Events surrounding the birth of Jesus
The engagement of Mary and Joseph:
According to the biblical accounts, Mary and Joseph were engaged to be married. This was a common practice in Jewish culture, in which a couple was considered legally married, although they did not live together or consummate the marriage until later.
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 1:18
The announcement of Mary’s pregnancy:
Before Mary and Joseph were married, Mary discovered that she was pregnant. This was surprising because they had not yet consummated their marriage. Mary told Joseph that she was pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit, and Joseph believed her.
“And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.'”
Luke 1:30-31
The visit of the angel to Joseph:
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him that the child Mary was carrying was the son of God and that he should name him Jesus. The angel also told Joseph that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem and that he should go there to register for the census, which was being conducted at the time.
“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.'”
Matthew 1:20-21
The journey to Bethlehem:
Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem, a town located in the Roman province of Judea, to register for the census. According to the Gospel of Luke, this was where Jesus was born.
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”
Luke 2:4-5
The birth of Jesus:
When they arrived in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph could not find a place to stay. They ended up staying in a stable, where Jesus was born. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger, a feeding trough for animals.
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:7
The announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds:
An angel appeared to shepherds who were tending their flocks in the fields nearby and announced the birth of Jesus to them. The angel told the shepherds that a savior had been born, and they were directed to the stable where they would find the baby.
“And there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” –
Luke 2:8-11
The visit of the wise men:
Some time after Jesus was born, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, following a star that they believed signaled the birth of a king. They presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus and then returned home, guided by the star.
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'”
Matthew 2:1-2
The celebration of Christmas:
The birth of Jesus is celebrated by Christians around the world on December 25th, known as Christmas Day. This holiday is a time of celebration, marked by the exchange of gifts, the singing of carols, and the attendance of church services.
“And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”
Luke 2:17-19
