JESUS BIRTH

The Bible teaches that Jesus' birth is a miraculous event that fulfills the prophecies and promises of God. According to the New Testament, Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod.

The story of Jesus' birth is primarily found in the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke. Here are some key teachings about the birth of Jesus:

1. Virgin Birth: Both Matthew and Luke describe Jesus' birth as a miraculous event in which Mary, a young virgin, conceives by the power of the Holy Spirit. This miraculous conception emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

2. Bethlehem: The Gospel accounts highlight Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus. This fulfills the prophecy in Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David.

3. The Annunciation: In the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary to announce that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. Mary's response of faith and obedience is a significant teaching on the importance of submitting to God's will.

4. The Incarnation: The birth of Jesus is a central teaching on the incarnation, which means that God became flesh and dwelt among us. The Gospel of John emphasizes this by stating that "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14).

5. The Shepherds and Angels: Luke's Gospel records the appearance of angels to shepherds in the fields, proclaiming the good news of Jesus' birth. The shepherds serve as a reminder that Jesus came for all people, including the lowly and marginalized.

6. The Magi: The Gospel of Matthew describes the visit of the Magi, or wise men, who follow a star to find the newborn King of the Jews. Their worship and gifts to Jesus demonstrate the universal significance of his birth.

7. The Names of Jesus: Both Matthew and Luke mention the names given to Jesus. Matthew teaches that he is called "Immanuel," meaning "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), while Luke emphasizes that he is given the name "Jesus," which means "Savior" (Luke 1:31).

The birth of Jesus is a pivotal event in the Christian faith, as it marks the beginning of God's redemptive plan for humanity. It teaches about God's love, grace, and faithfulness, and ultimately leads to Jesus' mission of salvation through his life, death, and resurrection.

The birth of Jesus holds immense significance in the Christian faith. Here are some key reasons why:

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The birth of Jesus fulfills numerous prophecies and promises found in the Old Testament. It confirms that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior promised by God to redeem humanity from sin and restore a relationship with Him.

2. Incarnation: The birth of Jesus demonstrates the concept of the incarnation, which means that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. This event affirms the belief that Jesus is both fully God and fully human. It reveals God's desire to intimately connect with humanity, understand our struggles, and offer salvation.

3. Immanuel - "God with Us": Jesus' birth is a reminder that God is with us. The name "Immanuel," which means "God with us," emphasizes God's presence among His people. It shows that God is not distant or indifferent but is actively involved in our lives, offering guidance, comfort, and salvation.

4. Salvation and Redemption: Jesus' birth marks the beginning of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers salvation and forgiveness of sins to all who believe in him. His birth is the first step towards the ultimate act of love and sacrifice on the cross for the salvation of humanity.

5. Light in Darkness: The birth of Jesus represents the arrival of light in a dark world. The Gospel of John describes Jesus as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), bringing hope, truth, and spiritual illumination to those who are lost or living in spiritual darkness.

6. Humility and Servanthood: Jesus' birth in a humble manger teaches important lessons about humility and servanthood. Despite being the King of Kings, Jesus chose to be born in a lowly stable, surrounded by animals. This serves as a powerful example of humility and encourages believers to serve others and prioritize love over status or worldly success.

7. Universal Salvation: The birth of Jesus is not limited to a specific group or nation. It is a message of hope and salvation for all people, regardless of their background or status. The inclusion of shepherds and wise men in the nativity story emphasizes that Jesus came for everyone, breaking down barriers and offering salvation to all who believe.

Overall, the birth of Jesus is a profound event that signifies God's love, grace, and plan of redemption for humanity. It brings hope, joy, and the assurance of eternal life to those who trust in Him.

1. Luke 2:11 - "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

2. Matthew 1:23 - "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us").

3. Luke 2:10 - "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'"

4. Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

5. Matthew 2:1-2 - "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'"

6. Matthew 2:9-11 - "After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him."

7. Luke 2:8-14 - "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"

These scriptures highlight the miraculous birth of Jesus, the Messiah, and the joyous news that was shared with shepherds and the wise men. They emphasize the significance of Jesus' birth as the fulfillment of prophecies and the arrival of the Savior who brings peace and salvation to all.

WWW.SAINTSUNITED.ORG