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God Promised a Savior Long Before He Was Born
When Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, it was not a surprise. His birth had been promised by God for centuries.
Throughout the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon, prophets testified that the Savior would come into the world. They spoke about who His mother would be, where He would be born, and even the signs that would accompany His birth. Although these prophets lived in different places and at different times, their message was the same: God would send His Son to redeem the world.
When the time came, every one of those prophecies was fulfilled — showing that Heavenly Father always keeps His promises.
Isaiah Foretold the Birth of the Messiah
More than 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, the prophet Isaiah declared:
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Isaiah also described the child who would be born:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.”
He called Him Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. These titles revealed that the promised child would be far more than an ordinary baby. He would be the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
Centuries later, the angel Gabriel appeared to a young woman named Mary and told her that she would give birth to Jesus Christ. Matthew specifically explains that this fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy (see Matthew 1:18–23).
Micah Revealed Where the Savior Would Be Born
Another prophet, Micah, foretold the exact place where the Messiah would be born.
He declared that the promised ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem (see Micah 5:2).
When King Herod later asked the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah would be born, they immediately answered “Bethlehem,” because they knew Micah’s prophecy (see Matthew 2:4–6).
When Joseph and Mary travelled to Bethlehem, Jesus was born there exactly as the prophet had foretold (see Luke 2:4–7).
Book of Mormon Prophets Also Testified of Christ
The testimony of Jesus Christ was not limited to the prophets in Jerusalem.
Centuries before the Savior’s birth, the prophet Nephi saw a vision of a beautiful virgin who would become the mother of the Son of God (see 1 Nephi 11:18–21).
Later, the prophet Alma also testified that Jesus Christ would be born of Mary (see Alma 7:9–10). These prophecies were given many years before the event took place, showing that God revealed His plan to prophets on both sides of the world.
Their testimonies remind us that Heavenly Father prepared people everywhere for the coming of His Son.
Samuel the Lamanite Prophesied the Signs of Christ’s Birth
Only a few years before Jesus was born, the prophet Samuel the Lamanite declared that remarkable signs would announce the Savior’s birth.
He prophesied there would be a new star, a night without darkness, and many other signs in heaven (see Helaman 14:1–6).
Many people doubted his words and even planned to kill those who believed the prophecy. As the appointed day approached, the faithful prayed for deliverance.
The Lord assured the prophet Nephi that His promise would be fulfilled.
That very night, there was no darkness, just as Samuel had foretold, and a new star appeared (see 3 Nephi 1:15–21). At the same time, wise men in the land of Israel also recognised the new star as the sign of the Messiah’s birth (see Matthew 2:2).
Every detail happened exactly as God had promised.
What Do These Prophecies Teach Us Today?
The prophecies of Christ’s birth teach us that God always fulfils His word.
Some of these promises were fulfilled hundreds of years after they were first given. The prophets who received them did not live to see their fulfilment, yet they trusted that God would keep His promises.
Their faith was not misplaced.
Jesus Christ was born exactly as the prophets had foretold. His birth confirms that Heavenly Father directs His work according to His perfect timing.
The same God who fulfilled those ancient prophecies continues to keep His promises today. As we study the words of the prophets and place our trust in Jesus Christ, we can have confidence that every promise God has made will also be fulfilled in our lives — according to His wisdom and timing.
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