For Christians, a Christmas card is a chance to share more than holiday cheer. It is a way to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to share that joy with family, friends and your church.
This guide starts with 25 Christmas Bible verses, then gives religious Christmas card messages for everyone on your list, Christmas blessings and tips for writing a card that feels personal.
Article contents
- How to Write a Christian Christmas Card
- Christmas Bible Verses
- Short Religious Christmas Card Messages
- Christian Christmas Messages for Family
- Christian Christmas Messages for Friends
- Christmas Messages for Your Pastor or Church Family
- Christmas Blessings and Prayers
- Christmas Messages for Someone Who Is Grieving
- Faith-Based Christmas Messages for Coworkers and Clients
- Christian New Year Wishes
- When to Mail Christmas Cards
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Write a Christian Christmas Card
A Christmas card does not need a long letter. A few sentences is plenty for most people on your list.
- Open with a greeting. "Merry Christmas" or "Wishing you a blessed Christmas" both work well.
- Add a verse or a blessing. A short line of scripture, such as Luke 2:11, keeps the focus on the birth of Christ.
- Write a personal line. Mention something from the past year, or say that you are looking forward to seeing them.
- Close warmly and sign your name.
Example: "Merry Christmas, Aunt Ruth! 'Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.' (Luke 2:11) We loved seeing you at Easter and hope we can visit again this spring. Praying you have a peaceful and joyful Christmas. Love, Mark, Jen and the kids"
Christmas Bible Verses
Here are 25 Christmas Bible verses for cards, quoted from the New International Version (NIV). A short verse fits best at the top of a card, with your own message below it.
Bible Verses About the Birth of Jesus
- "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
- "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." (Micah 5:2)
- "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." (Matthew 1:21)
- "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel." (Matthew 1:23)
- "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." (Luke 2:10-11)
- "This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:12)
- "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:14)
- "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)
- "The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." (Luke 2:20)
- "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed." (Matthew 2:10)
- "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 2:11)
- "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." (Luke 1:46-47)
Christmas Bible Verses About God's Gift
- "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)
- "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9)
- "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." (Galatians 4:4-5)
- "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people." (Titus 2:11)
- "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)
- "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)
- "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 9:6)
Christmas Bible Verses About Light and Hope
- "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." (Isaiah 9:2)
- "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5)
- "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." (John 1:9)
- "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)
- "For no word from God will ever fail." (Luke 1:37)
- "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)
Short Religious Christmas Card Messages
- Merry Christmas! Rejoice, for Christ is born.
- Wishing you a blessed Christmas.
- May the peace of Christ be with you this Christmas.
- Merry Christmas and God bless you.
- Celebrating the birth of our Savior with you.
- Wishing you the joy of Jesus this Christmas season.
- Glory to God in the highest! Merry Christmas.
- May the light of Christ fill your home this Christmas.
- Joy to you and yours this Christmas.
- O come, let us adore Him. Merry Christmas.
- Emmanuel, God with us. Merry Christmas.
- Wishing you a Christ-centered Christmas and a blessed new year.
Christian Christmas Messages for Family
- Merry Christmas to our wonderful family. We thank God for each of you and for the gift of His Son.
- Mom and Dad, thank you for teaching us the true meaning of Christmas. We love you. Merry Christmas.
- Christmas is always better with family around the table. We are so thankful for you. May God bless you this season.
- Wishing our children and grandchildren a Christmas full of joy, faith and time together.
- To my brother and his family: Merry Christmas. I pray the peace of Christ fills your home this year.
- We are so grateful for the love and laughter our family shares. Merry Christmas, and may God bless the year ahead.
- Even though we are far apart this Christmas, you are in our hearts and prayers. Merry Christmas.
Christian Christmas Messages for Friends
- Merry Christmas, friend. I thank God for your friendship and all the ways you have encouraged me this year.
- Wishing you a Christmas filled with the love of Christ and the company of the people you love.
- May the joy the angels announced to the shepherds fill your heart this Christmas.
- Merry Christmas! I am so grateful we have walked through this year together.
- I hope your Christmas is peaceful and bright. You are in my prayers this season.
