The events surrounding Jesus' birth are fascinating, eye-opening and patently divine. Some of the most powerful elements of the story found in Matthew and Luke offer us some important insight.
These quotes — delivered by Angels, Bible writers and Mary — offer essential lessons about God, humanity and the nativity events that forever transformed human history.
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Let's dive into 10 of the most powerful Bible quotes about Jesus' birth:
Jesus' Birth: An Explanation
"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." - Matthew 1:18 (NIV)
Matthew 1:18 delivers a powerful explanation surrounding how Jesus' birth came to fruition. This brief segment of scripture tells us that Mary and Joseph were pledged to be married, but that she was found to be pregnant before their union.
The virgin birth is one of the core facts of the nativity story, making it divine in nature. The pregnancy itself is also one of the complex details that initially causes Joseph to consider quietly divorcing Mary, before God sends him a message about what's unfolding.
An Angel Appears to Joseph
“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.” - Matthew 1:20-21 (NIV)
Joseph's initial shock over Mary's pregnancy is fascinating, but an angel appears to him in a dream and explains that God is behind the pregnancy, and then offers some important guidelines.
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In addition to telling Joseph to take Mary as his wife, the angel predicts that the son will be a boy and implores the couple to name him Jesus. The last line, though — "he will save his people from their sins" — foretells Easter and the very purpose of Jesus' coming.
A Fulfillment of Prophecy
"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)." - Matthew 18:22-23 (NIV)
The Bible tells us that Jesus' birth was a fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14, a Bible verse that mirrors Matthew 18:22-23, but was written hundreds of years before Christ's birth.
It is essential to note that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, which is a claim that is definitively made in this segment of New Testament scripture.
Gabriel Delivers Shocking News to Mary
“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him 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 Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” - Luke 1:30-33 (NIV) Gabriel
The Angel Gabriel delivered some shocking news to Mary, and at first she was worried. He told her that she would have a son and that she would name him Jesus.
He also revealed that Christ would be given "the throne of his father David" and that "his kingdom will never end." These are powerful pieces of information, and scripture shows that Mary listened intently.
Gabriel's Powerful Message About God
"For no word from God will ever fail.” - Luke 1:37 (NIV)
After telling Mary what would unfold, Gabriel delivered this powerful message about God — one that can give us comfort in our own lives. He said that anything God proclaims will never fail.
In the case of Mary and Joseph, this was surely comforting. And in our own lives we can know that putting our trust in God is a fail-proof way to live life.
Mary Submits to God's Calling
“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” - Luke 1:38 (NIV)
We learn in Luke 1:38 that Mary listens to Gabriel and responds by saying she is God's servant. She also submits to what he told her would unfold. And the rest is, well, history.
Considering how shocking and life-changing the news was, it's a powerful lesson to see someone say, "Okay, God. Your will trumps my own." This is a lesson we can take into our own lives and relationships with the Almighty.
The Baby Jumps in Elizabeth's Womb
"But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy." - Luke 1:43-44 (NIV)
The baby (John the Baptist) jumping in Elizabeth's womb is one of the most fascinating portions of Luke 1. The moment comes when Mary goes to visit her pregnant cousin.
The very fact that Jesus' mother was arriving to visit Elizabeth made John jump in his mother's womb, and even Elizabeth was filled with the holy spirit. It's a powerful moment that shoes the truly divine nature of what was was unfolding.
Shepherds Are Given the Good News
“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.” - Luke 1:10-12 (NIV)
Shepherds might have been seen as occupying a lower place in culture at the time, but these individuals were chosen by God to hear the good news of Jesus' arrival. An angel appeared and told them not to be afraid before revealing Christ's birth.
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The shepherds rushed off to meet Christ, with their timeless role in the powerful events of the nativity being solidified in every retelling of the story of Jesus' birth. Their role is a powerful reminder that God uses all of us for His purposes.
Looking for more about the birth of Christ? You can stream powerful movies and series on PureFlix.com like “Nativity: Art And Spirit Of The Creche,” “The Nativity” and "The First Christmas Town." You can also stream a plethora of other Christmas movies today, including romantic comedies and plenty more!
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