The birth of Jesus is the heart of the Christmas story and a fulfillment of God’s promise to save the world. Today, let’s reflect on what the Bible says about this miraculous event and its meaning for our lives.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Birth Of A Baby
What Does The Bible Say About Birth Of Jesus
Matthew 1:18-25
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
This passage describes the miraculous and divine conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes Joseph’s obedience and faithfulness to God’s plan. It also reveals the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the birth of a Savior, who would be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” Through this account, we see the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph in accepting God’s extraordinary plan for Jesus’ birth.
Furthermore, it showcases God’s love and intervention in our lives, as He orchestrated the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth to bring about the salvation of humanity. The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of God’s redemptive plan, demonstrating His desire to be intimately present with us and to offer us forgiveness and eternal life through His Son.
Luke 2:1-7
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
This passage highlights the fulfillment of the prophetic promise that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David. Caesar Augustus’s decree for a census unknowingly played a part in aligning God’s plan, leading Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Despite the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth, it showcases God’s ability to use ordinary situations to accomplish extraordinary purposes.
Mary’s act of wrapping Jesus in cloths and placing Him in a manger reflects the humble beginning of the Savior of the world. It speaks to the humility and simplicity with which God chose to enter the world, emphasizing His identification with humanity and His willingness to meet us where we are.
Matthew 2:1-12
“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.’ When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’ 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. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
In this account, the wise men from the East, guided by a miraculous star, seek out the newly born King of the Jews in order to worship Him. Their journey demonstrates the universality of Jesus’ birth, as it attracts the attention and worship of foreign dignitaries. It also foreshadows the proclamation of Jesus as the Savior of all people, both Jews and Gentiles.
The response of King Herod to the news of the Messiah’s birth reveals his fear and insecurity, even leading him to plot against the newborn Jesus. However, the wise men’s determined search and subsequent worship of Jesus demonstrate the proper response to the birth of the Savior. They offer gifts symbolizing Jesus’ royalty, divinity, and sacrificial purpose, demonstrating the understanding that Jesus is not merely an earthly king, but the Son of God who came to fulfill a greater mission.
Luke 2:8-20
“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.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
In this passage, shepherds receive a divine announcement of Jesus’ birth through an angel and experience the appearance of a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God. This encounter emphasizes the joy and significance of Jesus’ birth for all people, as the shepherds are invited to witness the fulfillment of God’s promise and the arrival of the long-awaited Savior.
The shepherds’ response is characterized by obedience, excitement, and a desire to share the good news. They immediately set out to see the baby Jesus and then become witnesses, spreading the word about what they had experienced. The shepherds’ praise and glorification of God demonstrate the awe-inspiring impact of encountering the incarnation of God’s love and salvation.
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
This prophetic verse in the book of Isaiah foretells the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth. It predicts that a virgin will conceive and bear a son, who will be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This prophecy highlights the extraordinary and divine nature of Jesus’ arrival, affirming His role as the promised Messiah and His unique relationship with humanity.
Through the birth of Jesus, the prophecy is fulfilled, demonstrating God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises throughout history. Jesus’ birth is a powerful reminder of God’s redemptive plan for humanity and His desire to be intimately present in our lives, offering salvation, comfort, and guidance.
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.”
In this verse, Isaiah prophesies about the birth of Jesus as a child who will bring about significant changes. The government will rest on His shoulders, indicating His ultimate authority and sovereignty. The names attributed to Him – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – reflect His divine nature and the role He will play in bringing peace, guidance, and eternal life to humanity.
This prophecy emphasizes the grandeur of Jesus’ birth and the immense impact He will have on the world. Jesus is not only a baby born to a humble family, but also the one who will carry the weight of leadership, providing wisdom and divine counsel for all who seek Him. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are reminded of the profound significance of His coming and the transformative role He plays in our lives.
Micah 5:2
“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, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
These prophetic words from the book of Micah affirm the specific location of Jesus’ birth – Bethlehem. Despite its small size and humble reputation, Bethlehem holds a significant role as the birthplace of the Messiah, the ruler of Israel. It foreshadows Jesus’ reign as the King of kings and His divine origins, tracing His existence even before His earthly birth.
This prophecy highlights the sovereignty and meticulous planning of God. He orchestrates historical events to bring about the fulfillment of His promises, demonstrating that even the seemingly insignificant details play a part in His divine plan. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem reminds us that God chooses the unexpected and uses the humblest of circumstances to bring about His redemptive purposes.
Isaiah 11:1
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.”
In this verse, Isaiah prophesies about the lineage of the Messiah, stating that He will come from the line of Jesse, the father of King David. This prophecy emphasizes the continuity of God’s redemptive plan throughout history and highlights Jesus’ connection to the promised Messianic lineage.
The imagery of a shoot coming up from the stump of Jesse portrays a picture of hope and new life emerging from what appeared to be dead and without fruit. Jesus, as the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy, brings forth spiritual rebirth, growth, and the bearing of fruit in the lives of those who believe in Him. His birth signifies the renewal and restoration of God’s covenant promise, extending salvation to all who embrace Him as the true Branch, the source of eternal life.
Matthew 1:21
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
In this verse, an angel reveals to Joseph the meaning behind the name Jesus, which translates to “the Lord saves.” This name reflects the purpose and mission of Jesus’ birth, for He came to save humanity from the consequences of sin and provide eternal redemption.
