Accounts in the gospel of Matthew and Luke of the conception and birth of Jesus Christ.
Doctrine of the Incarnation
"to be made flesh". Christians believe that Jesus was both fully God (2nd person of the Trinity) and fully human (born of Mary). God becoming human in the man of Jesus.
Luke's Birth Narratives
Luke focuses on Mary and how she was told she was giving birth to the son of God through Angel Gabriel. Also includes John the Baptist's birth, shepherds, the inn.
The slaughter of the infants is not mentioned in Luke
Matthew's Birth Narratives
Matthew's focus is on Joseph and includes the accounts of the magi (wise men), the slaughter of the infants and the flight to Egypt.
Matthew focuses heavily on Jesus' Jewish ancestry and the fulfilment of Israel's hopes.
Redaction Criticism
Examining how source material has been edited by editors to reflect their point of view. Checks for author's own thoughts and bias. This can be seen in the Matthew and Luke Gospels, where they both try to reflect their theological concerns.
Message of Luke's Gospel
Luke wrote for a non-Jewish audience and emphasises Jesus as a universal saviour. (a light to lighten the gentiles)
Message of Matthew's Gospel
Redaction critics found that Matthew made reference to many Hebrew scriptures.
