In Luke 2:7, '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.' This simple yet powerful verse describes the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth. It shows that Jesus was born into a normal, perhaps even difficult situation. His birth in a manger is a symbol of his humility and his coming to the common people. The Christmas story often focuses on this aspect of Jesus' birth, emphasizing that he came not as a powerful king in a grand palace, but as a baby in a simple manger, accessible to all.
One important verse is Luke 2:10 - 11 which says, '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.'
Isaiah 9:6 is also a significant verse for the Christmas story. '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 verse was a prophecy about the coming Messiah, and when Jesus was born, it was seen as the fulfillment of this prophecy. Christmas is about the celebration of the birth of this very special child who is so much more than an ordinary human.
In Mark 16:6, we have a similar account. The angel tells the women at the tomb, 'Don't be alarmed,' he said. 'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.' This shows the significance of the empty tomb and the risen Christ, which is fundamental to the Easter narrative. The discovery of the empty tomb by the women was the start of the spreading of the news of the resurrection, a crucial part of the Easter story.
Luke 2:8 - 20. Here we have the story of the shepherds. The angels announced the good news of Jesus' birth to them, and they went to see the baby. It emphasizes the joy and wonder that surrounded the birth of Jesus, as the shepherds spread the word after seeing the infant in the manger.
One relevant Bible verse could be Psalm 78:4 which says, 'We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, and his power, and the wonders that he has done.' This verse encourages believers to share the stories of God's works, which is also a form of telling one's own story in relation to God's actions in their lives.
Another important set of verses is in Luke 2:8 - 14. The shepherds were minding their own business when suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them. The angel told them not to be afraid and announced the birth of Jesus. Then a multitude of the heavenly host praised God, saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!' This part of the story shows the heavenly celebration of Jesus' birth and how it was meant to bring peace to the world.
Luke 2:7 is a wonderful verse. '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.' This simple verse gives a vivid picture of the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, which is very much in the spirit of Christmas. It reminds us that the greatest gift of all came into the world in a very unassuming way.
Isaiah 9:6 is often associated with the Christmas story too. '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 was a prophecy about the coming Messiah, and Jesus' birth fulfilled this prophecy. It gives us an idea of the significance of Jesus not just as a baby born in Bethlehem, but as the one who would bring peace and be a great leader in the spiritual sense for all of humanity.
Some important Bible verses for the Christmas story are from Luke 2:1 - 20. It tells about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. For example, 'And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.' This sets the historical context for Mary and Joseph's journey.