Introduction
You are preparing an evening service, a church gathering or just the meal on December 24, and you are wondering what to read. This page follows the Nativity story in order, from the time of the prophets to the Magi. Each passage comes with its reference, a sentence of context and a short word to say before the reading. Use everything, or pick three texts if time is short. The Bible pages on the site give you the full chapter.
The Announcements Before the Birth: Prophets, Mary and Joseph
The story begins long before the manger. Read Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2 for the promises, then Luke 1:26-38 for the announcement to Mary and Matthew 1:18-25 for Joseph's response. Here is a short introduction to say aloud before each reading.
"Seven centuries before Jesus, a prophet announces that a young woman will give birth to a son and call him Immanuel. Let us listen to what Isaiah says in chapter 7 about this sign God promises."
"Bethlehem is a small village, and yet it is there that Micah places the origin of the one who will rule. Let us listen to what he writes in chapter 5."
"An angel appears to a young woman in Nazareth with news that turns all her plans upside down. Let us listen to the announcement made to Mary, in the first chapter of Luke."
"Joseph learns that Mary is expecting a child who is not his. While he is planning to break off the engagement quietly, he has a dream. Let us listen to how he chooses to believe, in the first chapter of Matthew."
The Birth, the Shepherds, Simeon and the Magi
The heart of the feast is found in Luke 2:1-7 for the birth, Luke 2:8-20 for the shepherds, Luke 2:22-35 for Simeon in the temple and Matthew 2:1-12 for the Magi. If children are listening, cut the story into four short moments, with a pause between each.
"A census forces Joseph and Mary onto the road to Bethlehem. There is no room for them in the inn. Let us listen to how Jesus is born, at the beginning of Luke chapter 2."
"The first announcement is not made to kings, but to shepherds keeping watch at night in the fields. Let us listen to what the angel tells them, and what they do next."
"Forty days after the birth, an old man takes the child in his arms at the temple and says he can now die in peace. Let us listen to Simeon, in Luke chapter 2."
"Scholars from the East follow a star for days to look for a king. Let us listen to what they find in Bethlehem, in Matthew chapter 2."
One Reading for Each Day of Advent
Week one, the promises: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:2-7, Micah 5:2-5, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Psalm 72, Isaiah 11:1-5, Isaiah 40:1-5. One promise each evening is enough, with a candle lit.
Week two, Mary and Elizabeth: Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:39-45, Luke 1:46-56 (Mary's song), Luke 1:57-66, Luke 1:67-80 (Zechariah's song), Matthew 1:1-17.
Week three, Joseph and the road: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-5, Micah 5:2, Galatians 4:4-5, John 1:1-5, John 1:6-13, John 1:14-18. Children love following the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem on a map.
Last week, the feast: Luke 2:6-7, Luke 2:8-12, Luke 2:13-20, Luke 2:21-24, Luke 2:25-35, Matthew 2:1-6 and Matthew 2:7-12. Keep Luke 2:1-20 in full for the evening of the 24th.
"We are waiting for someone God has promised. Before we light tonight's candle, let us read a new piece of his story together."
"If you miss a day, do not try to catch up all at once. Pick up with the evening reading. The Christmas story is meant to be received slowly."
"To close each reading, ask the children what surprised them today. A single question is enough to start the conversation at the table."
"On the evening of the 24th, let a child read the last passage from Luke aloud, even if they stumble. They will remember that reading for years."
Christmas Verses to Read Aloud
If you want to open the service or the evening with just a few verses, here are five short texts. For a longer list, see the 20 verses for Christmas in the journal.
Isaiah 9:6
"For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
A text many people associate with Christmas. The names Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace read well when taken slowly, one name per person. Read all of Isaiah 9.
Micah 5:2
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come out to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings out are from of old, from ancient times."
A short verse showing that God chooses a humble place. Ideal for introducing the road to Bethlehem. Read all of Micah 5.
Luke 2:11
"For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
The heart of the announcement made to the shepherds. Read it on its own, with a moment of silence afterward, just before the song. Read all of Luke 2.
Matthew 2:11
"They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
The moment of the Magi's worship. It fits well when a gift is given or when something is placed before the nativity scene. Read all of Matthew 2.
Luke 2:29
"Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;"
Simeon's words, to end an evening in peace, especially with older people in the gathering. Read all of Luke 2.
Reading the Nativity with Family or at Church: Our Tips
Choose a translation everyone understands and read slowly. A passage of ten verses takes about two minutes, which leaves room for a song between two readings.
Involve several voices: a narrator, a voice for the angel, one for the shepherds. Even a grandfather and a six-year-old can share a chapter.
At church, spread the readings among several people in the congregation and plan a short silence after each passage. That silence is worth a commentary.
When you want to dig deeper, open the Bible page for the chapter on the site: you will find the full text, a summary and questions to go further.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bible passages should I read at Christmas?
The main accounts are in Matthew 1 and 2 and in Luke 1 and 2. Add Isaiah 9 and Micah 5 for the prophecies, and John 1 to understand who the child is. If time is short, Luke 2:1-20 is more than enough.
Which text should I read at Christmas with young children?
Luke 2:1-20 remains the most accessible: a road, a manger, shepherds, angels. Tell it in your own words, relying on two or three verses, and let the children act out the scene with figurines.
How can I read the Bible every day of Advent?
Take a short passage each evening, a few verses, following the order of the story: promises, announcements, journey, birth. Light a candle, read, ask a question and pray in one sentence. Ten minutes is enough.
Should we read the prophecies at Christmas?
Yes, they show that the birth of Jesus is no accident. Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6 and Micah 5:2 make an excellent opening trio, before moving on to the accounts in Matthew and Luke.
to take notes and ask questions.