5 Ways Matthew Tells Christmas

The Gospel of Matthew is one of the most detailed and theologically rich accounts of the Christmas story in the New Testament. Written primarily for a Jewish audience, Matthew’s narrative highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Messiah. Here are five ways Matthew tells the Christmas story, showcasing his unique approach and theological themes:

1. Genealogy and the Fulfillment of Prophecy

Matthew begins his Gospel with a genealogy that traces Jesus’ ancestry from Abraham to Joseph, emphasizing Jesus’ connection to the Jewish people and the lineage of King David. This serves as a foundation for understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, particularly those related to the Messiah. By doing so, Matthew sets the stage for the reader to understand the significance of Jesus’ birth and the events surrounding it as the realization of centuries-old promises.

For instance, Matthew references the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (also quoted in Matthew 1:23), to emphasize the miraculous and prophesied nature of Jesus’ conception. This approach not only validates Jesus’ divine and royal lineage but also underscores the idea that His birth was not an isolated event but part of a larger divine plan.

2. The Role of Joseph

Unlike Luke, who focuses on Mary’s perspective and experiences, Matthew’s account of Christmas centers around Joseph. Matthew presents Joseph as a righteous man who, upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy, decides to divorce her quietly to avoid public shame. However, after an angel appears to him in a dream, explaining that the child is from the Holy Spirit and fulfilling prophecy, Joseph chooses to stay with Mary and support her.

This narrative highlights Joseph’s obedience to divine guidance and his commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of societal pressure and personal difficulty. By focusing on Joseph, Matthew portrays a model of faithfulness and humility, demonstrating how one’s actions can reflect a deep trust in God’s plan.

3. The Visit of the Magi

One of the most distinctive elements of Matthew’s Christmas narrative is the visit of the Magi, or wise men, from the East. These astronomical observers follow a star that they believe signals the birth of the King of the Jews, leading them to Jerusalem and eventually to Bethlehem. The Magi’s visit not only underscores the universal significance of Jesus’ birth, attracting attention from beyond the Jewish community, but also foreshadows the future geopolitical and religious tensions surrounding Jesus’ mission.

Matthew’s inclusion of the Magi also serves to fulfill another prophecy, as the Magi’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are seen as symbolic offerings to a king, a priest, and one destined to suffer, respectively. This episode showcases Matthew’s interest in highlighting the international and cosmic implications of Jesus’ birth, as well as the theological richness of the event.

4. The Flight to Egypt

Following the Magi’s visit, Matthew’s narrative takes a dramatic turn as King Herod, feeling threatened by the potential rival, orders the massacre of all boys in Bethlehem under the age of two. Warned by an angel, Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt, where they remain until Herod’s death. This flight to Egypt and subsequent return to Nazareth after Herod’s demise fulfill additional prophecies, such as Hosea 11:1, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Matthew uses this episode to further emphasize Jesus’ connection to the Israelites’ history, drawing parallels between Jesus and the people of Israel, who were also called out of Egypt. This narrative element not only adds to the thematic richness of Matthew’s account but also underscores the dangerous and tumultuous context into which Jesus was born.

5. Emphasis on Theological Fulfillment

Throughout his telling of the Christmas story, Matthew consistently emphasizes the theological fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and themes. Whether it’s the virgin birth, the flight to Egypt, or the massacre of the innocents, each event is presented as a fulfillment of scripture. This approach serves to establish Jesus as the Messiah, not just a figure of Jewish expectation, but as the one in whom all of God’s promises and plans find their culmination.

By weaving together these various threads of prophecy, genealogy, and narrative, Matthew presents a Christmas story that is deeply rooted in Jewish scripture and tradition, yet universally significant. His account invites readers to consider the broader theological context of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing that this event is not merely a historical occurrence but a pivotal moment in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

Conclusion

Matthew’s telling of the Christmas story offers a unique blend of historical context, theological depth, and narrative engagement. By focusing on the fulfillment of prophecy, the role of Joseph, the visit of the Magi, the flight to Egypt, and the overall emphasis on theological fulfillment, Matthew crafts a compelling narrative that showcases Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. This approach not only enriches our understanding of the Christmas story but also underscores the significance of Jesus’ birth as a pivotal moment in human history, one that continues to resonate with profound implications for faith, culture, and personal life.

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