A Christmas Story: The Birth of Christ

Almost everyone knows the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, when asked about it, most can't recall the entire story. Here is a summarized version what is written in the Bible about the birth of Jesus.

Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they married she became pregnant. Joseph was a righteous man and did not want to hurt Mary's reputation. So, he agreed to divorce her in private.

While Joseph slept, an angel came to him in a dream. The angel told him to take Mary as his wife. He told Joseph that Mary was loyal and not to be afraid, because, she was carrying the son of God. The child's name will be Jesus and he will save his people from sin.

The prophet said: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel" (Immanuel means "God with us").

When Joseph woke up he took Mary as his wife. However, they had no "union" together until after the birth of Jesus.

Elsewhere, Caesar Augustus had issued a decree saying that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So, Joseph along with Mary went from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem (the town of David), because he belonged to the house of David.

While in Bethlehem, Mary went into labor and gave birth to a son which they named Jesus. There was no room to be found at the Inn, so they found shelter in a farmers stable. Mary wrapped the baby in cloth and placed him in a manger.

There were shepherds living in the fields nearby and they were watching their flocks that night. Suddenly, an angel came down to them and said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all 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."

Behind the angel a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels left and went back up to heaven the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem and see the sign the angel mentioned. In Bethlehem, they found Mary, Joseph and the baby.

When they saw the baby Jesus they spread the word about what they were told of the child and all who heard were amazed at what the shepherds had to say.

The shepherds then returned home and praised God for all the things they had heard and seen.

After Jesus was born, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed and all Jerusalem along with him. He called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law. He asked them where he could find Christ. The told him in Bethlehem as per what the prophesy said.

King Herod then secretly called the Magi and found out when the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."
The Magi left the king and followed the star to the child. They found Mary and Jesus and bowed to worship him. They presented him with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.

The Magi had been warned that Herod was dangerous and they decided to take a different route to get home. When the Magi did not return King Herod was furious and had his soldiers to kill all boys in Bethlehem who were two years old or younger.
When all had gone home, an angel came again to Joseph in a dream. The angel told Joseph to get up and to take Mary and the baby to Egypt. Joseph was told by the angel that King Herod was going to search for the child and kill him. So, in the middle of the night, they left for Egypt.

When King Herod died an angel came to Joseph once more in a dream in Egypt and told him to return with Mary and Jesus to the land of Israel. Joseph was told that those who were trying to kill Jesus were gone.
So, Joseph, Mary and Jesus went back to Israel and went to live in Nazareth.