The Gospels according to Matthew and Luke give an account of Jesus’ birth, but each offers a different perspective. Matthew’s Gospel focuses on Joseph’s role, with four stories that point to the fulfillment of prophetic expectation:

1. An angel announces Jesus’ birth to Joseph in a dream (Matthew 1:18-25)
2. Wise Men from the east seek the child born to be “king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:1-12)
3. An angel warns Joseph in a dream to take Mary and the child to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-18)
4. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)

Luke’s Gospel focuses on Mary’s role and includes seven stories pertaining to events surrounding Jesus’ birth and childhood:

1. An angel announces the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-25)
2. An angel announces the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38)
3. Mary visits Elizabeth (Luke1:39-56)
4. John the Baptist is born (Luke 1:57-80)
5. Jesus is born (Luke 2:1-20)
6. Jesus is circumcised and presented at the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:21-40)
7. Twelve-year old Jesus goes to Jerusalem for Passover (Luke 2:41-52)

The Word became a human being and lived here with us. John 1:14a

This verse from John’s Gospel also tells us the same story as recorded in Matthew and Luke – yet without Mary and Joseph, the stable, angels, shepherds, and wise men. John goes straight to the point with the profound message that God has come to us in human form to live among us.

A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

In the midst of our hopes and fears, God comes to us as a baby known as “Immanuel” which means “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23). And he is named Jesus “because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).