In this three-week Advent study, we read through the Christmas story as found in Matthew 1-2. Our story begins with the genealogy of Jesus, continues with his birth as told through the eyes of Joseph, and ends with the visitation of the Magi. For the background of this study, I have used N.T. Wright’s Matthew for Everyone and Pope Benedict XVI’s Jesus of Nazareth – The Infancy Narratives.
Matthew’s Infancy Narrative – The Introduction
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David and son of Abraham.
Matthew’s Infancy Narrative – The Genealogy
So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.
Matthew’s Infancy Narrative – Conception and Birth
“Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary 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.”
Matthew’s Infancy Narrative – Joseph
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way . . .
Matthew’s Infancy Narrative – The Magi
Behold Magi from the East came to Jerusalem saying: “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him.
Matthew’s Infancy Narrative – Egypt
This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.”