A long time ago in a land far, far away Christ was born and the significance of this event is not only historical but carries with it great spiritual significance. This message has been told all over the world to many different people in all languages in all cultures and even with the diversity of the listeners the gospel story remains the same.

When we think of the gospel we tend to concentrate on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Rightfully so, this is the apex of the gospels and the center of Christianity. When one is baptized it is a reenactment of this death, burial, and resurrection (see Romans 6:1-4). However, I believe the gospel story begins with the birth of Jesus (Actually it begins with the beginning in Genesis and ends… well it hasn’t yet. But for this article let’s just say it begins at His birth).

The gospel of Matthew begins with the events surrounding Jesus’s birth and I believe there are some details we should remind ourselves about for us to fully appreciate the significance of Christ being born. Notice these significant spiritual points:

  1. Jesus is FROM the Holy Spirit. Matthew opens with the account of Jesus birth telling how the virgin birth was prophesied a long time ago. A matter of fact it was about 700 years before Christ was born. Isaiah 7:14 says: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” Then Matthew 1:18 tells of the fulfilled prophecy “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.” Notice the significance of Mary being with child of the Holy Spirit. Although Jesus was born of Mary, He was a child of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God was the source that was directly responsible for Him being made into flesh. He was divine yet He put on flesh and blood taking the human form and becoming in the likeness of men (see Philippians 2:7). This is significant because it shows us that God provided the Savior through His Holy Spirit.
  1. Jesus is God WITH us. Matthew also tells us two names that this little baby boy will be called. Jesus and Immanuel. Matthew 1:21-23, “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” Jesus and Immanuel are two fantastic names that carry great significance for us to explore. Verse 21 tells us His name is Jesus church is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name Joshua which means Jehovah the savior or the salvation of Jehovah (See Numbers 13:16). Jesus is not only man but He is Jehovah, and not only Jehovah but Jehovah is our salvation. Thus, He is our Savior. He is our Joshua, the One who saves us and provides rest (See Hebrews 4:8; Matthew 11:28-29). Because of our sin we need a savior and Jesus, Joshua, God Jehovah is Him. We enjoy salvation when we call on the name of Jesus by being obedient to his commands. Verse 23 tells us His name is Immanuel. Matthew translates this for us and tells us it means that God is with us. There is no greater comfort for us that to know that God is with us. We are not alone. We don’t have to face the trials and hard ache without our God. He left the splendors of heaven and came to earth to walk among us. He know just what we need, He knows and understands pain, temptation and death. He is with us. We don’t have a savior who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

These two significant point surround Christ’s birth should give us great joy! Jesus is FROM the Holy Spirit and He is WITH us. That’s how the gospel story begins and how it ends depends on your reaction to it. Do you see the significance? Are you ready to respond to it?

Christ is Born!!!

I love you,

Alex