The significance of Jesus’ birth lies not only in His miraculous conception and arrival but also in His role as the Savior. His birth marks the beginning of God’s plan for salvation and sets in motion the events that would lead to His sacrificial death on the cross. The name Jesus serves as a constant reminder of His saving power and the hope He offers to all who trust in Him.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This well-known verse encapsulates the purpose and significance of Jesus’ birth. It emphasizes God’s deep love for humanity and His sacrificial gift of His Son, Jesus, so that through faith in Him, we can receive the gift of eternal life.
Jesus’ birth is an expression of God’s ultimate act of love, providing a pathway to reconciliation and restoration for all who believe in Him. It serves as a reminder of God’s desire to save every individual and the extent to which He was willing to go to offer forgiveness and eternal fellowship with Him. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, we are invited to embrace the eternal life He offers by placing our faith in Him.
Galatians 4:4-5
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
These verses explain the perfect timing of Jesus’ birth. It occurred when the time predetermined by God had fully come. Jesus was born of a woman, entering into the limitations and requirements of human existence, fulfilling the law on behalf of those who were unable to do so.
Through His birth, Jesus offers redemption to all who were bound by the requirements of the law, and He enables us to become adopted as sons and daughters of God. Jesus’ birth inaugurates a new era, marking the beginning of God’s plan for salvation and the establishment of a new covenant based on grace and faith. As we reflect on Jesus’ birth, we are reminded of the profound love and intentionality with which God orchestrated the coming of His Son to bring about our redemption.
Luke 2:10-11
“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.’”
These words, spoken by an angel to the shepherds upon the announcement of Jesus’ birth, signify the extraordinary nature of this event. The birth of Jesus is not just good news for a select few but brings great joy to all people.
By referring to Jesus as the Savior, the Messiah, and the Lord, the angel highlights Jesus’ role as the long-awaited deliverer, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the supreme authority. This declaration proclaims Jesus’ birth as a transformative moment in history, an event that brings hope, joy, and salvation to all who would receive Him. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember the universal significance of His coming and rejoice in the everlasting hope that He brings.
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
In this verse, John eloquently summarizes the incarnation of Jesus, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of God taking on human form. It portrays Jesus as the eternal Word of God who became flesh and dwelt among humanity, revealing the fullness of God’s glory.
Jesus’ birth is a profound expression of God’s desire to intimately connect with humanity. He willingly enters into our world, fully embracing the human experience, while simultaneously revealing the grace and truth that flow from the heart of the Father. The birth of Jesus testifies to God’s deep love for humanity and His willingness to bridge the gap between heaven and earth to offer salvation and reconciliation. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, let us marvel at the mystery and beauty of the Word becoming flesh.
Philippians 2:6-8
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
These verses in Philippians highlight the incredible humility and self-sacrifice of Jesus in His incarnation. Despite being in the very nature of God, Jesus willingly chose to empty Himself, taking on the form of a servant and being made in human likeness.
The birth of Jesus sets the stage for His ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice on the cross. It reveals His willingness to identify with humanity, surrendering His divine prerogatives in order to fulfill God’s redemptive plan. The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of His earthly journey, leading to the ultimate expression of love and grace through His death and resurrection. As we reflect on Jesus’ birth, let us be reminded of His extraordinary humility and unwavering obedience, which brought us salvation and eternal life.
Colossians 1:15-20
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross”
In these verses from Colossians, the divinity and supremacy of Jesus are magnified, emphasizing His role as the Creator of all things and the agent of reconciliation. Jesus existed before all things, and all things find their unity and purpose in Him.
Jesus’ birth is a pivotal moment in the grand narrative of God’s plan for redemption, as it marks the entry of the eternal Son of God into human history. Through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus reveals the fullness of God’s character, bringing reconciliation, peace, and salvation. He is not merely an influential figure but the very embodiment of God’s glory and the ultimate source of hope for all creation. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, let us recognize and worship Him as the supreme authority who holds all things together.
Hebrews 1:1-3
“In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
These verses in Hebrews affirm Jesus’ unique role as the ultimate revelation of God’s truth and glory. In the past, God communicated through prophets, but in the present age, He has spoken to us directly through His Son.
Jesus’ birth signifies the dawning of a new era, as God’s perfect and complete revelation is fully realized in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the heir of all things, the creator of the universe, the radiance of God’s glory, and the one who sustains all things. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus provides purification for sins, making reconciliation with God possible. His exaltation to the right hand of God signifies His authority and reign. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, let us recognize Him as the definitive expression of God’s truth and the one who holds all things together by His powerful word.
1 Timothy 1:15
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”
Paul’s words in 1 Timothy encapsulate the purpose of Jesus’ birth. He came into the world not as a political leader or conqueror but as the Savior of sinners. Jesus’ birth represents God’s divine rescue plan for humanity, offering salvation to all who recognize their need for redemption.
Jesus’ willingness to enter our broken and sinful world serves as a reminder of God’s incredible love and grace. His birth brings hope to the hopeless and forgiveness to the guilty. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, let us humbly acknowledge our own need for His saving grace and extend the invitation to others to experience the life-transforming power found in Him.
Titus 2:11-14
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
These verses in Titus emphasize the transformative power of Jesus’ birth and its ongoing impact on the lives of believers. The grace of God, made manifest through Jesus, offers salvation to all people and carries the power to bring about inner transformation.
Jesus’ birth not only provides forgiveness and redemption from sin, but also instructs and empowers believers to live lives marked by godliness and righteousness. It is through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection that we can be purified and made God’s own people, fully equipped and eager to do good works. Jesus’ birth is not an event limited to the past but an ongoing reality that continues to shape and guide our lives as we wait for His glorious return. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, let us embrace the transformative power of His grace and strive to live in alignment with His teachings.