Why is the Virgin Birth So Important?
Have you ever thought about how incredible the story of Jesus’ birth really is? The idea that Jesus was born to a young, unmarried girl from a tiny town in Galilee—and that His conception was through the Holy Spirit—has been questioned, mocked, and misunderstood for centuries. Yet, this belief lies at the heart of the Gospel.
Michael Bird, in his book What Christians Ought to Believe, reminds us that the Virgin Birth isn’t just a miraculous story—it’s essential to our faith. Here’s why it matters so much:
Jesus Had to Be Human. To save us, Jesus needed to be one of us. Born of Mary, He experienced life just as we do, with all its joys and struggles. Only a human could die in our place for sin.
Jesus Had to Be God. A mere mortal couldn’t carry the weight of humanity’s sin. Because Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, He is fully God, infinite and powerful enough to save us all.
Jesus Had to Be Sinless. Only someone perfect—completely free from sin—could be the sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ birth by the Holy Spirit ensured He was holy from the start.
When the angel Gabriel came to Mary (Luke 1:26-38), it must have been overwhelming. Imagine being told you would carry the Messiah! Mary was young, likely just a teenager, living in a small, overlooked town. She had every reason to feel unsure. Yet, when Gabriel explained God’s plan, she didn’t argue or resist. Instead, she said, “May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
That’s faith in action. Mary didn’t have all the details or know what challenges lay ahead, but she trusted God completely. Her faith inspires us to trust that God’s plans for our lives—no matter how unexpected—are always for our good.
The Virgin Birth isn’t just a theological idea; it’s a reminder of how far God would go to save us. It’s a story of love, grace, and the miraculous. And it’s also a call for us to respond like Mary—with faith, trust, and a willingness to say, “Yes, Lord, I’m all in.”
So, as we reflect on this beautiful truth, let’s thank God for His perfect plan and ask for the kind of faith Mary had. Because with God, nothing is impossible.