Writing to friends and family at this time of year is a tradition worth keeping; but as well as a great way to keep in touch and fill loved ones in with what has been going on in your life over the previous year, why not provide some spiritual encouragement? Whether to your Christian friends, or those who don't believe, why not add a Bible verse to your Christmas card this year?

Here are seven great verses that you could include in your Christmas message this year:

Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Zechariah 9:9 "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Luke 2:13 "And suddenly there was the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest."