The First Christmas

When the angel, Gabriel, told Mary that she would give birth to the son of God, Mary asked: “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will bless you . . . For nothing is impossible with God.” Mary replied, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:34-38)

Fulfilling the prophecies, Mary gave birth to a son and she named him Jesus. He was the Christ, the anointed one. While on earth, Jesus healed the sick and his ministry offered hope to the oppressed. He reached out to the poor and the disadvantaged. Jesus taught lessons of love and forgiveness while chastising the hypocrites who ruled the synagogues. Christ the healer, Christ the teacher, Christ the comforter, Christ the redeemer: Jesus is the shepherd whose voice you know. For unto us a child was born, and his life transformed the world.