Where In The Bible Is The Birth Of Jesus?

What Is the Full Story of Jesus’ Birth?

″Do not be alarmed, because behold, I bring you excellent news of great pleasure that will be shared by the entire population,″ the angel assured them.
Because on this day in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you, and his name is Christ the Lord.
You will discover a baby lying in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes.″ They hurriedly arrived and discovered Mary and Joseph, as well as the infant laying in a manger (Luke 2:10-11,16).

The Story of Jesus’ Birth

The Nativity is the account of Jesus’ birth, in which angels appear to shepherds keeping an eye on their flocks and direct them to the side of the newborn King Jesus, who is reclining in a feeding trough, as he was born.
Upon hearing the shepherds’ report, young Mary (who is still a virgin) and Joseph, her betrothed, are taken aback.
″Mary kept all of these thoughts in her heart, thinking them over and again″ (Luke 2:19).
Despite the fact that the incident is described in only a few words, the whole tale spans decades and has all of the elements that one would expect from a compelling story.

1. Prologue – Birth of Jesus Prophecy

According to God’s instructions to Moses, ″I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites″ (Deuteronomy 18:18).
According to another prophesy, David will be succeeded by his descendants, who will be his own flesh and blood.
″I will establish his dominion,″ says the Lord of hosts.
″I will establish his throne as the ruler of his realm for all time″ (2 Samuel 7:12-13).
The ″he″ in this sentence refers to Jesus, who was depicted hundreds of years before the account of his birth.
As a result of such assurances, the original audience would have been left wondering, ″What does the Lord mean by that?″ God prophesied the arrival of a Savior who would save Israel from their oppressors..

According to the book of Isaiah, the virgin will conceive and carry a son, whom she will name Immanuel, and he will be born to her in the year of his birth (Isaiah 7:14).
″For unto us a Child is born, and unto us a Son is given,″ according to Isaiah 9:6.
Israel was around 700 years distant from the birth of Christ at the time of his birth.
This prologue delivers a gleam of optimism and excitement for what is to come.

2. Introduction – the Angel and Mary

Jump ahead to the time when Rome controlled Palestine.
An angel appeared to Mary and informed her that she had been selected by the Lord to carry and give birth to his Son, Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
″And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, whose name will be Jesus,″ the prophet says.
He will be magnificent, and he will be referred to as the Son of the Most High.
He will inherit the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the family of Jacob for all time, and there will be no limit to the extent of his kingdom″ (Luke 1:32-33).
A vision of Jesus’ conception was given by an angel, who revealed how it would occur: ″The Holy Spirit will fall upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.″ (See also Luke 1:35) As soon as Mary decided to be Jesus’ mother, the world’s Savior would be born, which would be just nine months later.

3. Rising Action – Elizabeth

The period between conception and birth, during which Mary remains with Elizabeth, is separated by a few lines.
The plot also includes Elizabeth (Mary’s cousin), who becomes pregnant despite the fact that ″Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years,″ according to the novel.
″Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John,″ an angel had told Zechariah when he visited him in the temple.
Many of the children of Israel will convert to the Lord their God, thanks to his efforts″ (Luke 1:13,16).
The prophet Isaiah foretold about John, the one who will cry out ″in the desert, prepare a way for the Lord,″ according to Isaiah 40:3.
If this were a work of fiction, one could argue that God was preparing his readers for a sequel by foreshadowing the ministry of Jesus.

However, this is not a work of fiction.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth, along with Mary and Joseph, became one of the few people who realized that the Lord was about to bring his salvific plan to fruition.
As soon as Elizabeth delivered birth, ″her neighbors and relatives learned that the Lord had granted her tremendous kindness, and they joined together in her joy.″ (See Luke 1:58.) With the escalation of the action, feelings of joy and optimism grow.
Zechariah’s mouth was opened at his circumcision, when he was given the name John.

″All of their neighbors were filled with dread.And all of these things were discussed throughout Judea’s hill country, and everyone who heard them buried them deep within themselves, wondering, ‘What will this child become?’ As a result, the hand of the Lord was upon him″ (Luke 1:65-66).The reader’s enthusiasm builds, and the tale progresses in its progression.

The Characterization of God

Readers are compelled to continue reading till the end of the novel because of their ties with the protagonists.
A hero of his own tale, God appeals to the reader by the reader’s recognition of God’s strength, the manner in which he keeps his promises, and his love.
In this novel, readers experience Jesus through the eyes of Mary, Elizabeth, and even the angels, prompting the reader to come to expect and anticipate the same things that Israel had yearned for throughout history: a deliverer from their adversaries.
Although time had blunted the sharpness of hope, God’s character had been established, and thus hope might begin to rise once more.
Is it possible that Mary’s kid is the one?
The reader gradually begins to think that, certainly, Mary is going to give birth to Immanuel, as described in the Bible.

A priest by profession, Zechariah had forgotten God’s nature despite his calling as a priest.
″How will I know this?″ Zechariah inquired of the angel in some versions, although other translations state that he inquired of the angel, ″How can I be sure″ or ″How can you prove this?″ (See Luke 1:18 for further information.) In order to suppress his doubts, Joseph is struck dumb and deaf, a consequence that contrasts with the faith of Mary and Elizabeth.
The Savior is on his way, and the reader is ecstatic to finally meet him.

