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CHRISTMAS BIBLE

STUDY

studyintheword.org: Christmas Bible Study Page 1

CONTENTS

CHRISTMAS BIBLE STUDY 1 .......................................... 2

CHRISTMAS BIBLE STUDY 2 ........................................... 8

WHAT IF JESUS HAD NEVER BEEN BORN? .................... 15

CHRISTMAS BIBLE QUIZ .............................................. 18

ANSWERS CHRISTMAS BIBLE QUIZ .............................. 22


CHRISTMAS

BIBLE STUDY 1

The Christmas story, when it is studied,

ought to provide both a factual look at

the events surrounding the nativity, and

some insight into what those events

should mean to us.

Four accounts of the earthly life of

Christ are given to us in God's Word. For

much of the detail regarding the birth of

Christ, we are indebted to Luke's Gospel.

Luke was a medical doctor (Col. 4:14),

and a frequent traveling companion of

the Apostle Paul's. The introduction to

the book of Acts shows that Luke also

authored that book. (Those sections where he uses "we" and "us," (e.g. Acts 16:10) indicate

times he is with Paul.) In the book that has come to be known as The Gospel According to Luke,

he shows himself to be a careful historian. He presents many details of the words and works of

Christ, particularly emphasizing His humanity. (This book therefore complements John's Gospel,

which focuses more on His deity.) Before he goes on to recount something of the birth and

boyhood of Jesus, Luke begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the one who would be Christ's

"forerunner," announcing His coming.

(Please read Luke 1:1-4)

1) Judging by how Luke addresses him, what seems to have been the relationship between him

and the man named Theophilus (vs. 3)?

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2) How would Luke's background prepare him to gather accurate data?

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3) Where had Luke gathered his information about the life of Jesus (vs. 2)?

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4) What was Luke's purpose in writing his Gospel (vs. 4)?

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5) What tribe in Israel were Zacharias and Elizabeth from (vs. 5)?

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6) What was Zacharias's vocation? _________________________________________

7) How would you describe the spiritual character of this couple (vs. 6)?

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8) Like Abraham and Sarah, many years before, they had a problem. What was it (vs. 7)?

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9) Did they care about this? (How do you know? See vs. 13, 25)?

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10) For what special duty had Zacharias been chosen (vs. 9)?

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INSIGHT: King David had divided the priesthood into 24 shifts (I Chron. 24:10). Each shift was called upon to serve in the temple twice a year, one week at a time, from Sabbath to Sabbath. But there were so many priests that the great privilege of burning incense in the holy place came only once in a lifetime, if at all. The fragrant smoke of burning incense was symbolic of prayers ascending up to God (Ps. 141:2; Rev. 5:8).

11) What happened that greatly frightened Zacharias, while he was burning incense on the altar

(vs. 11-12)?

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INSIGHT: The angel identifies himself in vs. 19 as Gabriel. Gabriel had the responsibility of carrying important messages from God to man. He appeared to Daniel (Dan. 8:16; 9:21), and to Mary, as well (Lk. 1:26-27).

12) What message did Gabriel have for Zacharias (vs. 13)?

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13) Several things are specified about the son who was to be born. What was his name to be (vs.

13)?

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What would be the reaction to his birth (vs. 14)?

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INSIGHT: Drinking neither wine nor strong drink (vs. 15) was a requirement for the priesthood (Lev. 10:9). But it may indicate that John was to be a life-long Nazirite, as well. The Nazirites took a special vow of self-denial and holiness (Num. 6:2-4).

INSIGHT: It was prophesied John would be "great in the sight of the Lord" (vs. 15). He would be great in terms of the unique mission God would give him (vs. 17), and great in his humble obedience to God (cf. Jn. 3:29-30).

14) In contrast to this kind of greatness, what does it take to be great in the eyes of the world?

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14b) Why is this kind of greatness inferior to being "great in the sight of the Lord"?

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15) What unusual spiritual enablement was John given (vs. 15)?

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15b) What would John's ministry be (vs. 16)?

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15c) And what would be the purpose of this ministry (vs. 17)?

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16) How did Zacharias respond to Gabriel's announcement (vs. 18, 20b)?

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INSIGHT: It seemed too late for Elizabeth to have a child (vs. 18), and (in a sense) too early for Mary to have a child (vs. 34). Yet God overruled the natural order of things in each case.

17) What does this tell us about God's power?

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And about His timing (cf. Gal. 4:4)?

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18) Gabriel says, "Your prayer is heard" (vs. 13). What does Zacharias's unbelief show about his

prayer that may be like some of our own?

