Topic 7: The Birth and Early Life of Jesus Christ
1. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38)
- Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, a virgin in Nazareth engaged to Joseph.
- She would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear a son named Jesus.
- Mary accepted: "Let it be to me according to your word."
- Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth (mother of John the Baptist) and praised God in the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).
Joseph's Dream (Matthew 1:18-25)
An angel told Joseph in a dream to take Mary as his wife; the child would save the people from their sins ("Immanuel", God with us).
2. The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20)
- Emperor Augustus ordered a census, so Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
- Jesus was born and laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn.
- An angel announced the birth to shepherds, who visited the baby and spread the news.
3. Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:22-38)
- Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day and presented at the temple with the offering of the poor (two doves).
- Simeon blessed Him, calling Him a light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel.
- Anna, a prophetess, gave thanks and spoke of Him to all.
4. The Visit of the Magi and Flight to Egypt (Matthew 2)
- Wise men from the East followed a star to Jerusalem and asked for the newborn king.
- Herod felt threatened and tried to trick them into revealing the child's location.
- They worshipped Jesus and gave gold, frankincense and myrrh.
- Warned in a dream, Joseph took the family to Egypt; Herod ordered the killing of baby boys in Bethlehem.
- After Herod's death they settled in Nazareth.
5. Jesus at Age Twelve (Luke 2:41-52)
- At the Passover in Jerusalem, Jesus stayed behind in the temple, listening to and questioning the teachers.
- Mary and Joseph found Him after three days. He said He must be in His Father's house.
- He returned to Nazareth, was obedient, and grew in wisdom, stature and favour with God and people.
6. Significance of Jesus' Birth
- Fulfilment of prophecy.
- God became man to save humanity.
- Good news for all, especially the poor and humble.
- Shows God's love and the value of every person.
- Example of obedience (Mary, Joseph and Jesus).
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Quick Quiz
- Michael
- Raphael
- Gabriel
- Uriel
Answer: Option 3- To escape King Herod
- To take part in the census ordered by Caesar Augustus
- To attend a feast
- To visit relatives
Answer: Option 2- Zechariah and Elizabeth
- Simeon and Anna
- Joseph and Nicodemus
- John and Andrew
Answer: Option 2