4. Climax – Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem

Following the arduous journey from Nazareth, Mary and Joseph made their way to Bethlehem in order to be tallied as part of the Roman census.
Due to the high number of visitors in the town, the ″kataluma,″ also known as a ″inn,″ which Strong’s concordance characterizes as a lodging establishment, probably a guest room in a private residence, was completely booked.
In other words, Mary most likely gave birth in a home rather than a barn outdoors, and the manger was not outside.
Considering that animals were brought inside to be protected, it is extremely likely that a manger was kept in the house rather than a stable, according to the historian.
The shepherds then arrived and informed Mary and Joseph of everything the angels had revealed to them, and Mary ″kept all of these things in her heart as a treasure,″ contemplating them in her mind.
The shepherds returned to their sheep ″glorifying and worshipping God,″ according to the report (Luke 2:18,19).

The long-awaited Savior had finally arrived on the scene.
Take advantage of a FREE 25 Days to a Joyful Christmas Prayer Guide to celebrate the birth of Christ!

Symbolism in the Story of Jesus’ Birth

Unless Luke reported the events in the wrong sequence, Jesus had not even been circumcised when the shepherds arrived at the ″inn″ when they arrived.
Given Luke’s stated goal to present a ″orderly narrative″ of events, this appears to be implausible (Luke 1:3).
Is it relevant that Mary is regarded as filthy by the laws of the land?
She is not permitted to touch anything sacred or enter the sanctuary until the days of her purification have been finished, according to Leviticus 4:4.
They weren’t holy, Mary was not entering a hallowed space, and there is no mention of embracing or clasping hands with these guys in the Bible.
The shepherds, on the other hand, are symbolic characters.

Symbolism allows a writer to convey complex meaning with a minimum number of words.
Here are three ways in which the shepherds link Christ to the rest of the Bible from the time of his conception: 1.
Jesus is referred to as both a shepherd and a lamb in several places in the Bible (Mark 14:27; John 1:36).
God is also referred to as a shepherd in the Bible (Psalm 28:9).

The Psalms are replete with imagery of shepherds and their flocks (Psalm 80:1,95:7,79:13).Two, some of the most deplorable members of Jewish society were among those who were among the first to learn of the birth of their King.When Jesus arrived on the scene, he came to seek and redeem sinners, and he spent most of his time with the outcasts and disadvantaged people.3.Because of their function as shepherds, these men were considered culturally unclean, despite the fact that their employment might be filthy at times.″Shepherds were out in the fields among a herd of stinky, not-so-bright sheep,″ the author writes.

When God invited filthy people to an unclean scene, to the side of his pure and flawless Son’s manger, he was already attacking legalism and hypocrisy.
Jesus, who came to redeem those who were polluted and damaged, would purify everyone’s hearts and minds.
″Jesus’ blood purifies us from all sin,″ says the Bible (1 John 1:7).
In this way, the Nativity tale is linked together with the complete story of Jesus, and so with the entire Bible.
They provide foreshadowing of future events, serve to remind the reader of Old Testament promises, and aid in our understanding of the Messiah.

5. Denouement

There isn’t much more information available regarding Jesus’ life before his public ministry began.
The family was visited by the Magi, and they were able to flee from the terrible wrath of King Herod.
It would not be long before the action resumed as Jesus started to teach the future Kingdom, culminating in the crucifixion of Jesus and the heroic triumph of sin, Satan, and death, which would bring God’s full and true tale to a close.
iStock/Getty Images Plus/udra courtesy of the photographer Candice Lucey is a freelance writer based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where she lives with her husband and two children.
You may learn more about her by visiting her website.

Where Was Jesus Born?

The birthplace and hometown of Jesus Megan Sauter is a model and actress.
109594 views and 46 comments on June 26, 2021.
What city was the site of Jesus’ birth?
Bethlehem is the location where Jesus was born according to the Bible.
The Italian artist Giotto painted this picture in the Arena (Scrovegni) Chapel in Padua, depicting Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the Bethlehem stable.
It is one of his best-known works.

All of the wise men, as well as their caravan and angels, had gathered around the young child.
Haley’s comet is streaking through the sky over the stable, illuminating the scene.
The comet known as Haley’s was discovered in 1301, three years before Giotto painted this image.
The Nativity narrative is retold in churches and homes all across the world as the Christmas season approaches each year.

Passages from Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2, the Gospels’ infancy narratives, are recited and sung at Christmas pageants, and they are even played out in live performances.What city was the site of Jesus’ birth?In the Bible, the answer appears to be straightforward: Bethlehem is the location.Both Matthew 2 and Luke 2 indicate that Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem in the Judean region of Israel.However, Biblical scholarship has recently called into question the identification of Bethlehem as Jesus’ birthplace, asking why he is referred to as a Nazorean and a Galilean throughout the New Testament, and why Bethlehem is not mentioned as Jesus’ birthplace outside of the infancy narratives in the Gospels.Some have speculated that Jesus was actually born in Nazareth as a result of this.

In his Biblical Views column ″Jesus’ Birthplace and Jesus’ Home,″ published in the November/December 2014 edition of BAR, Philip J.
King explores the topic of where Jesus was born in his Biblical Views column.
He examines in detail what the Bible says regarding the cities of Bethlehem, generally known as Jesus’ birthplace, and Nazareth, traditionally known as Jesus’ home.
You might be interested in knowing more about Jesus’ birth.
More information on the history of Christmas and the date of Jesus’ birth may be found in the free eBook The First Christmas: The Story of Jesus’ Birth in History and Tradition, which can be downloaded here.
In contrast to Bethlehem in Judea, which was revered in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament as the birthplace of King David and the birthplace of the future messiah, the small Galilean village of Nazareth was far less well-known, receiving no mention in the Hebrew Bible, the Talmud, or the writings of Josephus, despite its historical significance.

