The Nativity Story

 

The story of the birth of Jesus Christ, known as the Christmas story, is recounted in the New Testament Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This narrative has profoundly shaped Christian theology and tradition. The following account synthesizes these Gospel narratives, providing a cohesive story of the birth of Jesus.

The Annunciation to Mary (Luke 1:26-38)

The story begins with the Angel Gabriel being sent by God to a town in Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. Gabriel greeted Mary, telling her that she was highly favored and that the Lord was with her. Mary was troubled by this greeting. Gabriel assured her not to be afraid, as she had found favor with God. He announced that she would conceive and bear a son and name him Jesus. This child would be great and called the Son of the Most High. Mary, perplexed, asked how this could be since she was a virgin. Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her, making the holy one to be born called the Son of God. Mary responded in faith, accepting her role as the Lord's servant.

Joseph’s Dream (Matthew 1:18-25)

Matthew's Gospel shifts the focus to Joseph, who discovered that Mary, his betrothed, was pregnant. Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. However, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "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." This fulfilled the prophecy from Isaiah: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel." Joseph awoke and did as the angel commanded, taking Mary as his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son.

The Journey to Bethlehem and Jesus’ Birth (Luke 2:1-7)

The decree from Caesar Augustus for a census required everyone to go to their own town to register. Joseph, being of the house and lineage of David, went up from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David, with Mary, who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels (Luke 2:8-20)

In the region, shepherds were out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, causing great fear. The angel said, "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." The angel then gave them a sign: they would find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly, a multitude of heavenly hosts praised God, saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" When the angels left, the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to see the event the Lord had made known to them. They found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. After seeing this, they made known what had been told them about this child. All who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them, but Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.

The Visit of the Magi and the Flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:1-18)

Matthew's account introduces the visit of the Magi or wise men from the East to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." King Herod, disturbed by this, gathered chief priests and scribes to find out where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea," citing the prophecy of Micah. Herod secretly called the wise men to ascertain the time the star had appeared and sent them to Bethlehem, asking them to report back so he could also worship the child. The star they had seen went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. They saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. After their departure, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take the child and his mother to Egypt to escape Herod's impending search for the child to destroy him. Joseph complied, and they remained in Egypt until Herod's death, fulfilling what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Out of Egypt, I called my son."

After Herod's death, an angel appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." Joseph took the child and his mother and went to Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there. Being warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee and went and lived in a city called Nazareth, fulfilling what was spoken by the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

The Biblical Significance of Jesus' Birth

The biblical meaning of Christmas, as encapsulated in the opening verses of John's Gospel (John 1:1-18) and echoed in Jesus' proclamation in Mark 1:14-15, centers on the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the inauguration of the Kingdom of God. These passages, rich in theological depth, offer a profound understanding of the significance of Christmas in the Christian faith.

John 1:1-18: The Incarnation of the Word

The prologue of John's Gospel presents a cosmic perspective on the birth of Jesus, diverging from the narrative details found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Instead of focusing on the historical aspects of Jesus' birth, John delves into the theological and spiritual dimensions of the incarnation.

The Eternal Word

John begins with the affirmation of the pre-existence of the Word (Logos), asserting that the Word was with God and was God. This introduction sets the foundation for understanding Jesus' divine nature. The Word being with God from the beginning signifies the eternal and uncreated nature of Jesus, aligning with the Christian doctrine of the Trinity.

The Word as Creator and Life

John emphasizes the role of the Word in creation, stating that all things were made through Him. This affirms the Christian belief in Jesus as an active agent in creation. The life in Him being the light of all mankind introduces Jesus as the source of spiritual life and enlightenment, countering the darkness of sin and ignorance.

The Incarnation

The climax of this passage is the incarnation: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." This statement encapsulates the essence of Christmas: God becoming human, entering into the human condition. It signifies the immanence of God, bridging the divine and human, and the initiation of redemption.

Witness of John the Baptist

John the Baptist's role as a witness to the light emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and prepares the way for Jesus' ministry. John's testimony underscores the importance of recognizing and receiving Jesus as Christ.

Mark 1:14-15: The Inauguration of the Kingdom of God

In Mark 1:14-15, Jesus announces the good news: "The time has come... The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" This proclamation is pivotal in understanding the biblical meaning of Christmas.

Fulfillment of Time

Jesus declares that the time has come, indicating the fulfillment of prophetic anticipation. The incarnation marks the turning point in redemptive history, where God's plan enters a new phase.

The Kingdom of God

The nearness of the Kingdom of God signifies the presence of God's rule and reign through Jesus. His coming inaugurates a new era where God's authority is manifested, challenging the existing structures of sin and death.

Call to Repentance and Faith

Jesus' call to repent and believe the good news is central to the Christmas message. It invites individuals to turn away from sin and embrace the transformative power of the gospel. This call to repentance and faith reflects the purpose of Jesus' incarnation — to bring salvation and restoration to humanity.

Conclusion

The biblical meaning of Christmas, as portrayed in these passages, transcends the traditional nativity scene. It reveals the profound mystery of God's incarnation, the divine Word becoming flesh, and the establishment of God's Kingdom on Earth. Christmas is not only a celebration of Jesus' birth but also a recognition of God's redemptive work in Jesus Christ, offering grace, truth, and the hope of salvation to all humanity.

This story of Jesus' birth, the greatest story ever told, weaving together the accounts from Matthew and Luke, forms the foundation of the Christmas story, celebrated by Christians worldwide as a symbol of hope, peace, and God's incarnation in the world.