The Significant Birth
The Birth of Jesus
The narrative of the birth of Jesus is a story of humble beginnings, yet soaring in its eternal significance, transcending both religion and time. It includes miraculous events and the fulfillment of many ancient prophecies. Jesus’ birth account is found primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke of the New Testament.
1. Angel appears to Mary
God chose Mary to be the earthly mother of Jesus, and he sent an angel to inform her. This event is described in Luke 1:26-38. The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, a virgin engaged to be married to Joseph. The angel told her she would conceive and bear a son, whom she should name Jesus. The angel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be called holy – the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). Mary, though initially perplexed, responded with faith and obedience, “I am the Lord’s servant, may it happen to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).
Have you ever wondered why God chose Mary? For a glimpse into Mary’s character, click here
2. Angel appears to Joseph
Joseph who was engaged to Mary, learnt that she was pregnant before they came together. And being a just man he decided to send her away quietly rather than subject her to public disgrace. However, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, as described in Matthew 1:20-24. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21). On waking up, Joseph obeyed the command of the angel and took Mary as his wife. And he knew her not, till the birth of Jesus.
Why do you think God chose Joseph? For a glimpse into Joseph’s character, click here.
3. Humble Birth in Bethlehem
The birth of Jesus is narrated in Luke 2:1-7. Due to a census decreed by Caesar Augustus (the Roman emperor at that time), Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to register in Joseph’s ancestral town of Bethlehem. While there, it became time for Mary to have the baby. There was no room anywhere except in a manger with some animals. Mary gave birth to Jesus, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in the manger because there was no place for them in the inn.
God’s choice for the circumstances of Jesus’ birth – in a humble manger, to an ordinary family – serve as the perfect example of humility and simplicity, which are central to Jesus’ teachings.
4. Birth Announcement to Shepherds
A group of shepherds who were watching their flock in fields near Bethlehem were the first to receive the announcement of Jesus’ birth. Luke 2:8-20 describes this incident. The angel who appeared before them announced the birth of Jesus, saying, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). The shepherds rejoiced at this good news and immediately went to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus lying in a manger. After seeing them, they spread the word about what they had been told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed. The shepherds then returned, glorifying and praising God.
Why do you think the shepherds were the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth? Shepherds embody simplicity and along with that simple, straightforward faith. They received the message of the birth with joy and were quick to share this good news with others. They did not over-complicate the situation and did exactly what God wanted them to. Maybe God was also trying to show us that he came for all people, which includes the ones considered lowly.
5. The Visit of the Wise Men
Few wise men from the east had followed a star and come to Jerusalem, seeking the “King of the Jews”. The visit of the wise men (Magi) is recounted in Matthew 2:1-12. The star that they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem and stopped over the place where Jesus was. There the wise men found Jesus with Mary and Joseph. They bowed down and worshipped him and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The story of the wise men following the star holds a subtle message. It illustrates how God communicates to us in ways that resonate with our understanding. These wise men, renowned as astrologers who dedicated their lives to the study of celestial bodies, recognized the uniqueness of this particular star. It’s distinctiveness was so compelling that they had to follow it. And it led them to Jesus.
6. Old Testament Prophesies Fulfilled
The birth of Jesus saw the realization of numerous prophecies from the Old Testament. Highlighted below are two of them:
a. Virgin Birth
Isaiah 7:14 prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
This was seen fulfilled through the miraculous birth of Jesus through the Virgin Mary. Accounts found in Matthew 1:18-25 & Luke 1:26-35.
b. Born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 prophesied, “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.”
This deems Bethlehem to be an honorable place because a ruler of Israel of ancient origins would be born here. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is seen as a fulfillment of this prophecy. This is recorded in Matthew 2:1 and Luke 2:4-6.
7. An Event of Eternal Significance
The birth of Jesus Christ marked not just the fulfillment of ancient prophecies but the unfolding of God’s profound love for humanity. This singular event, maybe considered as the very embodiment of the scripture John 3:16. ‘For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.’ In this promise, the birth of Jesus becomes more than a historical event; it becomes a beacon of hope, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe.
