Question 1

Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger?

Accepted Answer

Jesus was born in Bethlehem because a ruler ordered everyone to go to their family town to be registered, and Joseph belonged to David’s line, which was from Bethlehem. This moved Mary and Joseph at just the right time so the child would be born where God had promised. He was laid in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn, showing that he came in poverty and lowliness. From the start he identified with the poor and unnoticed, even though he is the promised Saviour and Lord.

Question 2

Why did angels appear to shepherds instead of important leaders?

Accepted Answer

The angels went to shepherds out in the fields at night, not to rulers or priests. This shows that God does not only speak to the rich or powerful. He often starts with people the world thinks are small. The message was “good tidings of great joy” for all people, but it first reached these humble workers. They believed the message, went quickly to see the child, and then told others. Their part in the story shows that God’s salvation is open to the lowly and that faith responds quickly to God’s word.

Question 3

What is the meaning of “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace”?

Accepted Answer

When the heavenly host praised God, they said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” They were saying that in the birth of Jesus, God’s greatness is clearly shown. At the same time, God is bringing real peace on earth, not just the end of wars, but peace between God and people. This peace comes from God’s gracious favour, not from our own worth. The singing of the angels teaches that Jesus’ coming gives God the praise he deserves and brings true peace to those who receive him.

Question 4

Who were Simeon and Anna, and what did they say about Jesus?

Accepted Answer

Simeon was a just and devout man in Jerusalem, waiting for God to comfort Israel. The Holy Spirit had shown him he would see the promised Christ before he died. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Simeon took the child in his arms, thanked God, and said his eyes had seen God’s salvation, a light for the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Anna was an elderly widow who worshiped in the temple with fasting and prayer. She also gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to those waiting for redemption.

Question 5

What does it mean that a sword would pierce Mary’s soul?

Accepted Answer

Simeon told Mary that a sword would pierce through her own soul. This picture points to the deep pain she would feel because of her Son. As Jesus’ life went on, many in Israel would stumble over him while others would be raised up by faith in him. He would be spoken against and rejected by many. Mary would watch these things and later see his suffering, and it would cut her heart like a sword. Through this, the hidden thoughts of many hearts would be exposed by how they responded to Jesus.

Question 6

Why is Jesus called “a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Israel”?

Accepted Answer

Simeon said that in seeing Jesus he had seen God’s salvation, prepared for all people, “a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” This means Jesus did not come only for one nation. He is like a light that shines on those who were in the dark, even those outside Israel. At the same time, he is the honour and fulfilment of Israel, because he is the promised king from David’s line and the answer to God’s old promises. In him, God’s mercy reaches both Jews and non‑Jews.

Question 7

What happened when twelve-year-old Jesus stayed behind in the temple?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus was twelve, his parents took him to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, as they did each year. On the way home, they thought he was with the group, but he had stayed in the city. After three days of searching, they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions. Everyone was amazed at his understanding. When his mother asked why he had done this, he said he must be about his Father’s business. Yet he then went back to Nazareth with them and obeyed them, growing in wisdom and in favour with God and people.

Question 8

How does this passage show God’s providence and humility in Jesus’ life?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows God’s quiet rule over events. A ruler’s decree moves a poor couple to the right town at the right time, so the promised child is born in David’s city. Yet the child is born without honour, laid in a manger because there was no room. Angels praise God in heaven, while on earth only shepherds come to see him. Later, he is presented with a simple offering from poor parents, and as a boy he both honours his heavenly Father and obeys his earthly parents. In all this, God works out his plan through lowly and ordinary things.

Luke 2:1

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

The Birth of Jesus

The Shepherds and the Angels

Jesus Presented at the Temple

The Prophecy of Simeon

The Prophecy of Anna

The Return to Nazareth

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

The Birth of Jesus

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Luke 2:1

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

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The Birth of Jesus

The Shepherds and the Angels

Jesus Presented at the Temple

The Prophecy of Simeon

The Prophecy of Anna

The Return to Nazareth

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

The Birth of Jesus

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