Description
In fulfillment of divine prophecy and by God’s providence, Caesar Augustus called for a census, leading Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, the city of David. There, the Virgin gave birth and laid the newborn Christ in a manger, for there was no room at the inn.
That night, angels appeared to shepherds in the fields, proclaiming the joyful news: “Today, in the city of David, a Savior is born—Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). A multitude of angels praised God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). The shepherds went quickly, found the Child with Mary and Joseph, and worshipped Him, glorifying God.
Also, Wise Men came from the East, having obediently followed a divine sign—a star—which symbolized the light Christ would bring to the world. They came to worship Him and offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, signifying His divinity, priesthood, and redemptive death. Warned in a dream, they returned to their country by another route, honoring God’s guidance.
This birth fulfilled ancient prophecies: Isaiah foretold a virgin bearing a son called Immanuel; Ezekiel spoke of the closed gate through which the Lord entered; Daniel saw the Son of Man receiving eternal dominion; and Jeremiah proclaimed the coming of a righteous King from the line of David.
Interesting Fact
Jesus’ birth in a Bethlehem manger fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of a virgin giving birth to Immanuel or “God with us.”
Citations
CopticChurch.net. “Commemorations for Kiahk 29.” CopticChurch.net, https://www.copticchurch.net/synaxarium/4_29.html.