A Birth That Changed the World Forever (Matthew 1 & Luke 2)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

What’s the most pivotal moment in human history?

Given the fact that the Gregorian calendar is based on the birth of Christ, the answer appears obvious. Each time we use a calendar reference today, we inadvertently acknowledge the significance of Christ’s descent to earth. After the final voices of the prophets of the Old Testament end, we have four centuries of relative silence. Then, as Alain Emerson and Adam Cox write, “Four hundred years of silence were broken by the cry of a baby. The pregnancy of heaven had come full term. Longing love can be restrained no longer.”^[1]

Much can be said about Christ’s birth. There are so many fascinating details that add tremendous color to this narrative. For starters, Jesus was probably born in a cave rather than a stable. He was immaculately conceived, thus born without a sinful nature. And Matthew 1:20 says, “He will save his people from their sins,” meaning he will release humanity from sin’s power.

In Matthew 1:18-2 and Luke 2:1-38, we see not only the details of Jesus’ birth but also the fulfillment of several Old Testament prophecies. Matthew reveals Jesus' virgin birth fulfills Isaiah 7:14 and his birth in Bethlehem aligns with Micah 5:2. Luke emphasizes Jesus' Davidic lineage, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah coming from David's line (Jeremiah 23:5-6). The visit of the Magi and Herod's reaction fulfill prophecies about Gentiles coming to the Messiah and the suffering of Rachel's children (Jeremiah 31:15).

The beginning of Matthew’s gospel parallels that of Genesis. In fact, the Greek word for genealogy used in Matthew 1:1 is “genesis.” So, once again, we see this story within a story. Matthew’s and Luke’s accounts of Christ’s birth are more than a mere nativity account. They are strategically designed to show how Christ fulfilled all that had been written and prophesied before. As Michael Wilkins writes, “Just as Genesis gave the story of one beginning—God’s creation and covenant relations with Israel—so the Gospel of Matthew gives the story of a new beginning—the arrival of Jesus the Messiah and the kingdom of God.”^[2]

The name Jesus is the Greek form of “Joshua,” which means “Yahweh is salvation” or “Yahweh saves.”^[3] “‘Christ” is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Meshiach (Messiah), meaning Anointed One.”^[4] So even the very name, Jesus Christ, has significant meaning.

As the promised savior and Messiah, Jesus was fully God and fully man—the godman. This dual nature is central to Christian theology, particularly within the doctrine of the hypostatic union. In case you’re unfamiliar with this term, the hypostatic union asserts Jesus is both fully God and fully man, with each nature remaining distinct yet united in a single individual. As fully human, he can sympathize with our weaknesses and sufferings, and as fully divine, he has the power to redeem and save us from sin. Thus, with his descent to earth, Jesus bridged a gap between humanity and God that only he could bridge.

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Lord, I praise you for fulfilling your promises and prophecies through the birth of Jesus Christ. Your faithfulness and sovereignty are evident in the miraculous events surrounding his birth. Thank you for sending your Son to be our Savior and King.

Release | I release my doubts and fears about your plans for my life, trusting in your perfect timing and purpose. Help me to let go of my worries and to rest in the assurance that you are in control. I surrender my need for understanding and embrace your divine will.

Ask | Lord, I ask for a deeper understanding of the significance of Jesus' birth and its fulfillment of prophecy. Grant me wisdom and insight as I study your Word. Help me to share the good news of Jesus with others, proclaiming his birth as the fulfillment of your promises.

Yield | I yield my heart to your guidance, committing to follow the example of faith and obedience shown by Mary and Joseph. May my life reflect the humility and trust they demonstrated. I submit to your will, ready to serve you and proclaim the gospel joyfully.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