The story of Christmas begins with an extraordinary miracle—the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Matthew’s account in Matthew 1:18-25 presents this miraculous moment with a simplicity that belies its significance. “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about…” What follows is a mystery that defines our faith, a story of God entering the world in the most unexpected way.
The virgin birth is not just a footnote in the Christmas story; it is central to the message of the gospel. Without the virgin birth, there would be no perfect sacrifice for sin. Jesus would be just another man, not the God-Man uniquely qualified to save humanity. Similarly, without the resurrection, there would be no victory over sin and death. Together, these doctrines form the foundation of our faith, the miracle of grace through Jesus Christ.
To deny the virgin birth is to question the very nature of God’s work in our world. It challenges the truth of Scripture and the essence of grace itself. Mary’s virginity was not incidental; it was necessary. It signified Jesus’ divine origin, ensuring He was both fully human and fully divine. This reality confronts us with a critical question: Do we believe in God’s miraculous work, or do we reduce the Christmas story to a mere tale?
In the virgin birth, we see God’s simple answer to our chaotic lives. Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us,” the One who steps into our mess to bring salvation. His birth was humble—a young mother, a carpenter father, no grand entrance. Yet, this simple arrival fulfills ancient prophecy and answers
humanity’s deepest needs.
The cradle holds more than a baby; it holds the grace of God. Jesus came not as a conquering king but as a vulnerable infant, born under the law to redeem those enslaved by it. He kept every law, lived a sinless life, and ultimately gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. When we look at the manger, we see not just a baby but our Savior—the One who took on our curse so we might be adopted as children of God.
Mary and Joseph play vital roles in this divine drama. Mary nurtured grace, carrying and caring for the Savior of the world. Joseph demonstrated courage, accepting the disgrace of the world to obey God’s call. Their faith and obedience remind us that following Christ often requires sacrifice, but it
always leads to redemption.
This Christmas, as we reflect on the miracle of the virgin birth, let us stand in awe of God’s plan to save us. The birth of Jesus is not just a story of a child born long ago; it is the story of grace entering history, transforming our lives, and securing our eternal adoption into God’s family. May this truth fill our hearts with wonder and gratitude, drawing us closer to the One who came to save us.