The story of Jesus’ birth, often called the “Nativity,” is a central narrative in Christianity and is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in the Bible.
The story begins with Mary, a young woman living in Nazareth, who is visited by the angel Gabriel. The angel announces that she will conceive a son through the power of the Holy Spirit and that her child will be the Son of God. Mary, who is betrothed to Joseph, finds herself in an unexpected situation. Joseph, initially confused upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy, decides to stay with her after an angel appears to him in a dream and explains the divine plan.
Due to a decree by Roman Emperor Augustus for a census, Joseph and the pregnant Mary travel to Bethlehem, Joseph’s ancestral home. When they arrive, they find no room at the inn and are forced to stay in a stable. It is there that Jesus is born, laid in a manger, symbolizing humility and the arrival of the Savior.
That same night, shepherds in nearby fields are visited by angels who announce the good news of the Savior’s birth and direct them to Bethlehem. The shepherds find Jesus and spread the joyful news.
Meanwhile, wise men (or magi) from the East, guided by a star, arrive in Jerusalem seeking the newborn king. Learning that Jesus is in Bethlehem, they follow the star to the place where Jesus is and present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh in homage to Him.
This story conveys messages of peace, love, and hope and forms the foundation of the celebration of Christmas.
