Jesus Christ's Birth

The Birth of Jesus Christ (Part One): Annunciation

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The world's celebration of Christmas has stripped the profound significance from the biblical accounts of Jesus Christ's birth, reducing them to mere lyrics for songs and trivialized portrayals. These passages, found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, are often overlooked or avoided due to their association with worldly …


The Birth of Jesus Christ (Part Two): Nativity

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, as recounted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, presents a vivid and glorious narrative of earth's most significant event. These accounts detail a divine impregnation and birth, potential scandal, angelic announcements, visions, dreams, magi with regal gifts, a murderous king, and a …


Dating Christ's Birth

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Despite the secularization of society, fascination with the historical basis of Jesus Christ's life persists, particularly around Christmas when His birth is celebrated. Many mainstream Christians observe Christmas on December 25 or January 6, though most acknowledge that evidence for this early winter date is limited. Scholarly …


A Sanitary Christmas

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Nativity, marking the birth of Jesus Christ, is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. A specific birth date for our Savior is absent from these accounts, and a winter date is considered highly unlikely. In Palestine, December heralds the rainy season, a time when shepherds would no longer leave their flocks in the …


Excusing Paganism in Christmas

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As we approach the annual celebration of Christmas, it is acknowledged that God became flesh and that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He was laid in a manger, and angels sang at His birth. However, Scripture suggests a different timing for these events. Calculations based on Zacharias' priestly service indicate that Jesus' …


Announcing . . . Christ's Birth!

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The accounts of Jesus Christ's birth, as presented in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, hold significant meaning that has been overshadowed by worldly portrayals. These passages reveal fulfilled prophecies, build faith and hope, and offer instruction and edification. In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary, a virgin …


Was Jesus Christ Born Under the Law?

'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn

The life of Jesus Christ serves as a perfect example for us to follow in every aspect. Regarding His birth, some argue that He was born under the law, implying He was bound to observe Old Covenant rules and regulations. However, a closer examination reveals that Jesus Christ was not under the law from His birth in the sense of …


When Was Jesus Born?

Article by John O. Reid

We are approaching the time of year when the world celebrates the supposed birth of Jesus Christ. The celebration of Christmas is founded on the premise that Jesus was born on December 25, yet a person striving to follow biblical accounts will see that this date is based on falsehood. The accounts in Matthew and Luke provide no …


The Crazy in Christmas

CGG Weekly by Ronny H. Graham

Jesus Christ's birth is often associated with the celebration of Christmas, yet there is no command in God's Word to commemorate His nativity. The actual date of His birth remains unknown, and there is no evidence of celebrating it before the third century. The wise men who followed the star to the house where Joseph and Mary …


The Plain Truth About Christmas

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

The birth of Jesus Christ holds a significant place in the discussion of Christmas origins, revealing a stark contrast between historical customs and biblical evidence. Jesus was not born on December 25th, as this date aligns with pagan festivals rather than scriptural records. When the Christ-child was born, shepherds were …


Christ Coming in the Flesh

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born into this world as a human being through the impregnation of Mary by the Holy Spirit. He developed in her womb and was born as any other human, emerging from her body to live among us. Though His Father is God, a spiritual entity, Jesus Himself was human, embodying as much of God's nature …


Christmas, Syncretism, and Presumption

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Christ was born, and the story of His birth is recorded in the Bible, specifically in the book of Luke. Despite this, God nowhere speaks of making Christmas a part of Christianity, nor does He command the celebration of His Son's birth. Instead, He instructs not to add to His worship anything that is a tradition of the heathen, …


Four Views of Christ (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The birth of Jesus Christ, as presented in the book of Matthew, introduces Him as a King from the very beginning. He is shown as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham, the lawful heir to the promises made to them. His genealogy in Matthew ascends from Abraham up to Him, emphasizing His kingly line and rightful claim to the …


Four Views of Christ (Part 5)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the book of Luke, the birth of Jesus Christ is presented with a deeply human perspective, emphasizing His connection to all of mankind. Luke introduces intimate circumstances surrounding His birth, detailing the infancy of Jesus and His family ties to John the Baptist. Unique to Luke are the inspired songs of Mary, His …


'Tis the Season: Help for Our Young People

Article by Staff

God's church does not observe Christmas, yet we firmly believe in the miraculous nature of the human birth of Jesus Christ. We accept the biblical record of His birth as entirely true, as described by Matthew and Luke. However, nowhere in the entirety of Scripture, whether Old Testament or New, is there a command to observe or …


Celebrating a Lie

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The One we call Jesus Christ gave up His prerogatives and privileges as God and became flesh to be born of a virgin, Mary, who was betrothed to an upright Jew of David's lineage named Joseph. As announced by angels, Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea in a stable or grotto used as a stable, and she wrapped Him in …


What Is This 'Advent'?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Advent, derived from the Latin word adventus meaning arrival or appearance, often brings to mind Jesus Christ's first coming as a human being, born in Bethlehem to Joseph and Mary. At this time of year, manger scenes appear at churches and in yards across Christendom, while Christmas carols extol the story of His birth. However, …


Syncretismas!

Article by Martin G. Collins

The celebration of Christmas, as it relates to Jesus Christ's birth, is intertwined with pagan origins and traditions that obscure the truth. The date of December 25 was assigned to His birth in the fourth century by the Roman Catholic Church, aligning it with the winter solstice and the pagan feast of the birth of the sun god, …


'Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive . . .'

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

To some, the virgin birth is a major teaching, but it is only one of several signs that prove Jesus is the Messiah. Its major purpose is not to glorify Mary.


Seeking A New Home

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

We are seeking a permanent dwelling in God's Kingdom. In our on-going sanctification process, we are not yet home, but trudging along the way in our pilgrimage.


'Unto Us a Son Is Given'

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

It is high time for our conception of Christ to rise above the mere physical, which Christmas tends to emphasize, to the glories of His present and future work.


A Son Is Given

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The names of God reveal His character and attributes, and so also with Jesus. The reasons for Jesus Christ's incarnation are revealed in His names.


The Offering of the Wise Men

Sermonette by John O. Reid

In our offering, we need to imitate the wise men, who knew they had been blessed by being some of the first people who had the opportunity to see Christ.


Who Were the Wise Men?

Article by Staff

The wise men or magi have been mysterious figures since their appearance 2,000 years ago. The Bible's consistent revelation provides clues to their identity.


Born of a Woman

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Though the church of God has emphasized His death over His birth, the prophecies of Christ's first advent are vitally important in establishing our faith.


John (Part Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The apostle John has provided at least eight separate forms of witness, establishing the veracity of Jesus Christ's identity as God in the flesh.





 
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