Sometimes the virgin birth of Jesus gets sidelined. On one hand, many reject anything miraculous.  Some believe Jesus was an ordinary man who attained a special level spirituality, but it all stops there.  He may have been a phenomenon, but his start and finish were merely human.

On the other end of the spectrum, many believe in the virgin birth but take it for granted.  The Bible story might be seen as being “just for kids.”  It is also that one story we “only” tell at Christmas.  And perhaps some Protestants don’t want to focus on Mary, so it is easier to give a nod to the Baby and move on. 

In any case, we must not let the fact of the virgin birth get sidelined.  It is of utmost importance.  Consider these three things about the virgin birth of Christ:

1. Without it, God’s promises in the Bible are empty, and there is neither Christmas nor Christianity.
2. Without it, Jesus is not God. 
3. Without it, Jesus cannot save from us from sin and death. 

Part 1 – The Virgin Birth of Christ Fulfills Promises and Prophecies of God

Mankind’s sin problem started with Adam. It would end with God’s promise about “the son of the woman.” Genesis 3:15 is very specific.  God promised that this son would strike a fatal blow to the serpent, thus bringing a solution to the problem of sin.  God’s promise continues through the pages of the Bible.  This son of the woman would also be a son of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  He would be the means by which the whole world would be blessed (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:1826:4; 28:14). 

He would also be a son of Judah who would rise up like a lion to rule the nations (Genesis 49:10).  This son is further described as a future king, higher than other kings (Num. 22:8; cf Ps. 2).  The star of this future king will rise from Israel (Num. 22:17). 

King David is then given an amazing promise. A son of his would sit on the throne of David forever (2 Sam. 7:12-13).  Generations later, wicked King Ahaz was given a promise and sign of God’s faithfulness and protection: “a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).  Immanuel means, “God is with us.”  God repeatedly reminds of His faithfulness, and His nearness.  Sinful humans repeatedly take it for granted or deny it. 

The birth of Christ is not the only miraculous birth in the Bible.  God enabled seven barren women to give birth.  Each provides a beautiful picture of God restoring life: Sarah (Gen. 11:30, 17:16, 21:1-3), Rebekah (25:21), Rachel (29:31; 30:22) , Manoah’s wife (Judg. 13), Hannah (1 Sam. 1), the woman from Shunem (2 Kings 4:8-37) ,and Elizabeth, in the New Testament (Lk. 1:5-25, 2:57-80).  All of these foreshadow an even greater miracle.

Through the power of God, Mary conceived and bore a son, while still a virgin.   When this astounding news was announced to her, Mary responded with willingness and faith.  She believed the Bible record of God who did the impossible.

We have the same God today.  We can respond with the same faith.  So marvel at this moment as Christmas reminds us of the virgin birth of Christ.  It is not only that Jesus came, but HOW he came.  It was a miracle.  Come and worship Christ the newborn King.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of why the virgin birth of Christ is of utmost importance – without it, Jesus is not God.