Christmas: The Epiphanyናሙና

A prevalent objection to the Christmas narrative and Christianity at large revolves around the purportedly unscientific and fictitious nature of the virgin birth. It is imperative to address this contention with clarity, as it serves as a linchpin for affirming the truth of the Incarnate God.

In Isaiah 7:14, the prophecy to King Ahaz foretells the birth of the Messiah through a virgin, serving as a divine sign that shields Judah from conquest by Syria and Israel. This prophecy defies biological norms, yet its profound meaning unfolds when viewed in the context of the events at the Garden of Eden.

The promise of a sinless Messiah, bridging the gap between fallen humanity and a holy God, necessitates a birth untainted by sin. A conventional conception would render the Messiah ineligible as the ultimate sacrificial lamb and undermine His divine essence. The virgin birth, therefore, becomes pivotal in God putting on flesh, as Immanuel – God with us.

A striking paradox emerges as this extraordinary event transpires through the vessel of Mary, an ordinary woman. The choice of a humble Israelite to nurture the Word of God may perplex human minds, but it aligns with God's will, finding obedience in Mary.

Isaiah’s prophecy is astounding even if we take the word translated ‘virgin’ to be ‘young woman’. Regardless, the genealogies and Matthew 1:24 clearly establish the virgin birth.

Jesus’ conception by the virgin Mary need not be outrightly rejected as impossible. Given that Jesus could receive the X chromosome from Mary, the question concerns where He could’ve gotten the Y chromosome from given the lack of a human father. Scientific data presents two biological conditions that God could’ve used: Testicular Feminization + Parthenogenesis + Back-Mutation or Genetic Mosaic. But a Christian need not settle for these esoteric theories as an explanation, for God is perfectly capable of bringing about an absolute miracle (He formed man out of dust!). Also, why would the Middle-Eastern writers fabricate a story that seems anti-cultural unless it were true?!

The virgin birth should remind us of God’s love that finds ways to reach out to a fallen world. He is truly your Immanuel!

Application questions:

• Reflect on the relevance of the virgin birth in God’s plan for redemption.
• Take a moment to introspect: Are you walking in obedience to the calling God has on your life even when it goes against societal norms?
• Surrender yourself in prayer giving yourself as a vessel to God to be used for His good pleasure.