What Is the Nativity?
What Is the Nativity? The nativity is the account of Jesus' birth — the virgin conception, the journey to Bethlehem, and the worship of shepherds and wise men.
Key verse: Luke 2:7 (KJV)
The nativity is the account of Jesus' birth — the virgin conception, the journey to Bethlehem, and the worship of shepherds and wise men.
The nativity is the account of Jesus' birth — the virgin conception, the journey to Bethlehem, and the worship of shepherds and wise men.
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." — Luke 2:7 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The nativity encompasses the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Luke records the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary, the census journey to Bethlehem, the lack of room at the inn, the manger birth, and the angelic proclamation to shepherds. Matthew adds the account of the wise men from the east, the star, Herod's murderous rage, and the holy family's flight to Egypt. The nativity is the incarnation in action: the eternal Word, who was with God and was God, became flesh and dwelt among us. He was not born in a palace but in a stable, not welcomed by royalty but by shepherds. The nativity reveals God's upside-down kingdom — power displayed in weakness, glory wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Creator entering His creation as a helpless infant. It is the beginning of redemption, the moment when heaven touched earth and 'the Word was made flesh.'
Key Scripture References
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Bethlehem?
Bethlehem is the small Judean town where Jesus Christ was born, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from David's city.
Who Was Joseph the Carpenter?
Joseph was the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus — a righteous man of David's line who protected and raised the Son of God.
What Is the Annunciation?
The annunciation is the angel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God.
What Is the Passion of Christ?
The Passion of Christ refers to the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus — the events that secured salvation for all who believe.
What Is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem one week before His resurrection, when crowds waved palm branches and cried 'Hosanna!'
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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