On the fourth day of our study of the Christmas story, we will focus on the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ as described in the Gospels. We will look at Luke 2:1-7 which describes Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, and his being laid in a manger.
Luke 2:1-7 states: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
This passage provides important historical context around Jesus’ birth. First, Luke mentions a census or registration decreed by Caesar Augustus, who was the Roman emperor at that time. This census required people to return to their ancestral homelands to be counted. Joseph’s lineage was from the line of David, so he had to travel from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. This fulfilled the prophecy in Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem.
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 70-80 miles, a significant distance to travel at that time, especially for a pregnant woman. This emphasizes Mary and Joseph’s obedience to authorities in making this difficult journey. When they arrived in Bethlehem, there was no room for them to stay anywhere, likely because so many had come for the census. So Mary ended up giving birth to Jesus in a humble stable and laying him in a manger, which was a feeding trough for animals.
This shows several important truths. First, it illustrates the humble beginnings of Christ. Though he was the Son of God, he was born in lowly circumstances, not in riches or comfort. Second, it shows that God uses all things, even the decrees of an ungodly emperor, to accomplish his purposes. Third, Jesus being laid in a manger points to the servant nature of Christ’s ministry. Though he was King, he came to serve. As Philippians 2:7 says, Jesus “made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant.”
For Muslims reading this account, several things may stand out. The Quran affirms Jesus’ virgin birth in Surah 19, but it denies that Jesus is the Son of God. However, Luke’s narrative makes clear that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and is the Son of God (Luke 1:35). Muslims see Jesus as just a prophet, but the Bible teaches that he is fully God. Also, the Quran denies Jesus’ crucifixion and death, while the Gospels teach that this was God’s plan for salvation.
So on this fourth day of our study, we see the background leading to the pivotal moment of Jesus’ birth. God orchestrated history so his Son would be born in Bethlehem to fulfill prophecy. Despite humble earthly circumstances, this was the most important birth in history – the coming of the Savior into the world. As we continue our study, we’ll reflect on the meaning and significance of Christ’s incarnation.
Moving on in our 9-day study of the Christmas story, let’s look at what happened on the day after Jesus’ birth. Luke 2:8-20 describes the appearance of angels to nearby shepherds, announcing the birth of Christ.
Verses 8-14 state: “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’”
This must have been an awe-inspiring sight! The shepherds were caring for their flocks at night when an angel suddenly appeared in radiant glory. The angel told them not to fear but brought good news – the long-awaited Savior had been born that very day in Bethlehem. The angel described how they would recognize this baby lying in a manger. Then a great army of angels appeared, praising God in loud voices and proclaiming peace.
It is significant that the angels announced the Messiah’s birth to these shepherds, who were among the lowliest in society. As Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). Christ’s coming was good news for all people, rich and poor, high and low. The angels were praising God for fulfilling his promise to send a Savior (Isaiah 9:6-7). Their song proclaimed Christ’s deity, humanity, and mission – bringing glory to God and peace to mankind.
For Muslims, this passage contains some concepts that may seem surprising. Islam teaches that God is too holy to take on human form or have a Son. But here we see that Jesus is called the divine Messiah who is worshipped and praised. The Quran also denies Christ’s crucifixion, while the Bible teaches that Jesus came to die for our sins so we could have peace with God. These distinctions are important for Muslims to understand as they explore the biblical narrative.
As we reflect on this part of the Christmas story, we again see God’s magnificent plan unfolding. The arrival of the long-awaited Savior into the world was announced by an angelic choir praising God! As Christ’s followers, we too are called to proclaim the good news of salvation in Christ both in word and deed. What an awesome privilege we have to participate in God’s mission!
On the sixth day of our study of the Christmas story, we come to Matthew 2:1-12 which describes the visit of the wise men to baby Jesus.
Verses 1-2 state: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’”
These wise men, or magi, were scholars and astrologers from the East who studied the stars. Somehow they discerned from a star they saw that a new king of the Jews had been born and came to Jerusalem to look for him. The magi’s arrival troubled King Herod who wanted to protect his throne. Herod assembled Jewish leaders to tell him where the Messiah would be born according to prophecy. They told him the Scriptures said the Messiah would come from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
Matthew 2:9-11 continues: “After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
The magi followed the star to Bethlehem and found Jesus. Notice the response of these noble wise men when they found the young Jesus – they bowed down and worshipped him! Then they presented him with rich gifts fit for a king. This shows that from his birth, Christ was recognized as divine and worthy of worship.
