The Nativity Story
The story of Jesus’ birth did not begin in Bethlehem. It began hundreds of years earlier, when God spoke through prophets and promised that a Savior was coming. The Nativity is the fulfillment of God’s long-planned promise to the world.
God Promises a Savior Long Before His Birth
In the Old Testament, God promised that a Messiah would come to save His people. Many theologians believe the Old Testament contains nearly 300 prophecies about Jesus Christ that were written hundreds and even thousands of years before Jesus was born.
The prophet Isaiah said that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son, and that His name would be Immanuel, meaning God with us.
The prophet Micah said that the ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem.
The prophet Isaiah also said that the Messiah would come from the family line of David and would reign as a righteous King.
God Chooses Mary for a Special Purpose
When the time came, God sent the angel Gabriel to a young woman named Mary. She lived in Nazareth and was engaged to Joseph.
The angel told her that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a son named Jesus.
Mary was afraid and confused, but she trusted God and accepted His plan.
Joseph Obeys God Even When It Is Hard
Joseph struggled when he learned that Mary was pregnant. He planned to quietly end the engagement, but God spoke to him through an angel in a dream.
The angel told him that the child was from the Holy Spirit and that he should take Mary as his wife. Joseph obeyed God, even though it would bring misunderstanding and hardship. His obedience played a key role in God’s plan.
Jesus Is Born in Bethlehem
A decree from the Roman emperor required everyone to return to their hometown for a census. This led Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy spoken long before.
When they arrived, there was no room for them to stay, so Mary gave birth to Jesus in a humble place. She wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger. The Savior of the world entered life quietly and humbly.
The Shepherds Hear the Good News First
That same night, angels appeared to shepherds watching their flocks in nearby fields. The angels announced that a Savior had been born and that He was Christ the Lord.
The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found the baby just as they were told. They shared what they had seen and heard, and their joy spread to everyone they met.
Wise Men Come to Worship the King
Sometime later, wise men from the east followed a star that led them to Jesus. They came to worship Him and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Even from faraway lands, people were drawn to Him.
The Nativity story reminds us that God keeps His promises. Jesus did not come with power and wealth, but with humility and love. He came to be close to us, to save us, and to bring hope to a broken world.
