There are four books of the Bible that are dedicated to the story of Jesus’ life; they record His teachings, miracles, actions, etc. Mark and John’s accounts begin when Jesus was 30 years old, at the start of His public ministry. Matthew and Luke both tell the story of Jesus’ birth, although they each contain different details, so if you want to get the full story of the first Christmas, I recommend that you read both books.
What I find interesting is that from the time of Jesus’ birth and early childhood, except for one small incident when He was 12 years old, there is no record of His early life. It is astonishing to think that Jesus was the incarnation of God in human form, and yet He spent the first 30 years—almost 90% of His entire time on earth—unknown and unrecognized!
What was Jesus doing then? Why didn’t He just come down to earth in a flash of lightning, fully grown, and start His ministry? Why did He need to be born a tiny baby, and live what in all likelihood was a very normal life?
Jesus’ life before His ministry began was so normal that neither His own family nor His neighbors or town had any indication of who He truly was. Speaking of Jesus, Matthew 13:54–56 says, “coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?’”
Well, I believe the answer to why Jesus came to earth as a baby is found in Hebrews 4:15. When speaking of Jesus as our intercessor, it says: “Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are” (CEV). He spent 30 years living just like us, so He could experience everything it is to be a human, all the heartache, the pain, the joy, the love, the happiness, the disappointment, and the confusion.
The above verse goes on to say, “But he did not sin!” That is the difference. Jesus is perfect, we are not; and yet, He understands us. He can relate to us, and He loves us despite everything. This is why the birth of Jesus is so precious and important, and Christmas is a cause for celebration and joy.