Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school provide a rich foundation for teaching children about the birth of Jesus and its significance in God’s plan of salvation. These carefully selected scriptures offer a comprehensive view of the Christmas story, from ancient prophecies to the nativity and beyond. By exploring these verses, Sunday school teachers can help young minds grasp the wonder of God becoming human, the fulfillment of divine promises, and the hope that Christ’s birth brings to the world.
Christmas Bible Verses for Sunday School
These Bible passages not only narrate the events surrounding Jesus’ birth but also reveal His identity, purpose, and the appropriate response to His coming. From Isaiah’s prophecies to the angels’ proclamations, from Mary’s song to the shepherds’ visit, each verse contributes to a fuller understanding of the Christmas miracle. By incorporating these Christmas Bible verses into Sunday school lessons, teachers can foster a deeper appreciation for the true meaning of Christmas, encouraging children to look beyond the commercial aspects of the holiday and focus on the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
The Prophecy of Christ’s Birth
When teaching Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school, it’s essential to start with the prophecies of Christ’s birth. These verses, spanning from Genesis to Malachi, provide a rich foundation for understanding God’s plan of salvation. They demonstrate how God prepared His people for the coming of the Messiah over thousands of years. By exploring these prophecies, children can grasp the significance of Jesus’ birth and how it fulfills God’s promises. This approach helps connect the Old and New Testaments, showing the continuity of God’s plan throughout Scripture. Incorporating these Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school lessons can spark curiosity and deepen children’s understanding of the Christmas story’s broader context in the Bible.
1. Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
2. Micah 5:2
“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, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
3. Isaiah 9:6
“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.”
4. Jeremiah 23:5
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.”
5. Genesis 3:15
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
6. Numbers 24:17
“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.”
7. Isaiah 11:1
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots, a Branch will bear fruit.”
8. Zechariah 9:9
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
9. Malachi 3:1
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
10. Daniel 7:13-14
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom will never be destroyed.”
The Annunciation to Mary
The Annunciation to Mary is a crucial part of the Christmas story and an excellent topic for Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school. These verses from Luke’s Gospel recount the amazing encounter between the angel Gabriel and Mary, detailing God’s plan for the birth of Jesus. When teaching these Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school, it’s important to highlight Mary’s faith and obedience.
Her response to God’s call serves as an inspiring example for children. The Annunciation also introduces key theological concepts, such as the virgin birth and Jesus’ divine nature, in a narrative form that’s accessible to young minds. By exploring these verses, children can better understand the miraculous nature of Christ’s birth and the important role Mary played in God’s plan of salvation.
11. Luke 1:26-27
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.”
12. Luke 1:28
“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'”
13. Luke 1:30-31
“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.'”
14. Luke 1:32-33
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
15. Luke 1:34
“‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?'”
16. Luke 1:35
“The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.'”
17. Luke 1:37
“For no word from God will ever fail.”
18. Luke 1:38
“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.”
19. Luke 1:45
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
20. Luke 1:46-47
“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.'”
Joseph’s Role in the Nativity
Joseph’s role in the Nativity is often overlooked, but it provides valuable lessons when teaching Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school. These verses highlight Joseph’s character, faith, and obedience to God’s plan. When incorporating these Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school lessons, it’s important to emphasize Joseph’s righteousness and his willingness to follow God’s guidance, even in difficult circumstances. His story teaches children about trust, responsibility, and the importance of listening to God.
Joseph’s acceptance of Mary and his role as Jesus’ earthly father also demonstrate the concept of adoption and unconditional love. By exploring Joseph’s perspective, children can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Nativity story and the human elements surrounding the miraculous birth of Jesus.
21. Matthew 1:18
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.”
22. Matthew 1:19
“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
23. Matthew 1:20
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'”
24. Matthew 1:21
“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.”
25. Matthew 1:22-23
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”
26. Matthew 1:24
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”
27. Matthew 1:25
“But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
28. Luke 2:4
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.”
29. Luke 2:5
“He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
30. Matthew 2:13
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.'”
The Birth of Jesus
The birth of Jesus is the central focus of Christmas, making these verses essential for Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school. When teaching these Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school, it’s important to emphasize the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the contrast with His divine nature. The story of the shepherds illustrates how God chose to reveal this momentous event to ordinary people, showing His love for all.
These verses provide an opportunity to discuss themes of humility, joy, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. By exploring the details of Jesus’ birth, children can better understand the significance of God becoming human and entering our world. This narrative also allows for creative teaching methods, such as reenactments or visual aids, to help bring the story to life for young learners.
31. Luke 2:1-2
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)”
32. Luke 2:6-7
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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.”
33. Luke 2:8-9
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”
34. Luke 2:10-11
“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.'”
35. Luke 2:12
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
36. Luke 2:13-14
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'”
37. Luke 2:15
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'”
38. Luke 2:16
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”
39. Luke 2:17-18
“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
40. Luke 2:19-20
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
The Visit of the Magi
The visit of the Magi is an intriguing part of the Christmas story and provides rich material for Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school. When teaching these Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school, it’s important to highlight the significance of the Magi’s journey and their recognition of Jesus as the King of the Jews. Their story introduces themes of seeking truth, worship, and God’s guidance.
The gifts they brought – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – can be used to discuss the symbolic meanings related to Jesus’ identity and mission. This narrative also provides an opportunity to talk about God’s protection of Jesus from Herod’s plot, demonstrating His sovereign control over events. By exploring the visit of the Magi, children can learn about the universal nature of Christ’s kingdom and how people from all nations are called to worship Him.
41. Matthew 2:1-2
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'”
42. Matthew 2:3-4
“When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.”
