The Bethlehem Candle, Symbolizing Faith

Bethlehem, the virgin birth, Jesus' genealogies - how all the events and circumstances leading to Jesus' birth show that He is the Messiah.

Day One: Oh, Little Town
At the time of Mary's pregnancy, a decree by Caesar Augustus went out that "all the world should be registered" (Luke 2:1). This meant that every person in the Roman Territory was required to return to the city of their ancestors to be counted in a census...
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Day Two: Joseph and Mary, Engaged vs. Married
There are three passages of Scripture that pertain specifically to the time of Joseph and Mary's betrothal, the consummation of their marriage, and the birth of Jesus: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-56; Luke 2:1-7...
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Day Three: Mary the virgin
Mary the mother of Jesus was described by God as "highly favored" (Luke 1:28). The phrase "highly favored" comes from a single Greek word, which essentially means "much grace." Mary received God's grace...
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Day Four: The Census
Quirinius' census has been a point of controversy among biblical scholars and skeptics for centuries. History tells us that Caesar Augustus reigned over the Roman Empire from 27 BC to AD 14 and ordered a census to be conducted during his tenure...
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Day Five: The Virgin Birth
The doctrine of the virgin birth is crucially important (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:27, 34). First, let's look at how Scripture describes the event. In response to Mary's question, "How will this be?"...
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See Also: "Why care about the virgin birth?" and "Do Muslims believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ?"

Day Six: The Star of Bethlehem
The Star of Bethlehem is associated with the visit of the magi (wise men) from the East as recorded in Matthew 2:1-12. The text implies the Star of Bethlehem appeared only to the magi in the East (the "East" most likely being the area of Persia, or modern-day Iran)...
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Day Seven: Genealogies of the Messiah
Jesus' genealogy is given in two places in Scripture: Matthew 1 and Luke 3:23-38. Matthew traces the genealogy from Jesus to Abraham. Luke traces the genealogy from Jesus to Adam. However, there is good reason to believe that Matthew and Luke are in fact tracing entirely different genealogies...
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See Also: "How do Jesus' two genealogies show He is the Messiah?"

The Advent Series:
"The Prophets' Candle, Symbolizing Hope"
"The Bethlehem Candle, Symbolizing Faith"
"The Shepherds' Candle, Symbolizing Joy"
"The Angels' Candle, Symbolizing Peace"

Image Credit: Melly95; Untitled; Creative Commons