The

Christmas Story
A Sunday school teacher asked her class to draw a picture of the Holy Family for Christmas. One little boy turned
in a picture of a mother, father, and a baby in an airplane with a pilot. “Who do you have here?” asked the teacher.
“That’s Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus,” answered the little boy, “and Pontius the Pilot.”

Years ago my father gave me a little Christmas quiz to see how much of the factual Christmas story I actually knew.
I was quite surprised at how much I really didn’t know.

The Christmas story, concerning the birth of Jesus, has been told for years, but I’m not sure all the details have
been clear. It is my hope that the following pages will not only help you better understand what took place 2,000
years ago, but will also cause you to slow down, reflect, and remember the TRUE reason for the season.

The Prophecy
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light – a light that will shine on everyone. For God is going to
break the chains that bind us. For a Child will be born, a Son will be given to us. He will be our ruler. He will be
called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His royal power will continue to
grow; His kingdom will always be at peace. He will rule forever with fairness and justice. He will do all of this
because of His great love.” Isaiah 9:2-7

“The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon Him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and
might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will never judge
by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay. He will defend the poor. He will rule against the wicked. He will be
clothed with fairness and truth.” Isaiah 11:2-4

The Conception
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s [John the Baptist’s mother] pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to a Galilean
village, called Nazareth, to a virgin, engaged to be married to a man named Joseph. The virgin’s name was Mary.
The angel said to her, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at
his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.” Luke 1:26-29

Greetings played a significant role in the Jewish community. They signified rank and status toward the one being
addressed. Since Mary was a young virgin girl, she probably was never the recipient of any greetings. Women
were not accustomed to being counted, let alone greeted – especially a young virgin girl. Therefore, it’s no wonder
why Mary’s spirit was troubled. Not only would the greeting be a surprise, but how would she understand the
nature of this one – “highly favored”?
One thing is for certain, she wasn’t expecting any special visit, let alone, the recipient of such honor – to be the
mother of God’s only Son.

“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth
to a son, and you are to give Him the name 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 the house of Jacob forever; His
kingdom will never end.’” Luke 1:26-33

Imagine receiving news that you’re not only with child, but this Child is the one that everyone has been waiting
for: Jesus (Jehovah is salvation). But there’s no mistaking what the angel said. He is to be called the “Son of the
Most High.” In Semitic thinking, a son was a “carbon copy” of his father and the phrase “son of” would be used
only to refer to these qualities.

“’How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin? I have not slept with a man?’ The angel answered,
‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, and the holy one to
be born will be called the Son of God.’” Luke 1:34-35

The Angel’s Visit to Joseph

“The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph.
Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t
know that.) Joseph, who was a good and just man, did not want to expose her to public disgrace, and therefore
decided to divorce her quietly.” Matthew 1:18-19

In Jewish culture, an engagement was equivalent to marriage; however, the couple did not live together for one
whole year. The marriage vows would have been said at their engagement and would have required a certificate
of divorce to unbind them.

During their engagement, the two would be called husband and wife, though customarily they would enter into a
waiting period of one year before she would move into his house and then consummate the marriage.

This one-year period was significant. Through this, the couple demonstrated their commitment and faithfulness to
one another. If at any time during the year she was found to be with child, or that the vow was broken by infidelity,
actions could (and would) be taken according to Jewish law (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). One such punishment
would mean death by stoning.

There’s not much written about the person of Joseph, but in these few lines we discover much about his character.
When word comes that Mary is pregnant, it is profound that his love remains outward, as in what is in her best
interest. He would have had every right to make her into a public spectacle and exercise his rights to the judges
of the city, but his amazing response should leave all of us checking our hearts, to examine what love really is (1
Corinthians 13:4-8a).

“While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, descendant
of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. She will
have a Son, and you will name Him Jesus – because He will save His people from their sins.’ Now, all this took
place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken to the prophet Isaiah: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call His name Immanuel’ – which means, God with us. When Joseph woke from his sleep, he did as

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the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took Mary to be his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a
Son; and called His name Jesus.” Matthew 1:20-25

Notice the words, “While he was thinking about this.” Consider how quick are we to react in anger rather than
consider the circumstances when things seem to be unfair and unjust. It’s no wonder why the writer of Proverbs
says, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding” (Proverbs 14:29 – NRSV). It was obvious Joseph was a
man of great understanding.

These words from the angel would have held great meaning to Joseph. Being a Jewish male, he would have been
schooled in the Pentateuch and the prophecies of the Old Testament. The words of Isaiah foretelling the coming
of the Messiah (Isaiah 7:14), along with how Mary had become pregnant, would only substantiate the fulfillment
of these prophecies. It would be through this that Joseph was no longer afraid to take Mary into his house, even
though it would violate the traditional one-year engagement.

There’s a great lesson here that I don’t want us to miss, regarding the gossip that would have been circulating.
Joseph can teach us the importance of building on God’s word, rather than human understandings or perceptions
(Proverbs 3:5).

The name Jesus in Greek means ‘Savior’ and in Hebrew would be translated ‘Joshua.’ It’s interesting to note that in
the Old Testament we have two well-known “Joshuas”: the appointed leader of God who led the people of Israel
into the promised land, and the high priest mentioned in the book of Zechariah. These two would both represent
who Christ would be – our victorious leader who will lead us into the ultimate promised land, and our Great High
Priest who will represent us before God’s Almighty Throne.

