As I get older, the more I value a simple Christmas. When my kids were younger, we would visit all the sights, all the family, do all the traditions, and basically wear ourselves out. When we moved to Toronto, Canada, 10 years ago to plant churches, we had no family or friends. Our Christmas’ were forced to be simple and slow paced.

I’m not saying that there is anything bad about all those things and if you and your family love it, go for it. But, I think the first Christmas was pretty simple. And, Jesus was a simple man. So, it figures to me that there might be something to a slower paced holiday.

The purpose of this post is to help your family focus on the simplicity of Christmas. These verses are divided into categories and there are enough to countdown to Christmas. You can print them and put them around your house, share on social media, memorize them, or just read and reflect.

Focus on Jesus this Christmas

The message of Christmas is that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to the world to bring light and salvation. He was born to a virgin and laid in an animal feeding trough. He was worshipped by shepherds and kings. He is humble and lowly but He is a king worthy of praise.

To focus all of our efforts on remembering, spreading, and teaching this truth is a true Christmas celebration. Reflect on Christ’s birth through these scriptures. Also, find at the bottom of this post other ways you can focus on Jesus this Christmas.

Christmas Bible Verses

I pray that these verses help you and your family to focus on the love and joy of Christ this Christmas season.

Old Testament Prophecies on the Birth of Christ

One of the most amazing thing about Christmas is that Jesus’s coming birth, life, and death were foretold in the Old Testament over 300 times.

The first promise of the Savior was mentioned after Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. God said to the serpent: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15 NIV).  

• Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 NIV

• For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

• “The days are coming,” declares the Lord when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior. Jeremiah 23:5-6 NIV

• 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 NIV

• When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. Hosea 11:1 NIV

Scriptures on Jesus’ Birth

“Go, tell it on the mountain. Over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.” Spread the good news of Christmas!

• “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23 NIV

•  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. Luke 1:30-31 NIV

• Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:11 NIV

• 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. Galatians 4:4-5 NIV

Bible Verses on Joy

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” He came to bring us fulness of joy through reconciliation with God.

•  He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,  for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. Luke 1:14-15a NIV

•  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. Luke 2:10-11 NIV

• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:19 NIV

• Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8 NIV

• For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. Psalm 92:4 NIV

• Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NIV

Bible Verses on Hope

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” He is the hope of the nations. (Matthew 12:21)

• Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24 NIV

• And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” Romans 15:12 NIV

• The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25 NIV

Christmas Prayers and Blessings

Bible Verses on Peace

“Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven’s all-gracious King.” Jesus came that we might have peace with Him.

• “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 NIV

• “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

• “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” Mark 9:50 NIV

• Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 NIV

• You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV

• “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 NIV

Scriptures Reminding Us of the Gift of Christmas

“I love Thee, Lord Jesus, oh gift from above. The King of the heavens forever with us.” Thank God for the gift of salvation through Jesus.

• Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV

• Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 14:10 NIV

• For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NIV

• For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— Ephesians 2:8 NIV

• Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV

More Christmas Resources for Families

Names of Jesus Advent Christmas Tree(Free Printable)

Follow the Star to Christmas-Countdown to Christmas Activity (Free Printable)

Free Christmas Resources for Christian Families

What Us Moms Really Need for Christmas