Prophecies confirmed by birth of Christ
Fulfilled prophecies are interesting and exciting because we see God’s hand at work. Many prophecies about Jesus are found throughout the Old Testament. However, in the spirit of Christmas, I thought it would be interesting to share some of the prophecies for Christ’s birth.
Line of David prophecy
Jesus was born in the line of David. Matthew 1 lists Joseph’s genealogy. In Luke 2, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for the census because he belonged to the house and line of David.
Isaiah 9:6-7 predicted the event: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne. . .”
Virgin birth prophecy
Matthew 1:23 says the prophet said, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, God with us.” Luke 1:26-38, tells of the angel’s visit to Mary, the virgin chosen by God to bear His Son, Jesus.
In Matthew 1:21, the angel told Joseph to name the baby boy, Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Isaiah 7:14 predicted this: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” In Isaiah 8:8, O Immanuel is mentioned also.
Messiah born in Bethlehem prophecy
When angels visited the shepherds, they told the shepherds in Luke 2:11, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
They found the babe lying in a manager, just as the angels proclaimed. The baby slept in the manger because there was no room for them at the inn.
The Magi in Matthew 2 visited Jerusalem and asked about the newborn king. The chief priests and teachers of the law agreed the Christ was to be born in Bethlehem in Judea.
This confirmed what Micah 5:2 said: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Visiting kings and star prophecies
The Magi followed a star so they could worship the new king. After they met with Herod, they followed the star to where the child was.
I never realized the prophesies about kings giving gifts and stars before. Isaiah 60:3 says, “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Psalm 72:10-11 talks of kings from distant shores who bring tribute to him and kings who will present him gifts. All nations will bow down to him and all nations will serve him.
Numbers 24:17, says, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.”
Mothers mourning prophecy
Herod questioned the Magi to learn when they had first seen the star. When he realized that the Magi were not returning to tell him where the child was, he ordered that all the boys two years old and under be killed in Bethlehem and its vicinity. This was predicted in Jeremiah 31:15, which says, “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more.”
Do you know other prophesies that mentioned Jesus’ birth? Please share them. It is exciting and amazing to see God’s Word coming true. How comforting and wonderful it is to know that what He says will be, does come true.
Merry Christmas! I hope you are filled with joy this season as you praise His holy name!
Related links:
https://staging.michellekaderlywelsh.com/christmas-story-reveals-contrasts-to-compare/
https://staging.michellekaderlywelsh.com/three-ways-to-carry-christmas-throughout-the-year/
https://staging.michellekaderlywelsh.com/keeping-christ-the-focus-of-christmas-important/
https://staging.michellekaderlywelsh.com/what-christmas-means-to-me/
https://staging.michellekaderlywelsh.com/christmas-carols-stir-up-memories/
4 Replies to “Prophecies confirmed by birth of Christ”
Thanks for these reminders, Michelle. It’s always good to remember them again. The prophecies about the visiting kings and start prophecies never struck me as vividly as the others either. Interesting! With all the prophecies that have come true about Jesus, I don’t understand how anyone can doubt His existence. Merry Christmas to you, too. May all the joys of His birth, life, death and resurrection truly bless each of your family members.
Thank you, Donna. It is amazing to see the prophecies and how many years spanned between when they were given and when they came true. The miraculous abounds, and often we miss seeing it. Merry Christmas to you and your family, as well.
I find the *Christmas season* particularly stressful, and I spend most of my nights before I go to sleep praying and trying to capture what the real meaning of Christmas is and to connect with God, and to pray over my family, friends, and my animals. I love how all the prophecies came true, but am distressed that a huge portion of our society doesn’t even recognize the prophecies as a historical account, and do not recognize the Bible as a history book that is verifiable and true. I have always loved the book of Isaiah.
It is indeed troubling that so many are blind to the truth found in the Bible which is verified through history and science, available to those willing to seek it out. So many miss the real meaning of this holiday, and it is so easy to get overwhelmed with the expectations set upon us this time of year. We all get so busy. I think if we can try to spend more time at His feet and less time on our lists of things to do, He will meet us and give us peace (every day of the year). I understand time is short, but the choice or decision is to choose Him and trust He will bring blessings, as I know you do. I know you are a light in the darkness. Let your light shine bright, my friend. I think you are troubled by the great need you see and how little our contributions seem to impact, especially for lost loved ones. But know that God has it all figured out. Everything each of us does does matter. I believe God treasures your prayers and your heart. Sending a hug. Merry Christmas!