New Testament · event
The Nativity
The Word became flesh — God who came to the lowest place.
The Nativity is the event of the Son of God coming as a human being — a story of salvation that began not in a palace but in a manger in Bethlehem.
Timeline at a glance
- The AnnunciationThe promise that came to Mary (Luke 1)
- The BirthIn a manger in Bethlehem (Luke 2)
- The WorshipThe visit of shepherds and Magi (Luke 2; Matthew 2)
The Manger in Bethlehem
Mary and Joseph, who had gone up to Bethlehem for the census, laid the infant Jesus in a manger because there was no room at the inn. The Savior was born in the lowest of places (Luke 2).
Shepherds and Magi
The angel announced the good news first to shepherds in the fields, and Magi from the east followed a star to offer gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2). The lowliest and distant foreigners worshiped together.
Immanuel
This birth is the fulfillment of the promise that "God is with us" (Immanuel). The God who seemed far off came down in person to the place of humanity.
Related verses
- Luke 2:11"Today ... a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
- Matthew 1:23"They will call him Immanuel — God with us."
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean that Jesus was born in a manger?
It shows that the Savior came not to a place of power and wealth but to the lowest, humblest place. From the very start it reveals for whom he came.