15 Passages to Read This Christmas (That Aren't Luke 2!)

15 Passages to Read This Christmas (That Aren't Luke 2!)
God's word is powerful and true. It never changes and is not based on popular opinion or current world view. It gives life and peace, hope and wisdom, in uncertain times and through every good or difficult day.

Prayer + God’s Word = Power – the pathway for Him to do miraculous things.

Though we often focus much of our attention on Luke chapter 2 for the reading of the Christmas passage, the very miracle of Jesus and what He came to do is shared throughout the entire Bible. John chapter 1 says that Christ Himself is the Word and came to live among us. He encompasses all; He is the beginning and the end.

When your own thoughts start trying to get the best of you, when you feel rushed or worried in the cares of the day, focus on what He says first. It'll bring greater peace, joy, and strength for this Christmas season and the whole year through.

Even today, choose to spend more time meditating on truths that have the power to change your heart and guard your mind. Pray God’s word back to Him, thank Him for every promise, every gift and word that ushers in peace and hope. He promises His truth will never return void, but will accomplish all that He desires and achieve the purpose for which He has sent it (Isaiah 55:11).

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  • 1. Isaiah 9:16

    1. Isaiah 9:16

    “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” (Isaiah 9:16).

    Throughout the chapters of this great book, Isaiah points us to our Savior, the Messiah, Christ the King, Emmanuel, 700 years before He was even born. 

     

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  • 2. Isaiah 61:1-3

    2. Isaiah 61:1-3

    “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor” (Isaiah 61:1-3).

    He alone is the One who can set us free from the stronghold of fear and sin. He alone holds the power to renew our days and give us peace. 

     

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  • 3. Isaiah 60:1-2

    3. Isaiah 60:1-2

    “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you” (Isaiah 60:1-2). 

    Through the gift of Jesus and the price He paid on the cross for us, we can find hope, deliverance, healing, and purpose for our lives.

     

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  • 4. Isaiah 33:6

    4. Isaiah 33:6

    “And He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge…” (Isaiah 33:6).

    He is the Light of the world, the stability of our times, and is always greater than the darkness that surrounds.

     

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  • 5. Matthew 1:23

    5. Matthew 1:23

    “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:23).

    God never promised our way would always be “easy,” or that His presence with us meant a life of convenience or comfort. But He did promise this, over and over in His word: He would be “with us” in it all, and would never leave us. He alone holds the power to turn around any difficult season or loss we may be facing, and bring great blessing and good through it all.

     

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  • 6. Matthew 2:10-11

    6. Matthew 2:10-11

    “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 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” (Matthew 2:10-11).

    His very name reminds us that He is always near, and we are never alone—what a powerful hope. May God work in our hearts and draw us close to Him again this season. May we be willing to humble ourselves, lay aside the stuff that doesn’t really matter, and worship the One who does.

     

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  • 7. John 1:14

    7. 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” (John 1:14).

    God loved. He gave; that we might have the gift of eternal life. Jesus chose to live among us, He “dwelt” with us, laying aside all the majesty of heaven, so He could walk in this world and point us to the Father. That is a miracle. 

     

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  • 8. John 3:16

    8. 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” (John 3:16).

    God came to us, and He reaches for us even today, always full of grace and the truth that sets us free.

     

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  • 9. John 8:12

    9. John 8:12

    “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

    May we never miss the miraculous because we’re too busy or distracted with other things. Jesus promises light and life in a world that is full of dark.

     

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  • 10. James 1:17

    10. James 1:17

    “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

    God is the author of every good and perfect gift. We can trust that He knows our needs before we even ask, and we can depend on Him to provide. Many may find themselves facing huge challenges and financial losses this season. But God promises that He never changes, and He loves to give good gifts to His children. When we take our eyes off the problems and begin to notice all his blessings that surround us, it can truly change our hearts and focus this season. 

     

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  • 11. 2 Corinthians 9:15

    11. 2 Corinthians 9:15

    “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

    May He help us to find the right perspective this season amidst the gift-giving and hustle and bustle, for Jesus is the greatest gift we can ever receive.

     

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  • 12. Romans 6:23

    12. Romans 6:23

    “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

    What I’ve often noticed is that many of his most amazing treasures are not those that money can buy. A relationship with Christ fills us with lasting joy, peace, and hope that money, stuff, and the world can never offer.

     

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  • 13. Philippians 2:9-11

    13. Philippians 2:9-11

    “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

    Jesus came to save, to heal, and to redeem. He came to rescue us, to pave a way straight to the Father, that only He could provide. His word is clear that He alone is Truth, He alone is Lord and Savior.

     

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  • 14. Romans 8:38-39

    14. Romans 8:38-39

    “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

    His Spirit is among us and lives within those who have chosen to follow Him. If you find yourself doubting and still struggling to make it all on your own, be assured that Jesus loves you and chases after you even now. He is trustworthy and secure. 

     

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  • 15. Romans 15:13

    15. Romans 15:13

    “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

    You can lean on Him in this uncertain world. Don’t let another Christmas go by, without giving your heart first to Jesus. He came that we might truly live, and have peace and joy.

    Read more by Debbie on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and www.debbiemcdaniel.com.

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    This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ!

    What is Christmas? Understanding History, Origin and Traditions
    When Was Jesus Born? History of December 25th
    The Birth of Jesus: Bible Story and Scripture Verses
    What is Advent: Definition & Meaning Behind Christmas Tradition
    What Are Advent Readings & Why Are They Important?
    Christmas Bible Verses & Scripture Story