43. Matthew 2:5-6
“‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written: “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”‘”
44. Matthew 2:7-8
“Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.'”
45. Matthew 2:9-10
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”
46. Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
47. Matthew 2:12
“And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
48. Matthew 2:13
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.'”
49. Matthew 2:14-15
“So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.'”
50. Matthew 2:16
“When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, by the time he had learned from the Magi.”
The Shepherds’ Visit
The Shepherds’ Visit is a beloved part of the Christmas story and provides excellent material for Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school. When teaching these Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school, it’s important to emphasize God’s choice to reveal the birth of Jesus to humble shepherds first. This demonstrates God’s love for all people, regardless of their social status. The shepherds’ immediate response to the angels’ message – hurrying to see Jesus and then spreading the word – serves as an example of faith and evangelism.
Their joy and praise after seeing Jesus can inspire children to respond to God’s good news with enthusiasm. This narrative also introduces the concept of angels as God’s messengers and the idea of heavenly worship. By exploring the Shepherds’ Visit, children can learn about the accessibility of Jesus to all people and the appropriate response to encountering Him – worship, joy, and sharing the good news with others.
51. Luke 2:8
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”
52. Luke 2:9
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”
53. Luke 2:10-11
“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.'”
54. Luke 2:12
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
55. Luke 2:13-14
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'”
56. Luke 2:15
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'”
57. Luke 2:16
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”
58. Luke 2:17-18
“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
59. Luke 2:19
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
60. Luke 2:20
“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
The Significance of Jesus’ Names
When teaching Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school, exploring the significance of Jesus’ name can provide deep insights into His identity and mission. Each name reveals an important aspect of who Jesus is and why He came. The name Jesus, meaning “Savior,” emphasizes His role in saving people from their sins. Immanuel, “God with us,” highlights the incredible truth of God becoming human to dwell among us. Titles like Messiah, Lord, and Son of the Most High point to Jesus’ divine authority and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
By studying these Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school, children can gain a richer understanding of Jesus’ multi-faceted nature and His significance in God’s plan of salvation. This topic also provides an opportunity to connect the Christmas story with the broader narrative of Scripture, from Old Testament prophecies to New Testament fulfillment.
61. Matthew 1:21
“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.”
62. Matthew 1:23
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).”
63. Luke 1:31-32
“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”
64. Luke 2:11
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
65. Isaiah 9:6
“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.”
66. John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
67. John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
68. Colossians 1:15
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
69. Hebrews 1:3
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”
70. Revelation 19:16
“On his robe and his thigh, he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Praising God for the Gift of Jesus
When teaching Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school, it’s crucial to emphasize the appropriate response to God’s gift of Jesus: praise and thanksgiving. These verses demonstrate various expressions of praise from different individuals and groups in response to Jesus’ birth and its significance. Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-47) shows personal praise and joy. The angels’ proclamation (Luke 2:14) represents heavenly worship.
The shepherds’ response (Luke 2:20) exemplifies how ordinary people can glorify God for His amazing deeds. By exploring these Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school, children can learn the importance of expressing gratitude and praise to God for the gift of Jesus. This topic also provides an opportunity to discuss how we can praise God in our daily lives, not just during the Christmas season. Teachers can encourage children to compose their prayers or songs of praise, inspired by these verses, as a practical application of the lesson.
71. Luke 1:46-47
“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.'”
72. Luke 1:68-69
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.”
73. Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
74. Luke 2:20
“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
75. John 3:16
“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.”
76. 2 Corinthians 9:15
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
77. Galatians 4:4-5
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
78. Ephesians 1:3
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
79. 1 Peter 1:3
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
80. Revelation 5:12
“In a loud voice, they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'”
The Promise of Christ’s Return
While focusing on Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school, it’s important to connect the first coming of Christ with the promise of His return. These verses remind us that the story of Jesus doesn’t end with His birth, death, and resurrection, but looks forward to His second coming. When teaching these Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school, emphasize that just as God fulfilled His promise to send a Savior, He will also fulfill His promise of Christ’s return.
This topic can help children understand the complete narrative of God’s plan, from creation to the new creation. It also encourages them to live with hope and expectation, knowing that Jesus will come again. Teachers can use this theme to discuss how we should live in light of Christ’s return, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and readiness. By exploring these verses, children can grasp that Christmas is not just about remembering a past event, but also anticipating a future one, connecting the joy of Christ’s first coming with the hope of His return.
81. Acts 1:11
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
82. John 14:3
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am.”
83. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
84. Revelation 1:7
“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.”
85. Matthew 24:30-31
“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
86. Titus 2:13
“While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
87. 2 Peter 3:10
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.”
88. 1 John 3:2
“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”
89. Revelation 22:12
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
90. Revelation 22:20
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Christmas Bible verses for Sunday school, we’re reminded of the profound impact these scriptures can have on young hearts and minds. These verses serve as windows into God’s grand narrative of redemption, showcasing His faithfulness in fulfilling ancient promises and His love in sending His Son. Through these passages, children can discover the multi-faceted nature of Jesus – as the promised Messiah, the humble baby in a manger, and the Savior of the world. The Christmas story, illuminated by these verses, becomes not just a historical event but a personal invitation to faith and worship.
As Sunday school teachers guide their students through these scriptures, they have the opportunity to nurture a lifelong love for God’s Word and a deeper understanding of Christ’s mission. Moreover, these verses extend beyond the nativity, pointing to Christ’s ongoing work and future return, thus connecting the joy of His first coming with the hope of His second. By internalizing these Christmas Bible verses, children can carry the true spirit of Christmas with them throughout the year, living in the light of God’s greatest gift and sharing His love with others.
