Topical Encyclopedia The Birth of Christ, also known as the Nativity, is a foundational event in Christian theology, marking the incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, into the world. This event is celebrated annually by Christians around the globe on December 25th, known as Christmas. The accounts of Christ's birth are primarily found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, each providing unique details that contribute to the full narrative of this miraculous event.Prophecies and Announcements The birth of Jesus was foretold by Old Testament prophets, most notably by Isaiah, who prophesied, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This prophecy is echoed in the New Testament, affirming Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior. The announcement of Jesus' birth is first made to Mary, a young virgin betrothed to Joseph, by the angel Gabriel. In Luke 1:31-33 , Gabriel declares, "Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end." The Nativity Story The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth. Due to a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered, Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David, as Joseph is of the house and lineage of David (Luke 2:1-4). While in Bethlehem, Mary gives birth to Jesus and lays Him in a manger, "because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7). The birth of Christ is announced to shepherds in the fields by an angel of the Lord, who proclaims, "Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). The shepherds visit the newborn Jesus, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. The Visit of the Magi The Gospel of Matthew introduces the visit of the Magi, wise men from the East, who come to Jerusalem seeking the "King of the Jews" (Matthew 2:2). Guided by a star, they find Jesus in Bethlehem and present Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolizing His kingship, divinity, and future suffering (Matthew 2:11). Theological Significance The birth of Christ holds profound theological significance as it marks the moment when God took on human flesh, a doctrine known as the Incarnation. This event signifies the beginning of the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity, as Jesus is born to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). The humble circumstances of His birth, in a manger and visited by shepherds, underscore the accessibility of God's grace to all people, regardless of status or wealth. The Birth of Christ is a pivotal moment in history, celebrated for its message of hope, peace, and salvation, as it heralds the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior of the world. Topical Bible Verses Matthew 1:18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Topicalbible.org Matthew 1:23 Matthew 1:25 Isaiah 9:6 John 1:14 Greek 3824. paliggenesia -- regeneration, renewal ... 3824 ("renewal, rebirth") is used twice in the NT referring to: a) the re-birth of at Christ's return (Advent), which inaugurates His millennial kingdom (Mt 19 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3824.htm - 7k 2583. kanon -- a rule, standard 5207. huios -- a son Library The Observation of the Birth of Christ, the Duty of all Christians ... The Incarnation and Birth of Christ That the Birth of Christ in Time Diminished Nothing of the Glory ... The Birth of Christ in Its Relations to the Jewish Theocracy. Christ's Birth The Taxing. --Birth of Christ at Bethlehem. Whether Christ's Birth was Made Known in a Becoming Order? Miracles at the Birth of Christ. Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the ... From Malachi to the Birth of Christ. Resources What is the new birth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about birth control / contraceptives? Should Christians use birth control? | GotQuestions.org Do the narratives of Jesus' birth contradict each other? | GotQuestions.org Birth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |