Birth of Yeshua: approx. 4 BC
The birth of Yeshua, one of the most significant events in human history, is believed to have occurred around the year 4 BC, although the exact year is a subject of debate among scholars. The birth of Jesus fulfilled numerous prophecies and marked the beginning of the Christian era.
The New Testament provides a detailed account of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. These accounts offer insights into the circumstances, people, and divine intervention surrounding the birth of the Messiah.
In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded that Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod the Great. Wise men from the East, who were guided by a star, came to Jerusalem seeking the newborn King of the Jews. King Herod, feeling threatened, inquired about the birthplace of the Messiah from the religious leaders. They told him that the prophet Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
Matthew 2:9-11 describes how the star led the wise men to Bethlehem, where they found Jesus with His mother, Mary. They presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, recognizing His significance.
In the Gospel of Luke, it is revealed that Mary and her betrothed husband, Joseph, were living in Nazareth. The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38). Mary’s humble submission to God’s plan is beautifully expressed in her response, known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).
A Roman census was ordered by Emperor Augustus, requiring Joseph and Mary to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Joseph’s ancestral home. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable, as there was no room for them in the inn. The baby was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger (Luke 2:1-7).
The shepherds in the nearby fields were visited by an angel who proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ birth. The angelic host praised God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:8-14). The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found the baby Jesus, just as the angel had told them.
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfilled the prophecy in Micah 5:2, establishing Him as the long-awaited Messiah. The significance of His birth extends far beyond a mere historical event. It represents the incarnation of God, His entrance into human history to bring salvation to all mankind.
The birth of Jesus fulfilled numerous prophecies from the Old Testament, including Isaiah 7:14, which foretold that a virgin would conceive and bear a son. Jesus’ birth also fulfilled the promise made to David of an everlasting kingdom and a Messiah who would sit on David’s throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
The birth of Yeshua is a foundational event in Christian theology and holds immense significance for believers. It marks the beginning of God’s redemptive plan, ultimately leading to Yeshua’s sacrificial death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. The birth of Yeshua is celebrated by Christians worldwide as Christmas, a time of rejoicing and reflecting on the profound love of God demonstrated in the gift of His Son.
