The classic Christmas card verse is "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). Other short favorites are "they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matthew 1:23) and "For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37). For a blessing, try Psalm 29:11 or 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
A Bible verse turns a signed card into a small gift. Short verses work best: one line on the front or under your greeting, with a longer passage saved for a family letter. These twelve King James verses are grouped by use: classic Nativity lines, blessings of grace and peace, and gentle hope for someone who had a hard year. Each note suggests who the verse suits and a simple line to write with it. For the full Nativity story, see Christmas; for more joyful verses, see rejoicing.
Classic Nativity verses for the front of a card
1. Luke 2:14
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
The angels' song is the most-used card verse for good reason: it fits on one line and holds the whole message of Christmas. Pair it with a simple greeting such as Peace to your home this Christmas.
2. Luke 2:10
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, makes this a warm choice for neighbors and coworkers. It begins with Fear not, a kind word for anyone carrying worry into December.
3. Matthew 1:23
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Emmanuel, God with us, is the heart of Christmas in a few words. It suits a family card, a card to a soldier far from home, or anyone who will spend the holiday alone.
4. 1 John 4:14
"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."
John writes as an eyewitness: we have seen and do testify. This verse suits a church, Sunday school or ministry card that wants to say plainly why Jesus came.
Blessings of grace and peace for family and friends
5. Romans 1:7
"To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul opened his letters with grace and peace, and Christians have borrowed his greeting ever since. Write it at the top of a Christmas letter, then add your own news below.
6. 2 John 1:3
"Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love."
This greeting gathers grace, mercy and peace in truth and love, a full blessing for a grandparent, godparent or old friend. It reads well inside a card under the words Merry Christmas.
7. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all."
Peace always by all means is a generous wish for a busy or difficult season. The closing line, The Lord be with you all, makes a natural sign-off above your names.
8. Psalms 29:11
"The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace."
Strength and peace together suit a card to someone facing illness, a new job or a new baby. Psalm 29 is a storm psalm, and it ends with this quiet promise.
Hope and light for someone who had a hard year
9. Luke 1:37
"For with God nothing shall be impossible."
The angel Gabriel spoke these words to Mary. At seven words, the verse fits the smallest gift tag and encourages someone waiting on a prayer, a diagnosis or a job.
10. Zephaniah 3:17
"The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
For a child, spouse or friend who needs to hear they are loved, this verse pictures God rejoicing over His people with singing. It pairs well with a card about carols.
11. John 1:5
"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
Light shining in darkness speaks to anyone who had a dark year. It suits a card with a candle or star, and a short line such as Praying the light of Christ fills your Christmas.
12. Psalms 126:3
"The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad."
This verse makes a fitting first line for a family Christmas letter that looks back on the year with thanks. Follow it with two or three of God's kindnesses to your family.
A short prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to be God with us. As I write these cards, let each verse carry Your peace and joy to the people I love. Comfort those who are grieving or alone this Christmas, and let Your light shine in every home that opens a card from me. Amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
New to this method? See our Bible study guide or pick a Bible reading plan.
Print our free 12 Days of Christmas Scripture Cards · Get our free Christian Christmas Coloring Pages · Give the Scripture Memory Cards as a stocking stuffer
Frequently asked questions
What is a good short Bible verse for a Christmas card?
Luke 1:37 is only seven words: "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 2:14 fits on one line, and Matthew 1:23 can be shortened to its last words, God with us, with the reference. Short verses are easier to read, and they leave room for a personal line.
What do you write in a Christian Christmas card?
Write the verse and reference, a short greeting and one personal line. For example: May the peace of Emmanuel fill your home above Matthew 1:23, or Praying God gives you strength and peace in the new year with Psalm 29:11. Signing off with a blessing such as 2 Thessalonians 3:16 keeps it warm and simple.
What Bible verse can I write to someone grieving at Christmas?
Choose a gentle verse and keep the card short: John 1:5 for light in darkness, Psalm 34:18 for the brokenhearted, or "The LORD will give strength unto his people" (Psalm 29:11). Mention the person they miss, by name if you can. See grief and loss of a mother.
Can I print KJV verses on Christmas cards I make or sell?
In the United States the King James Version is in the public domain, so you can print it on homemade or handmade cards. In the United Kingdom the KJV is under Crown rights, so check before selling there. For a ready-made set, print our free 12 Days of Christmas Scripture Cards at home.
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: Bible verses about Christmas · Bible verses for Christmas Day · Bible verses about Advent · Bible verses about rejoicing · Lion and lamb Bible verses · Blessing Bible verses
Explore more: All Bible verses by topic · KJV Bible verses · Verse of the day · Prayers · Bible study · Bible reading plans
