The Christmas story is one of the most well-loved and deeply meaningful narratives in the Christian faith. It recounts the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, and it is the foundation of the Christian celebration of Christmas. In particular, the King James Bible (KJV) offers a poetic, majestic, and rich rendering of the events surrounding the birth of Christ. This translation, first published in 1611, has been cherished for its linguistic beauty and its fidelity to biblical texts. The King James Bible continues to be a key resource for Christians during the Christmas season, as its words encapsulate the hope, joy, and wonder of Jesus’ arrival on Earth.
In this article, we will explore the Christmas story as presented in the King James Bible, focusing on key passages and their theological significance. From the announcement of Christ’s birth to the visit of the Magi, we will delve into the events surrounding the Nativity and reflect on their timeless meaning.
The Annunciation to Mary: The Prophetic Announcement of Jesus’ Birth
The Annunciation marks the first pivotal moment in the Christmas story. It is the moment when the angel Gabriel appears to the young virgin Mary to announce that she has been chosen by God to bear the Son of God.
Luke 1:26-38: Gabriel’s Visit to Mary
The announcement of the virgin birth is recorded in Luke 1:26-38 in the King James Bible. In these verses, the angel Gabriel delivers the good news to Mary, who is initially troubled by the angel’s greeting but ultimately responds in faith and obedience.
“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” (Luke 1:26-28, KJV)
Gabriel’s message to Mary is significant for several reasons. First, it announces the Immaculate Conception—the divine act by which the Holy Spirit will cause Mary to conceive Jesus while remaining a virgin. Second, Gabriel calls Mary “blessed among women,” highlighting her unique role in God’s redemptive plan.
Mary’s Response: Faith and Obedience
Mary’s response, found in Luke 1:38, encapsulates her faith and submission to God’s will:
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38, KJV)
Mary’s acceptance of the angel’s message, despite the monumental challenge of bearing the Son of God, is a key element of the Christmas story. She embodies humility, faith, and trust in God’s plan, setting an example for Christians to follow.
The Journey to Bethlehem: A Humble Arrival
Following the Annunciation, Mary and her betrothed husband, Joseph, must embark on a journey from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David, in order to comply with a decree from the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus that requires all people to be counted for a census.
Luke 2:1-7: Jesus is Born in Bethlehem
In Luke 2:1-7, the King James Bible recounts the journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus in a humble setting:
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” (Luke 2:1-5, KJV)
The couple’s travel to Bethlehem is significant because it fulfills the prophecy of Micah 5:2, which foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. The passage emphasizes the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth, showing that the King of the universe would be born in a lowly setting, not in a palace but in a stable, surrounded by animals.
No Room in the Inn
The passage continues, detailing how, upon arriving in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph find no room in the inn, and Jesus is born in a manger:
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7, KJV)
The fact that Jesus was born in such humble circumstances highlights the nature of His ministry—He came not as a powerful ruler but as a servant, identifying with the poor and marginalized. The manger, a feeding trough for animals, is a symbol of Jesus’ role as the Bread of Life, offering nourishment for the souls of all who come to Him.
The Shepherds and the Angelic Announcement
The first people to hear of Jesus’ birth were humble shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem. This is another important aspect of the Christmas story—Jesus’ birth is announced to the lowly, signaling that the Savior came to offer hope and salvation to all people, regardless of their social status.
Luke 2:8-20: The Angels’ Announcement to the Shepherds
In Luke 2:8-20, the King James Bible records the angelic announcement to the shepherds and their response:
“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:9-10, KJV)
The angels’ message to the shepherds is clear: good tidings of great joy are being offered to all people—the Savior has been born. This highlights the universal nature of Jesus’ mission; He came not just for a select group but for the entire world. The angel then directs the shepherds to Bethlehem, where they find Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
The shepherds, after witnessing the birth of Jesus, immediately share the news of what they have seen and heard. Their actions reflect the natural response to the joy of the Gospel: proclaiming the good news of Christ’s birth to others.
The Visit of the Wise Men
Another significant part of the Christmas story is the visit of the Magi, or wise men, who come from the East to worship Jesus and bring Him gifts. The visit of the Magi is recorded in Matthew 2:1-12.
Matthew 2:1-12: The Journey of the Magi
The Magi follow a star that they believe signals the birth of a great king. They journey to Jerusalem and inquire of King Herod about the location of the newborn King of the Jews. After being directed to Bethlehem, they find Jesus and present Him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh—gifts fit for a king, a priest, and a sacrificial Savior.
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11, KJV)
The visit of the Magi underscores the recognition of Jesus as the King of the Jews, and their gifts symbolize His divine nature and mission. The gifts also point to Jesus’ role as the King (gold), the High Priest (frankincense), and the Suffering Servant who would die for the sins of the world (myrrh).
Herod’s Decree and the Escape to Egypt
Following the Magi’s visit, King Herod, feeling threatened by the birth of a rival king, orders the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two. In response, an angel warns Joseph in a dream, and the family flees to Egypt, where they remain until it is safe to return.
This act of fleeing to Egypt fulfills the prophecy in Hosea 11:1, which says, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.” (Matthew 2:15). This highlights Jesus’ connection to the history of Israel and further emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Messiah.
Theological Significance of the King James Bible Christmas Story
The Christmas story as presented in the King James Bible is rich with theological significance. It reveals essential truths about who Jesus is and why He came into the world.
The Incarnation
The Incarnation—the doctrine that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ—is central to the Christmas story. Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem signifies the moment when God entered human history in the most humble of circumstances. As both fully God and fully man, Jesus embodies God’s love for humanity and His willingness to engage with the human condition.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Throughout the Christmas story, we see the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, confirming that Jesus is the promised Messiah. His birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), and His coming to bring salvation to the world (Isaiah 9:6-7) all point to the reality that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The Universal Message of Christmas
Finally, the King James Bible Christmas story reveals the universal nature of Jesus’ mission. From the announcement to the shepherds to the visit of the Magi, the message of Jesus’ birth is one of joy, peace, and salvation for all people. Jesus came not just for the Jews but for the entire world, offering salvation to everyone who believes in Him.
Conclusion
The Christmas story, as told in the King James Bible, remains a timeless account of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. From the Annunciation to the visit of the Magi, the story of Christ’s birth highlights the fulfillment of prophecy, the humility of His entry into the world, and His role as the King, the High Priest, and the Savior. As Christians reflect on this story each year, they are reminded of God’s love, His faithfulness, and the great gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The King James Bible continues to provide a powerful and poetic narrative that captures the wonder and awe of the Christmas season.
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