I grew up hearing Mom, Aunt Myrtie, and others begin my bedtime stories with these words, “Once upon a time.”

I suspect my love of reading, of good literature, and ultimately love of Scripture began in those days years ago.

I earlier today wondered, “How did the Gospel Writers began their Story? The greatest Story ever told? About Jesus Christ, the Son of God!”

Well, here are Matthew’s opening words. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 1:18

The noun “birth” is “gennesis” (not misspelled) in Greek. It means an “engendering.” Jesus was “born,” not as God (wherein He is eternal) … but as man, as a little boy (a new thing on the earth, God having never been previously clothed in human flesh)!

“Espoused” translates “mnesteuo,” sort of like “promised in marriage.” The word develops from the “memory” words of the language. “Don’t forget, you’re engaged!”

“Came together” is self-explanatory. In a physical way, sexually.

“Was found,” a discoverable fact! “Heurisko” in Greek, to “come upon” an amazing truth, reality!”

“Found with child” utilizes the word for “womb,” spelled “gaster.”

“Of the Holy Ghost,” in Greek “ek pneuma hagios.” Literally “out of” the Holy Spirit! Jesus was NOT fathered by Joseph, but rather by God!

This is why we call His Arrival a “Virgin Birth.”

But back to my original thought today. “On this wise,” says Matthew!

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was ON THIS WISE: when as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.”

“On this wise,” that quaint, beautiful little phrase, is (in Greek) “houto eimi.” Rather woodenly, literally it must be translated … “It was (like) this.” I really prefer the King James’ beautiful rendering, don’t you?

“On this wise” … and thereafter Matthew relates the Events as given him by the Holy Spirit. The Same Holy Spirit Who fathered Jesus, what an Authority He would be!

No wonder Matthew quotes and applies the Old Testament, weaving its prophecies into the Birth Story so eloquently! The Holy Spirit is his Source, too!

“On this wise …”

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

May I call it, “The greatest Story ever told?” Or at least the beginning of that Story! It’s now called the “Gospel!”