Jesus’ birth was different for one reason: He was not only a human being, but He was God in human flesh. When Jesus was born, God entered this world and came to live among us!

It shouldn’t surprise us, therefore, that Jesus would be born in a way that had never happened before, and would never happen again. Centuries before, the Old Testament stated that the coming Savior would be born of a virgin (see Isaiah 7:14). The New Testament accounts consistently testify to His virgin birth. (One of those accounts, incidentally, was written by Luke, who was a medical doctor—and yet he fully accepted Jesus’ virgin birth.)

When the angel announced to Mary that she would become the Savior’s earthly mother, she responded as anyone else in her position would have. She asked, “How will this be… since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). The Holy Spirit would make it possible, the angel replied. Therefore “the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).

Why is the miracle of Jesus’ virgin birth important? It tells us that Jesus was indeed the divine Son of God, sent from Heaven to save us from our sins. We are separated from God because of sin—but Jesus Christ came into the world to bring us back to God. During this Christmas season I urge you to realize your need for God, and to open your heart and life to Jesus Christ. He is the greatest Christmas gift you’ll ever receive!

Have you received the gift of eternal life?