The Festival of the Nativity of Our Lord is the central event in the Christmas cycle. At Christmas, we celebrate God’s greatest gift to us – Jesus, God’s gift of love. In the midst of our hopes and fears, God comes to us as a baby known as “Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” Jesus, the Son of God, comes to us humbly, born in a lowly stable.

Beginning with December 25, the Christmas season is one of twelve days and concludes with the Epiphany of Our Lord, which is celebrated on January 6. Epiphany, a Greek word that means “manifestation” or “appearance,” is a season that follows Christmas and focuses on God’s presence made known to all the world as revealed in Jesus Christ.

The Gospels according to Matthew and Luke both give an account of Jesus’ birth. Matthew’s Gospel focuses on the role of Joseph and shows how the birth of Jesus fulfills prophetic expectation. Luke’s Gospel concentrates on Mary’s role and emphasizes Jesus as the Son of God. In these Gospels we read that angels announce the Savior’s birth, shepherds are the first to worship the Holy Child, wise men from the east bring gifts to the newborn King, and Jesus is acclaimed as God’s agent of salvation.

Jesus Is Born

• Isaiah 7:10-14
• Matthew 1:18-25
• Luke 2:1-20

Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

• Luke 2:21-38

Wise Men Visit the Child Jesus

• Isaiah 60:4-7
• Matthew 2:1-12

The Holy Family Escapes to Egypt

• Matthew 2:13-15

King Herod Kills Infant Boys

• Matthew 2:16-18

The Holy Family Returns to Nazareth

• Matthew 2:19-23
• Luke 2:39-40

Pause and Reflect

1. Why is Jesus referred to as “Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23)? What is the significance of this name?

2. What role do dreams play in Matthew’s account?

3. How do Simeon and Anna react when Jesus is presented in the Temple? What promise do they claim has been fulfilled?

4. Simeon sings of God’s mighty power as “a light for all nations” (Luke 2:32). What are your thoughts concerning this statement?

Jesus Is God’s First-Born Son, and God Created the Universe by His Son

• John 1:1-18
• Colossians 1:15-20
• Hebrews 1:1-12
• Proverbs 8:22-31

Jesus is the Promised Savior of the World

• Galatians 4:4-7
• Titus 2:11-14
• Titus 3:4-7
• Hebrews 10:5-10

Jesus Is the Hope of the World

• Isaiah 52:7-10
• Romans 10:14-17
• Romans 5:1-5

The Lord Is King Who Brings Justice

• Psalm 96
• Psalm 97
• Psalm 98
• Isaiah 42:1-9
• Isaiah 61:1-4
• Luke 4:16-21

Pause and Reflect

1. What titles for Jesus are suggested in John 1? What is the significance in referring to Jesus as the “Word?” What connections do you see between John 1 and the Colossians 1, Hebrews 1, and Proverbs 8 passages?

2. How is Jesus described in the Galatians, Titus, and Hebrews 10 passages? What words of hope do you find in these verses? in the two passages from Romans?

3. How is the theme of justice reflected in the three psalms and in the Isaiah 42, Isaiah 61, and Luke 4 passages? How do these passages speak to us today?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, Immanuel, come and reign in my heart. You are the promised Savior who has come to bring hope and peace to a weary world. With a thankful heart I welcome and receive you by ____________________________________________________________________.