(1) Jesus existed before He was born. The Gospel of John begins Jesus’ story before there were Wise Men, shepherds, or angels. John reveals the backstory: Jesus existed before the universe began; He is God; He created the universe (John 1:1-3).

(2) Jesus is the heir to King David’s throne. The Christmas story features two genealogies — Joseph’s and Mary’s. Matthew traces Jesus’ legal right to the throne through Joseph, and Luke reveals His royal bloodline through Mary (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38).

(3) Jesus did not have a human father. When the angel told Mary she would have a baby, she asked, “How can this be since I am a virgin?” Gabriel’s answer is the crux of the story: His Father will be the Most High God (Luke 1:26-35).

(4) The shepherds were the bottom of society. God’s Son — the Creator of the universe — is born six miles from the Holy City. Who does God tell? Shepherds. The lowliest, humblest of people. Why? Maybe because shepherds exist to care for others (Luke 2:1-20; About Shepherds).

(5) The Wise Men understood God better than the priests. They were watching for the long-awaited King. When God signaled His arrival, they came from afar with lavish gifts. The priests didn’t even bother checking it out (Matthew 2:1-12).

(6) Jesus’ name explains His reason for coming. The Jews used names to describe a person’s character or role in the community. So what did God name His Son, sent to deliver all people from the curse of sin? Jesus means God is the Savior (Luke 2:21).

(7) Jesus was born into your family. God joined your family — humanity — so He could pay the penalty for your sin. Now you can join His family by accepting Jesus’ perfect life as your own (Isaiah 53:5; Romans 6:23).