“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him 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 1:18-21)

The Bible could have just given the details of Jesus’ life, beginning with His birth, but we would have missed so much!  Before there was a baby Jesus lying in a manger, there was a woman and a man whose roles are central.  Through the things recorded about Mary and Joseph we have a much clearer picture of God’s unfolding plan.  Through their responses we can have a greater understanding of God’s working in their lives, and in our own.

It’s easy to jump right into this passage and miss the first line: This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.  Those few words are rich with meaning, and should not be skimmed over lightly.  Although the promised coming was planned and prepared for in eternity past, the fulfillment was not some purely mystical event, but happened in real time with real people.  Jesus didn’t suddenly appear and no one knew where He came from.  What we read in a few minutes, these two human beings lived out a moment at a time.  It’s easy to see the wonder of it all, but we can miss the difficulty that was also present.  Despite angelic visitations, at times it may have been overwhelming to them.  But God was faithful and the birth of Jesus Christ came about…  just as He promised.

Jesus Christ.  To some it is just a name you occasionally hear at Christmas time.  Sadly, for some it is a curse word that people utter in anger.  But for those who know and believe in Him, it is the Name above all names, rich with meaning and full of hope!  “Jesus” is the Greek form of “Joshua”, a Hebrew word which means “the LORD saves.”  The Greek word “Christ” is a title, and is the equivalent of the Hebrew word, “Messiah”.  Both of those words mean “Anointed One”.  In Israel, priests, prophets, and kings were anointed with oil.  It affirmed God’s call on their life and also signified the need for His hand to be on that person, so they might effectively serve God and people.  Before He was ever born, He was named Jesus – the LORD saves.  From birth He was proclaimed to be the Christ – the Anointed One. 

Would He be Priest, Prophet or King?  The good news – to add to the good news – is that He came to be all three! Everything mankind needs in a Savior we have in our Lord!