Christmas is a time of joy, hope, and reflection for many Christians around the world. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, and reminds us of God‘s great love for humanity. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), Christmas is a sacred occasion to reflect on the life and teachings of Christ, and to draw closer to Him in both faith and action. The scriptures offer a wealth of insight and inspiration about the significance of Christ’s birth, His ministry, and His enduring love for all of God’s children.
In this article, we will explore 20 important scriptures from the Bible and the Book of Mormon that highlight the true meaning of Christmas. These verses help us understand why Jesus Christ came to Earth, what His birth signifies, and how we can honor Him during this holy season. Let’s dive into these 20 scriptures and reflect on the profound message they convey about the Savior’s birth and His mission.
1. Isaiah 9:6 – A Prophecy of the Coming Messiah
One of the most well-known prophecies about the birth of Jesus Christ comes from the Old Testament. Isaiah foretold that a child would be born who would bring great joy to the world:
“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 underscores the divine nature of the Savior, calling Him the “Prince of Peace,” a title that captures the essence of His mission: to bring peace to the hearts of all who follow Him.
2. Matthew 1:21 – The Savior’s Name and Mission
In the New Testament, we learn about the angel’s announcement to Joseph, telling him the significance of the child Mary was carrying:
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
The name “Jesus” means “Savior,” and this scripture reminds us that the primary reason for Christ’s birth was to save humanity from sin. This message is at the heart of Christmas, reminding us of the Savior’s redemptive mission.
3. Luke 2:10-11 – The Angel’s Announcement to the Shepherds
The birth of Christ was announced to humble shepherds in the fields, illustrating how the Savior came for all people, regardless of status:
“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.”
This message of joy is the heart of Christmas—Christ’s birth is good news for all people, everywhere.
4. Luke 2:14 – Glory to God in the Highest
When Christ was born, a heavenly host of angels praised God, proclaiming peace and goodwill to all men:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
This scripture reminds us that the birth of Jesus brought peace to the Earth, and we are called to share that peace with others. Christmas is a time to reflect on how we can bring peace into our lives and the lives of those around us.
5. John 1:14 – The Word Became Flesh
The apostle John provides a powerful insight into the incarnation of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divinity and humanity:
“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.”
This scripture affirms that Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, came to live among humanity in the form of a child. Christmas celebrates this miraculous event—God coming to Earth in human form to teach, heal, and ultimately sacrifice for all of us.
6. Mosiah 3:5-8 – The Savior’s Humble Birth
In the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin speaks of the humble circumstances of Christ’s birth, emphasizing that the Savior would come in a modest and unassuming manner:
“For behold, the time cometh, and the Son of God shall come, that he shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth among men… And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem, which is the land of our forefathers.”
These verses emphasize the humility of Jesus Christ, born in a lowly manger, showing that He came to teach us the importance of humility and service to others.
7. Alma 7:10-13 – The Savior’s Birth and Atonement
In this powerful passage from the Book of Mormon, Alma the Younger prophesies of the Savior’s birth and His role in atoning for the sins of the world:
“And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem, which is the land of our forefathers… and he shall take upon him the pains and the sins of the world.”
This passage connects the birth of Jesus with His ultimate mission to atone for the sins of mankind, reminding us that Christmas is not only about His birth but also about His future sacrifice for us.
8. Matthew 2:1-2 – The Visit of the Wise Men
The visit of the wise men, or magi, to the infant Jesus is a well-known part of the Christmas story. They followed a star to find the newborn King:
“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.”
This story reminds us that Jesus Christ is the King of kings, worthy of worship and adoration. It also highlights the importance of seeking Him and following the guidance He offers us.
9. Matthew 2:11 – The Wise Men Worship Jesus
When the wise men finally find Jesus, they present Him with gifts, recognizing Him as the Savior of the world:
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
This moment underscores the reverence due to Jesus Christ. The wise men’s example teaches us to offer our gifts to Christ, whether those are acts of service, love, or worship.
10. Isaiah 7:14 – The Virgin Birth
Isaiah also prophesied about the miraculous birth of Christ, affirming that He would be born of a virgin:
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
This prophecy is a reminder that the birth of Christ was a miraculous event, fulfilling God’s promises to His people.
11. Luke 2:16 – The Shepherds Find the Savior
After the angels’ announcement, the shepherds go to Bethlehem to see the newborn Savior:
“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”
The shepherds’ immediate response to the angel’s message teaches us about the importance of acting quickly when we are called to follow Christ.
12. Luke 1:35 – The Birth of the Son of God
In the account of the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel explains the divine nature of the child to Mary:
“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”
This verse emphasizes that Jesus is the Son of God, and His birth was a divine act. His life and teachings would reveal the nature of God and the path to salvation.
13. Matthew 2:6 – The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The prophecy that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem was fulfilled through Jesus’ birth. This verse underscores the consistency of God’s plan:
“And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.”
This scripture affirms that Christ’s birth in Bethlehem was not a random occurrence but a fulfillment of ancient prophecy, showing God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.
14. John 14:6 – Jesus is the Way
Though not directly related to His birth, this scripture speaks to the purpose of His life and why His birth was so significant:
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
At Christmas, we remember that Jesus Christ is the way to salvation, and His life and teachings show us the path to peace with God.
15. Mosiah 15:1-2 – Christ as the Eternal Father
King Benjamin teaches that Jesus Christ is both the Son of God and the Father of Heaven and Earth:
“I say unto you that Christ is the God, the Father of all things… and he is the Son of God.”
This passage reminds us of the divinity of Christ and the profound relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, making the Christmas celebration a time to honor the entire Godhead.
16. 1 Nephi 11:13-21 – The Vision of the Birth of Christ
Nephi’s vision of the birth of Jesus Christ offers a detailed and inspiring description of His life and mission. It begins with the announcement of the birth:
“And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.”
This scripture helps us understand that the birth of Christ was central to God’s eternal plan for His children, showing us that His life and sacrifice were always foreordained.
17. D&C 93:21-23 – The Beginnings of Christ’s Earthly Ministry
This section from the Doctrine and Covenants offers insight into the purpose of Jesus’ coming to Earth:
“And I, John, saw that he received not of the fullness at first, but received grace for grace.”
This scripture reminds us that Jesus Christ, though divine, lived His life with the grace and power of God to fulfill His mission on Earth.
18. Luke 1:31-33 – The Promise of the Messiah’s Reign
In the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel tells Mary about the eternal reign of her son:
“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 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.”
This scripture reflects the eternal kingship of Jesus Christ, reminding us that His birth marks the beginning of His reign as King.
19. Matthew 1:23 – Emmanuel, God with Us
This verse quotes the prophecy of Isaiah and reinforces the idea that Jesus is “God with us”:
“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 name reminds us that God came to live among His people through Jesus Christ, offering His love, teachings, and sacrifice.
20. Luke 2:39-40 – The Childhood of Jesus
Finally, the last scripture reminds us of the early years of Jesus, growing up in preparation for His ministry:
“And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”
Even as a child, Jesus was filled with wisdom and grace. His growth in knowledge and understanding set the foundation for His future ministry and the salvation He would bring to the world.
Conclusion
The scriptures offer profound insights into the birth, life, and mission of Jesus Christ. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we can draw inspiration from these verses during the Christmas season, remembering that Christ’s birth was not just an event in history but the beginning of a divine mission to bring salvation to all people. As we reflect on these scriptures, we are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas: the love, hope, and peace that Jesus Christ brings to our lives and to the world.
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