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19) How was Zacharias disciplined for not accepting the angel's message (vs. 20)?

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INSIGHT: Zacharias was so long at his work in the temple that people became concerned (vs. 21). But they were in for an even bigger surprise. When he emerged, Zacharias could not speak. By sign language he conveyed to them what he had seen (vs. 22). After his week of service, Zachariah returned home (vs. 23). There, in the course of time, Elizabeth conceived, and she remained in seclusion for five months (vs. 24). When Elizabeth was six months into her pregnancy, Gabriel was sent forth on another mission.



INSIGHT: In a few words, Luke gives us quite a bit of information about Mary (vs. 26-27): That she lived in Nazareth; that she had never had physical relations with a man; that she was "betrothed" (a binding marriage contract, in those days) to a man named Joseph; that Joseph was a descendant of David (as Mary was herself).

20) Gabriel had a message for Mary that was cause for rejoicing. Why (vs. 28)?

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21) How did Mary react to seeing an angel (vs. 29)?

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22) Gabriel reassured her, and told her of a "high favour" God was granting to her. What was it

(vs. 31)?

INSIGHT: The name of Mary's Son was to be "Jesus" (meaning Jehovah is Salvation, or by implication, simply Saviour).

23) What information is Mary given about who the Child is, and what He will do (vs. 32-33)?

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24) How is it that a virgin was able to give birth to a Son (vs. 35; cf. Matt. 1:18)?

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25) How did Mary's response to all of this (vs. 34) differ from that of Zacharias (vs. 20)?

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26) What is the news about Elizabeth meant to do for Mary (vs. 36-37)?

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27) What does Mary's final response to the angel (vs. 38) show about her attitude and her

relationship with the Lord?

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28) What does the information given about Zacharias and about Mary tell us about the kind of

people God uses?

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(How does vs. 20 relate to this?)

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CHRISTMAS BIBLE STUDY 2

The Christmas scene is familiar, yet there are always new things to

learn. In the previous study, we saw events that laid the foundation

for the miracle of the incarnation (the coming of the Son of God to

earth in human flesh). It was a major turning point in history. If

you doubt that, you might want to obtain a copy of the fascinating

book What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? In it the authors show

the tremendous influence Christ and His followers have had on

human history.

The Bible tells us that "when the fullness of the time had come,

God sent forth His Son, born of a woman" (Gal. 4:4). In God's

providence, Jesus was born just at the right time, when everything

was in readiness. Now, Luke continues the amazing story by

bringing together two important mothers-to be.


1) Where did Mary go, after Gabriel left her (vs. 39-40)?

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2) What two remarkable things happened when the two women met (vs. 41)?

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INSIGHT: The Greek word for "filled" can also be translated fulfilled. The filling of the Spirit is a way of describing His special enablement, given to individuals so that they can fulfil God's purpose. In this case, the outcome of Elizabeth's enabling by the Lord was that she was given prophetic insight into what had happened to Mary.

3) What supernatural understanding did Elizabeth have about the identity of Mary's Baby (vs.

43)?

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4) What awareness did Elizabeth have about Mary's response to Gabriel's message (vs. 45)?

INSIGHT: What follows, in vs. 46-55 sometimes is called the "Magnificat," taken from the Latin for "My soul magnifies [glorifies] the Lord." Though the Bible doesn't say so specifically, likely the Holy Spirit "filled" Mary, as He had Elizabeth, enabling her to pour forth this inspired hymn of praise to God.


5) Some have sought to exalt Mary almost to the level of Christ Himself. But how does Mary see

herself (vs. 48)?

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6) What statement shows Mary realized she was a sinner in need of God's grace (vs. 47)?

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7) What are some of the attributes of God that are celebrated in Mary's song (vs. 49-50)?

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7b) What do these attributes mean to us, today?

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8) According to Mary's song, through what kind of people is God willing to work (vs. 50, 52, 53,

54)?

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INSIGHT: The coming of Christ is rooted in the Abrahamic Covenant (vs. 55). In particular, God had said to him, "In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Gen. 12:3; compare Lk. 2:10, "to all people"). That is the potential of the salvation purchased for us on the cross. It is an eternal blessing accessible to the whole the human race, through faith in Christ (Eph. 2:8-9).


9) Putting vs. 26 and vs. 56 together, it seems that Mary stayed with Zacharias and Elizabeth

until what happened?

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10) When John was born (vs. 58), there was a disagreement over what his name should be. What

was expected by tradition (vs. 59-61)?

