Let us now explore the Christmas Story in chronological order. The birth of Jesus Christ (the Christmas story) holds immense significance and has had a profound impact on the world throughout history. Here we will explore why His birth is essential, the changes it brought about in the world, and the benefits of accepting Him as our savior.
This Christmas season, it is crucial that we comprehend the timeline of the events leading up to Jesus’ birth and the aftermath. The Christmas story can only be understood by reading the nativity accounts of Matthew and Luke, which line up accurately with the historical time period of the story.
This is the account of Christ Jesus’ birth in sequence. The Christmas story focuses on only one personality, Jesus Christ, our Savior, who comes into this world to save us from sin and destruction. This awe-inspiring story about the Son of God in Heaven becoming human on earth to accomplish His work on the cross will inspire everyone.
The Christmas story fits well with the chronological order of history and has withstood the various accusations of manipulating the context by different authors.
Let us now explore the Christmas Story, which will move the hearts of each and every one who hears and reads it. It will enrich our reading time not only during this Christmas season but throughout the year.
We can also start a new Christmas tradition in our homes by reading the Christmas story every year during this season to remind ourselves why Jesus came into the world in the first place.
Table of Contents
The Christmas Story in Chronological Order
Given below is the list of scriptures that sequentially organize the events of the Christmas story, which will help us keep on track with the season’s purpose.
Get ready to read the Christmas story in its original order.
| No. | Event | As it Happened | Bible Verses |
| 1 | The Annunciation of Jesus’ Birth | The angel Gabriel appears to Mary, a young woman in Nazareth, (a virgin engaged to a man called Joseph from the family of David), announcing that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God. Mary is amazed by Gabriel’s words. | Luke 1:26-38 |
| 2 | Mary’s Visitation to Elizabeth | Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, who is also miraculously pregnant (as she is past normal child-bearing age), with John the Baptist. When Mary greets Elizabeth, John leaps into her womb, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, acknowledging Mary’s role in the coming of the Messiah. | Luke 1:39-56 |
| 3 | The Census Decree (The Journey to Bethlehem) | The Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus issues a decree that a census should be taken. Joseph travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem, as he is of the lineage of David, to be registered with his fiancée Mary. The journey is challenging due to Mary’s pregnancy. | Luke 2:1-5 |
| 4 | The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem | Mary and Joseph arrive in Bethlehem but find no place to stay. No lodging is available for them in the normal living quarters. They eventually find shelter in a stable, where Mary gives birth to Jesus and she wraps him and puts him to rest in a feeding-trough. | Luke 2:6-7 |
| 5 | The Angelic Announcement to Shepherds | Angels appear to a group of shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, announcing the birth of Jesus and proclaiming “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” The shepherds witness the newborn Messiah in Bethlehem and glorify God for all they had heard and seen. | Luke 2:8-20 |
| 6 | The Star of Bethlehem | A bright star appears in the sky, guiding wise men (Magi) from the East to the birthplace of Jesus, symbolizing the divine significance of His birth. | Matthew 2:2-10 |
| 7 | Visit and Adoration of the Magi | Wise men from the East follow a star to find Jesus. The star is interpreted as a sign of the Messiah’s birth. Hearing this, King Herod gets disturbed. He fears the newborn King of the Jews. Herod requests the Magi to inform him once they find Jesus. They follow the star and it stands still over the place where the child was. The wise men find Jesus and offer their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, recognizing Him as a king, a priest, and the ultimate sacrifice. They worship Jesus as the King of the Jews. Warned in a dream, they do not go back to Herod and return to their country by another route. | Matthew 2:1-12 |
| 8 | The Flight to Egypt | King Herod plans to kill Jesus. An angel warns Joseph in a dream about King Herod’s intention and instructs him to flee to Egypt with his family for safety. Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. They live in Egypt for an undisclosed period. Jesus’ childhood is also shaped by this time of exile. The prophecy “Out of Egypt I called my son.” is fulfilled. | Matthew 2:13-15 |
| 9 | Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents | In a desperate attempt to eliminate the threat posed by the newborn King, Herod orders the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem and its vicinity who are two years old and under. | Matthew 2:16-18 |
| 10 | The Return to Nazareth | After Herod’s death, an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph and instructs him to go back to the land of Israel. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus return to Israel but withdraw to the district of Galilee, due to fear, as Herod’s son is reigning in Judea. They return to the town of Nazareth, where Jesus grows up as a carpenter’s son. The prophecy that he would be called a Nazarene is fulfilled. | Matthew 2:19-23 |
This Christmas story depicts the miraculous and profound events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, illustrating the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the transformative impact of His presence on Earth.
Importance of the Birth of Jesus Christ (The Christmas Story)
Here are some key reasons why the birth of Jesus is considered the cornerstone of Christianity and why He is the Savior of the world.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: The birth of Jesus fulfills numerous prophecies found in the Old Testament of the Bible, particularly those referring to the coming of the Messiah. His birth in Bethlehem, lineage from the house of David, and other specific details align with these prophecies.
- Incarnation of God: Christians believe that Jesus is the incarnation of God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. His birth marks God’s profound act of entering human history in the form of a human being, bridging the gap between the divine and the human.
