"The First Christmas" typically refers to the biblical narrative of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is central to the Christian faith. The story is recounted in the New Testament of the Bible, primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Here's an overview of the events described in "The First Christmas":
Annunciation: The story begins with the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel visits Mary, a young virgin in the town of Nazareth, and informs her that she has been chosen by God to bear a son who will be the long-awaited Messiah. Mary, although initially startled, accepts this divine calling with humility and faith, saying, "Let it be to me according to your word."
Joseph's Dream: Mary is betrothed to Joseph, a carpenter, who initially struggles to understand Mary's pregnancy. However, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream, reassuring him that Mary's child is conceived by the Holy Spirit and instructing him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph obediently accepts this divine guidance and becomes the earthly father of Jesus.
Journey to Bethlehem: As foretold by prophecy, Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem, Joseph's ancestral hometown, to participate in a census decreed by the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus. Bethlehem is crowded with travelers, and Mary goes into labour upon their arrival. Unable to find lodging in the overcrowded town, they take refuge in a humble stable or cave.
Birth of Jesus: In the stable, Mary gives birth to Jesus, wrapping him in swaddling clothes and laying him in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. The miraculous birth of Jesus, the Son of God, fulfills ancient prophecies and brings hope and salvation to humanity.
Adoration of the Shepherds: That same night, shepherds tending their flocks in the nearby fields receive a visit from a host of angels, who announce the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem. Overwhelmed with awe and wonder, the shepherds hurry to the stable to see the newborn child, glorifying and praising God for the fulfillment of His promises.
Visit of the Magi: Some time after Jesus' birth, wise men from the East, known as the Magi or the Three Kings, arrive in Jerusalem, following a star that signals the birth of a great king. They seek the newborn King of the Jews and bring him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolic of Jesus' royal status, deity, and sacrificial death.
Flight to Egypt: Warned in a dream about King Herod's plot to kill the infant Jesus, Joseph takes Mary and Jesus and flees to Egypt, where they find refuge until Herod's death. This event fulfills another prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Return to Nazareth: After Herod's death, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus return to Israel but settle in the town of Nazareth in the region of Galilee, rather than returning to Bethlehem, to fulfill another prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.
"The First Christmas" marks the beginning of the Christian story, symbolizing the incarnation of God's love and grace in the person of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world as a time of joy, hope, and redemption, embodying the message of peace on earth and goodwill to all humankind.
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