RS: 7 The Story of Christmas

Christmas Story – Revision Notes

(What happened after the Annunciation)

1. Journey to Bethlehem:
   Mary and Joseph travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because of the Roman census (a count of people).
2. No Room at the Inn:
   When they arrived, there was no room at the inn, so they stayed in a stable.
3. Jesus is Born:
   Mary gave birth to Jesus, and He was laid in a manger (an animal feeding box) because there was no proper bed.
4. Angels Visit the Shepherds:
   An angel appeared to shepherds in the fields and told them that Jesus had been born.
5. Shepherds Visit Jesus:
   The shepherds hurried to the stable and found baby Jesus, just as the angel had said.
   This shows that Jesus came for ordinary people, not just the rich or powerful.
6. The Wise Men Bring Gifts:
   Wise Men (or Magi) travelled from the East following a special star.
   They brought gifts:
   • Gold – because Jesus was a king
   • Frankincense – a symbol of God’s presence
   • Myrrh – a perfume used in burials, showing that Jesus would one day die to save people
7. King Herod’s Jealousy:
   Herod, the local king, wanted to kill Jesus because he saw Him as a threat.
   So Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to keep Jesus safe.
8. Why Christmas Matters:
   Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas because they believe He is the Son of God, sent to save the world.
9. Jesus’ Special Name:
   One of Jesus’ titles is Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”
10. The Meaning of the Visitors:

• The shepherds show that Jesus came for all people, including the poor.
• The Wise Men’s gifts show that Jesus is King, God, and Saviour.