ABSTRACT
The angel Gabriel appears to Mary to announce that God has chosen her to be the mother of a child who will be Son of the most High and whose kingdoms will last forever. His name is to be Jesus, which means, the Lord saves. This took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through his prophets before. The birth of Jesus Christ is presented as a momentous event, with each Gospel writer emphasising particular aspects of its significance. Luke and Matthew focus on the conception of the child and his birth in ways which highlight his destiny as the Christ who is to be Saviour for the Jews and also for all people. Jesus and his family are clearly shown conforming to the requirements of the Jewish law. Luke sums up Jesus' boyhood in one sentence: The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom and the favour of God was upon him.
