The story of the birth of Jesus is one of the most cherished and retold accounts in the Bible. Every December, people around the world celebrate Christmas, remembering the humble way our Savior entered the world. Yet, many Christians and even curious seekers ask: What does the Bible really say about the birth of Jesus?
In this article, we will walk through the Scriptures together. We’ll look at the Old Testament prophecies that pointed to His coming, the Gospel accounts in Matthew and Luke, and also the common question about December 25. Along the way, I hope to encourage you with the beauty, simplicity, and eternal meaning of the birth of Christ.
Why the Birth of Jesus Matters
Before we open the Bible, let’s pause and ask: why is the birth of Jesus so important?
It shows God’s love reaching down to us. The Creator became one of us.
It fulfills promises God made centuries earlier.
It reminds us that God often works through humble, unexpected ways.
It’s the beginning of the Good News, the Gospel, that changes lives forever.
The birth of Jesus is not just a nice story for children’s pageants or Christmas cards. It is the moment when heaven touched earth in the most intimate way.
Old Testament Prophecies About Jesus’ Birth
The Bible didn’t begin with the Gospels. Long before Mary and Joseph, prophets were inspired by God to speak about the coming Messiah. These words became a source of hope for Israel and, later, a sign of God’s faithfulness.
The Seed of the Woman (Genesis 3:15)
Right after the fall of Adam and Eve, God gave the first promise of a Savior. He spoke of the seed of the woman who would crush the serpent’s head. Christians believe this was the first whisper of Jesus’ coming, showing that one day evil would be defeated through Him.
Born of a Virgin (Isaiah 7:14)
Isaiah gave a striking prophecy:
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
This verse pointed directly to the miraculous birth of Christ. “Immanuel” means God with us.
Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
The prophet Micah, writing centuries before Christ, declared:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall He come forth to Me, the One to be ruler in Israel.”
Though Bethlehem was small, it became the birthplace of the King of Kings.
A Child Born, A Son Given (Isaiah 9:6)
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder.”
These words are still sung every Christmas in Handel’s Messiah. They remind us that Jesus was both fully human (a child born) and fully divine (a Son given).
The Gospel Accounts of Jesus’ Birth
When we turn to the New Testament, we find two Gospel writers, Matthew and Luke, giving detailed accounts of the birth of Jesus. Each shares unique details, yet together they paint a complete picture.
Matthew’s Account (Matthew 1:18–25; 2:1–12)
Matthew writes with a focus on prophecy and fulfillment. He shows that Jesus is the promised Messiah.
Conception by the Holy Spirit: Matthew tells us Mary was found with child “of the Holy Ghost.” Joseph, troubled by this, was reassured by an angel in a dream.
The Name Jesus: The angel told Joseph to name Him Jesus, “for He shall save His people from their sins.”
Fulfillment of Isaiah’s Prophecy: Matthew directly quotes Isaiah 7:14, linking Mary’s virgin birth to the prophecy of Immanuel.
The Visit of the Wise Men: Matthew includes the journey of the Magi from the east, who followed the star and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Luke’s Account (Luke 1:26–56; 2:1–20)
Luke writes with a heart for detail, giving us the most complete nativity story.
The Angel’s Visit to Mary: Gabriel came to Mary, telling her she had found favor with God. She would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit.
Mary’s Faithful Response: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” Mary’s humility shines through these words.
The Journey to Bethlehem: Because of Caesar’s decree, Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
The Birth in a Manger: Luke describes how there was no room in the inn, so Mary laid her newborn Son in a manger.
The Shepherds’ Visit: Angels appeared to shepherds in the fields, announcing the good news of Christ’s birth. They hurried to Bethlehem and found the baby, then spread the joyful news.
The Humility of His Birth
It’s striking that the Savior of the world wasn’t born in a palace but in a stable. His first bed was not a cradle but a manger. His first visitors were not kings but shepherds, ordinary, working men.
This tells us something powerful about God’s heart: His kingdom isn’t about status or wealth. Jesus came for the humble, the broken, the outcasts. He came for you and me.
Bible Verses About the Birth of Jesus (KJV)
Here are some of the most beloved verses about His birth:
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 1:18)
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)
Was Jesus Born on December 25?
One of the most common questions is: Where in the Bible does it say Jesus was born on December 25?
The truth is, the Bible never gives us a specific date. Neither Matthew nor Luke mentions a day or month. December 25 was chosen by the early church centuries later as a day to celebrate Christ’s birth.
Some scholars suggest Jesus may have been born in spring, since shepherds were in the fields at night (Luke 2:8). Others say it could have been fall. But the exact date is less important than the fact of His birth. What matters is that God sent His Son into the world.
The Deeper Meaning of His Birth
The birth of Jesus is not just about history, it’s about our hearts. What does His coming mean for us today?
God With Us: Immanuel means we are never alone.
Salvation Offered: He came to save us from sin, not just to be admired as a baby.
Hope for the Lowly: Born in a manger, He identifies with the poor and the humble.
Peace on Earth: His coming brought a message of peace, reconciliation, and love.
How We Can Respond
Knowing what the Bible says about the birth of Jesus should move us to respond.
Worship: Like the shepherds, we can glorify and praise God.
Faith: Like Mary, we can trust God’s word even when we don’t understand everything.
Generosity: Like the Wise Men, we can bring our gifts to honor Christ.
Witness: Like the angels, we can share the good news with others.
Common Misunderstandings About the Nativity
Over time, traditions and popular culture have added details not found in Scripture.
The Bible doesn’t say there were three Wise Men, it just mentions three gifts.
The shepherds and Magi didn’t necessarily arrive the same night. The Magi may have come months later.
There’s no mention of animals in the manger, though it’s likely given the setting.
These don’t take away from the beauty of the story, but it’s helpful to know what the Bible actually says.
The Birth That Changed the World
Every empire, every ruler, every nation eventually fades into history. But the birth of Jesus stands as the turning point of time itself. Our calendars mark years as B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini, “in the year of our Lord”).
More than history, His birth changed hearts. From that night in Bethlehem until today, people of every nation have found hope, forgiveness, and eternal life in Him.
A Personal Word
Friend, the Bible’s story of Jesus’ birth is not just about shepherds, stars, or angels. It’s about you. God sent His Son because He loves you deeply. He stepped into our world so that we could be lifted into His.
As you think about the manger, may you hear the quiet whisper of God’s love. May it remind you that no one is too small, too broken, or too lost for Him to reach.
Conclusion
The Bible tells us that Jesus was born of a virgin in Bethlehem, fulfilling ancient prophecies. His birth was humble, yet it was filled with glory. While the Bible never gives us a date like December 25, it gives us something far more important: the assurance that God has come to be with us.
So, what does the Bible say about the birth of Jesus? It says this: He came for you.
