Lesson 16: The Birth of Christ and Its Prophecies

Overview

• Focus on Old Testament prophecies about the birth of Christ
• Emphasizes Christ's divinity and humanity
• Prophecies interpreted in the New Testament
• Comparison of prophecies versus historical events

Key Prophecies and Their Fulfillment

Birthplace: Bethlehem

• Prophet Micah prophesies the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
  • Cited in Matthew 2:6
  • Interpretation: highlights Christ's divine and eternal nature
• High Priests and Scribes knew this prophecy
  • Herod consulted them (Matthew 2:4-6)
  • Differentiates between King David, Zorobabel, and the Messiah

Birth from a Virgin

• Prophet Isaiah: A virgin will bear a son named Emanuel (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)
  • Emanuel means "God With Us"
  • Septuagint translation supports the virgin interpretation
  • Virgin birth regarded as a sign and miracle
• Angel’s Message to Joseph: Child from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18-20)
  • Virgin Mary remains incorrupt

Divine and Human Nature of Christ

• Isaiah: Mighty God, Eternal King from the line of David (Isaiah 9:6-7)
  • Highlights Jesus as the God-man (Theanthropos)
  • Reign is eternal and spiritual, not political
• Habakkuk: Messiah will come from the south (Habakkuk 3:3-7)
  • Reference to Bethlehem as south of Jerusalem

Timing of the Messiah’s Arrival

• Prophet Daniel: Messiah's coming during the fourth kingdom—the Roman Empire (Daniel 2:44-45; 9:25-27)
  • Specific prophecy timelines: 483 years from Artaxerxes’ decree (445 BC) to Christ’s public appearance (30 AD)

Expectation of the Nations

• Patriarch Jacob: Messiah from Judah (Genesis 49:10)
  • Not only for the Jews but for the Gentiles
• Isaiah: Nations will trust in the descendant of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1, 10)

Theophany and Signs

• Habakkuk: Messiah born among two living creatures (Habakkuk 3:2)
  • Fulfilled in Jesus’ birth in the manger (Luke 2:7)

Slaughter of the Innocents

• Jeremiah's Prophecy: Rachel weeping for her children (Jeremiah 38:15; Matthew 2:18)
  • Reference to the massacre of infants by Herod

The Impact of Prophecies on Faith

• Prophecies reaffirm the Divinity and Messiahship of Jesus
• Importance of understanding and trusting in the faith
• Catechists' role in helping believers understand and defend the faith

Practical Application

Addressing Protestants and Heretical Teachings

• Issues with Protestant doctrines: Virgin birth, calling no man ‘father’, Mary’s perpetual virginity
• Importance of clarity and depth in understanding Orthodox teachings
• Catechetical Efforts: Creating lesson plans for children to understand and defend the faith successfully

Overall Significance

• Explores the depth of prophetic witness to Christ's birth
• Strengthens the faith of believers and provides a comprehensive defense
• Demonstrates God’s plan across Scriptures

Conclusion

• Calls for greater trust in Jesus amidst confusing and challenging times
• Encourages readers to know their faith deeply and live in a way that reflects true understanding