The Mysterious Bible Story of Jesus’ Birth (Luke 1:26–2:40 & Matthew 1:18–2:23)
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what really happened on the night of the birth of Jesus Christ? Or how Jesus was really conceived? It’s one of the most beautiful stories ever told — the story of how God’s Son, the Savior, came into the world, not in a palace, but in a humble manger. The story of Jesus’ birth reminds us that even the smallest and overlooked places can hold the greatest miracles.
The virgin conception of Jesus
A long time ago in Israel, there was a man called Joseph who lived in a city called Nazareth in Galilee. Mary was the lady who was engaged to him, and she was a virgin. Before they got married, God sent the angel Gabriel with a message to Mary. He told her that she would conceive and give birth to a son and name him Jesus. He would be called the Son of God. Mary was shocked!
Luke 1: 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. 36 Behold, Elizabeth your relative also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”[a]
38 Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”
An angel of God also spoke to Joseph in a dream. He was told about how Mary would conceive even if they were not married. So he was told to go ahead and marry, which he did.
There Was No Room in the Inn
One day, the ruler Caesar Augustus announced that everyone had to return to their family’s hometown to be counted in a census. So Joseph and Mary packed their things and began their long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Joseph’s ancestral home. Mary was expecting her baby very soon.
When Joseph and Mary finally reached Bethlehem, the small town was packed with travelers who had also come for the census. Every house, every inn, and every guest room was full.
Joseph knocked on door after door, but there was no room in the inn. At last, one kind innkeeper offered them a place in a stable — the same place where animals were kept for the night.
It was there, in that quiet stable, that the birth of Jesus Christ took place.
The Birth of Jesus Christ
In the stillness of the night, surrounded by animals and the warm glow of a lantern, Mary gave birth to baby Jesus. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger — a feeding trough filled with soft hay.
Even though it was the humblest of places, heaven itself celebrated that moment. The long-awaited Savior had arrived!
The birth of Jesus Christ fulfilled ancient prophecies and showed the world that God’s promise of love had come true.
Jesus is born, Angels appear to the Shepherds
Just outside Bethlehem, in the fields, shepherds were watching over their flocks. Suddenly, the dark sky burst into brilliant light! A mighty angel appeared before them, and the shepherds were filled with awe.
The angel said,
Luke 2:10 “Do not be afraid. I 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ[c] the Lord. 12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.” 13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
on earth peace, good will toward men.” bring you good news of great joy for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”
The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger — just as the angel had said.
They were filled with joy and ran to tell everyone they met about the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Wise Men visit Jesus
The wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem. They had been following the star of Jesus. They knew this star meant that a great King had been born.
Mathew2: 2 “Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
When the wise men arrived, they entered the house and saw the child Jesus with His mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped Him. Then, they opened their treasures and presented gifts — gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The birth of Jesus Christ had reached across nations — a Savior not just for one people, but for the whole world.
Lessons from the Birth of Jesus Christ
God’s plans are perfect, even when they don’t look glamorous.
Jesus could have been born in a palace, but God chose a manger to show humility and love.
God keeps His promises.
The prophets had foretold the birth of a Savior hundreds of years earlier — and every word came true.
God’s love reaches everyone.
The angels told shepherds — ordinary people — before anyone else, proving that God’s good news is for all.
Jesus is God’s greatest gift.
Through the birth of Jesus Christ, God gave the world hope, forgiveness, and eternal life.
Discussion Questions for Children
Activities and Resources
Craft Idea: Create a paper nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the shepherds, and the wise men.
Printable: “Birth of Jesus Christ” Coloring and Activity Pack for Kids.
Memory Verse:
11 For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ[a] the Lord. — Luke 2:11
Video Resource: “The Nativity Story” animated Bible story for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Jesus born?
The Bible doesn’t give a specific date, but Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25, known as Christmas Day.
Where was Jesus born?
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small town in Judea.
Why was Jesus born in a manger?
Because there was no room in the inn. It shows that God’s Son came humbly, not as a rich king, but as a servant for all people.
Who visited baby Jesus?
Shepherds came first, and later the wise men visited from the East, following a bright star.
Closing Thought
The birth of Jesus Christ is the story of hope that changed the world. It teaches us that God’s love can reach us no matter where we are or how small we feel. The same light that shone over Bethlehem still shines in our hearts today.
If you loved the birth of Jesus Bible story, read the The Creation Bible Story for Kids (Genesis 1–2) – Bible Story Finder as it relates top Jesus the savior.