According to King, ″Nazareth’s significance stems wholly from its connection to the life and teachings of Jesus.″ Clearly, there is a contrast between Bethlehem, which is the birthplace of King David, and Nazareth, which is a modest farming community.
Despite this, both locations were essential in Jesus’ life.
So, if Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as the Gospels of Matthew and Luke indicate, why was he referred to as a Nazorean in the first place?
Read the complete essay ″Jesus’ Birthplace and Jesus’ Home″ in the November/December 2014 issue of BAR to find out what Philip J.
King believes about the Biblical towns of Bethlehem and Nazareth, as well as further facts about the Biblical towns of Bethlehem and Nazareth.

—————— Subscribers: For more information, please see the complete editorial by Philip J.
King in the November/December 2014 edition of Biblical Archaeology Review, titled ″Jesus’ Birthplace and Jesus’ Home.″ Are you a new subscriber?
Become a member today.
You might be interested in knowing more about Jesus’ birth.
More information on the history of Christmas and the date of Jesus’ birth may be found in the free eBook The First Christmas: The Story of Jesus’ Birth in History and Tradition, which can be downloaded here.

Where is the Christmas Story of Jesus’ birth in the Bible?

The events surrounding Jesus’ miraculous virgin birth, often known as the nativity tale or the Christmas story, are detailed in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, and are frequently referred to as the Christmas story (Matthew 1:18-23, Luke 1:26-56, 2:1-38).
Although just a few brief lines are dedicated to Jesus’ birth, the event itself is clearly detailed in the Bible: ″but he preserved her virginity until the time of her giving birth to a Son, whom he named Jesus″ (Matthew 1:25).
″While they were there, the days for her to give birth had been fulfilled.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son, whom she wrapped in cloths and put in a manger because there was no space for them in the inn,″ the Bible says (Luke 2:6-7).
After describing the birth, Luke 2:8-20 goes on to narrate additional occurrences that took place the same night as the birth (specifically, the angels appearing to the shepherds who then go to see the baby and tell the community).
The remaining verses in either Matthew or Luke describe significant events that occurred either before to or shortly after Christ’s birth, but which did not take place on the same day of Christ’s birth.

These occurrences, on the other hand, served to emphasize the prophetic and miraculous importance of the birth.

Matthew’s account and the night of Jesus’ birth

While Matthew pays close attention to the virgin birth of Jesus and emphasizes the significance of the event, he does not really recount the night of Jesus’ birth in detail.After providing a genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17), Matthew begins his narrative with a detailed account of important events leading up to the birth of Jesus, with only a passing reference to the birth itself: ″After providing a genealogy of Jesus, Matthew begins his narrative with a detailed account of important events leading up to the birth of Jesus, with only an almost passing reference to the birth itself: ″Now, the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ were as follows: after His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, she was discovered to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit before they were to be married.And Joseph, her husband, being a pious man who did not want to bring her into disgrace, devised a hidden plot to send her away.Once he had contemplated this, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream, saying, ″Joseph, son of David, do not be frightened to take Mary as your wife, because the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.″ ‘She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will rescue His people from their sins,’ says the prophet.

All of this transpired in order to fulfill the prophecy of the Lord via the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and have a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which means ‘God with us,’ in English.And Joseph awakened from his slumber and followed the instructions of the angel of the Lord, taking Mary as his wife while keeping her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son, whom he named Jesus″ (Matthew 1:18-25).The emphasis in this passage is on the angelic message, the Old Testament prophesy, and the events that occurred in the days leading up to Jesus’ birth.

Although the actual event of the birth is described, it is mainly to demonstrate that Mary was still a virgin at the time and that Joseph obediently called the son ″Jesus.″ In the following paragraph, Matthew continues his tale by saying: ″Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea…″ (Matthew 2:16; Luke 2:16) As a result, Matthew 2 describes the well-known narrative of the magi who followed the star to Bethlehem to offer gifts and adore the newborn king, followed by Herod’s subsequent fury and killing of the innocent children of Bethlehem.Matthew 2 is a must-read for any Christian.A detailed examination of this material, on the other hand, reveals that it did not take place on the same night of Jesus’ birth, and Matthew is not asserting that it did (See our article: Were the Magi at the Manger).However, while Matthew places great emphasis on Christ’s virgin birth, he does so by highlighting the prophesies, angelic witness, heavenly signs, and diabolical resistance that occurred during the broad time period of his birth rather than by depicting the scene in which the baby was born.As a result, what we now refer to as the ″Christmas tale″ did not take place on a single day, but rather over a period of several months to several years.

While not a cohesive story, it does revolve on the miraculous and prophesied birth of the divine Messiah.

