One of my favorite comic character origin stories is Bruce Wayne as Batman. The backstory of his childhood and the tragedy he experienced was what forged his character. The origin of the caped crusader involves more than just his own experience. It is a collection of people and events that shape the story. Without these events, we never get the caped crusader.
The Gospel of Matthew is telling us the origin story of Jesus. The story is connecting the people and events of the Old Testament to this baby that has been born in Bethlehem.
Matthew is piecing together the parts of Jesus’s story that helps showcase that He is the Messiah. He is the One that fulfills the promise to Abraham. He is the prophet like Moses. He is the descendant of David whose through will be established forever.
The Christmas narrative provided by Matthew is designed to highlight that Jesus is the Hope that the Scriptures promised. He is revealed to the nations through the wise men from the East. He is proclaimed to be the King of the Jews and will grow up to reveal the Kingdom of Heaven.
Celebrate this season the Hope we have in Jesus. The baby born in Bethlehem who grew up to be the Savior of the World through his death and resurrection. Carry this hope to the world!