A Thrill of Hope: Exploring Old Testament Prophecies and the Birth of Jesus

Many people do not understand the true meaning of Christmas. Indeed, it’s a special day of the year, but it’s not really about family, food and presents. In its simplest sense, Christmas is about Jesus, that as God’s only Son, He became a man, and is now both God and man.

The Incarnation: Immanuel, God With Us

We should be thrilled and thankful for what is called the “incarnation,” that Jesus came to earth to be God in human flesh. But more than that, Jesus actually came to live with us, for He is called “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us.” Living on earth that first time was an extremely humbling experience for Jesus. He was perfectly holy, yet dwelt among sinful people, with those who were worldly, and with those who were ignorant of the truth.

Scriptural Foundations and Prophecies

The birth of Jesus and His mission were foretold through numerous prophets. The following data summarizes key scriptural references found in the Gospel Art Book and holy scriptures:

• Isaiah 7:14: Prophecy that a virgin shall conceive and bear a son.
• Micah 5:2-5a: Prophecy concerning the ruler in Israel and the thrill of hope.
• Luke 1:31-33: "Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus."
• 1 Nephi 11:13–21: Vision of the mother of the Son of God and the Nativity.
• Alma 7:10: Prophetic witness of the birth of the Savior.

The Mission of the Messiah

Multitudes of people from all over Israel saw and heard Jesus, this perfect man, the best teacher, a fighter for truth, and a healer of diseases. Jesus’ death was purposeful, for it meant being punished by His Father for people’s sins, so as to defeat the devil and destroy his work. This forgiveness and salvation is only by God’s grace, by Christ’s death and the Spirit’s work in a person’s heart, and not by their own works. As recorded in the scriptures, Jesus was born. Jesus lived. Jesus died. Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus ascended into heaven. That sums up Christ’s 1st coming.

The Eternal Kingdom

At this time in history, we can look back and see exactly which prophecies Christ fulfilled at His 1st coming, and look ahead, knowing that He will fulfill the rest of them at His 2nd coming. Believers living at the time of Jesus’ birth (e.g. Mary, Simeon, and Anna) did understand that what happened was not just about a baby being born, but about the Messiah being both a Savior and a King. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.