A biblical chronology of the Christmas story

With references to where they may be found in the gospel narratives, the following outline lays out the biblical order of events in the following manner: In Luke 1:26-35, an angel appears to Mary, announcing that she, a virgin, would give birth to the Son of God. The miraculous virginal conception takes place as a result of this appearance. John 1:14
Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, where the unborn John the Baptist leaps in his mother’s womb in recognition of the unborn Jesus (Luke 1:13, 1:36-41)
Mary’s song of praise and thanksgiving (Luke 1:46-55)
Mary stays with Elizabeth for three months before returning home (Luke 1:56)
and Mary is discovered to be pregnant (Luke 1:57). Joseph, her fiancée, intends to gently terminate their engagement, but an angel informs him of the miraculous, virginal conception that has taken place in accordance of prophecy, and that the child would redeem the Jewish people. Joseph is instructed to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:18-24)
As a result of a Roman census, Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-5)
Jesus is born to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem (Luke 2:6-7, Matthew 1:25)
Angels appear to a group of shepherds nearby and announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:8-14)
The shepherds return to their flocks, rejoicing (Luke 2:15-20
According to Luke 2:25-35, a man called Simeon, upon whom the Holy Spirit was resting, prophesied that the newborn Jesus is the Messiah.
Luke 2:36-38 describes Jesus as the ″redemption of Jerusalem,″ as identified by an aged prophetess called Anna.
Some time later, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem in search of the one who had been born king of the Jews, claiming to have seen ″His star″ (Matthew 2:1-3)
they were unsuccessful in their search.
Herod gathers a group of priests and scholars to determine the location of the Messiah’s birth (Matthew 2:4-6)
Herod meets with the magi and asks them when the star first appeared, instructing them to report back to him when they locate the child (Matthew 2:7-8)
Herod meets with the shepherds and asks them where the Messiah was to be born (Matthew 2:9)
Herod meets with the wise men and instructs them to report back to him
It is after Jesus’ birth that the magi travel to Bethlehem, where they follow the star until it appears over a home where the kid is (note: Joseph and Mary are now in a house, as it is after Jesus’ birth). Herod attempts to kill the child by ordering the execution of every male child in or around Bethlehem who is two years old or younger (Matthew 2:16-18)
a dream warns the magi not to return to Herod and so they take a different route (Matthew 2:12)
an angel warns Joseph of Herod’s wicked plans and he flees to Egypt with his wife and young child (Matthew 2:13-15)
a dream warns the magi not to return

The Birth of Jesus

Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2

An Angel Visits Mary

The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and said, ″Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.″ (TNIV)

A young Jewish woman named Mary was approached by an angel named Gabriel one day some 2,000 years ago.The angel was named Gabriel.The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of a boy named Jesus, who would be the Son of God!Even though Mary was befuddled and concerned by the unexpected news, she maintained her confidence in God and answered, ″I am the Lord’s servant; let it be as you say.″

Journey to Bethlehem

Mary and her future husband, Joseph, resided in a town named Nazareth around the time of Jesus’ birth.However, they were had to travel to Bethlehem in order to register for a census that had been ordered by the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus.Both Nazareth and Bethlehem are located inside the borders of what is now known as Israel.The distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem is approximately 65 miles (105 kilometers), and the journey probably took them many days.In Bethlehem, when Joseph and Mary arrived, there was no place for them to stay because the inn had already been fully booked.

As a result, they ended up spending the night in a stable, which was used to house animals.It’s likely that there was fresh hay on the floor, which they utilized for bedding.Jesus was born on the night in Bethlehem.

Because there was no cot available, they placed the newborn Jesus in a manger, which was a food dish for animals.The manger was most likely filled with fresh hay, and it served as a comfortable bed for the newborn.

Shepherds Visit Jesus

Jesus was born in a stable and laid to sleep in a manger. The shepherds came to see firsthand the things the angel had told them.

Some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem on that particular night, keeping an eye on their flocks of sheep.They were visited by an angel who brought them the joyful news that a Savior, the Messiah, had been born to them.The shepherds were instructed by an angel that they would be able to discover Jesus laying in a manger.At that moment, a swarm of angels arrived and exclaimed, ″Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among mankind!″ The shepherds hastened towards Bethlehem, where they discovered Jesus in the manger, exactly as the angel had said.As soon as they learned that Jesus had appeared to them, they spread the word, and everyone who heard the story was taken aback.

Wise Men Visit Jesus

Wise men from the East came to worship Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The birth of a new monarch was heralded by a star in the sky, which was seen by wise men or magi from eastern lands some centuries later.They traveled to Judea, which is the territory around Jerusalem and Bethlehem, to worship Jesus, the new king, as he was proclaimed.The king of Judea was a guy by the name of Herod.He summoned the wise men to a conference and instructed them to track out the new king so that he may pay his respects to him as well.The wise men proceeded on their journey to Bethlehem, where they followed the star until it was precisely above the home where Jesus was staying.

They discovered Mary and Jesus in the home and bowed their heads in reverence before Him.They presented Jesus with presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which were considered to be among the best things available in the ancient world.Frankincense was burned to provide a pleasant scent, while myrrh was used to manufacture luxury perfumes and cosmetics.

Following their encounter with Jesus, the wise men had a dream in which they were cautioned not to return to King Herod, prompting them to choose an alternate path home.

Journey to Egypt

When King Herod informed the three wise men that he desired to worship Jesus, he was lying.He was concerned that this new ″king″ would usurp his position as monarch of Judea.He didn’t realize that Jesus would grow up to be the king of God’s spiritual kingdom, rather than the ruler of Judea, as he thought.What Herod actually desired was to track down and kill Jesus!When Herod discovered that the three wise men had not returned to inform him where to find Jesus, he became enraged and demanded to know why.

He dispatched his men to Bethlehem with the orders to slaughter all infants under the age of two, believing that Jesus would almost likely be among those slaughtered.God, on the other hand, had warned Joseph in a dream that he should escape to Egypt.As a result of Joseph’s actions, Mary and Jesus were sent to Egypt, where they would be protected from Herod.

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus remained in Egypt until Herod was assassinated, after which they returned to their hometown of Nazareth.