For Muslims, the wise men’s worship of Jesus may seem inappropriate. The Quran teaches that Jesus was only a prophet, not God in the flesh. However, the Bible teaches from start to finish that Jesus is fully God. His birth was marked by a new star bringing magi from distant lands to worship the newborn King and present him with royal gifts.
As we reflect on this passage, we see that Christ’s coming had significance beyond just the people of Israel. From the beginning, Jesus was worshipped by foreigners from afar. This foreshadowed the global impact of the gospel across nations, tribes, and languages. As the angels proclaimed at Jesus’ birth, the good news of salvation would be for “all people” (Luke 2:10).
Moving to the seventh day of our study through the Christmas story, we come to Matthew 2:13-23. Here we read about the attempt to kill baby Jesus and the fulfillment of prophecy in God preserving him.
After the wise men departed without reporting back to Herod, the king was furious that he had been tricked. So Matthew 2:16 states: “Then Herod…sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.” Herod was desperately trying to stamp out any threat to his throne.
But God intervened to save Jesus. Matthew 2:13-15 says: “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod…that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’”
This fulfilled the prophecy in Hosea 11:1, showing that everything happened according to God’s plan. Later, when it was safe again, Joseph brought Mary and Jesus back to Israel to Nazareth to fulfill the prophecy that the Savior would be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:19-23).
We see God’s divine protection over Jesus from Herod’s murderous plot. Though powerful earthly kings sought to destroy Christ, God preserved his Son to accomplish the mission for which he was sent. This shows God’s sovereignty even over rulers and authorities who opposed his will.
For Muslims, these events may seem to portray Jesus as weaker than expected for a prophet. But this passage is not about Jesus’ human vulnerability as an infant, but rather God’s faithfulness in protecting his Son. The Quran affirms the virgin birth of Christ, and this account provides historical context around those early events after his miraculous conception.
As we reflect on this part of the story, we see God’s amazing providence in fulfilling prophecy and preserving Jesus. Despite much opposition to the coming of the Messiah, God was working out his saving plan exactly as intended. This gives us confidence that he remains in control amid life’s challenges today.
On the eighth day of our Christmas story study, we come to Luke 2:21-40 which describes Jesus’ circumcision and his presentation at the temple in Jerusalem.
Verse 21 states: “And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” Even before his birth, the angel Gabriel had instructed Mary to name the baby Jesus, which means “Yahweh saves” (Luke 1:31). This name signified his identity and mission as the one who would save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).
Luke 2:22-24 describes Joseph and Mary bringing Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem for his dedication to the Lord: “And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord…and to offer a sacrifice.” This fulfilled the command in Leviticus 12 about dedicating the firstborn son and providing a sacrifice of turtledoves or pigeons for the mother’s purification. Though they were poor, Joseph and Mary obeyed God’s law.
While at the temple, they encountered two godly people, Simeon and Anna, who recognized the infant Jesus as the Messiah. Luke 2:28-32 records Simeon’s words: “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace…for my eyes have seen your salvation…a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Though just a baby, Jesus was the fulfillment of Israel’s hope!
For Muslims, this passage provides details about the early life of Jesus after his birth. The Quran speaks respectfully of Mary and Jesus, so these events offer helpful background. However, Muslims reject the crucifixion of Christ which is hinted at here in Simeon’s reference to the baby Jesus bringing “glory” to Israel. The Bible teaches that Jesus fulfilled his mission of salvation through the cross.
As we reflect on this passage, we see Jesus being dedicated to God and identified as the promised Messiah right from infancy. God ordained all these details around the arrival of his Son – the circumcision, the temple visit, the prophecies, and the faithful witnesses like Simeon and Anna who testified about the Christ child.
On the ninth and final day of our Christmas story study, we come to John 1:1-14 which describes the divine nature of Jesus Christ in coming to earth as a man.
John 1:1-3 declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” This “Word” refers to Jesus Christ, who pre-existed creation with the Father and was himself fully God. As verse 14 makes clear, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
John 1:10-13 continues: “He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
This passage teaches that Jesus, the eternal divine Word, added humanity to his deity in being born on earth. Yet tragically, many did not receive him as their Messiah. But those who did believe in Christ were spiritually reborn as children of God. His incarnation made redemption possible for all people who trust in him!
For Muslims reading this, the deity and pre-existence of Christ may be hard to understand or accept. However, this is clearly what Scripture teaches about who Jesus is – the divine Son of God made flesh. Only by coming as man could the perfect Son of God live a sinless life and die to pay for our sins.
As we conclude this study, John 1 reminds us that Jesus was not merely a great prophet or teacher as Islam suggests. He is the eternal God who took on human form for our salvation. As the Christ hymn says, “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate Deity!” Praise God for this unspeakable gift!
