The narrative of Jesus’ life extends far beyond his birth in Bethlehem, beginning instead with the powerful experience of Easter. Jesus was crucified on Saturday evening, and when his disciples visited his tomb on Sunday morning, they discovered it empty. An angel informed them, “He is not here; he has risen,” reminding them of Jesus’ own prophecies concerning his death and resurrection.

This event marked not just the physical restoration of Jesus, but the commencement of a spiritual revival within his followers. The early Christian community found liberation, vitality, and hope through their newfound faith in Jesus as the Messiah, compelling them to spread his message widely.

The proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection initiated the storytelling of his life, initially shared orally. The gospel authors – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – later chronicled the details of his life, starting from his genealogy and miraculous birth. Only Matthew and Luke delve into the narrative of Jesus’ birth, with Matthew establishing Jesus’ lineage from Abraham and David, and highlighting the inclusion of four women with intriguing backgrounds, which reflects God’s grace in the most unexpected circumstances.

Matthew emphasizes the relationship between Joseph and Mary, stating that Joseph is of the lineage of David. Meanwhile, Luke begins his account with the angelic announcement of John the Baptist’s birth, setting the stage for Jesus’ arrival and linking it to the grand history of God’s promises to humanity through generations.

John’s gospel takes a distinct approach, focusing on the divine nature of Jesus, stating, “In the beginning was the Word,” which places Jesus at the core of creation itself.

The messages conveyed through the gospels serve to illustrate the significance of Jesus in the continuum of world history, emphasizing that God has been actively involved throughout creation, Jewish history, and will continue to guide the future through Christ.

As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of God’s continuous influence in human history. This season calls for a commitment to liberation, justice, peace, and love. In Fiji, where contemporary challenges such as drug abuse, political strife, and climate change exist, the message of hope and renewal that Christmas embodies is more relevant than ever.

May this Christmas season inspire both reflection and participation in God’s enduring plan, lighting our paths even amid darkness, and bringing peace and joy to all.

Additional Comment: The historical context and rich symbolism in the narratives around Jesus’ life serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of faith. They encourage communities to unite in their shared values, striving for a just and peaceful world.

Summary: The article explores the significance of Jesus’ resurrection as the starting point of his story, demonstrating how it inspired his followers and led to the documentation of his life through the gospels, with an emphasis on the inclusion of women in his genealogy. It calls for reflection on God’s ongoing work through Christmas, especially in the face of modern challenges in Fiji, ending with a message of hope and peace for the season.