The Christmas Story in Chronological Order The Christmas story as told in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke unfolds in a series of significant events.

1. Annunciation to Mary (Luke 1:26-38)

The angel Gabriel visits Mary in Nazareth to announce that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. This child will be the Son of God, named Jesus.

2. Visit of Mary to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)

Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, who is also miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist. They share in the joy of their pregnancies.

3. Joseph's Dream (Matthew 1:18-25)

Joseph learns of Mary's pregnancy and plans to divorce her quietly. However, an angel appears to him in a dream, reassuring him that the child is conceived by the Holy Spirit and instructing him to take Mary as his wife.

4. Journey to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-5)

Due to a decree from Caesar Augustus for a census, Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, as Joseph is of the lineage of David.

5. Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:6-7)

While in Bethlehem, Mary gives birth to Jesus and lays him in a manger because there is no room for them in the inn.

6. Announcement to the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)

Angels appear to shepherds in the fields, announcing the birth of the Savior. The shepherds visit the newborn Jesus and spread the word about what they have seen.

7. Circumcision and Naming of Jesus (Luke 2:21)

On the eighth day, Jesus is circumcised and officially named, as instructed by the angel.

8. Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:22-38)

Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, following the Jewish custom. Simeon and Anna, two devout individuals, recognize Jesus as the Messiah during this event.

9. Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12)

Wise men from the East arrive in Jerusalem, seeking the newborn king. They follow a star to Bethlehem, where they present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus.

10. Flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)

After the Magi visit, an angel warns Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape King Herod's decree to kill all male infants in Bethlehem.

11. Return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)

After Herod's death, Joseph is instructed in another dream to return to Israel. They settle in Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.

This chronological arrangement highlights the key events surrounding the birth of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, showcasing the miraculous nature of his arrival and the fulfillment of prophecies. And thank you to you.com Genius mode for assembling the chronology.