Christmas is not merely about exchanging gifts and feasting on festive meals; it is a time to rejoice in the fulfillment of ancient prophecies foretelling the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Here are three key points highlighting the Old Testament prophecies that found their fulfillment in the miraculous birth of Jesus.
First, the prophecy of the virgin birth.
Isaiah 7:14 says, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Centuries before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed the miraculous sign of a virgin conceiving and bearing a son. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the Gospel of Matthew when the angel declares to Mary that she will conceive by the Holy Spirit, and she will give birth to a son, whom she shall call Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Second, the prophecy of birth in Bethlehem.
Micah 5:2 says, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
The prophet Micah prophesied the specific location of the Messiah’s birth – Bethlehem. In the Gospel of Matthew, we see the fulfillment of this prophecy as Mary and Joseph, in obedience to the census, traveled to Bethlehem. There, in the small town, Jesus is born, just as prophesied. This not only underscores the divine orchestration of events but also signifies the royal lineage of the promised Messiah.
Third, the prophecy that the Messiah will be a descendant of David.
Jeremiah 23:5-6 says, “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.”
The Old Testament abounds with prophecies concerning a descendant of David who would rule with righteousness and justice. In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, we find the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to David. The birth of Jesus fulfills the promise of a righteous Branch, a King who would bring salvation to His people. Jesus, the Son of David, establishes an everlasting kingdom that transcends earthly boundaries and endures for all eternity.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that this season is a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. The birth of Jesus Christ not only brings joy and hope but serves as a reminder that God’s Word is true, and His plan of redemption is accomplished through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications