1. Announcement of John the Baptist’s Birth
In the opening chapter of Luke’s Gospel, the story begins with the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist. Zechariah, a priest, and his wife Elizabeth, who was barren, were both righteous before God. While Zechariah was serving in the temple, an angel appeared to him and declared that Elizabeth would bear a son named John, who would be filled with the Holy Spirit and prepare the way for the Lord.
2. The Annunciation to Mary
Gabriel’s Message
Six months after Elizabeth’s conception, the angel Gabriel was sent to Nazareth to a virgin named Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph. The angel greeted Mary, saying, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:28, NKJV). Gabriel then revealed that Mary would conceive and give birth to a son named Jesus, who would be called the Son of the Highest and would reign over the house of Jacob forever.
Mary’s Response
Mary, perplexed by the angel’s words, wondered how this could be since she was a virgin. Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Highest would overshadow her, making the child holy and the Son of God. He also informed Mary that her relative Elizabeth was six months pregnant, demonstrating that with God, nothing is impossible. Mary humbly accepted her role, saying, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38, NKJV).
3. Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth
After the Annunciation, Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea to visit her relative Elizabeth. Upon Mary’s greeting, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42, NKJV). Mary then responded with a song of praise, known as the Magnificat, glorifying God for His mercy and faithfulness. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months before returning home.
4. The Birth of John the Baptist
When the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, she delivered a son. On the eighth day, during the child’s circumcision, the family wanted to name him Zechariah after his father. However, Elizabeth insisted that his name should be John. When they asked Zechariah, he wrote on a tablet, “His name is John” (Luke 1:63, NKJV). Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth was opened, and he began praising God and prophesying about the role his son would play in preparing the way for the Messiah.
5. The Decree from Caesar Augustus
Around the time of Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. As a result, everyone had to return to their own town to register. Joseph, being of the house and lineage of David, had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6. The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
While in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to give birth. She delivered her firstborn Son, wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. This humble birth fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David.
7. The Shepherds and the Angels
The Angels’ Announcement
On the night of Jesus’ birth, shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem, keeping watch over their flock. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The angel said, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11, NKJV). The angel then gave them a sign: they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.
The Shepherds’ Response
After the angels departed, the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. They shared what the angel had told them about the child, and all who heard it marveled. The shepherds then returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard.
8. Jesus’ Presentation at the Temple
According to the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice. This custom was observed for every firstborn male, who was to be dedicated to the Lord.
9. The Prophecy of Simeon
Simeon’s Background
In Jerusalem, there was a righteous and devout man named Simeon, who was waiting for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Simeon’s Prophecy
Led by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple courts when Mary and Joseph brought in the child Jesus. He took the child in his arms and blessed God, saying, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation” (Luke 2:29-30, NKJV). Simeon then prophesied that Jesus would be a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel, but also that He would be a sign spoken against, causing the fall and rising of many in Israel.
10. Anna’s Testimony
Anna’s Background
There was also a prophetess named Anna, who was advanced in years and had been a widow for most of her life. She never left the temple but worshipped God with fasting and prayers night and day.
Anna’s Witness
At the moment of Jesus’ presentation, Anna came up to Mary, Joseph, and the child, and gave thanks to God. She then spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
11. The Return to Nazareth
After completing everything required by the Law of the Lord, Mary and Joseph returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. There, Jesus grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.