The narrative of Jesus is often thought to commence with his birth in Bethlehem, yet it actually begins with his resurrection on Easter. Following his crucifixion on Saturday evening, his disciples visited the tomb on Sunday morning to perform burial rites. To their astonishment, they found the tomb empty. An angel informed them that Jesus had risen, reminding them of his prophecy about his death and resurrection.
This resurrection symbolizes more than just physical revival—it signifies the living presence of Jesus’ spirit within his followers and the early Christian community, who found in him liberation, purpose, and hope. They recognized him as the Messiah and were compelled to share his message, marking the beginning of the Jesus story.
Initially conveyed through oral tradition, the central message emphasized that Jesus had been crucified but was now alive. As the authors of the four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—chronicled Jesus’ life and teachings, they also highlighted his birth and familial lineage. Matthew and Luke uniquely recount the birth narrative, with Matthew tracing Jesus’ genealogy back to Abraham and David, while Luke focuses on the angelic announcement of John the Baptist’s birth, who heralded Jesus’ arrival.
Matthew’s account contains a genealogy that notably includes four women, thus emphasizing that God’s plan operates through diverse and imperfect human stories. In his presentation, Joseph is introduced as Mary’s husband, reinforcing Jesus’ dual lineage as both Son of David and Son of God.
Luke opts to portray John the Baptist’s significance rather than detailing Jesus’ lineage. His narrative connects to the broader Jewish tradition, highlighting the historical context of Jesus’ birth through the figures of Abraham and Sarah, as well as Hannah and Samuel.
In contrast, John’s gospel does not mention Jesus’ birth but extends the narrative to the creation itself, stating that Jesus, the Word, existed with God before everything began. This portrayal serves to elevate Jesus’ significance beyond the Jewish tradition, linking him to the very foundation of existence.
Ultimately, the gospels converge in their aim to illustrate Jesus’ relevancy in human history, from creation to the present and into the future. Christmas serves as a reminder of God’s persistent engagement throughout history, calling for collective action towards justice, peace, and love.
In a contemporary context, as challenges such as drug addiction, political strife, domestic violence, and climate change persist, the Christmas message encourages hope and proactive reflection, urging communities to engage in the divine plan even during difficult times.
As we celebrate Christmas, let it be a time of peace and joy that inspires us to contribute positively to our communities and the world.
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