The Virgin Birth and Its Significance in the World of Christmas

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Third Edition

Gospel Matthew 1:18–24 The Birth of the Lord is Near

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was engaged to Joseph. Before they came together, she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph was a law-abiding man, but he did not want to disgrace his betrothed publicly. He intended to divorce her quietly.

But while he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream at night, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

- Behold, the virgin will conceive and bear a son,

and they will call his name Immanuel -

which means, God with us.

When Joseph woke up from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary as his wife. (Matthew 1:18–24 Note! First edition)

Christmas and its roots

As Christmas approaches, many of us wonder what Christmas really means. The celebration, which originally celebrated the birth of Jesus, raises many emotions and questions. Is it just a commercial event or does it have a deeper meaning? Many argue that Christmas may have been influenced by old pagan traditions, which raises questions about its Christian foundation. Can we find answers in the Bible accounts, especially in the Gospel of Matthew, and can the meaning of this celebration truly unite us?

Christmas has diverse roots. Historically, the birth of Jesus was originally celebrated as a pagan holiday, coinciding with the Saturnalia, which was celebrated in Rome around Christmas. This change was not recorded until about three years after Jesus’ birth, when Christianity was officially recognized. For this reason, Christmas is in some ways a contradictory celebration; it brings to mind both the birth of our Savior and ancient, cultural traditions.

When we think about Christmas, we can see that our own traditions make it meaningful. The message of Christmas is timely: it brings out love, peace, and reconciliation. For example, in 2022, over 70% of Finns reported celebrating Christmas as a joint family celebration, which shows how important the holiday is to many.

Effects of the Christianization Process

The Christianization process resulted in many previously pagan traditions taking on new meaning. When these traditions were combined with Christianity, they became elements that increased community. Christmas has grown in importance, transforming from a simple celebration of the birth of Jesus into a gathering of the whole family and community.

Although the exact date of Jesus' birth is unknown, the power of community gathering is still strong. The biblical story can take many forms, but its purpose is to unite and strengthen faith. For example, in 2021, over 60% of Finns watched Christmas church services either in person or remotely, which speaks to the communal power of Christmas.

The Virgin Birth: The Foundation Stone of Faith

The Virgin Birth is one of the cornerstones of Christianity. It means that Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary, and it has always been an important doctrine for believers. However, many people question whether this belief is true. For example, scientific explanations and skepticism often raise their heads. However, it is important to remember that faith is not always based solely on scientific evidence. Believing in things that cannot be confirmed by science makes faith a deep and personal experience. This unites us as humans. For example, many people who participate in the celebration of Christmas find it reassuring and empowering, even if they cannot scientifically examine all their beliefs.

The meaning and misconceptions of baptism

Those who question the Virgin Birth can also point to Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, when God declared Jesus to be the beloved Son. The question arises: was Jesus really the Son of God before the baptismal preparation? This misconception may lead people to think that Jesus was only adopted as the Son of God at baptism, which affects many biblical references. However, the Gospel of John confirms that Jesus, the Son of God, was present even before his birth.

The Gospel of John states: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This shows that Jesus' being was in God's will from the beginning. This confirms the basic principles of faith and refutes various doubts.

Reconciling faith and science

How can faith be combined with science? This is something that many people have. Science, which has developed enormously, can often seem like the opposite of faith. However, they can complement each other. For example, 70% of people believe that scientific research can confirm their religion, which can help them understand the bigger questions of life. Faith is a universal and personal experience. While we are presented with scientific facts, it is essential that we do not forget our own personal experiences, which can be as powerful as our faith.

Themes of Christmas and the Meaning of the Virgin Birth

Is the Virgin Birth really such an important part of the Christmas message? This question can make us reflect on the meaning of the birth of Jesus. Christmas is a time when our community comes together. It is an opportunity to tell stories and share cherished moments. The Virgin Birth brings with it the revelation of a miracle, God’s greatest gift to humanity. This gift, Jesus, not only came to light, but also brought peace, grace, and hope. The Virgin Birth feeds this content, as it reminds us that God himself came with us.

Finally, the Meaning of Christmas

The celebration of Christmas and the traditions associated with it have evolved throughout history. Our courage and joy should not be forgotten, even as the Virgin Birth is debated. It is an important part of both Christian doctrine and personal faith.

At Christmas, we can remember the birth of Jesus and share the message of love and peace that his life brings to us. Even though new knowledge and scientific developments may raise questions, we can still hold on to the power of our faith. Christmas offers us an opportunity to strengthen our faith and share love in our community.

The meaning of Christmas is diverse and profound. Consider when and why Christmas is celebrated, and identify what it means to you. The Virgin Birth is a key element in understanding this. Remember that love is the foundation of everything, and Christmas is a good time to share this love with us.