Nativity of Jesus
The nativity of Jesus, nativity of Christ, birth of Jesus or birth of Christ is documented in the biblical gospels of Luke and Matthew. The two accounts agree that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judaea, that his mother, Mary, was engaged to a man named Joseph, who was descended from King David and was not his biological father, and that his birth was caused by divine intervention. Some scholars do not see the two canonical gospel nativity stories as historically factual[1][2] since they present clashing accounts and irreconcilable genealogies. The secular history of the time does not synchronize with the narratives of the birth and early childhood of Jesus in the two gospels.[3][4][5] Some view the question of historicity as secondary, given that gospels were primarily written as theological documents rather than chronological timelines.
For other uses, see Nativity of Jesus (disambiguation) and Nativity (disambiguation).
The nativity is the basis for the Christian holiday of Christmas and plays a major role in the Christian liturgical year. Many Christians traditionally display small manger scenes depicting the nativity within or outside of their homes, or attend nativity plays or Christmas pageants focusing on the nativity cycle in the Bible. Elaborate nativity displays featuring life-sized statues are a tradition in many continental European countries during the Christmas season.
The artistic depiction of the nativity has been an important subject for Christian artists since the 4th century. Artistic depictions of the nativity scene since the 13th century have emphasized the humility of Jesus and promoted a more tender image of him, a major change from the early "Lord and Master" image, mirroring changes in the common approaches taken by Christian pastoral ministry during the same era.
Hymns, art and music[edit]
Canticles appearing in Luke[edit]
Luke's nativity text has given rise to four well-known canticles: the Benedictus and the Magnificat in the first chapter, and the Gloria in Excelsis and the Nunc dimittis in the second chapter.[132] These "Gospel canticles" are now an integral part of the liturgical tradition.[133] The parallel structure in Luke regarding the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, extends to the three canticles Benedictus (Song of Zechariah), the Nunc dimittis and the Magnificat.[134]
The Magnificat, in Luke 1:46–55,[135] is spoken by Mary and is one of the eight most ancient Christian hymns, perhaps the earliest Marian hymn.[136] The Benedictus, in Luke 1:68–79,[137] is spoken by Zechariah, while the Nunc dimittis, in Luke 2:29–32,[138] is spoken by Simeon.[139] The traditional Gloria in Excelsis is longer than the opening line presented in Luke 2:14,[140] and is often called the "Song of the Angels" given that it was uttered by the angels in the Annunciation to the Shepherds.[141]
The three canticles Benedictus, Nunc Dimittis and the Magnificat, if not originating in the Gospel of Luke, may have their roots in the earliest Christian liturgical services in Jerusalem, but their exact origins remain unknown.[142]