← Birth and childhood of Jesus (Nativity)

The Birth of Jesus

  • PER004 Announcement of the birth of Jesus the Messiah

    The article discusses the announcement of Jesus' birth by the angel Gabriel to Mary in the Gospel of Luke, emphasising his conception through the Holy Spirit. It also explores the prophetic and family contexts surrounding this major event in Christianity.

    Daniel 8.6 (King James Version) :
    And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER010 Joseph's first dream

    The article explores Joseph's dream in the Gospel of Matthew, revealing how his visions and decisions influence Mary's life and perceptions of Jesus. By taking Mary into his home, Joseph legitimises Jesus' birth despite malicious rumours.

    Matthew 1.18-25 (King James Version) :
    Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER013 The birth of Jesus the Messiah.

    This article analyses Jesus' birth in relation to several biblical texts and historical elements, such as the festival of Sukkot and Herod's rule. It surveys the challenges Mary and Joseph faced during their stay in Bethlehem and the theological significance of this event.

    Matthew 2.1-2 (King James Version) :
    Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER020 The Magi from the East meet Herod

    This article examines the Magi's meeting with Herod, recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting its importance in affirming Jesus' kingship. It places the visit in its historical context, exploring the Magi's motives and Herod's intentions while discussing Jesus' birth and its historical and theological implications.

    Matthew 2.1-8 (King James Version) :
    Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Further reading
  • ANN012 The Magi from the East in Bethlehem

    This article examines the account of the Magi who came from the East to pay homage to Jesus, highlighting the historicity of Matthew's account and its resonance…

  • ANN013 The Star of Bethlehem

    The article analyses the star of Bethlehem in the Gospel of Matthew, questioning whether it was symbolic or real. It describes how the Magi, through their expertise…

  • ANN062 The manger in Bethlehem

    This article examines the Christmas nativity scene tradition, comparing the historical accounts with its modern cultural representation. It draws on the Gospel of Luke…

  • ANN080 Is Jesus a mamzer?

    The article examines the theory that Jesus might be a 'mamzer', the offspring of a union forbidden by Jewish law, because of his conception…