In the Gospel accounts of Christ’s birth, the miraculous plans of God coincide with the seemingly mundane events of humanity to reveal the promised Messiah. God used modest means to bring about the divine incarnation of His only Son who would deliver us from the death we deserve. 

Where was Jesus’ birth prophesied in the Old Testament? How does His birth make a way for people to receive the gift of eternal life? 

Jesus’ genealogy, found in Matthew 1, demonstrates how the long-awaited Savior can be traced back to Abraham. Later, in verse 23, we read the prophecy first relayed in Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” In today’s passages—written about 700 years after the words of Isaiah—an angel of the Lord appeared first to Mary, then to Joseph, and later to the shepherds in the field, announcing this newborn baby as the Savior of the world. These ordinary people experienced God’s great power at work through the miraculous birth of Jesus. 

Consider the grandness of the nativity story. Reflect on the wonder of Jesus coming to earth in such lowly form. The humble birth of Christ would lead to His humbling death: crucified and left to die among wretched sinners. Yet this would not be the end of His story—nor for those who trust in His name! In three days, Jesus would rise from the grave, and by faith in His finished work on the cross, we can be reconciled to God as recipients of His grace. 

Pray for the children in your care who are discovering this spectacular passage of Scripture. May they find their place within God’s redemption story, placing true faith in the Savior born to bring us eternal life. May they turn from their sins and call upon Immanuel, our “God with us” forever. And like the shepherds in today’s passage, may you faithfully share this good news, giving praise to the God of our salvation for the great gift we have in Jesus!