Jesus Christ, birth of

Jesus Christ was born to a poor unmarried Jewish couple in the village of Bethlehem. As Son of God, he was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of his mother Mary.

Jesus Christ's birth is prophesied in the OT

The prophecy of a coming ruler

Isaiah 9:6–7

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

The prophecy of a virgin's son

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.

The prophecy concerning his birthplace

Micah 5:2 “Bethlehem Ephrathah” is the village where David grew up (“the town of David”).

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel— One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.

Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin

Matthew 1:18, Matthew 1:23 See also Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:34–35

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” ( which means, “God with us”).

Jesus Christ's incarnation

John 1:14; Galatians 4:4 See also Romans 8:3; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:7–8; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:2

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

The circumstances of Jesus Christ's birth

An angel informs Mary that she is to be the mother of the Messiah

Luke 1:26–38

Mary responds in praise

See also Luke 1:46–55

An angel explains to Joseph why Mary's baby is so special

Matthew 1:18–25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One 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: “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” ( which means, “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and embraced Mary as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.

The birth of Jesus Christ takes place

Luke 2:1–7

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Angels announce Jesus Christ's birth to some shepherds

See also Luke 2:8–20

The Magi search for Jesus Christ's birthplace and Herod tries to kill him

Matthew 2:1–18 These events could have taken place at any time in Jesus Christ's first two years.