Read MATTHEW 1:18–25
What does it mean to say that God is a Trinity? One source offers a concise definition of this important doctrine: “The one God exists in three Persons and one substance, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is one, yet self- differentiated; the God who reveals Himself to mankind is one God equally in three distinct modes of existence, yet remains one through all eternity.”
The Trinity is at the heart of the Christmas story. Just as all three Persons played distinctive roles in the lives of Zechariah and Mary, so also all three are present in the story of God’s intervention with Joseph. Intervention was needed because Joseph, as one might expect, just couldn’t believe his fiancée’s story of a virgin conception.
The Father once again sent an angel, this time in a dream, to tell Joseph it was true. Joseph responded in faith, which was consistent with his character.
He was, after all, faithful to the Law and a true worshiper of God. He received the angel’s message as authoritative because He knew that God had both the right and the power to do the impossible.
The angel also told Joseph that the baby in Mary’s womb was the Messiah, come to save people from sin (v. 21). More than that, He was Immanuel, “God with us,” the second Person of the Trinity (v. 23). God’s presence with His people always signifies His covenant faithfulness and love.
Mary’s pregnancy was the work of the Holy Spirit (v. 18). Since God is the great, self-existent I AM, it could not have been otherwise. This also fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of a virgin birth (Isa. 7:14), which was authorized by the Father and inspired by the Spirit (v. 22). The entire Trinity participated in the birth of Christ— acting as separate Persons, but one in essence and purpose.
APPLY THE WORD
Many good theological sources are available to learn more about the Trinity. In addition to the recommendation in this month’s “Theology Matters” column, another brief article that covers basic biblical truths in a clear, concise manner
is “What is the doctrine of the Trinity?” by Matt Perman, found on the Desiring God website.
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