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10b) How was the argument finally settled (vs. 62-63)?

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11) What happened to Zacharias, the moment he named the baby (vs. 64)?

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12) What is the significance of these two things (vs. 64) coming together (compare vs. 13, 20)?

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12b) Can you think of a situation where tradition might get in the way of doing God's will

today?

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13) It is possible Mary was quite a young girl at this time. What kinds of things might she have

learned, staying with John's parents as long as she did?

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INSIGHT: The mysterious events surrounding the birth of John brought fear to the community. And they raised questions as to what kind of special work John was destined for (vs. 65-66). In it all, God was preparing the way for His Son.


14) Zacharias had no illusion that his son was the promised Messiah. By the filling of the Spirit

(vs. 67) he was given prophetic insight as to John's ministry. What was it to be (vs. 76; cf. 1:17)?

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INSIGHT: Through the Spirit of God, Zacharias, as well as Elizabeth, understood who the Baby was in Mary's womb. Note that he states, "the Lord God...has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David" (vs. 68-69). Zacharias and Elizabeth were from the tribe of Levi. It was Mary who was from David's tribe of Judah.

15) Like Elizabeth earlier, Zacharias sees the coming of the Saviour as a fulfilment of what (vs.

72-73)?

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INSIGHT: Some churches in our day have opted to set aside the hymn book and sing only simple choruses. The rationale sometimes given is that this is a return to a more scriptural form of worship. It is claimed the hymns are too "doctrinal" or fact-oriented. Something more "contemporary," is preferred, something to stir the emotions. However, one need only consider the songs of Mary and Zacharias (not to mention the entire book of Psalms) to realize that truly scriptural songs are loaded with doctrinal and rational truth. By using them we are to "teach and admonish" one another (Col. 3:16).

INSIGHT: As with Jesus after him, we are given few details about the childhood of John. He remained in obscurity until the time God would lead him to begin his work as the "announcer" of the Messiah's coming (vs. 80).



16) What is the importance of vs. 1-2? That is, why would God lead Luke to include this

information?

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17) Whose command brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem (vs. 1, 3-4)?

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18) Why was their trip important to Bible prophecy (compare Micah 5:2)?

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19) What does this event affecting the whole Roman world tell us about how God works out His

will and purpose for us?

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20) Was there some practical reason why the inn was full when Mary and Joseph arrived (vs. 7)?

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21) What are some reasons people have "no room" for Christ today?

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22) What three wonderful titles does the angel give Jesus (vs. 11)?

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INSIGHT: "Christ" is the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning Anointed One.


INSIGHT: As a direct descendant of David, Jesus had a right to the throne of Israel. The wise men who came seeking Him expected that, being a King, He would likely be born in a palace in Jerusalem (Matt. 2:1-2). Instead He was born in a stable.

23) How do you think the manner of Jesus' birth affected His later ministry?

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24) Why do you think the angel gave a description of how the Baby Jesus would look (vs. 12)?

(Hint: Matt. 2:16.)

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25) What did the shepherds do when they got the good news from the angels (Lk. 2:15, 16, 17,

20)? And are there lessons in this for us?

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26) Do you think most people today find "great joy" in Christ's coming, at Christmas time?

Why? (Or why not?)

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27) In the many Christmas cards, and carols, and programs of the Christmas season, what

important truths about Christ's birth are emphasized?

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27b) In your opinion, what important truths are sometimes missing from these?

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27c) Why is this so? And what can we do about it?


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Adapted from wordwise-bible-studies.com


What if Jesus Had Never Been Born? Summarized from What if Jesus Had Never Been Born?

by D. James Kennedy & Jerry Newcomb and Faith Facts: Christ and the Culture

If Jesus had never been born, would we still have~

Women slaves? If Jesus had never been born, women would still be slaves of free men. Christian missionaries were a major influence in stopping these century-old practices and ideas.

Killing of children? The early Christian church brought an end to the killing of one’s own children that was once considered an act of beauty.

Gladiators? A 5th century monk, Telemachus is credited as being the pivotal force ending the gladiator spectacles.

Slavery? Although many committed Christians owned slaves in history, it was Christians who historians credit with being the primary force behind ending international slave trade. (Two-thirds of the members of the American abolition society in 1835 were Christian ministers.)

Cannibalism? Missionary followers of Jesus are credited with stopping cannibalism in many primitive societies.

