Birth of Christ
Definition
The virgin birth of Jesus, which is more accurately labeled the virginal conception of Jesus, teaches that Jesus Christ was born apart from the normal process of procreation, but was supernaturally conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of her, without sin.
Summary
Orthodox Christian theology teaches that Jesus Christ was born supernaturally of the virgin Mary. Belief in the virginal conception, commonly called the virgin birth, is built on the witness of Scripture and traces its roots to the earliest recoverable days of Christian theology. In this essay I will first introduce the theological framework of the virgin birth. Second, I will consider the biblical teaching on the virgin birth. This will include both the explicit teaching of the virgin birth, in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and in other possible allusions to and arguments that presuppose the virgin birth. Third, I will discuss some church fathers whose writings reveal the early and uniform belief in the virgin birth. Fourth, I will mention a few practical implications of the virgin birth.
Podcasts
Articles
He Lay in the Manger without Leaving Heaven
Jesus clung to his mother, yet held every single atom in place. But how?
Fearful and Favored: An Advent Poem
I’m so thankful for Mary’s example of living as a favored one.
Tired Just Thinking About Advent? Slow Down and Savor Christ.
December will be busy. But it doesn’t have to be a blur. Plan now.
Have Yourself a Subversive Little Christmas
Here are three ways to celebrate the subversive moves God makes at Christmas.
3 Books to Help You Reimagine Familiar Bible Stories
Many Bible stories are deliberately ‘under-narrated,’ or leave things ambiguous to make readers engage.
111 Great Songs for Advent
Enjoy this curated playlist of 100+ carols, hymns, and songs for Advent, including centuries-old classics and recent originals.
