These unsuspecting men, while in the course of their work, became the first people informed of Jesus’ birth.

The Shepherds

These unsuspecting men, while in the course of their work, became the first people informed of Jesus’ birth.

Joseph

A carpenter from the city of Nazareth in Galilee, considered a just man, was the husband of Mary and stepfather of Jesus.

Mary

Wife to Joseph of Nazareth, but before marriage, was with child by the Holy Ghost becoming the mother of Jesus Christ.

The Shepherds

These unsuspecting men, while in the course of their work, became the first people informed of Jesus’ birth.

The People of Christmas

Elisabeth

The first person recorded as recognizing the identity of Jesus even while He was in the womb of His mother.

The name Elisabeth means “oath of God.” Though the name is Hebrew, there is no record of a person sharing this name within the Old Testament.

Elisabeth was the wife of a priest, Zacharias. She was also a descendant of Aaron, meaning she too had a priestly lineage. Together with her husband, they maintained an excellent reputation in the sight of God and man. The Bible speaks of this couple as “righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” (Luke 1:6)

This couple also remained childless until their later years. That is when an angel foretold to her husband the birth of their son, John the Baptist. She was a close relation (cousin) to Mary, the mother of Jesus. During her pregnancy, Mary visited Elisabeth. At the moment of Mary’s greeting, Elisabeth felt the quickening of her unborn child. Immediately, she responded, identifying Mary as the mother of her (Elisabeth’s) Lord.

You can read a description of Elisabeth’s initial conversation with Mary as recorded in the Bible ― Luke 1:39-56.

 

Get to know these other characters in the Christmas story!

 

Joseph

A carpenter from the city of Nazareth in Galilee, considered a just man, was the husband of Mary and stepfather of Jesus.

Mary

Wife to Joseph of Nazareth, but before marriage, was with child by the Holy Ghost becoming the mother of Jesus Christ.

The Shepherds

These unsuspecting men, while in the course of their work, became the first people informed of Jesus’ birth.