The contents of the book describe the birth and childhood of Mary the mother of Jesus, her coming of age and betrothal to Joseph the Betrothed, and the birth and early childhood of Jesus. Much of the story expands on what is told of these events in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. One of the primary themes is the work and grace of God in Mary's life, Mary's personal purity, and her perpetual virginity before, during and after the birth of Jesus, as confirmed by the midwives after she gave birth.
While the Gospel of James has never been part of the New Testament canon, it does provide the basis for many of the hymns used in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, and for much of their teachings concerning Mary.