As the holiday season settles around us, we often reflect on why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. For generations, families have turned to the biblical accounts of Christ’s birth as a source of hope and meaning—gathering in simple homes, grand halls, and distant lands, all united by the same eternal message. By reading these passages, you continue a tradition your ancestors likely embraced, even as they moved across countries or navigated changing times.
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If your genealogical research reveals where your family came from, consider how they might have observed the Nativity readings. Perhaps an ancestor in a rural village knew these stories by heart, reciting them from a well-worn Bible. Another branch of your family might have knelt in a candlelit church halfway around the world, hearing the verses in a different language. Over the years, the heart of the tradition stayed steady, providing comfort and direction through each December.
Scripture Readings:
Luke’s Account (The Shepherds and the Manger)
Luke 2:1–20 (KJV)
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Matthew’s Account (Joseph’s Role and the Naming of Jesus)
Matthew 1:18–25 (KJV)
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
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.
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
A Prophetic Promise (The Messiah Foretold)
Isaiah 9:6–7 (KJV)
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
As you read these verses, imagine your ancestors doing the same. They might have paused after the angel’s proclamation in Luke, marveling at the words “peace, good will toward men.” In Matthew’s account, they could have pondered Joseph’s faithfulness and quiet obedience. Turning to Isaiah, they might have drawn hope from an ancient promise that had echoed through their family’s lineage, carrying the assurance that God’s plan reaches across generations.
If you know something about your family’s faith background—whether they attended a certain church, sang particular hymns, or used a cherished Bible translation—consider weaving those elements into your reading today. Each choice lets you experience these scriptures as they might have, blending past and present into a single devotional moment.
Reflect, too, on the significance of these truths: God sent His Son into this world to be the propitiation for our sins and the savior of souls. Your ancestors found meaning in that message, drawing strength from it as they faced life’s uncertainties. By embracing these passages, you align your heart with theirs, sharing a faith that outlives any temporal hardship.
This is the true meaning of Christmas. This is why we celebrate Christmas—not just as an annual tradition, but as a reaffirmation of a truth that has guided families for centuries. Through these scriptures, you stand with your forebears, united in the same faith, and pass this spiritual inheritance to those who come after you.
