The 5 Passages to Read On Christmas Day
One of my favorite traditions growing up was my parents reading the Christmas story to us before opening presents. Before going downstairs and seeing what we had gotten, my dad would always open Luke chapter 2. We would listen as he read starting with the angels visiting the shepherds. Christmas was more than just the gifts under the tree, it is about the greatest gift – Jesus Christ, Savior and Light of the world.
Whether you have children or not, whether you have people in your house or you are all alone, whether you are in the airport or sitting in your living room – take a few minutes this Christmas to read some of these passages to remind your heart of the truth of Christmas.
I have a list of 5 passages to read on Christmas Day available as a printable as well. Find it here.
1. Luke 2:1-20
This account is the most common. Most Christmas plays and television shows will quote these verses to recount the events that led to Jesus’ birth. You will see Mary and Joseph, traveling to Bethlehem and then the angels appearing to the shepherds in the field. My dad always read this passage to our family on Christmas morning.
Tweet This2. Matthew 1:18-25 & Matthew 2:1-12
In this telling of Jesus’ birth, the focus is on Joseph and then the Wise Men. Together Luke’s and Matthew’s accounts give us the entire nativity story. Both Gospels tell the same story but emphasize different aspects. Either one (or both) would be great to include in your Christmas morning.
3. John 1:1-18
Although less popular, John decides to talk about Jesus’ coming as it relates to Jesus’ deity. What did it mean for God to become man? In this passage, the emphasis is on Jesus being the light and life of mankind. Although not a traditional Christmas passage, one that I think is a great reminder of the Word becoming flesh!
4. Isaiah 9:6-7
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah predicted the birth of the Messiah here in chapter nine. In just two verses we learn so much from the coming promised Messiah. After reading about the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” we can see Jesus in all of those descriptions!
Once again, not a traditional Christmas passage, but one that encompasses the entire message of Jesus’ birth. In the fullness of time, God sent His son. These two verses tell us why Jesus came to earth. As Christmas comes each year we often recount how Jesus came, but the why is more important! Jesus came to save us from our sins and redeem us.
Use this printable and these verses to realign your heart again to what Christmas is really about: The King Has Come!
