Biblical explanation
John 1:1 says the Word was already present "in the beginning." John 1:14 then says that this Word "was made flesh." The sequence is important: the Word existed first, then became human. Jesus explicitly spoke of His prehuman glory in John 17:5: "glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." He also said, "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58). Philippians 2:5-8 describes Christ as existing in the "form of God" before taking "the form of a servant" and becoming human. Colossians 1:16-17 says all things were created by Him and that "he is before all things." Therefore, Bethlehem was not the beginning of Jesus' existence. It was the beginning of His incarnation as a human being.
Key takeaway
These themes are best read through the whole testimony of Scripture, emphasizing God's self-revelation in Christ, the active ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the restoration of the whole person. Bible study should lead to a changed life, compassionate service, and a clearer picture of God's loving character.