Topical Bible: Jesus, the Christ: Birth of (At Bethlehem)

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The birth of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event in Christian theology, is chronicled in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This event marks the incarnation of the Son of God, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies and establishing the foundation for the New Testament narrative.

Prophetic Background

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy found in Micah 5:2, which states, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." This prophecy underscores the divine orchestration of Jesus' birthplace, despite Bethlehem's modest size and significance.

The Annunciation and Journey to Bethlehem

The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed account of the events leading up to Jesus' birth. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary, a young virgin betrothed to Joseph, announcing that she will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit and name Him Jesus (Luke 1:26-35). This miraculous conception emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus' birth.

Due to a decree from Caesar Augustus that required a census, Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Joseph's ancestral home (Luke 2:1-5). This journey, though prompted by earthly governance, aligns with divine prophecy, ensuring that Jesus is born in Bethlehem.

The Birth in Bethlehem

Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, Mary gives birth to Jesus. Luke 2:6-7 records, "While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." The humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, in a manger, highlight His identification with the lowly and His mission to serve rather than be served.

The Announcement to the Shepherds

The birth of Jesus is announced to shepherds in the fields nearby 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). This announcement signifies the universal significance of Jesus' birth, as the shepherds represent the common people of Israel.

The Visit of the Magi

The Gospel of Matthew recounts the visit of the Magi, wise men from the East, who follow a star to Bethlehem to worship the newborn King (Matthew 2:1-12). Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize Jesus' kingship, divinity, and future suffering. The visit of the Magi further fulfills the prophecy of nations coming to the light of Israel (Isaiah 60:3).

Conclusion

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is a cornerstone of Christian belief, signifying the fulfillment of prophecy and the beginning of God's redemptive plan through His Son. This event, marked by humility and divine intervention, sets the stage for Jesus' life, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice for humanity's salvation.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:1-7
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Taxing. --Birth of Christ at Bethlehem.
The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion. <. ... CHAPTER III. THE BIRTH
OF CHRIST. Section 15. The Taxing."Birth of Christ at Bethlehem. ...
/.../section 15 the taxing birth of.htm

The Birth of Jesus.
... xvii.12], which is called Bethlehem [Meaning "house of ... The Western church celebrated
Christ's birth on the 25th of ... Jesus, the only begotten, is also called the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/x the birth of jesus.htm

The Birth of Jesus. Ch. 2:1-20
... mentioned by Luke not so much to fix the date of the birth of Christ as to ... to any
lack of hospitality; much less did it express hostility to Jesus; it was ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/e the birth of jesus.htm

Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth.
... or twelve, or eighteen months after the birth, the question ... and scribes of the people"
where "Christ should be ... that they came to Jerusalem "when Jesus was born ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/supplementary note to chapter ii.htm

The Incarnation and Birth of Christ
... to be almost a prophecy that Ben-oni"Benjamin, the Lord Jesus, should be ... right, then,
from history, that Bethlehem should be the birth-place of Christ. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the incarnation and birth of.htm

Whether Christ's Birth was Made Known in a Becoming Order?
... Second in order were the Magi, who came to Christ on the thirteenth day after His
birth, on which ... to say, after they had offered up the Child Jesus in the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs birth was made.htm

Christ's Birth
... I saw the Blessed Virgin with the Infant Jesus and the ... the fountain of water sprang
up at Christ's birth and was ... there came to the cave from Bethlehem some men ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xi christs birth.htm

Place of Christ's Birth Foretold.
... Chapter XXXIV."Place of Christ's birth foretold. ... He spoke thus: "And thou, Bethlehem,
the land of ... five stadia from Jerusalem, in which Jesus Christ was born ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xxxiv place of christs birth.htm

Table of Contents
... THE THREE HOLY KINGS.221 8. VISION FRAGMENTS WHICH DETERMINE THE EXACT DATE OF THE
BIRTH OF CHRIST. ... MANY PEOPLE VISIT THE CHILD JESUS ON THE WAY TO BETHLEHEM ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/table of contents.htm

The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion
... subsequent Dispositions of Christ's Relatives, answered (1) from the nature of the
case; (2) from the name Jesus. ... The Taxing.--Birth of Christ at Bethlehem. ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/