Question

Is it true that Jesus was born on Christmas Day?The holiday of Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, yet no one is certain of the precise day of his birth, or even the year of his birth.In 336 A.D., the Western Church, which was located in Rome, chose December 25 as the day to celebrate Christmas, which literally translates as ″Christ’s Mass.″ The Eastern Church picked the sixth of January.The day was given the name Epiphany, which literally translates as ″appearance.″ The time between December 25 and January 6 became known as the ″Twelve Days of Christmas″ as a result of this.

Lessons

The legends of Jesus’ birth serve as a connection between the past and the present.Considering the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth, it seems clear that He fulfilled the Old Testament predictions of a coming Messiah (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23).He was born in the city of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:5-6).He had been summoned out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15).When Jesus was born, it was in a stable, which was the most basic of settings.

In a similar vein, Jesus demonstrated how God’s favor is reserved for the impoverished and disadvantaged.The three wise men from the Gentile world came to adore Jesus.Gentiles would eventually make up the majority of the Christian world in the future.

Herod’s effort to assassinate Jesus foreshadows Jesus’ crucifixion, which takes place around 33 years later.

The Ultimate Collection of Bible Verses to Celebrate Christmas

Are you seeking for Scriptures to read on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day?It’s possible that you’re putting together a Christmas family devotional, or that you’re simply seeking for Bible passages to include in your Christmas cards.Various themes and events surrounding the Christmas narrative and the birth of Jesus are represented in this collection of Christmas Bible passages, which has been organized into categories.If the distractions of Christmas, such as presents, wrapping paper, mistletoe, and Santa Claus, are keeping you from the genuine meaning of the season, spend a few minutes to dwell on these Christmas Bible passages and make Christ the center focus of your holiday celebrations this year.

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah

Matthew 1:18-25 (New International Version) This was the manner in which Jesus the Messiah was born.His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph at the time of his birth.However, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit before to the wedding, while she was still a virgin, and she gave birth to the child before the wedding.Joseph, with whom she was engaged, was a virtuous guy who did not want to bring her into disgrace in front of others, so he opted to end the engagement in private.As he pondered this, a vision of an angel of the Lord occurred to him in his sleep.

This is a message from the angel to Joseph, son of David: ″Do not be frightened to accept Mary as your wife,″ the angel said.Because the Holy Spirit was responsible for the conception of the child within her.In addition, she will give birth to a son, whom you are to name Jesus, because he will rescue his people from their sins.″ All of this transpired in order to bring the Lord’s word via his prophet to completion: ″Behold!

The virgin will become the mother of a kid!″She will give birth to a boy, whom they will name Immanuel, which is a Hebrew word that means ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph regained consciousness, he followed the instructions of the angel of the Lord and married Mary.However, he did not have sexual contact with her until after the birth of her son.And Joseph gave him the name Jesus.(NLT) Luke 2:14 – 14 : In ancient days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree ordering a census of the whole Roman world, which was carried out in three phases.

(This was the first census conducted during Quirinius’ tenure as ruler of Syria.) And then everyone traveled to their own towns to register.
For this reason, Joseph also travelled from the town of Nazareth in Galilee all the way up into Judea to Bethlehem, the city of David, since he was descended from the house and line of David.
He went to the church to register with Mary, who had agreed to marry him and was expecting a child with him at the time.
Meanwhile, the baby’s due date approached, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son, while they were in the hospital.
She wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger since there was no room for them at the inn.
She was pregnant at the time.

In addition, there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping an eye on their flocks throughout the nighttime hours.
They were startled when an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord blazed around them as he appeared to them.
However, the angel stated to them, ″Do not be intimidated.
I have fantastic news to share with you that will bring enormous delight to the entire world.
Christ the Lord has been born to you today in the town of David; he is your Savior and your Lord.

If you look in the manger, you will see a baby wrapped in clothes and lying there.This will serve as a sign for you.″ In a flash, the angel was accompanied by a large number of members of the celestial army, who praised God and said, ″Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to mankind upon whom his favor is bestowed.″ (NIV84)

The Visit of the Shepherds

Luke 2:15-20 (KJV) The shepherds spoke among themselves after the angels had departed for heaven and informed them of what had occurred: ″Let us journey over to Bethlehem and witness what has happened, which the Lord has informed us about.″ And they hurriedly arrived, where they discovered Mary and Joseph, as well as the infant lying in a manger.And when they saw it, they immediately shared the statement that had been shared with them about this particular kid.And everyone who heard it was taken aback by what the shepherds had told them.Mary, on the other hand, treasured all of these things and pondered them in her heart.And the shepherds returned, celebrating and thanking God for everything they had heard and seen, just as it had been described to them beforehand.

(ESV)

The Visit of the Magi (Wise Men)

Matthew 2:12 – 12:12 When Herod reigned over Judea, Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem.Following the birth of Jesus, three wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem.When they inquired, ″Where has the one who was born to be King of the Jews gone?″ ″We have come to adore him because we have seen his star rising.″ When King Herod and the entire city of Jerusalem learned about this, they got alarmed.He gathered all of the leading priests and scribes in one place, and he attempted to learn from them where the Messiah was said to have been born.″In Bethlehem, in the territory of Judea,″ they informed him.

This is what the prophet said regarding Bethlehem in the country of Judah: ″Bethlehem in the land of Judah, you are by no means last among the leaders of Judah.″ You will be the source of a leader.″He will be the shepherd of my people Israel,″ I declare.He then surreptitiously contacted the wise men in order to learn the precise time the star had first emerged in their sky.

