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For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given:  And the government shall be upon his shoulder:

And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

New Testament Fulfillment:  Matthew 1:21,23; Luke 1:32,33; John 8:58, 10:30, 14:19

Mary: mother of Jesus (Luke 2:16).  Mary was a young Jewish girl engaged to the carpenter Joseph when God revealed to her that she was to be the mother of the Messiah.  Joseph, advised of these events in a dream and knowing Mary was miraculously pregnant, took Mary as his wife.  Toward the end of her pregnancy, the couple from Nazareth traveled to Bethlehem for a taxation census, and Jesus was born there.  Mary was present at Jesus’ crucifixion and became one of His followers after His resurrection.

Joseph: A carpenter who was the Husband of Jesus’ mother, Mary (Matt:1:18).  Joseph was engaged to Mary when she conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit; then Joseph took Mary as his wife to save her from public disgrace.

Old Testament Reference:  Born of a virgin: Isaiah 7:14

New Testament Fulfillment: Matt. 1:22,23

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Bethlehem means “house of bread.”

Town six miles southwest of Jerusalem.  David and JESUS were born there. (Micah 5:2 and Luke 2:1-7 for the prophecy and fulfillment of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.)  David was anointed there, and it was known as the City of David. (I Samuel 16:4, 13; Luke 2:4,11)

**There is another Bethlehem seven miles northwest of Nazareth (Joshua 19:15.)  Jesus’ birthplace was known as Bethlehem Judah, which distinguished it from the other Bethlehem.

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Luke 2:1-

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, and all the world should be taxed.  And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syris.  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; becasue here was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto youl  Ye shall find the babe wrappedi n swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, Good will towards men.