This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet 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.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).”

While there is more detail about all that transpired in the gospels around Jesus’ birth, Matthew here tells us a summary of the events that transpired prior to the birth of Jesus.

Jesus was born from a Virgin, Mary, who was impregnated by the Holy Spirit.
Joseph knew this, otherwise he would have wanted to divorce her for infidelity.
These revelations about Jesus’ birth came by angels.
And he was to be called Jesus & Immanuel (which means “God with us”.
Jesus was a gift God had planned to give to us humans for a long, long time. The gift required a tremendous sacrifice. It also was given so Jesus could redeem us by paying the price for our sins and return us to right relationship with God. Jesus was a gift that many did not understand or appreciate throughout the course of his life. He called out the truth and stood for righteousness. He also loved and had mercy on people in an incredible way. He modeled what it looks like to live with God’s Spirit in control of our lives. And then he chose to accept death on a cross, though innocent, to pay the price for our sins. He paid the price for the sins of those who killed him too. And he rose again on the third day in glorious victory.

All of this started by his birth that we celebrate today. It was a new birth on earth. Never before had a virgin conceived a child. And this baby boy would over his life and by his death and resurrection introduce a new birth to mankind. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (‭‭I Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭5‬)

The new birth that gave us new birth, is such a wonderful thing to celebrate! No longer are we trapped and weighed down by the guilt and consequences of our sin. If we make Jesus our Savior and Lord, receiving his free gift of Salvation, we receive a new birth into a life which is filled by his Spirit in our hearts.

Thank you Jesus for coming to earth. For sacrificing so much to save us. And for giving us new birth, a new way to relationship with God by your Holy Spirit! High praise and extraordinary glory are due you. I lift up your name throughout all the earth!