'Tis the season for cozying up by the fire and writing out hand-written Christmas cards to inspire hope and cheer. It's the time of year where we all slow down and take time to be intentional and a bit more heartfelt. After all, this is a month worth celebrating—the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. 

It's a busy time of year to be sure. We get swept up in all the holiday hustle and bustle, and before we know it, December comes to an end and we didn't really stop to enjoy it or let the gravity of Christ's birth really sink in. Let us serve as your reminder to pause and slow things down. Our favorite way to savor the season? Writing out hand-written Christmas cards to our loved ones—complete with relevant Bible verses to brighten their day.

Here are 10 of our favorite passages of Scripture to add to your Christmas card line-up. So grab a hot cup of coffee or cocoa and sit with these verses as we list them out, taking time to pause and consider their significance—for you and your loved one in mind.

1. John 1:4-5

"In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it."

This passage of Scripture invites us to hope. Something so simple, yet so profound in our day. When was the last time you felt hopeful or assured? We learn here that God is life itself. The foundation of our existence can be traced back to Him and His character, and nothing can overpower Him. What a great message to share, right?

2. Matthew 7:7

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who seeks, finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."

Here we have an invitation from Jesus Himself, asking us to do one thing: communicate. When you open up that dialogue with Christ and invite Him into your everyday tasks and thoughts, things shift for the better. You'll realize you feel more at peace, or maybe not so alone. Of course, when you come to Jesus with your questions or petitions, you may not always get an answer right away, or the answer you necessarily want. Nonetheless, what's important here is that relationship, that openness. Jesus is sure to reveal something to you in the process.

3. Romans 15:13

"May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

While we are sending Christmas cards, the verses we're sharing don't necessarily have to be sourced from the Gospels. There's just as much inspiration and knowledge to be found in the Epistles, too. This message from Paul seems particularly timely this year, doesn't it?

 4. Luke 2:10-11

 "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

You've probably heard this one before shared on television shows or Christmas Eve services, and for good reason. These verses encapsulate the true meaning of the season. A baby born in a manger, for you and for me. Not a warrior king, as some prophets may have envisioned back in the day, but a savior who is kind, accessible, and yet just as powerful. Immanuel. God with us. These verses also capture the excitement to be had as the angels appear to the shepherds with their big news—news that would soon change the world.

5. Luke 1:47

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

Some of you may recognize this as the beginning of Mary's Magnificat—her song of praise to the Lord after she receives a visit from the angel Gabriel. She learns that she will be the mother of Jesus, the vessel for a miracle. We can all learn from Mary's thoughtful obedience here, and her immediate act of praising God, despite uncertainty. This serves as a profound reminder to rejoice in our Lord—always.

6. Ephesians 1:17-18

"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you."

What a wonderful way to start off a letter! This opening text from Paul's letter to the Ephesians is such a source of hope and light. "That you may know what is the hope to which He has called you." Everyone deserves to hear this message of good news. Who knows, sharing this simple passage with your loved ones could completely transform their day. 

7. Matthew 24:35

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

In the midst of trials, it can be hard to imagine that the pain and struggle we're experiencing is temporary, but it is. Here, Jesus reminds us of His immovable nature compared to the frail state of our world. Yes, things will change in our lifetime. Yes, darkness and suffering do exist and affect our day-to-day lives, but we can have hope in Jesus, knowing that in Him we have a firm foundation. The storm may rage on, but our feet are planted firmly on the rock.

8. Luke 12:32

"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Ultimately, God has our best interests in mind. Though we may not understand His ways at times, we can trust that He wants what is best for us, and if we let Him, we will be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Focus on the comforting image of this passage. Using words like, "little flock," and "Father," Jesus evokes such a warm, peaceful scene. Remember that you are dearly loved and God won't let you go. Like the shepherd leaving his flock to find the sheep that is lost, so too is Jesus earnestly seeking after you.

9. Isaiah 7:14

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name, Immanuel."

This classic Christmas verse was first prophesied by Isaiah back in the Old Testament. Many years before Jesus' eventual birth, Isaiah shares God's redemptive plan for His people. Of course, if you're familiar with this book, you'll recognize that this message of salvation comes after a long, sobering warning of God's judgment on His unrighteous people. What's important to note here is the full picture of Christ's birth. He came to earth for a specific purpose—we needed Him. We were lost in our sin, but God, being merciful, provides a solution, that we may gain access to Him and enjoy Him forever.

10. 2 Corinthians 3:17

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

This verse points to the Holy Spirit being with us, therefore God Himself is always with us. This short, simple verse always gives us reason to hope. When you are in Christ, you are free. No longer a slave to sin and shame, you are made new by His transformative power and lovingkindness.

Sharing (and Wearing) the Good News

We hope these messages of hope and encouragement remind you and your loved ones of all you have to look forward to in this season. If you're still in need of a good gift or even just a reminder for yourself or a loved one, consider our faith-based apparel from Love in Faith. We have a variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and accessories to put a smile on your face and fill you with hope and cheer.