The Bible doesn’t explicitly mention Christmas, the holiday where Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. The New Testament does describe Jesus’s birth, focusing on themes of joy, hope, and divine love, manifested in the incarnation of God in Christ. It emphasizes Jesus coming as a savior to reconcile humanity with God, a significant event filled with heavenly rejoicing and humble earthly circumstances.
That said, many Christmas traditions like tree decorating, gift-giving, and Santa Claus aren’t found in the Bible. These customs are largely derived from various cultural practices blended over centuries.
There’s a wealth of insight and reflections waiting for you below!
What Does the Bible Say About Christmas?
The Bible, particularly the New Testament, describes the birth of Jesus with vivid imagery and profound symbolism, although it doesn’t mention Christmas by name. The gospels of Matthew and Luke provide narratives of Jesus’s birth, detailing miraculous events and emphasizing God’s intention to bring salvation to humanity.
The birth of Jesus represents the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. It signifies God’s love, with Jesus arriving as a beacon of hope and light in a sin-ridden world. The Bible paints a picture of divine interaction, angels announcing the birth to shepherds, and wise men following a star to witness the fulfillment of God’s promises.
However, Christmas, as celebrated today, encompasses more than the biblical narratives. It integrates various traditions and practices, often originating from non-Christian backgrounds, that have evolved and blended over time. The Bible doesn’t dictate how one should commemorate Jesus’s birth. The essence lies in appreciating God’s redemptive plan and reflecting on the profound mystery of the incarnation.
The Christian community reflects on these biblical accounts to understand and celebrate the importance of Jesus’s birth. The focus remains on divine love, redemption, and the hope that stems from God becoming man to reconcile the world to Himself.
However, many traditions commonly associated with Christmas, such as exchanging gifts, decorating trees, and the concept of Santa Claus, aren’t biblically grounded. They have evolved from various cultural influences and practices over the centuries, and they are not inherently sinful or prohibited. They are allowed as long as they do not overshadow the true meaning of Christmas: the celebration of God’s gift to humanity in the form of Jesus.
Bible Verses About Christmas
The Bible is rich with verses that indirectly speak to the themes of Christmas, although it doesn’t specifically refer to the holiday itself.
The gospel of Luke provides an account of an angel appearing to shepherds to announce the birth of the Savior: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11). This verse underscores the joy and divine significance of Jesus’s birth.
Matthew’s gospel narrates the visit of the Magi, who followed a star to find the newborn King: “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” (Matthew 2:2). This verse illustrates the recognition of Jesus’s kingship and divinity by those outside the Jewish community.
John’s gospel, while not narrating the birth, emphasizes the theological implication of God becoming flesh: “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” (John 1:14). This proclamation highlights the unique and mysterious nature of Jesus’s incarnation, allowing believers to ponder God’s view on the reconciliation of humanity.
In Isaiah 9:6, a prophecy about the coming Messiah is recorded: “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.” This Old Testament verse reflects on the multifaceted role and divine nature of the coming Savior.
These verses allow believers to dive deep into the divine mysteries surrounding Jesus’s birth, enriching their understanding and appreciation of Christmas beyond the modern-day customs and celebrations. The focus is redirected to the profound love and grace of God manifested in Jesus, and the eternal hope and joy that his birth brings to a world enshrouded in sin.