Jesus was begotten by God the Holy Spirit, not by a man. Matthew emphasized this truth in both the genealogy with which he began his gospel (Mat. 1:1-17), and in the narrative of Jesus’ conception and birth which follows it (Mat. 1:18-25). In the genealogy, Jesus was not begotten like all the others included in His genealogical record (1:16). In the narrative that follows, Matthew informs us how it was possible that Jesus was not begotten in the usual way (Mat. 1:18-20). He was begotten or conceived in the virgin womb of Mary by the Holy Spirit of God. This is the miracle and meaning of Christmas!