Birth of Jesus Christ

CONTENT

• Birth of Jesus, Luke 2: 1-20, 30-32

Visit of the shepherd LUKE 2:8-20

• Visit of the wise men, Matt 2: 1-12

The significance of the gifts given to baby Jesus by the wise men

Flight to Egypt Matt: 2: 15

BIRTH OF JESUS Luke 2: 1-20, 30-32; Matt 2: 1-12

In those days during the reign of Caesar Augustus, there was a decree that people should go to their city for census. During this period, Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem of Judea. Mary was pregnant and was due to give birth. She went to an inn but there was no space for her. She found a space in the manger where she eventually gave birth.

EVALUATION

1. Give account of the birth of Jesus Christ.
2. Why did Mary give birth to Jesus in a Manger?

VISIT OF THE SHEPHERD LUKE 2:8-20

Shortly after the birth of Jesus, an angel appeared to some shepherds who were taking care of their sheep in the field. The angel informed them that a saviour has been born in Bethlehem the city of David, and that the baby would be found wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.

After the angel had gone, the shepherds went to see the baby and told the parents what the angel had told them and they left.

EVALUATION

• Where were the shepherds when the angel appeared to them?
• What was the message of the angel to the shepherds?

VISIT OF THE WISE MEN Matt 2: 1-12

Later some wise men (magi), from the east went to ask from King Herod, where the new born king was so that they would worship him. The wise men led by a star met Jesus and his parents in a manger. They worshipped him and gave him the following gifts: 

Gold,

Frankincense and

Myrrh.

THE GIFT THE FUNCTIONS

GOLD                                                 KINGSHIP

FRANKINCENSE                             PRIESTLY

MYRRH                                             PROPHETIC

Gold represents kingship, frankincense represents priestly function and myrrh represent prophetic function.When the wise men left, they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod for he sought to kill the child, and so they went on their way. Herod later sought to kill Jesus but he was taken to Egypt. He was brought back after the death of Herod to Nazareth.

Flight to Egypt Matt: 2: 15

After departure of the wise men, an angel of God appeared to Joseph in a dream and ordered him to flee to Egypt with baby Jesus and his mother and remain there until the next instruction .This was because King Herod was planning to kill Jesus. After the death of Herod, they returned to Jerusalem. These were the fulfillment of what Isaiahprophesized “out of Egypt have I called my son”. We learn a lesson here to be obedient to instruction like Joseph and Mary.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. Explain briefly how Jesus was born.
2. Explain briefly the actions of Herod to kill Jesus.
3. List four things which man created.
4. Summarise the Bible account of creation.

READING ASSIGNMENT

• Christian Religious Education for JSS BK 2 ADEYINKA et al
• ILESANMI Christian Religious Studies for JSS 2 by TUNDE ERUMEOBA et al
• Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS BK 2 by I.O. ADEYEMI.
• RSV Bible Read Luke 2: 1-20, 30-32, Matthew 2: 1-12

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. The birth of Jesus took place in the city called (a) Nazareth (b) Galilee (c) Bethlehem of Judea (d) Jericho
2. Who made  a decree that census should be conducted throughout the world at that time? (a) Pharaoh (b) Herod (c) Caesar Augustus (d) Pilate
3. Who appeared to the shepherds at the night a child was born? (a) an angel (b) a Prophet (c) a star (d) a seer
4. Why was Jesus not given birth to at the inn? (a) the owner was wicked (b) It was too costly (c) It was full (d) the midwife was not around
5. Gold represents___ function. (a) kingship (b) priestly (c) prophetic (d) spiritual

THEORY

1. State the gifts given to Jesus.
2. What are the functions of the gifts presented to Jesus?