″Go and seek carefully for the infant,″ he said as he dispatched them to Bethlehem.As soon as you have located him, please report back to me so that I may also go and adore him.″ After hearing the king’s speech, they set out on their journey.The star they had seen rising guided them till it came to a rest above the location where the youngster had been found.They were overcome with excitement at seeing the star.When they arrived at the residence, they were greeted by the youngster and his mother, Mary.

As a result, they bent their heads and worshipped him.
Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which he gratefully accepted.
God appeared to them in a dream and cautioned them not to return to Herod.
As a result, they took a different route back to their homeland.
(GW)

Peace on Earth

Luke 2:14 is a passage from the Bible that explains how God created the world. In the highest, all honor and glory to God, and on earth, peace and good will toward mankind.

Immanuel

Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) As a result, the Lord himself will provide you with a sign: see, a virgin will conceive and have a son, whom she will name Immanuel, which means ″God with us.″

The Gift of Eternal Life

1 John 5:11 (New International Version) As a result, God has given us eternal life, which is found in his Son, as evidenced by the following: Paul writes in Romans 6:23 that Because the price of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.John 3:16 is a biblical passage that teaches that God is love.In fact, God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that whomever believes in him will not perish but but have eternal life with him.Titus 3:4–7 (New International Version) In contrast, when the kindness and love of God, our Savior toward man appeared, He saved us not by the works of righteousness that we had done, but by His mercy, which He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that we might be declared righteous in His sight and inherit eternal life.10:27-28 (John 10:27-28) It is my voice that attracts the attention of my sheep; I recognize them and they follow me.

They will never expire because I have given them eternal life.No one will ever be able to take them away from me.

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

Isaiah 40:1-11 is a passage from the Old Testament.My people, please be comforted, please be comforted, says your God.Comfortably address Jerusalem, and tell her that the battle has been won, and that her sins have been expiated: for she has received from the LORD’s hand twice as much as she deserved for all her transgressions.The voice of the one who cries out in the desert is: Prepare the way of the LORD, and provide a straight path through the desert for our God to travel.It is planned that every valley will be raised, and every mountain and hill will be brought low; and that the crooked will be made straight, and the rough regions will be made plain: And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all flesh will behold it together, for the LORD has declared it via his lips.

The voice commanded, ″Cry,″ and I did.And he wondered aloud, ″What am I going to cry?″ It is said that all flesh is grass, and all of its goodness is as beautiful as a field flower: Because the spirit of the LORD blows upon it, the grass withers and the blossom fades; and the people, like grass, are destined to perish.The grass withers, and the flower fades, but the word of our God will stay forever and be remembered forever.

Prepare to ascend into the high mountain; prepare to ascend into the high mountain, O Jerusalem, that brings good news; lift up thy voice with power; hoist it up, and do not be frightened; proclaim to the towns of Judah, Behold your God!He will arrive with a mighty hand, and his arm will reign for him; see, his recompense is with him and the completion of his labor is before him.Shepherding his flock means gathering the lambs and carrying them in his bosom, as well as gently leading those who are pregnant or have young in their care.Luke 1:26-38 is a Bible verse that describes the life of Jesus Christ as a man who was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-38).God dispatched the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a hamlet in Galilee, where a virgin had promised herself to a man called Joseph, who happened to be a descendant of King David.

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel arrived and announced the birth of Jesus.
Mary was the name of the virgin.
The angel came up to her and told her, ″Greetings, you who have been favored greatly!
The Lord is with you at all times.″ Mary was deeply worried by his comments, and she wondered what sort of greeting he had intended for them.
She was astonished when the angel told her, ″Please do not be afraid, Mary, since you have won favor with the Lord.
You will be pregnant and will give birth to a son, whom you are to name Jesus, according to the scriptures.

He will be magnificent, and he will be referred to as the Son of the Most High.
In the future, the Lord God will restore him to the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the family of Jacob for all time; his dominion will never come to an end.″ ″How will this work,″ Mary inquired of the angel, ″seeing that I am a virgin?″ The angel responded by saying, ″The might of the Most High will descend upon you, and the presence of the Holy Spirit will surround you.
As a result, the holy one who is about to be born will be addressed as the Son of God.
Even Elizabeth, your relative, is expecting a kid in her old age, and she, who was previously believed to be infertile, is now in her sixth month of pregnancy.
Nothing is impossible with God, after all.″ ″I am a servant of the Lord,″ Mary said when asked who she was.

″I hope it comes to me as you have stated.″ Then the angel vanished without a trace.

Mary’s Song

Luke 1:46-55 (KJV) And Mary shared her thoughts: ″My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because he has taken note of the lowly situation of his servant.I thank you, Lord, for your kindness.From this day forward, all generations will refer to me as blessed, since the Mighty One has done great things for me—his name is sacred.Through the generations, his kindness has been extended to those who have feared him.It is with his arm that he has accomplished great exploits; it is with his arm that he has dispersed those who are haughty in their hearts.

He has deposed monarchs from their thrones, but he has also exalted the lowly and humble.He has provided nice things for the hungry, but he has sent the wealthy leave empty-handed.He has aided his servant Israel, keeping in mind that he would always be gracious to Abraham and his offspring, just as he promised to our forefathers.″

Zechariah’s Song

Luke 1:67-79 (NLT) When Zechariah’s father Zechariah was inspired with the Holy Spirit, he prophesied the following: ″Because he has arrived and saved his people from their sins, we give thanks to the Lord, God of Israel.His holy prophets of old spoke of the raising up of a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—salvation to show mercy to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he made to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him throughout our lives.My child, you will be known as a prophet of the Most High because you will go before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heavento shine on those who are living in darkness and under the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.″

Two Christmas stories: An analysis of New Testament narratives

Instead of just one Christmas story, the New Testament has two.Both Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2 include references to them.There are several things they share in common.However, there are significant distinctions amongst them in terms of characters, narrative, themes, and tone.Mary and Joseph are on their way from Nazareth to Bethlehem, according to the traditional account of the Christmas narrative.

