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

1. Fulfilment of prophecy.
2. God became man to save humanity.
3. Good news for all, especially the poor and humble.
4. Shows God's love and the value of every person.
5. Example of obedience (Mary, Joseph and Jesus).