Luke 2

The Stable and the Stars — a note on this chapter.

Which worship songs are based on Luke 2?

  1. In the Bleak Midwinter — Chris Renzema (2025) Luke 2:1-20

    The song references the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth in a stable, reflecting the biblical narrative of the Nativity where Jesus was born in lowly conditions.

  2. The Empathy of God — Chris Renzema (2025) Luke 2:1-20

    The song references the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, emphasizing His humble beginnings and the significance of His incarnation, which aligns closely with the narrative of Jesus' birth in the Gospel of Luke.

  3. The Hope of Christmas — Katy Nichole (2025) Luke 2:1-20

    The song references the 'Holy One' and the 'manger,' which directly alludes to the birth of Jesus as described in the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing the significance of His arrival as a source of hope and love.

  4. Jingle Jango — Sam Purpose (2025) Luke 2:1-20

    The song celebrates the birth of Jesus, referencing the joy and significance of His arrival, which aligns with the nativity story in Luke.

  5. Still the Light — Stryper (2025) Luke 2:1-20

    The song references the humble birth of Jesus in a manger, emphasizing the simplicity and significance of this event in contrast to worldly grandeur.

  6. Because of Bethlehem — Matthew West (2025) Luke 2:1-20

    The song references the humble setting of Bethlehem, including the mention of a stable and the birth of a child, which directly aligns with the narrative of Jesus' birth as described in Luke 2.

  7. Little Drummer Boy — Alive City (2025) Luke 2:1-20

    The song references the scene of the birth of Jesus, including the presence of Mary and the humble setting with animals, which aligns with the nativity story in the Gospel of Luke.

  8. O Come, All You Unfaithful - Acoustic — Sovereign Grace Music (2025) Luke 2:1-20

    The repeated declaration of 'Christ is born' directly references the nativity story, celebrating the birth of Jesus as described in the Gospel of Luke.

  9. Silent Night — Victory (2025) Luke 2:1-20

    The song explicitly references the Virgin Mother and Child, directly connecting to the biblical account of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.

  10. Silent Night — SEU Worship & Caylie Bryant (2025) Luke 2:1-20

    The song references the birth of Christ, specifically mentioning the Virgin Mother and Child, which aligns with the nativity narrative found in Luke 2.

  11. O Holy Night — Victory (2025) Luke 2:1-20

    The song reflects the event of Christ's birth, emphasizing the significance of the night when the Savior was born, which aligns with the account of Jesus' nativity in the Gospel of Luke.

  12. King Of The World — Anna Golden & Aodhán King (2025) Luke 2:7

    The lyrics mention the birth of Jesus in a manger, which directly references the account of His birth in Luke 2:7, emphasizing the humility of His entrance into the world.

  13. Go Tell It on the Mountain (feat. Melvin Crispell III, Chandler Moore & Mav City Gospel Choir) — Maverick City Music & Chandler Moore & Melvin Crispell III & Mav City Gospel Choir (2021) Luke 2:7-14

    The verses closely recount Jesus being placed in a manger and the nighttime appearance of heavenly messengers to frightened shepherds, announcing the birth of the Savior.

  14. Midnight Mass — Chris Renzema (2025) Luke 2:8-14

    The song references the carol 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,' which celebrates the announcement of Jesus' birth by angels to the shepherds, directly connecting to the biblical account of the nativity.

  15. Gloria — SEU Worship, Chelsea Plank (2025) Luke 2:8-14

    The song references shepherds following a sign, which directly alludes to the biblical account of the shepherds receiving the news of Jesus' birth from angels.

  16. Silent Night, Holy Night — Burl Ives (2024) Luke 2:8-14

    The frightened shepherds, the appearance of the heavenly host, and the announcement of the Savior's birth closely paraphrase the angelic proclamation to the shepherds.

  17. Silent Night — Tommee Profitt & Fleurie (2020) Luke 2:8-14

    The account of frightened shepherds witnessing heavenly glory and hearing an angelic host proclaim the Savior’s birth closely paraphrases Luke’s description of the announcement near Bethlehem.

  18. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen — Francesca Battistelli (2020) Luke 2:10-11

    The angel reassures fearful hearers and announces that a Savior has been born that very day, closely paraphrasing the angelic proclamation to the shepherds.

  19. Christ Lord — Sam Purpose (2024) Luke 2:10-11

    The refrain closely reflects the angelic announcement that Jesus' birth brings great joy and identifies the newborn as Savior, Christ, and Lord.

  20. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen — Victory (2025) Luke 2:10-11

    The song references the announcement of Jesus' birth by an angel, echoing the biblical proclamation that brings tidings of great joy to all people, specifically mentioning the Savior born in Bethlehem.

