Christmas in the Gospel of Matthew — Part I
Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is a true, historical event where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. The convergence of divine and human is simply spectacular. God takes on flesh…forever.
The Christmas story in Matthew’s Gospel has Joseph in view. Amazing is the fact that Jesus Messiah has no biological connection with Joseph. Jesus’ Father is God Himself (Jn 10:30). This points the reader to the divine conception in Matthew 1:18, 20 (see also Lk 1:35).
Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph (Mt 1:18). They both resided in Nazareth of Galilee. Immediately, we are introduced to the ordinary and the extraordinary. Joseph and Mary are ordinary people from an ordinary place. An extraordinary thing happens to them. God enters their lives in the most profound way.
Divine encounters with human beings are recorded throughout the Bible. Not only does God communicate with man. He visits him. He dwells among us when Jesus incarnates (Jn 1:14). Jesus even bears the name, “Emmanuel” which means “God with us.” He becomes “like” us, yet without sin (Heb 4:15). Jesus is the exact representation of God, being the icon of God (Col 1:15). Yet, He also bears the likeness of man. Here is a Child born to us, a Son who was given by God (Is 9:6). The gift of heaven is wrapped in swaddling cloths (Lk 2:7, 12).
Pregnancy is an ordinary event, albeit, extraordinary in its own right. It is common; and it is basic to the continuation of the species. The seed of man meets the egg of woman. An ordinary biological event produces a unique human being in what becomes one extraordinary story after another. Jesus’ story is the utmost in extraordinary, wrapped in the ordinary.
In the Christmas story, dating all the way back to Adam and Eve, we read about the seed of the woman (Gen 3:15). This is an extraordinary statement conveyed from God through Moses some 3,400 years ago. The promise of this “seed” will be conflict in the world, a sign to be opposed (Lk 2:34).
Later, we learn of God’s promise of the seed of Abraham (Gen 22:18). The Apostle Paul explained that this seed (singular), which was promised in the covenant, would be born of a woman, born under the Law (Gal 3:16; 4:4). He would appear at the fullness of time, that is, at the appointed time and place of God’s own design and choosing (Dan 9:24–26; Mic 5:2).
The virgin girl, Mary of Nazareth, was found to be with child (v. 18). She had not known her betrothed, Joseph — a polite way of saying that they had never been intimate. This was to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah (Is 7:14). It was a sign of Messiah’s advent. This holy thing in the womb of the virgin was a conception by the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:35).
Jesus Messiah was the eternal Son of God, possessing a divine nature. He was sent by God the Father and placed into the womb by the Holy Spirit, so that He might be born of this woman of God’s favor (Lk 1:30).
Miracles are often difficult to understand, which makes them difficult to believe. Joseph’s initial response was perfectly understandable (v. 19). Until it was revealed to this righteous man, Joseph planned to do what was right. He presumed that the child in Mary’s womb belonged to another man.
The angel of the Lord brought divine communication through a dream. Joseph received the herald of heaven. He obviously believed the message delivered to him in this supernatural way. He acted on the revelation of God given to him.
The content of the message included information about the origin of the child. The child was conceived as the God-man. His Father was God. His mother was human. Thus, Jesus Messiah is fully God, having the divine nature. He is fully man, having a human nature.
Throughout His earthly life, we witness from Scripture both natures at work. Jesus’ deity is displayed; and likewise, we observe His humanity. The man of innumerable miracles, the evidence of His deity, was at times: hungry; thirsty; tired; angry; surprised; delighted; even as He suffered physical distress and eventually died.
Learning the identity of this child begs the question of His mission in coming into the world. The purpose for the eternal Son of God taking on flesh was declared in this heavenly announcement. He will save His people from their sins (v. 21). Here is the link between His birth and His death.
Emmanuel, God with us in the flesh, dwelt in bodily form in order to deliver His people. Like us, yet without sin, so that He might do what we could never do. He reconciled God’s chosen people (2 Cor 5:18–20), who were marred by original sin along with everyone else (Rom 5:12). His mission was to redeem Israel, the people of God, Christ’s church from every nation, tribe, and tongue (Rev 5:9; 7:9). He did this by living the perfect obedient life and dying the perfect atoning death.
Jesus means ‘Yahweh saves.” His name was given by the angel to Joseph. This man of Nazareth did everything in which he was instructed. Providentially, this brought scandal into his home, as he took Mary in marriage. Only a remnant knew…”the rest of the story.” Instead, Jesus would be scorned a bastard; but this was only the beginning of sufferings for Him and his family.
Jesus was tempted in every way, as we are tempted to sin. He fought every urge of His human flesh. His every thought was captive to God His Father; and only the Father’s initiative and words were employed by His only begotten Son, who pleased the Father without exception.
This is Christmas; and it is marvelous in our sight, for its ordinary and its extraordinary features. Heaven has come to earth and the meeting place was Jesus Christ. In Him are good tidings of great joy. So let us rejoice in so great a Savior.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
December 8, 2024
Matthew 1:18–24
