The Biblical telling of the Christmas story
The Christmas story, as it is told in the Bible, is familiar to many. It begins with the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary, a virgin from Nazareth, telling her she would give birth to a son named Jesus. Mary travels to Bethlehem with her husband Joseph, who is descended from King David, for the Roman census. They are unable to find lodging and are forced to stay in a stable. There, Jesus is born and laid in a manger. Angels appear to shepherds, telling them of the birth of the Savior, prompting them to visit the child.
The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew offers a slightly different take on the Christmas story. It begins with Joseph and Mary already betrothed and Mary being found to be with child. Joseph plans to divorce her quietly, but an angel tells him in a dream not to, as the child is divinely conceived. Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s attempt to kill the child. They eventually settle in Nazareth.
The Historical Context
While the story of the Nativity is a central element of Christmas, the historical context and origins of the story are less widely known. The Gospels were written between 70 and 100 years after the birth of Jesus, and were written by individual authors who drew on earlier oral traditions and written sources. The stories they tell were meant to convey theological truths about Jesus and his teachings, rather than to provide a historical record of his life.
Pagan Influences
Many of the elements of the Christmas story, such as the date of December 25 and the use of evergreen trees and mistletoe, have their origins in pagan traditions that were incorporated into the Christian celebration of Christmas. The Roman festival of Saturnalia, which took place in mid-December, featured feasting, gift-giving, and the lighting of candles. The northern European festival of Yule also took place in December and featured the use of evergreen trees and holly boughs, as well as gift-giving and feasting.
The Universal Message
Despite the various interpretations and influences that have shaped the Christmas story over the centuries, it remains a powerful and enduring narrative. It speaks to the universal human experience of hope, love, and redemption, offering a message of peace and goodwill that transcends time and culture. Whether one approaches the story from a theological, historical, or cultural perspective, the core message of the Christmas story continues to resonate with millions of people around the world year after year.