  21. Emmanuel God With Us — Chris Tomlin (2025) Luke 2:11

    The song explicitly references the birth of Jesus as the Savior of the world, which aligns with the announcement made by the angels in Luke 2:11.

  22. Born A King — Rolling Hills Worship (2025) Luke 2:11

    The song references the birth of Jesus as a significant event, paralleling the announcement of His birth as a Savior in the Gospel of Luke.

  23. The Gift — Maverick City Music & Naomi Raine & Nick Day (2024) Luke 2:11

    The chorus closely reproduces the angelic announcement identifying the newborn Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord.

  24. What Child is This — Victory (2025) Luke 2:11

    The song explicitly identifies Jesus as 'Christ the King,' which directly quotes the proclamation of His birth as the Savior in the Gospel of Luke.

  25. Your Name Is Holy — Phil Wickham (2023) Luke 2:13-14

    The chorus adopts the angels' distinctive language of glory in the highest from the announcement of Jesus' birth.

  26. uptown — Imrsqd (2026) Luke 2:13-14

    The desire to hear angels glorifying God closely recalls the angelic multitude praising God at Jesus’ birth and declaring glory to God in the highest.

  27. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear — Tommee Profitt & brooke (2020) Luke 2:13-14

    The angelic proclamation of peace on earth and goodwill closely reproduces the wording of the angels’ praise following the announcement of Jesus’ birth.

  28. Angels We Have Heard on High — Aretha Franklin (2024) Luke 2:14

    The Latin refrain directly renders the angels’ proclamation giving glory to God in the highest at Jesus’ birth.

  29. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day — Chris Renzema (2025) Luke 2:14

    The song directly quotes the phrase 'peace on earth, good will to men,' which is a proclamation made by the angels at the birth of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke.

  30. I Hope It Snows — Chris Renzema (2024) Luke 2:14

    The chorus closely adapts the angels’ proclamation at Jesus’ birth concerning peace on earth and goodwill. Its Christmas setting confirms the intended connection to Luke’s nativity account.

  31. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (feat. Isaiah Templeton) — Elevation Worship & Isaiah Templeton (2023) Luke 2:14

    The recurring Latin refrain directly reproduces the opening of the angels’ proclamation to the shepherds at Jesus’ birth.

  32. CHRISTmas — JVKE, Forrest Frank (2025) Luke 2:14

    The song references the phrase 'glory to the newborn King,' which directly quotes a line from the angels' proclamation in Luke 2:14, celebrating the birth of Jesus.

  33. O Come All Ye Faithful — 7 Hills Worship & Hailey Storer (2024) Luke 2:14

    The angels' proclamation of glory to God in the highest closely reproduces the opening declaration of the heavenly host in this verse.

  34. Angels We Have Heard On High — 7 Hills Worship & Kaelob Mecum (2024) Luke 2:14

    The Latin chorus directly reproduces the opening of the angels’ praise in the traditional Latin rendering of this verse.

  35. O Come Let Us Adore Him — Victory (2025) Luke 2:14

    The phrase 'Glory to God, glory in the highest' echoes the angelic proclamation found in Luke 2:14, celebrating the birth of Christ and the glory of God.

  36. O Come All Ye Faithful — Carrie Underwood (2020) Luke 2:14

    The heavenly proclamation giving glory to God in the highest closely reproduces the angels’ praise at Jesus’ birth.

  37. Yuletide (When The Days Grow Colder) — CCV Music (2023) Luke 2:14

    The Christmas blessing of peace and goodwill closely echoes the angels' proclamation at Jesus' birth, especially its traditional English wording.

  38. Here Comes Santa Claus — Doris Day (2023) Luke 2:14

    The promise of worldwide peace at Christmas adapts the angels’ proclamation of peace at Jesus’ birth. The song applies that Nativity announcement as a hope for universal harmony.

  39. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Medley / Remastered 2006 — Bing Crosby (2024) Luke 2:14

    The angels’ declaration closely follows the traditional English wording of their proclamation to the shepherds concerning divine glory, earthly peace, and goodwill.

  40. Come Thou Long Expected Jesus — John Van Deusen (2022) Luke 2:25

    The description of Jesus as Israel’s consolation recalls Simeon waiting for Israel’s consolation and recognizing its fulfillment in the infant Messiah.

  41. Full Grown Man — Josh Baldwin (2025) Luke 2:41-52

    The song retells the twelve-year-old Jesus remaining at the temple, engaging its teachers, while Mary anxiously searches for him for three days.

  42. My Father's Business — Pat Barrett (2025) Luke 2:49

    The song adapts Jesus’ statement in the temple that he must attend to his Father’s business, applying that vocation collectively to worshipers seeking purified motives.

Luke 2 (King James Version)

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 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:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 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.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 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.

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.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 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.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23 (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.