At order to accommodate the lack of space in the inn, the infant Jesus is born in a barn and then put in a manger.Choirs of angels and shepherds gather to celebrate his humbling birth, during which he is lavished with presents from the enigmatic Three Kings.This version incorporates a great deal of information from both biblical stories.

It has been memorialized in Christmas carols and stable scenes, as well as in the liturgical cycle of readings that takes place during the Christmas season..My objective in writing this is not to critique the merging of the two Christmas tales, nor is it to question the historical accuracy of the events described in both.It is my intention, however, to demonstrate that by harmonizing the two tales, we may be overlooking details that were particularly significant for Matthew and Luke, respectively.Additionally, I believe that understanding each biblical story independently may offer up fresh views on the infant tales for those living in the present day and age.We, along with Marc Z.

Brettler and Peter Enns, explore how each of our three religious traditions—Jewish, Evangelical, and Roman Catholic—tries to bring together modern historical-critical readings of the Bible and contemporary religious faith and practice in our book The Bible and the Believer: How to Read the Bible Critically and Religiously.
Of course, there are significant distinctions between us.
Some ideas, however, are shared by us all, such as the need of interpreting biblical texts in their original historical contexts, the necessity of rigorous consideration of the literary qualities of each text, and respect for what appears to have been the original author’s objectives.
By applying these concepts to the two Christmas stories in the New Testament, we will be able to see their historical relevance, distinctive literary character, and theological treasures with more clarity and understanding.
Matthew’s Gospel was written in the late first century CE, possibly in the city of Antioch, Syria.
He was a Jewish Christian who wrote largely for fellow Jewish Christians, which was his primary audience.

The purpose of his presentation was to demonstrate that the tradition of historical Israel was best fulfilled in the community that grew up around the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
Now that the temple in Jerusalem had been demolished and Roman rule over Jews had been tightened even more, all Jews were forced to confront the question of how the legacy of Israel as God’s people would be preserved.
Matthew’s response consisted of emphasizing Jesus’ Jewishness as a central theme.
This context helps to explain why Matthew chose to tell his Christmas narrative in the manner that he did.
Starting with a genealogy that links Jesus to Abraham and David, he goes on to include numerous women of dubious character who, while noting the new thing God was doing in Jesus, still emphasize the new thing God was doing in Jesus.

Purpose

It is our goal to enhance each child’s belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ’s birth.

Preparation

Examine the following passages in prayerful reflection: Isaiah 7:14—Isaiah prophesies that a pure young woman will give birth to God’s son.
Matthew 1:18–23—Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled.
Isaiah 9:6—Isaiah prophesies that Jesus Christ will come as a baby
Jesus is described by several names.
Micah 5:2—Micah prophesies that Jesus will be born in Bethlehem.
Matthew 2:4
3 Nephi 1:4–21—On the night of Jesus’ birth, there was no darkness in America and a new star appeared in Israel.
Luke 1:26–31—A virgin named Mary will be the mother of Jesus Christ.
Alma 7:9–10—Alma prophesies that Jesus will be born to Mary.
Luke 2:4–7—Jesus is born.
Helaman 14:1–6—Samuel,

Study the lesson and determine how you want to present the scriptural narrative to the children (see ″Preparing Your Lessons,″ p. vi, and ″Teaching from the Scriptures,″ p. vii for further information). Choose the discussion questions and enrichment activities that will most effectively assist the pupils in achieving the lesson’s goal.
Materials required are as follows:

Each youngster will get a Bible and a copy of the Book of Mormon.
The graphic ″Prophets Predicted the Birth of Jesus Christ″ (included at the conclusion of the lesson).
Simple accessories for a Christmas nativity scene, such as scarves and a doll (see the attention activity for more information).
Photographs 6-49, Isaiah Predicts the Birth of Christ (Gospel Art Picture Kit 113
62339), and 6-50, The Birth of Jesus (Gospel Art Picture Kit 200
62116).

Suggested Lesson Development

A youngster should be invited to say the opening prayer.

Enrichment Activities

You may choose to utilize one or more of the following exercises at any point throughout the lesson, or as a review, summary, or challenge at the end.

Exhibit the graphic at the end of the lesson, which depicts the ancient prophets Isaiah, Micah, Nephi, Alma, and Samuel the Lamanite, as well as other historical figures. Take turns reading from the prophesies that prophesied the birth of Jesus Christ to the children.
Consider suggesting that the class members study the following passages in preparation for Christmas, either independently or with their families, to learn more about the birth of Jesus Christ: In Micah 5:2 and Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6–7, Alma 7:9–10, Helaman 14:1–6, and 1 Nephi 11:18–21, it is said that

