Extra Credit Reflection On The Nativity Gospels
Extra Credit Reflection On The Nativity Gospels
The following passages are read in many Christian churches around Christmas. This particular order is based off of the Byzantine Catholic order of readings for the morning and evening services for Christmas Eve. For 2.5 points extra credit, read the following narratives and write a 1 page reflection (12pt Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, single-spaced); you can reflect on such things as how a Christian would understand these passages, your own reactions to these passages or their order, or how these passages refer to different topics we have discussed in this course. This extra credit assignment is due by class time (either email or hard copy) on Thursday, December 3rd. No late submissions will be accepted!
Paper For Above instruction
The nativity narratives from the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and the account of the Magi in Matthew 2 offer a profound foundation for understanding the early life of Jesus Christ through different theological and literary lenses. Reflecting on these passages reveals the multifaceted nature of the Christmas story and its significance in Christian faith, history, and spirituality.
Matthew’s account emphasizes the divine fulfillment of prophecy and the royal status of Jesus as the Messiah. The narrative begins with Joseph’s righteous response to Mary’s pregnancy through the Holy Spirit and his obedience to the angel’s directive to take Mary as his wife. The subsequent visit of the Magi underscores the recognition of Jesus’ significance beyond Jewish borders, symbolizing the acknowledgment of Christ by Gentiles. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh not only highlight Jesus’ kingship, priesthood, and death but also echo the typological symbolism present throughout biblical history.
Luke’s gospel provides a more detailed account of the scenes surrounding Jesus’ birth, emphasizing humility and divine sovereignty. The decree from Caesar Augustus and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem highlight the historical context, while Mary’s vulnerability and the humble setting of the manger underscore the accessibility of Christ’s salvation. The appearance of shepherds and the angelic chorus embody divine grace and peace, resonating deeply with the themes of hope and divine presence. The shepherds’ immediate response to visit the newborn underscores the inclusiveness of the gospel message and how divine revelation is accessible to all people.
Matthew's narrative of Herod’s plot and the flight into Egypt reveals the darker aspect of the story—the opposition from earthly powers and the threat to the innocent. Herod’s jealousy and subsequent massacre of the male children reveal the human response to divine intervention and highlight the opposition Jesus would face throughout his life. The fulfillment of prophecy through Jeremiah and Hosea demonstrates the scriptural continuity and the divine orchestration of salvation history. The return of Joseph and Mary to Nazareth signifies the fulfillment of prophetic promise and Jesus’ identification with humble origins.
These stories collectively portray the rich tapestry of early Christian faith, emphasizing divine sovereignty, fulfillment of prophecy, humility, and divine-human interaction. They challenge believers to reflect on the significance of Christ's birth not only as a historical event but as a spiritual inauguration of God's kingdom. Personally, these passages evoke a sense of awe at divine humility and the mysterious ways through which God’s salvation plan unfolds—often through modest settings and unlikely circumstances. The order of readings also underscores the universality of Christ’s mission—from the acknowledgment by Gentiles to the vulnerability of his early years and the opposition he faced, illustrating the comprehensive nature of the gospel story.
References
- Baker, R. (2014). The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Baylor University Press.
- Brown, R. E. (2014). An Introduction to the New Testament. Yale University Press.
- Evans, C. A. (2016).
. Westminster John Knox Press. - Johnson, L. T. (2010).
. Fortress Press. - Keener, C. S. (2012).
. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. - Lincoln, A. (2005).
. Hendrickson Publishers. - Nolland, J. (2005).
. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. - Stuhlmacher, P. (2014).
. Fortress Press. - Wright, N. T. (2012).
. HarperOne. - Wilkinson, M. (2014).
. T&T Clark.