Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world, and at its heart lies the story of Jesus’ birth. While nativity scenes and Christmas pageants are charming and beloved traditions, they often combine elements in ways that deviate from the Biblical account. Let’s take a closer look at the actual narrative by combining scriptures from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew in chronological order, while also addressing some common misconceptions.
The Angel’s Announcement
The story begins in Luke 1:26-38. The angel Gabriel visits Mary, a young woman in Nazareth, to announce that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit and name Him Jesus. Mary is initially troubled but responds with faith: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38, NIV).
Meanwhile, in Matthew 1:18-25, we learn about Joseph’s dilemma. Upon discovering Mary’s pregnancy, he considers quietly divorcing her. However, an angel appears to him in a dream, confirming the divine nature of her conception and instructing him to take Mary as his wife.
The Journey to Bethlehem
In Luke 2:1-7, Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem to register for a census decreed by Caesar Augustus. Mary is heavily pregnant during this journey. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, they find no room in the inn and take shelter where animals are kept. Here, Mary gives birth to Jesus and lays Him in a manger.
Misconception: Many nativity scenes depict Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem just as Mary goes into labor, but the text does not specify this. The phrase “no room in the inn” is often misunderstood; it likely refers to guest quarters being full, not an actual inn as we think of it today.
The Shepherds and Angels
Luke 2:8-20 tells us that shepherds are tending their flocks nearby when an angel appears, announcing the Savior’s birth. The angel says, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11, NIV). A multitude of heavenly hosts then praise God. The shepherds hurry to find Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Afterward, they spread the news, glorifying God.
Misconception: The shepherds’ visit is often combined with that of the wise men, but these events occur at different times.
The Visit of the Magi
Matthew 2:1-12 introduces the Magi, or wise men, who come from the East following a star. They arrive in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2, NIV). This troubles King Herod, who secretly plots to kill the child.
The star leads the Magi to a house (not the manger) where they find Jesus with Mary. They present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolizing Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and eventual suffering. After being warned in a dream, they return home by another route to avoid Herod.
The Importance of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh: Each gift carried deep symbolic meaning. Gold represented Jesus’ kingship and royalty. Frankincense, often used in worship, symbolized His divine nature and priestly role. Myrrh, a spice used in burial practices, foreshadowed His suffering and death. These gifts not only honored Jesus but also highlighted key aspects of His identity and mission.
Misconception: The Magi are often depicted at the manger alongside the shepherds, but their visit occurs much later, possibly up to two years after Jesus’ birth.
The Flight to Egypt
In Matthew 2:13-15, Joseph is warned in a dream to flee to Egypt because Herod intends to kill Jesus. The family stays in Egypt until Herod’s death, fulfilling the prophecy, “Out of Egypt I called my son” (Hosea 11:1, quoted in Matthew 2:15).
Symbolism of Egypt: Jesus’ journey to Egypt mirrors the story of Joseph in the Old Testament, who was also taken to Egypt and ultimately used by God to save His people. Just as Joseph’s actions provided physical salvation during a famine, Jesus’ mission offers spiritual salvation to all humanity. This parallel underscores God’s redemptive work through history.
Old Testament Prophecies Foretelling the Christmas Story
The Christmas story is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies, revealing God’s plan for salvation long before Jesus’ birth. Key prophecies include:
- The Virgin Birth: Isaiah 7:14 declares, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel,” meaning “God with us.” This prophecy is fulfilled in Matthew 1:23.
- Bethlehem as the Birthplace: Micah 5:2 foretells that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem, stating, “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.” This is fulfilled in Luke 2:4-7.
- A Star and the Nations’ Worship: Numbers 24:17 speaks of a star that will come out of Jacob. This aligns with the star that guided the Magi in Matthew 2:1-2. Isaiah 60:3 also foretells that nations will come to the Messiah’s light, foreshadowing the Magi’s visit.
- The Suffering Servant: Though more associated with Jesus’ death, Isaiah 53 begins to paint a picture of the Messiah’s mission, including His humble beginnings and ultimate sacrifice.
These prophecies highlight the sovereignty of God in orchestrating the arrival of the Savior and affirm the continuity of the Biblical narrative.
The Return to Nazareth
After Herod’s death, Joseph is instructed in another dream to return to Israel. However, learning that Herod’s son Archelaus reigns in Judea, they settle in Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:19-23).
Conclusion
The Biblical Christmas story is rich with meaning and divine intervention. While modern nativity narratives often blend events for simplicity, understanding the chronological order and cultural context enhances our appreciation of this miraculous event. As we celebrate Christmas, let’s take time to reflect on the true Biblical account and its profound significance for humanity.
Blessings,
Troy
Troy P Zehnder 