The Birth of Jesus

Chapter 10

Introduction• Annunciation: the angel Gabriel’s

announcement to Mary that she was to be the mother of Jesus Christ

• The Gospels of Mathew and Luke have stories about Jesus’ birth.

• The Gospel of Luke shows us that God is one with even those who seem to be the poorest of people.

Opening Prayer• O God, you who gave life to us all, we

count ourselves blessed to be aprt of your holy family. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to become one of us and one with us. Help us to reflect on Jesus’ birth and come to truly know our Lord and Savior. Guide us as we think about and make changes in how we celebrate Christmas each year.

• What do we profess about the conception and birth of Jesus when we pray the Nicene Creed?– That he was conceived by the power of

the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary

Introduction cont’• God revealed his true nature to…

– Magi: The wise men who, upon discovering a strange star in the sky, traveled to Bethlehem to greet the newborn Jesus (Mt)

– Shepherds• Why?

– God reminds us that Christ has come to all people

• As the eternal Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity has always existed. But he chose to be like us, which means having a human birth.

• The fact that the angel appeared first to shepherds shows that Jesus came not just for the rich or powerful but for all of humankind, and that all of us have worth.

Introduction cont’• King Herod fears the baby will take

over as king, therefore, he gave orders to kill all the boys (<2yrs) to be killed)

Social Justice• Respect for Life

– When Pope Benedict XVI visited the United States in 2008, he held a meeting with a group of disabled children and their parents. He spoke to them of God’s unconditional love for all people and of the meaning and purpose inherent in each human life, and he called on all people to honor the value and sanctity of all human life.

Pray It! Liturgy Connection• The liturgical year starts with Advent.

– 4 weeks to prepare for the Lord’s coming into the world and our hearts

• The Christmas season begins with Christmas and ends on the feast of Jesus’ Baptism on the 2nd Sunday in January.

Fun Fact• Saint Francis of Assisi built the first

Nativity scene in AD 1223. • He wants people to know how poor

the baby Jesus was. • 1st Christmas carols 14th century

Mary, the Mother of Jesus• Mary is the Mother of Jesus, and

since Jesus is God, she is also the Mother of God

• She is also the Mother of the Church, which is the Body of Christ

• She is our spiritual mother who leads us to her son, Jesus.

• Immaculate Conception: the belief that Mary was conceived without Original Sin – She is also remain

pure from all personal sin.

Did You Know? Jesus’ Birth and the Old Testament• The Old Testament foretells the

details of Jesus’ birth.

Mary’s Example• Mary is both a married person and a

virgin, therefore, she is an example for all vocations.

• She is a model for the Church, which has children and yet remains wholly God’s.

• She is an example to us of faith and charity.

• She is most closely united to her Son’s redeeming act.

• She freely and totally obeys God’s plan for her.

• She helped reverse the effects of the first sin and disobedience to God.

• Jesus is the new Adam and Mary is the new Eve.

• Mary teaches us humility which is to admit the whole truth about ourselves.

Saint Nicholas of Myra• A.K.A Saint Nick or Santa Claus• A bishop in Asia Minor in the 14th century• He used his wealth for the needs of others. • He performed many miracles, and these

stories led to the custom of giving gifts in the name of Nicholas.

• He reminds us to use our talents and wealth to help those in need

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