Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph, and angels announced His birth to shepherds (Luke 2:10-11). Jesus' birth fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah and marked the beginning of the New Testament story.
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you." (Luke 2:11)
"She gave birth to her firstborn, a son, and laid him in a manger." (Luke 2:7)
"Glory to God in the highest heaven." (Luke 2:14)
The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would have a son by the power of the Holy Spirit and that the child would be called Jesus. Mary was engaged to Joseph, and later they traveled to Bethlehem because of a census ordered by the Roman government.
While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Jesus to be born. Mary gave birth to Jesus and placed Him in a manger because there was no room for them elsewhere. Angels appeared to shepherds in the fields and told them that the Savior had been born. The shepherds went to see the child and then told others about what they had seen.
Jesus' birth fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah and marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Bible, leading to His life, teachings, death, and resurrection.
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There are many dozens of bible narratives that have become deeply engrained in western culture. Most are best understood when the culture and customs that surround them are known.
Also, the study of history and archeology often provide us with a foundation for a more complete picture of people and events found within bible narratives.
Evidence continues to be discovered in architectural inscriptions, artwork and other artifacts that encourage us to believe in the historicity of the bible.
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"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
