Where In The Bible Is Christmas? (The Real Story Behind the Holiday)

What Does the Bible Say About Christmas?

If you’ve ever asked, “Where in the Bible is Christmas?”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re new to faith, a curious reader, or someone who’s celebrated Christmas for decades, it’s a fair question to ask. After all, we celebrate it every year with nativity scenes, carols, candlelight services, and lots of gift wrapping. But does the Bible actually talk about Christmas?

The answer might surprise you.

No, the word “Christmas” doesn’t appear anywhere in the Bible. Not once. That can be a bit unsettling at first. But don’t worry the story behind Christmas absolutely is in the Bible. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful and important stories ever told.

So, let’s explore what the Bible really says about Christmas where to find it, what’s biblical (and what’s not), and how this ancient story still changes lives today.

Is Christmas Mentioned in the Bible?

Let’s clear this up right away: the word “Christmas” is never mentioned in the Bible.

That’s because “Christmas” is a later church word. It comes from the Old English phrase “Cristes Maesse,” which means Christ’s Mass a special worship service held in honor of Jesus’ birth. The first recorded use of this term was around 1038 AD, long after the New Testament was written.

So no, the Bible doesn’t mention “Christmas” as a word, a holiday, or a specific date. But that doesn’t mean the Bible ignores the birth of Jesus. Far from it.

The birth of Jesus is told with beauty, detail, and wonder in the Gospels. And that story is the heart of what we celebrate at Christmas.

Where in the Bible Is the Christmas Story?

You’ll find the real “Christmas story” in two places in the Bible:

• Luke chapters 1–2
• Matthew chapters 1–2

Let’s take a look at what each Gospel tells us.

📖 Luke 1–2: Mary, the Manger, and the Shepherds

• Angel Gabriel visits Mary to tell her she will give birth to the Son of God.
• Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist.
• Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem for a census.
• Jesus is born and laid in a manger because there’s no room in the inn.
• Angels appear to nearby shepherds, who rush to see the newborn Savior.

This is the version most often read during Christmas services. It’s tender, full of joy, and rich with praise.

📖 Matthew 1–2: Joseph’s Dream and the Wise Men

• Joseph learns in a dream that Mary’s child is from the Holy Spirit.
• Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
• Wise Men (Magi) come from the East, following a star.
• They bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
• King Herod tries to kill the child, and the family escapes to Egypt.

Together, Matthew and Luke give us a full picture of the birth of Jesus. These aren’t fairy tales they’re carefully written accounts of real events, passed down and recorded by eyewitnesses and early followers of Christ.

What Christmas Traditions Are Actually in the Bible?

Let’s break this down.

✅ Traditions with Biblical Roots:

• Virgin birth (Luke 1:26–38, Matthew 1:18–25)
• Shepherds and angels (Luke 2:8–14)
• Magi bringing gifts (Matthew 2:1–12)
• Jesus born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2 fulfilled in Luke 2:4–7)
• Songs of praise like Mary’s “Magnificat” (Luke 1:46–55)

These events are straight from Scripture. They’re the foundation of the true Christmas story.

❌ Traditions NOT in the Bible:

• December 25 as Jesus’ birth date (The Bible doesn’t give a specific date.)
• Christmas trees (Some cite Jeremiah 10:1–4, but that’s about idols not trees.)
• Santa Claus, elves, reindeer (These are cultural additions, not biblical ones.)
• Modern gift-giving frenzy (The Magi brought gifts to Jesus, not to each other.)

It’s not wrong to enjoy holiday traditions, but it’s good to know what’s from the Bible and what’s just seasonal fun.

Is Christmas Biblical or Pagan?

This is a question many people wrestle with. Here’s the truth, plain and simple.

✳️ Yes, December 25 has pagan connections.

• The early Church chose this date around the 4th century.
• It was likely picked to replace or “redeem” pagan festivals like Saturnalia (a Roman winter celebration) or Yule (from Germanic tribes).
• The goal? To shift attention from idol worship to the birth of Christ.

✳️ But celebrating Jesus’ birth is completely biblical.

• Angels rejoiced (Luke 2:10–14)
• Mary and Elizabeth praised God (Luke 1:46–55)
• The Magi traveled far to worship Him (Matthew 2:11)

And the Apostle Paul gives this guidance in Romans 14:5–6:

“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind… Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord.”

So is Christmas pagan or biblical? It depends on how and why you celebrate. If your heart is focused on Jesus, you’re on the right track.

Why Was Jesus’ Birth So Important in the Bible?

Jesus’ birth wasn’t just a warm fuzzy moment. It was the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy and the start of God’s rescue plan for the world.

🕯️ Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled:

• Isaiah 7:14 – A virgin will bear a son.
• Micah 5:2 – A ruler will come from Bethlehem.
• Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, a son is given…”

These weren’t vague guesses. They were specific promises that God kept hundreds of years later.

✨ What Jesus’ Birth Means for Us:

• God came near. (John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”)
• Hope entered a broken world.
• A Savior was born to save us from our sins. (Matthew 1:21)

Without the birth of Jesus, there would be no cross. No resurrection. No salvation. Christmas marks the beginning of everything.

Short Christmas Bible Verses to Reflect On

Here are a few meaningful verses perfect for reflection, family reading, or even writing in a Christmas card:

These verses center our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas.

Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?

This is a deeply personal decision and the Bible gives freedom here.

• Some early Christians didn’t celebrate birthdays at all.
• Others avoided Christmas due to its mixed origins.
• But today, many believers use it as a joyful time to honor Christ, share His love, and reflect on God’s greatest gift.

The important thing is not the lights or the date but the heart behind the celebration.

“Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

If Christmas helps you draw closer to Jesus, then by all means, celebrate.

Real-Life Stories: Finding Jesus in Christmas

Let me share a quick story. A single mom I know once told me that Christmas was the hardest time of the year. No money, no family nearby, no gifts. But one year, she read the story of Jesus’ birth out loud to her kids from the Bible.

“We didn’t have much,” she said. “But that year, we had peace.”

Another man shared how he had lost his faith… until he stumbled into a Christmas Eve service, heard the story of the shepherds, and wept like a child. “That night,” he said, “I remembered what it meant to be loved.”

Christmas has a way of breaking through the noise and reminding us: Jesus came for people like us.

So, Where Do We Find Christmas in the Bible?

You won’t find the word “Christmas” in Scripture. But you will find something better:

• A young girl trusting God with a miracle.
• A poor couple delivering a Savior in a humble stable.
• Angels singing. Shepherds running. Wise men worshipping.
• God becoming man to rescue us all.

Christmas isn’t about the date. Or the decorations. It’s about the incarnation God with us.

So next time someone asks, “Is Christmas anywhere in the Bible?” you can say, “Not in name. But in truth, it’s there from cover to cover.”

Let’s make this Christmas one that truly honors the reason we celebrate.

Reverend James Stone

Reverend James, a seasoned and knowledgeable author, excels in presenting profound biblical teachings with clarity and simplicity, making Scripture accessible and engaging for all