The Census
“About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census
when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted
for. So Joseph, went from the Galilean town of Nazareth, to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town – since he was a
descendant of David. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.” Luke 2:1-5

Rome administered a census every 14 years for both military and tax purposes, and it was by law that every
Jewish male had to return to his ancestral home – the city from which he derived his name. This was done so that
Rome could account for every living person. The census would include the recording of one’s name, occupation,
property, and family.

There are two things I want to note concerning Bethlehem. Obviously, it’s known as the City of David, which the
prophet foretold. However, it’s the name that is special. Bethlehem means “the house of bread”. Jesus referenced
this title to Himself when He said, “I am the Bread of life...” (John 6:35) and “I am the Bread that comes down
from heaven” (John 6:41 – emphasis mine).

“While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped
him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7

Note the word ‘firstborn’. Obviously, this refers to the fact that Mary would later have other children (John 7:5).

Jesus’ birthplace is worthy of notation as well. It’s of high probability that He was born in a cave – a typical
structure used as a barn at that time. The manger in which He was laid was a feeding trough used by a shepherd
to feed his livestock. page 3
His blanket would be better translated ‘strips of cloth’. It would not only be one of the identifiers for the shepherds
when they came in search of the Christ child, but it also served to keep babies’ limbs straight so they would grow
properly.

The Shepherds
“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 fear.
And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a 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.’” Luke 2:8-12

Though we celebrate the birth of Jesus in December, most historians believe the actual birth was somewhere
between late April and early autumn since the shepherds were still in the fields with their sheep.

But maybe more importantly, we need to ask ourselves, why did the angel make the pronouncement to the
shepherds rather than to the priest and the scribes of the day?
Shepherds were considered outcasts and survived on the lowest rung of the social ladder. Their work would keep
them outside for days, leaving them ceremonially unclean. But how consistent it is with the heart of God and His
grace toward mankind who calls to Himself the poor and the lowly (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

“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.’ When the angels went away from them
into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened,
which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying
in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering
them in her heart.” Luke 2:13-19

The Wisemen
“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 have seen His star in the East
and have come to worship Him.’ Matthew 2:1-2

Scholars differ on the time that these wise men arrived in Bethlehem. It is clear that it was some time after Jesus’
birth – Mary and Joseph are still in Bethlehem, but they are now in a house, and Jesus was called child rather than
baby.

The identity of these men is difficult to know. Little is said about them. The word translated “wise men” (or magi)
seems to refer to a group of scholars who were well versed in astrology. However, even this is debatable.

Tradition has always stated that there were three wise men, in keeping with the three gifts that were given: gold,
frankincense and myrrh. However, the actual number of travelers is unknown.
“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the
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chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said
to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are
not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
Matthew 2:3-6

This was big news. Note the line, “and all Jerusalem with him.” The Jews had been waiting for this day – the coming
of their King.

It’s of no surprise, then, that Herod was troubled. He was the infamous Herod, Herod the Great, the worst of the
worst. He would permit no one, not even his own family, to interfere with his throne (let alone the news that a
new king had been born). In fact, he had his own wife and her two brothers slain, because he thought they were
considering mutiny.

Herod was never accepted by the Jews, being half blooded himself. In fact, he was quite hated. This news, that one
had been “born King,” would mean his throne was in danger, a title he wanted for himself.

Interestingly, Herod was able to connect this One born with the long awaited Messiah, but those he gathered
couldn’t. Think about it – these scribes and Pharisees had been schooled in the Messianic prophecies. In fact, they
actually gave Herod the precise location and time that the Messiah was to be born, and yet to these very scriptures
they would not adhere themselves. We have no record that they made any attempt to go to Bethlehem and see if
their prophecies had come true – amazing. They were five miles away from the very God they longed for. The irony
in all of this is that these Gentile wise men had sought and found Him, but these Jewish leaders wouldn’t recognize
the fulfillment of the prophecy unfolding before their very eyes.

“Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And
he sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him,
bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.’ When they heard the king, they departed; and
behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young
Child was. 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. Then, being divinely warned in
a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.”
Matthew 2:7-12

The star presents nothing less than a miracle. It reappeared and led them 5 miles south from Jerusalem to
Bethlehem, to a house where the child was. The miracle is that stars naturally travel from east to west across the
heavens, never from north to south. One can only wonder if this is the same ‘glory of God’ that led the Israelites
through the wilderness – a pillar of fire by night and cloud by day (Exodus 13:21).

The story of these wise men is a grand instruction for all of us – they followed God’s light; they verified their
steps in accordance to God’s Word; and they obeyed God without question. Lest we forget, they went home ‘by
another way’ – which is important, for anyone who comes to Christ will always go home ‘by another way’ – as a
new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

It is my hope that Jesus Christ truly reigns upon your heart and is ruler over your home.

Merry Christmas.
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 Bibliography
The Bible Exposition Commentary
(Victor Books – © 1996, by SP Publications, Inc.)

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament

(Victor Books – © 1992, by SP Publications, Inc.)

The Bible Knowledge Commentary

The Wycliffe Bible Commentary – New Testament
(Moody Press – © 1962, by The Moody Bible Institute of
Chicago)

Matthew Henry’s Commentary of the Whole Bible

(New Modern Edition Database – © 1994 by Hendrickson
Publishers, Inc.)

The IVP Bible Background Commentary – New Testament

(InterVarsity Press – © 1993; by Craig S. Keener)

The New Bible Commentary

(InterVarsity Press – © April 1994; 4th edition)

A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory, on the Old and New

Testaments (© 1871 – Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David
Brown)

1000 South Sycamore Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57110

p. 605.357.7067 f. 605.357.7069 www.celebratesf.org
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