- May the hope of Christmas stay with you all year long. Merry Christmas, dear friend.
- Merry Christmas to you and your family. I am thankful for our friendship and for the faith we share.
Christmas Messages for Your Pastor or Church Family
- Merry Christmas, Pastor. Thank you for faithfully sharing the good news with us all year. We are praying for you and your family.
- Thank you for all you do for our church family. May you have a restful and blessed Christmas.
- Merry Christmas to our small group. We are so grateful to study God's word and share life with you.
- Wishing our church family a Christmas full of worship, joy and time with the people you love.
- Merry Christmas to the choir. Thank you for leading us in song and helping us celebrate our Savior's birth.
- Thank you for serving our church so faithfully this year. May God bless you richly this Christmas.
Christmas Blessings and Prayers
- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace this Christmas.
- May the Prince of Peace give you rest and comfort this season.
- Lord, thank you for sending your Son. Please bless this family with peace, health and joy this Christmas and in the new year. Amen.
- May the love that came down at Christmas fill your heart and home.
- We pray that you feel God's nearness this Christmas and that the new year brings you many blessings.
- May the light of the world shine on you and your family this Christmas.
- Praying that the joy of Christ's birth stays with you long after the decorations come down.
Christmas Messages for Someone Who Is Grieving
The holidays can be hard for someone who has lost a loved one this year. A gentle message lets them know they are remembered.
- We know this Christmas will be different without your mom. We are thinking of you and praying for comfort and peace.
- Holding you close in our prayers this Christmas. May Emmanuel, God with us, be near to you this season.
- We are remembering your husband this Christmas and thanking God for the time we had with him. Sending you our love.
- May the hope of Christmas bring you comfort as you miss someone you love.
- Thinking of you this Christmas. We are here if you need anything, and we will call next week.
For more ideas, see our Christian sympathy messages and Bible verses.
Faith-Based Christmas Messages for Coworkers and Clients
If you know a coworker or client shares your faith, a light touch of faith is usually welcome. If you are not sure, a warm general greeting is the safer choice.
- Merry Christmas! Wishing you a peaceful and blessed holiday season.
- Thank you for a great year of working together. Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas.
- Merry Christmas and best wishes for the new year. May God bless you and your family.
- Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a happy, healthy new year.
- Thank you for your business this year. We wish you a blessed Christmas and a wonderful new year.
Christian New Year Wishes
Many Christmas cards include a wish for the new year as well.
- Merry Christmas and a blessed new year. May God guide your steps in the months ahead.
- Wishing you a Christmas full of joy and a new year full of God's grace.
- May the new year bring you closer to God and to the people you love.
- As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we pray that the coming year brings you peace and many blessings.
When to Mail Christmas Cards
Most people send Christmas cards between Thanksgiving and the middle of December. Cards mailed in the first two weeks of December usually arrive before Christmas. Allow extra time for cards going overseas or to military addresses. Our guide on how to address an envelope and mail a card covers postage and international mail. You can also set a yearly reminder with our card reminders so you do not miss the date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good Christian Christmas message?
A good Christian Christmas message wishes the person a Merry Christmas, mentions the birth of Christ and adds a personal line. For example: "Merry Christmas! May the peace of Christ fill your home this season. We are so thankful for your friendship."
What Bible verse is best for a Christmas card?
Luke 2:10-11, Luke 2:14 and Isaiah 9:6 are the most popular choices. For a short card, Luke 2:14 ("Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests") fits easily.
Is it okay to send a religious Christmas card to someone who is not a Christian?
Many people are happy to receive a warm Christmas card of any kind. If you are not sure how someone will feel, choose a gentle greeting such as "Wishing you peace and joy this Christmas."
How should I sign a Christian Christmas card?
"Merry Christmas," "Blessings," "In Christ," "With love and prayers" and "Joy to you" are all good closings. See our guide to how to sign a card for more ideas.
For more Christmas wording, see our Christmas and holiday wishes and our guide to holiday cards for veterans. Our Christian cross greeting cards are blank inside, so you can write your own verse and Christmas message. Browse all Christian cards. Every Twigs Paper set is printed on 100% recycled paper and comes with envelopes.
