The birth of Jesus is the beginning of the story of our salvation, fulfilling centuries of prophecy. The prophet Isaiah foretold of a child to be born who would be called:
"Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
The story begins with an angel appearing to a young virgin named Mary in Nazareth, telling her she would conceive by the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:30-33 (NKJV): “Then 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 bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’”
Mary and her husband Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to register for a census. Because there was no room for them in the inn, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a humble stable, laying Him in a manger. Shepherds were the first to hear the good news from a host of angels and rushed to see the child. Later, wise men from the East followed a star to worship Him and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:10-11 (NKJV): “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
This humble beginning shows Jesus’ humanity and His mission to serve all people, regardless of status, while fulfilling God’s promises from the Old Testament.