testament fulfillments, each passage offers insight into the divine plan that was set in motion with the arrival of Jesus. As we reflect on these scriptures, we are reminded of the hope, peace, and salvation that His birth brought into the world.