Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 1:18-20
Christians always debate whether to celebrate the birth of Christ around Christmas time. Many Christians choose to celebrate Hanukkah instead, which was not commanded by God and had no relevance to the New Covenant. Christianity is based on the Incarnation of Christ. There would be no atonement for your sins if Christ hadn’t become human!
Mary was still a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus. The Son of God took on the form of a human being just as we do, so he could be our salvation. However, despite the incredible miracle that is his earthly birth, many people have trouble understanding it. Sometimes they reject the Incarnation because they insist it means that God is three beings instead of one. But don’t be like them! There’s still plenty you can learn from this intricate part of Christian theology.
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel–which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”
The Apostle Matthew felt the Incarnation of Christ was so important, that he began his gospel writing with it. It is because 700 years earlier Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would come from a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). What sign will he exhibit? It says “God will give birth to a Son, and he will be known as Immanuel.” Matthew goes on to explain that Immanuel means “God is with us”. Think about that God became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14).
In case there is any doubt, God Himself said his name will be Jesus (Yeshua) and He will save us from our sins. Christians have gotten so distracted by arguments about paganism around Christmas, that they forget or miss what happened in that manger in Bethlehem.