The quotes on Nativity, the birth of Christ, are taken from the Bible. As by now traditionally celebrated, it falls on December 25, Christmas Day. To Christians all over the world, the significance is Jesus being the Christ, Messiah, Son of God, and Redeemer.
The list of quotations is collected from both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the former, to provide the prophecy of Jesus’s birth, and the latter, to the Nativity story in the book of the gospels, in particular, books of Matthew and Luke.
The Star of Bethlehem Prophesied
In the fourth book of the Old Testament, Numbers, Balaam was a prophet who had put curses on people for money. The King of Moab, Balak, hired him to curse the Israelites since the king feared the army of the Israelites. But after God spoke to him, Balaam submitted to God’s authority that he even explained to Balak he could not possibly supersede the will of God.
In chapter 24 verse 17, Balaam utters one of his prophecies that a star will come out of Jacob, referring to Jesus.The Star of Bethlehem is significant. It is the star that led the Three Wise Men (Magi) to where the Christ-child Jesus was found.
"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but now near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel." ~Numbers 24:17.
The Sign of Immanuel, Jesus
These two quotes are taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah as he prophesied the birth of Jesus in chapter 7. "Immanuel", referring to Jesus Christ, means “God with us.”
"Then Isaiah said, hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." ~Isaiah 7:13-14.
Bethlehem Prophecy, Birthplace of Jesus
The book of Micah in the Old Testament prophesies a “promised leader from Bethlehem, referring to Jesus in chapter 5 verse 2.
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, form ancient times." ~Micah 5:2.
The Nativity Story, Birth of Jesus Christ
This account of the birth of Jesus Christ is taken from the book of Matthew, the first gospel of the Bible’s New Testament, from chapter one verses 18-25. Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they consummated as husband and wife, she found out she was pregnant. Because Joseph was a righteous man and he did not want her exposed to public humiliation, he planned to divorce Mary quietly.
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the lord appeared to [Joseph] in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” ~Matthew 1:20-25.
The Greatest Christmas News
The first recipients of the news that Jesus was born were the lowly shepherds tending their flocks at night. They were not far from the manger where the Christ-child was born. An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, and as the Glory of God shone around them, they were afraid.
"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." ~Luke 2:9-12
After the angels left the shepherds, they hurried off to the manger to find the baby Jesus lying in a manger with Joseph and Mary.
To Christians all over the world, the meaning of the Nativity or Christmas Day, as celebrated every 25th December, is most important in the calendar diary, alongside Easter, Christ’s resurrection. Jesus is God’s promised Messiah, God’s greatest gift.
Interested readers may want to check Christmas quotes from the Bible.
Source:
Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1983.
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