The Nativity of Jesus: What It Is & What It Means for You

The nativity of Jesus is a world-changing miracle. Learn about Jesus’ birth and what it means for you (plus, see the nativity story for yourself).

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” — Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

The nativity of Jesus was a life-changing miracle for all of us. Because of it, Jesus was able to defeat sin and death, giving us victory. Here, you’ll learn all about the nativity of Jesus, what the word “nativity” actually means and more about this incredibly good news.

What’s Here:

What Is the Nativity of Jesus?

The nativity of Jesus is the true story of Jesus’ birth. It tells us the account of how Jesus came to earth, born to his earthly mom, Mary, and of the events following his entry into the world. The nativity can be found in both Matthew and Luke in the New Testament.

Want to see the nativity of Jesus with your own eyes? Watch this video to see sweet little ones from Cebu, Philippines reenact his miracle birth.

What Does “Nativity” Mean?

You may see nativity scenes decorating yards during Christmastime. Your family might have a nativity set on their fireplace. And maybe you attend a nativity play at your church each year. But what does “nativity” mean?

Nativity means “the process or circumstances of being born.” It comes from the Latin word nāscī, which means “to be born.” In other words, nativity is just a fancy word for being physically born into the world.

Why Is the Nativity of Jesus So Important?

All of us are born into sin, which separates us from God. And because of that separation, sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). But God loves us so much that he prepared a sacrifice for our sins, Jesus, so we could be together with him again.

For Jesus to be our sacrifice, he too had to be born, just like us. So Jesus was sent from heaven and born to Mary. He lived on earth, just like we do now. But unlike us, he lived without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus lived a sinless life, was crucified on a cross to pay the penalty we owed and then rose from the dead. He defeated sin and death, giving us eternal victory. We can now be completely forgiven of our sins and spend eternity with him!

Despite our circumstances here on earth, we can all have the promise of eternal life because of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. Although pain and difficult things like child poverty exist here, we all have bright futures with Jesus.

Looking for ways to spread the good news of the gospel to those in need? One powerful way is through child sponsorship.

The Incredible Story of Jesus’ Birth in Scripture

Luke 1:26-38: An Angel Meets With Mary

Mary and Joseph lived in the town of Nazareth and were engaged to be married. The angel Gabriel visited Mary one night and told her she would have a son, Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus would be “great” and “called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32, NIV).

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” — Luke 1:29-31 (NIV)

At first, Mary was scared. After all, she wasn’t yet married to Joseph. How could they have a son? The angel comforted Mary, telling her that she would conceive through the Holy Spirit.

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” — Luke 1:35, NIV

Luke 2:1-4: Mary & Joseph Go to Bethlehem

Caesar Augustus, a Roman leader, issued a decree that all people living in the entire Roman world would need to travel back to their hometowns for a census. Joseph, who belonged to the house of David, took Mary to Bethlehem, the town of David.

This wasn’t an easy trip for the two. Bethlehem was packed with people, and all the inns were full. Harder still, Mary was very pregnant, and Jesus was due to be born.

Luke 2:6-7: Jesus Is Born

After finding shelter in a nearby barn of sorts, Mary gave birth to Jesus. She wrapped him in cloth and placed him in a manger, or a long box that horses or cattle eat from.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. — Luke 2:6-7

Luke 2:8-16: The Shepherds Celebrate

Nearby, an angel appeared to shepherds working in the fields. Because of the glory shining around them, the shepherds were scared. “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people’” (Luke 2:10, NIV).

What was the good news? Jesus had been born! The angel told the shepherds where to find Jesus: wrapped in cloth in a manger. The shepherds decided to venture to Bethlehem to see him.

The shepherds were overjoyed when they found Jesus. So overjoyed that they spread the good news far and wide. And when they returned to Mary, Joseph and little Jesus, they worshipped the newborn King.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” — Luke 2:14, NIV

Matthew 2:1-9: Wise Men Seek Jesus

After a bit of time had passed, wise men from the East saw a bright star in the sky. With the appearance of this star, they knew Jesus the Messiah had been born. They set off, following the star until they reached Jesus.

With great joy the wise men worshipped Jesus, giving him three priceless gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts, often reserved for kings, symbolized the royalty of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).

The birth of Jesus changed the lives of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men and so many others throughout the Bible. And today, his birth and sacrifice on the cross continue to change lives, including ours. And that’s good news!