The Christmas narrative presents the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of multiple ancient messianic prophecies that occurred beyond human planning or manipulation. Long before Jesus could act or choose, events surrounding His birth aligned with promises recorded centuries earlier, pointing to Him as the long-awaited Messiah who would reconcile God and humanity.
A young virgin in Nazareth unexpectedly conceives by divine action, fulfilling the prophecy that a virgin would bear a child called “God with us.” Her fiancé, a descendant of King David though far removed from royal power, is assured that the child will inherit David’s eternal throne, confirming God’s covenant that David’s lineage would rule forever despite the apparent collapse of his dynasty.
A Roman census compels the family to travel to Bethlehem, David’s ancestral city, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be born there. The birth takes place humbly, with the child laid in a manger. Shepherds, figures repeatedly associated with pivotal moments in Israel’s history, are the first to receive the announcement. Their encounter signals the arrival of the promised Shepherd-King foretold during Israel’s exile.
In Jerusalem, a devout man guided by the Spirit publicly recognizes the child as the salvation prepared for both Israel and the nations, echoing prophetic declarations that the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles. Later, foreign dignitaries arrive seeking the newborn King, guided by a sign and bearing gifts that match ancient prophetic descriptions. Their visit unsettles the ruling authorities and prompts confirmation from Scripture that the Messiah must come from Bethlehem.
Together, these converging events demonstrate that Jesus’ identity and mission were established by divine promise rather than human effort. His birth alone fulfills detailed prophecies concerning lineage, conception, location, recognition, and global significance. Christmas thus celebrates not only His arrival, but the unfolding of a long-declared plan in which God enters human history to redeem it – a mission completed through His later life, death, and resurrection
English 
Português