- Atonement for Sin: Jesus’ birth lays the groundwork for His sacrificial death on the cross. His purpose is to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity, thus reconciling people with God and offering salvation.
- Immanuel – “God with Us”: The name “Immanuel,” which means “God with us,” reflects the concept of God’s presence among His people through Jesus. His birth signifies God’s desire to be intimately involved in the lives of humans, offering guidance, comfort, and love.
- Example of Humility and Love: Jesus’ birth in a humble manger highlights His humility and willingness to identify with the marginalized and downtrodden. His life serves as an example of selfless passion, empathy, and service.
- Revealing God’s Character: Through Jesus, God’s character is revealed in a tangible and relatable way. Jesus’ teachings emphasize love, forgiveness, benevolence, and the importance of a personal relationship with God.
- Defeat of Darkness and Evil: Jesus’ birth is seen as a moment of divine intervention to counteract the darkness and brokenness in the world. His mission is to overcome the forces of evil, sin, and death through His suffering, death, and resurrection.
- Universal Salvation: The birth of Jesus is not limited to a specific group or time but holds universal significance. His role as the Savior of the world extends to all people, regardless of their background, culture, or history.
- New Covenant and Grace: The birth of Jesus establishes a new covenant between God and humans. His coming signifies a shift from the Old Testament Law to a message of grace, absolution, and an intimate relationship with the Almighty Father.
- Eternal Life and Hope: Jesus’ birth offers the promise of eternal life to those who believe in Him. His resurrection from the dead demonstrates His power over death, offering believers hope beyond this earthly life.
Why the Birth of Jesus Christ is Essential (The Christmas Story)
- Fulfillment of Messianic prophecies:
- Jesus’ birth fulfills numerous prophecies from the Old Testament, validating His identity as the Messiah.
- Redemption and salvation:
- Through His birth, Jesus provides humanity with the ultimate opportunity for redemption and eternal salvation.
- God’s love demonstrated:
- The birth of Jesus is a visible demonstration of God’s immense love for humanity, as He sent His Only Begotten Son to save us.
- Connection to God:
- Jesus’ birth establishes a direct connection between humanity and God, enabling believers to approach Him with faith and receive divine grace and guidance.
Changes Occurring in the World Due to His Birth (The Christmas Story)
- Transformation of religious landscape:
- The birth of Jesus brought about a profound shift in religious beliefs globally.
- Influence on art and culture:
- Jesus’ birth has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music, shaping the cultural landscape of various societies.
- Pioneering teachings and philosophies:
- Jesus’ revolutionary teachings of love, forgiveness, and compassion have profoundly impacted moral and ethical frameworks worldwide.
- Founding of Christianity:
- His birth laid the foundation for the Christian faith, which has become one of the largest religions in the world.
- Transformation of lives:
- The birth of Jesus continues to transform individual lives, offering hope, purpose, and a moral compass to countless individuals across generations.
Benefits of Accepting Jesus Christ as Our Savior (The Christmas Story)
- Eternal life and salvation:
- Accepting Jesus Christ as our savior grants us the gift of eternal life and salvation, freeing us from the bondage of sin.
- Forgiveness and redemption:
- Through Jesus, we receive forgiveness for our sins and experience inner healing and redemption.
- Peace and comfort:
- Accepting Jesus brings a profound sense of peace and comfort, knowing that we are never alone and that the Holy Triune God is always with us.
- Transformation and growth:
- Embracing Jesus as our redeemer enables personal transformation and spiritual growth, guiding us to live a life of intent and fulfillment.
- Access to divine guidance:
- Accepting Jesus opens the door to divine guidance and wisdom, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity.
Summary of the Christmas Story
In summary, the birth of Jesus Christ is seen as a pivotal event in human history that brings redemption, reconciliation with God, and a renewed sense of purpose and hope to believers. It embodies God’s love, mercy, and plan for redemption, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance for believers around the world.
The birth of Jesus Christ holds immense significance for Christians and is central to their faith. The person of Jesus Christ, the focal point of the Father’s story, stands at the very heart of history, having divided it into two major epochs with His birth. The Christmas story has been celebrated for centuries by people around the world. We hope understanding the chronological order of this story has provided you with a deeper appreciation of its rich historical context.
The Christmas story, as outlined in this article, highlights the significant events surrounding this momentous occasion. From the angel’s annunciation and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem to the humble birth in a stable, the visit of the Magi, and the holy family’s escape to Egypt, each event contributes to the narrative of Jesus’ birth. Appreciating this sequential order adds depth and significance to the story of Christmas.
The Christmas story is a supernatural love story that connects heaven and earth. The birth of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event; it holds deep spiritual and transformative importance. His birth brought about profound changes in the world, offering humanity salvation, love, and a connection to God. By accepting Jesus as our savior, we can experience the benefits of forgiveness, peace, transformation, and divine guidance. May we all embrace the significance of His birth and its enduring impact on our lives.
Get inspired this holiday season with our fantastic collection of Christmas articles, which includes remarkable facts, fascinating histories, joyful melodies, spectacular activities, inspiring Bible verses, riveting stories, passionate prayers, and much more.
