Preaching the birth narratives is a yearly joy—and a yearly challenge. Matthew and Luke are familiar to our congregations, filled with rich theology, and densely tied to Old Testament promises. The danger is to preach the “Christmas story” we assume rather than the inspired accounts as they stand. Text-driven exposition guards us from that drift and allows Scripture to give Christmas its shape, tone, and weight.

The Distinct Voices of Matthew and Luke

The Spirit inspired two complementary accounts, not a blended nativity script. Each contributes a unique theological angle:

• Matthew emphasises fulfilment, kingship, conflict, and God’s sovereign hand in history.
• Luke emphasises humility, joy, Spirit-wrought praise, and God’s mercy toward the lowly.

Good exposition resists merging these perspectives into one “harmonised” sermon. Let Matthew be unmistakably Matthew. Let Luke be unmistakably Luke. The theological richness comes not from folding them together but from hearing each voice distinctly.

The birth narratives are not sentimental vignettes—they are theological announcements shaping the entire storyline of redemption.

Observing Narrative Structure

Before moving to application or seasonal themes, trace how the story actually unfolds. Narrative structure—setting, rising tension, climax, resolution—is not incidental; it is inspired. Consider:

• Contrasts (Herod’s rage vs. the Magi’s worship; Caesar’s decree vs. God’s sovereignty).
• Repetition (angelic commands, fulfilment formulas, “Do not be afraid.”).
• Slow-motion scenes (Magnificat, Benedictus, Nunc Dimittis—Luke lingers!).

When you trace the narrative’s movement carefully, the sermon gains shape organically rather than artificially.

Let the Old Testament Speak

Matthew expects his readers to hear echoes everywhere. His fulfilment quotations anchor the incarnation in covenant history. Luke, too, thickens his narrative with allusions to Samuel, Abraham, and the Psalms.

A text-driven Christmas sermon will:

• Show how the genealogy or song fits Israel’s story.
• Explain the Isaiah or Micah reference clearly.
• Let the congregation feel the “longing” of the Old Testament answered in Christ.

This gives Christmas preaching theological depth without making it academic.

Preaching the Emotional Tone of the Text

The birth narratives are emotionally rich—but each passage carries its own tone. Resist importing emotions from other Christmas texts. Instead, preach:

• Luke 1–2 with gentle wonder, joy, reversal, and humility.
• Matthew 1–2 with sober conflict, fulfilment, kingship, and divine protection.

When the emotional register of the sermon reflects the inspired tone of the text, the congregation experiences a more authentic encounter with Scripture.

Christ in the Birth Narratives

The key to Christ-centred preaching is not forcing the cross into every verse, but showing how the text itself anticipates His mission. The infancy narratives already lean forward:

• Jesus comes as Saviour (Luke 2:11), presupposing sin and repentance.
• He is born to save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21).
• He is King, provoking opposition (Matt. 2).
• He is light in darkness (Luke 2:32).

Let the text itself reveal Christ’s identity and mission. Do not staple the cross onto the crib—but do not let the crib be preached without the mission the crib contains.

For Preachers and Congregations

Text-driven preaching of the birth narratives will help your people:

• See familiar passages with new clarity.
• Move beyond seasonal sentiment into theological substance.
• Understand the unity of the Bible’s story.
• Love Christ more deeply as the fulfilment of God’s long-promised mercy.

The preacher’s task is not to make Christmas “special,” but to make Christ unmistakably clear.