What Does the Bible Say About Christmas | Biblical Meaning of Christmas

Discover what the Bible says about Christmas, the birth of Jesus, and the true meaning of this holy celebration. Learn the biblical story behind Christmas.

Rachel Matthews

10/1/20253 min read

red lighted candle on brown wooden frame
red lighted candle on brown wooden frame

When December arrives, the world lights up with decorations, music, and joy. Families gather, gifts are exchanged, and carols are sung. But beyond all the traditions, have you ever wondered what the Bible actually says about Christmas?

The word Christmas itself is not found in Scripture. Yet, the Bible gives us the foundation for what Christmas truly represents. It tells the story of Jesus’ birth, explains why He came into the world, and shows us how His birth brings hope and salvation.

Let’s look at what the Bible says about Christmas and the deeper meaning behind this special celebration.

The Birth of Jesus: The Heart of Christmas

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The Bible records this miraculous event in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

The Angel’s Message

In Matthew 1:21, the angel told Joseph:
“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.”

This verse shows that Christmas is not just about a baby being born, but about the Savior entering the world to bring forgiveness.

The Manger in Bethlehem

In Luke 2:7, we read:
“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 humility of Jesus’ birth reminds us that God’s greatest gift came in the simplest of ways.

Prophecies Fulfilled at Christmas

Hundreds of years before Christ was born, the Old Testament foretold His coming.

  • Isaiah 7:14 says:
    “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

  • Micah 5:2 points to Bethlehem as the place of His birth:
    “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.”

These prophecies remind us that Christmas was part of God’s plan from the very beginning.

The Message of Peace and Joy

When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they brought good news of peace and joy.

In Luke 2:10–11, the angel said:
“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.”

Christmas is a message of hope. It reminds us that through Christ, God offers peace to the world and joy to every heart that believes.

What the Bible Does Not Say About Christmas

While the Bible tells us about the birth of Jesus, it does not mention some of the traditions we see today. The Bible does not talk about Christmas trees, Santa Claus, or exchanging gifts. These are cultural practices that developed later.

However, giving gifts can reflect the wise men’s gifts to Jesus in Matthew 2:11, where they presented Him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What matters most is the spirit of love, generosity, and worship behind our celebrations.

The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas is not about material things or worldly customs. It is about God’s love for us.

As John 3:16 says:
“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.”

The Bible shows us that Christmas is a celebration of God’s gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

So, what does the Bible say about Christmas? It tells us the story of the Savior’s birth, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the gift of eternal life through Jesus. While the Bible does not command us to celebrate Christmas as a holiday, it clearly reveals the reason we celebrate: the coming of Christ into the world.

This Christmas, let us go beyond the lights and decorations. Let us remember the heart of the season: God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas! May the joy of Christ’s birth fill your heart with peace and hope.

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