Did the Christmas Story Really Happen?

The story of Jesus' birth is very well-known, and not just by Christians. Manger scenes adorn yards, Christmas carols play in stores, and the story of baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph is heard again and again. But did the Christmas story really happen the way the Bible says it did? Did the Virgin Mary give birth to Jesus in a stable surrounded by animals? Did angels appear to shepherds in their pasture? Did the Magi come bringing gifts? Or is the whole story a made-up fairytale? In truth, the story does sound a bit unbelievable. It’s okay to wonder, “Did the Christmas story really happen?” 

As Christians, we base our faith on more than just what we see. We believe that the Christmas story really happened based on what we believe about the Bible, that it is God’s true Word. However, our study of history also provides evidence that assures us of the truth of the Bible’s account of the birth of Jesus. 

The biblical Christmas story

The story of Jesus’ birth comes from the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Scholars generally categorize the gospels as historical narratives, sharing many characteristics with biographies. Scholars typically accept that events described in this type of literature are more likely to have actually occurred. But we have an even stronger reason to accept these accounts as true: key aspects of the Christmas story were foretold in the Old Testament hundreds of years before they occurred. 

The gospel of Luke gives us the most detail about Jesus’ birth. The angel Gabriel visits Mary and declares the virgin birth, as foretold in Isaiah 7:14. Joseph takes Mary to Bethlehem for the Roman census. With no guestroom for them, Mary gives birth to Jesus, placing him in a manger. Angels appear to shepherds in the fields, proclaiming the birth of the long-awaited Messiah. The shepherds hurry to the town to see the newborn Jesus lying in a manager, a sign given to them that foreshadows Jesus’ work and his death on the cross for the sins of people (Isaiah 53:3). The author, Luke, was a physician and historian who researched and gathered eyewitness testimonies to compose his written account of Jesus' life: “I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning” (Luke 1:3).  

The gospel written by Jesus’ disciple Matthew gives us the stories of Joseph’s dream and the visit from the Magi. We get a firsthand eyewitness account of Jesus’ ministry from Matthew. As a disciple, Matthew likely heard the story of Jesus’ birth directly from Jesus and Mary. Matthew carefully links Jesus’ genealogy to the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”)’” (Matthew 1:22-23).

Many details surrounding Jesus’ birth seem incredibly unlikely. Still, as Groundwork host Scott Hoezee said in our episode Your Questions about Christmas, “It is just so unlikely that it rings true.”

Historical evidence

The Bible provides several key historical details that allow us to place the Christmas story in verifiable history. In his book, In the Fullness of Time, historian Paul Maier shows how ancient secular writings and modern archeology support the biblical narrative. For example, Luke and Matthew mention King Herod, and Luke names Caesar Augustus and the Roman governor, Quirinius. Historical sources beyond the Bible verify these individuals existed and document many of their activities. Maier explores the implications of these facts in his book and fascinating discussions with retired Groundwork host Dave Bast in our series “Facts & the First Christmas.” 

Sometimes, history and archaeology challenge some traditional imagery around the Christmas story. For example, we often depict the nativity set in a wooden stable. Still, after learning how people in Judea housed animals at the time and the scarcity of lumber in the region, we discover that Jesus was more likely born in a cave being used as a stable or the lower level of a family dwelling. In any case, these details do not contradict the biblical account of the Christmas story: “The time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them” (Luke 2:6-7).

Historical evidence helps us understand what life was like and how Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi might have experienced these events. Far from negating the truth that the Son of God came into our world as a baby to live among us and bring about our salvation, the historical evidence expands our understanding of how God reveals his love and care for us in this world.

The truth of the Bible

Ultimately, we believe the Christmas story really happened because of what we believe about the Bible: the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God. This means we believe the Holy Spirit inspired Matthew and Luke as they researched and wrote, and this means that God speaks to us through their books. 

As you consider the story of Jesus’ birth this Christmas, notice the great love of our triune God. God the Father sent his One and Only Son into the world to save us (John 3:16-17). Jesus Christ humbled himself, took on human flesh (Philippians 2:6-8), and is Immanuel, God with us. God the Holy Spirit inspired the written Word of God and continues to empower us to believe its truth. So sing, decorate, and celebrate this Christmas confidently, knowing that Jesus Christ is indeed born.