It is possible for the children to jot down these references on a note card to take home, or you might produce a handout with the references for each kid.
List significant terms from predictions about Christ’s birth on the chalkboard (or display visuals showing these items) such as Bethlehem, star, Mary, and so on, and then discuss them. As you read or reenact the Christmas story from Luke 1:26–38 and Luke 2:1–19, instruct the youngsters to keep an eye out for these phrases. Describe to the children the emotions that Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds could have had as they took part in the fulfillment of the predictions of Christ’s birth.
Assistance in understanding and memorizing the ninth article of faith for the children Make a point during the discussion of how our lives are being transformed by the fulfillment of prophecy and revelation. Ask the children to mention some of the prophesies that are being fulfilled in their lives. Share your thoughts and feelings about being a member of a church that receives ongoing revelation and about being a witness to the fulfillment of prophesies in your lifetime.
Discuss how the Savior’s birth, life, and Atonement are the greatest blessings we can ever receive. Discussion topics include: We’re thinking about what we can contribute to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ during this beautiful time of year. Encourage the youngsters to share their love with others by posing a challenge to them. You might wish to use the following tale as an example of how a little child showed his father love by giving him a gift of his time. Rob was fifteen years old when he overheard his father saying to his mother, ″Mary, I hate calling Rob to milk the cows in the mornings.″ Rob overheard his father add, ″Rob, I hate calling Rob to milk the cows in the mornings.″ He’s growing so quickly, and he’s in desperate need of sleep. ″I wish I could get by on my own.″ Rob completely realized something for the first time after hearing these simple words: his father cherished him! The family was from a low-income background. Rob had purchased a low-cost tie for his father, but as he laid in bed the night before Christmas, he realized that it didn’t feel like enough. With increasing enthusiasm, he decided on a more appropriate present. He would wake up early in the morning and milk the cows before his father came to the farm. In anticipation of his father’s surprise, he giggled to himself in his room. He had never experienced anything like that before, and it went much more smoothly than he had anticipated. For once, milking did not feel like a chore. It was something else entirely—a present for his father, who cherished him. Rob returned to his bed only a few seconds before his father contacted him to tell him he had completed his duty. He was well aware that his father would walk to the barn ahead of him to get things started, and that he would return in a few minutes to find the two large cans of milk standing in the milkhouse, already filled. Rob waited for his return with his mouth agape. It felt like an age before Rob heard the door to his room open, heard his father laughing, a ″sobbing kind of laugh,″ and heard his father remark, ″Thought you’d trick me, did you?″ ″It’s for Christmas, Dad!″ says the child. He tracked down his father in the early morning darkness and wrapped his arms around him in a bear embrace. Rob’s heart was ″bursting with love,″ as the saying goes. ″I appreciate all you’ve done,″ his father remarked. ″No one has ever done a kinder thing than you.. ″It was the nicest Christmas gift I’ve ever received, and I’ll remember it every year on Christmas morning for the rest of my life, son.″ (This is an adaptation of Pearl S. Buck’s ″Christmas Day in the Morning,″ which appeared in Colliers on December 23, 1955, pp. 10–11.) Take along a CD of Handel’s ″For unto Us a Child Is Born″ from his Messiah, if at all feasible! Having listened to the music, you might want to have the youngsters make a comparison between what they heard in the song and the predictions of Isaiah.
Songs such as ″When He Comes Again″ (Children’s Songbook, p. 82), ″Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus″ (Children’s Songbook, p. 36), and ″Away in a Manger″ (Children’s Songbook, p. 42) are appropriate.

Conclusion

Why is Christmas on Dec. 25? (It wasn’t always.)

There are a variety of various narratives as to how and when the date of December 25 came to be regarded as Jesus’ birthday as a consequence.According to most sources, the birth was initially considered to have occurred on January 6, approximately 200 A.D., when the Roman calendar was in use.Why?Although no one knows for certain, religionfacts.com speculates that it may have been the consequence of ″a computation based on an anticipated date of crucifixion of April 6 combined with the ancient idea that prophets died on the same day as their conception,″ among other factors.During the middle of the fourth century, the birthday celebration had been changed to the 25th of December.

Who was the one who made the decision?Some reports state that it was the Pope, while others state that it was not.When Sir James George Frazer wrote ″The Golden Bough,″ a highly influential 19th century comparative study of religion and mythology written by the anthropologist Sir James George Frazer and first published in 1890, he laid out one of the most popular theories about why Christmas is celebrated on December 25.

It was published in two editions: the first was titled ″The Golden Bough: A Study in Comparative Religion,″ and the second was titled ″The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion.″ (There are abbreviated one-volume editions of the book available.) It was published in 12 volumes by the third printing, which took place in the early twentieth century.Frazer addressed the subject of religion from a cultural — rather than a theological — standpoint, and he connected the celebration of Christmas to ancient pagan rites in his work.According to the 1922 edition of ″The Golden Bough,″ which was available on Bartleby.com, the roots of Christmas may be traced back to the following: An illuminating legacy of the protracted fight is preserved in our celebration of Christmas, which the Church appears to have directly appropriated from its pagan adversary.Observers of the Julian calendar observed the winter solstice on December 25th, which was celebrated as the Nativity of the Sun, since the days begin to lengthen and the strength of the sun begins to rise from that point in the year’s cycle.The nativity ceremony, as it appears to have been conducted in Syria and Egypt, was a spectacular spectacle to witness.

The celebrants withdrew into certain inner sanctuaries, from which they emerged at midnight with a resounding cry: ″The Virgin has given birth!
″The light is becoming brighter!″ The Egyptians even symbolized the new-born sun in the form of a newborn, which they brought forth and displayed to his followers on his birthday, the winter solstice, to commemorate his arrival.
No doubt the Virgin who conceived and gave birth to a son on December 25th was the great Oriental