Compassion and Mercy? An important aspect to Jesus’ ministry was his emphasis on helping the neediest and lowliest in society. For example, his Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) is a classic illustration that is still part of our language today. Mother Theresa, the Salvation Army, religious hospitals, and church supported soup kitchens and thrift shops in every community do their work in the name of Jesus. Jesus has had such an enormous impact on charity that one wonders how different things would be if he had never been born.

Santa Claus? Santa Claus points back to Christ. St. Nick unquestionably arose within the Christian tradition.

Education? From the beginning of Judaism, from which Christianity is derived, there was an emphasis on the written word. But the phenomenon of education for the masses has its roots in the Protestant Reformation. In America, the first law to require education of the masses was passed by the Puritans. For the first 200 years in America, children’s reading instruction was in the Bible.

Universities? All but one of the first 123 colleges in colonial America were Christian institutions. While these universities have lost their Christian identities, it is interesting to read the founding statements of these schools.

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Harvard, for example, was founded on this statement: "Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, John 17:3."

Printing Press? In order to promote Bible literacy, Christians have been leaders in education. This trend was accelerated with the advent of the printing press at about the same time as the Protestant Reformation. Many of the world’s languages were first set to writing by Christian missionaries in order for people to read the Bible.

Government?

At least 50 of the 55 signers of the U.S. Constitution were orthodox Christians.

The Rule of Law rather than the authority of man traces back to the Old Testament, beginning with the Ten Commandments.

The idea that all men are created equal as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence is a Biblical doctrine.

The Declaration of Independence recognizes self-evident truths and unalienable rights from the Creator.

Fair trials with witnesses have numerous Old and New Testament support.

The slogan on the Liberty Bell is "Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof" is from Leviticus 15:10.

Scientific Law? Christianity is based on the notion that there exists a rational God who is the source of rational truth. This gave rise to the possibility of scientific laws.

Scientists? Nearly all the founders of modern science were Christians. These include men such as Keppler, Boyle, Pascal, Pasteur, Newton, and numerous others.

Private property rights? Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:15, 17 (Thou shalt not steal? Thou shalt not covet.")--as well as to other passages from the Old and New Testaments.


Work ethic? Principles that were always in the Bible were adapted by the American founders. Self-reliance and self-denial are the foundation of the famous "Protestant work ethic." These doctrines are at the heart of our economic (and political) way of life.

Free Enterprise? Anyone who doubts the relationship of Biblical ideas to free enterprise need only to note the stark contrast with communism. Communism is specifically an atheistic system that relies on the non-biblical notion that all men are good (thus will work for the common good). But communism has been an abject economic failure.

Literature? The Christian faith has influenced literature in such Christian writers such as Dante, Chaucer, Donne, Dostoevsky, Shakespeare, Dickens, Milton, and scores more.

Music? Had Jesus never been born, music would likely sound very different from what we’re used to. There may never have developed the cantata, the concerto, or the symphony. Handel, Vivaldi, and Bach were Christians who worked to honor God with their work. Bach, for example, signed all his works with Soli Deo Gloria ("Solely to the glory of God").

Art? Art has likewise been magnificently impacted by Jesus. Classical Christian art tries to bring out the best of mankind--pointing us to a higher plane. Artists like Michelangelo used his paintings to honor Jesus. Incredible architecture in the beautiful cathedrals in Europe were built to honor Christ.

So, in a time when Christians are under attack, belittled, and criticized, they can still stand proud. Without Jesus, our world would be a different place where few would want to live.

Merry CHRISTmas.

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Christmas Bible Quiz Tricky Questions Based on the Bible and Our Carols

Test your knowledge with this Christmas Bible Quiz that includes question about our Christmas

carols. Some questions are definitely easier than others! (A Hint: In the carol questions, if you

can hum the tune that fits the words, you will often guess right!)

1) What baby was born to a relative of Mary's, about six months before the birth of Jesus?

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2) What Old Testament prophet predicted the miraculous virgin birth of Christ?

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3) Which two of the four Gospels make no mention of the birth of Christ?

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4) Which Christmas carol has been voted the most popular one of all?

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5) What is the meaning of the name "Jesus"?

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6) Joseph and Mary lived in the town of Nazareth, far to the north of Bethlehem. What was it

that brought them to Bethlehem, just before Christ was born?

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7) Where does the Bible tell us that Jesus was born on December 25th?

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8) What carol began in the ancient church as one single word? And what was that word?

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9) Was the Lord Jesus born in a stable?

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10) When hosts of angels appear to them, announcing Jesus' birth, a carol says the "shepherds

quake at the sight." In what carol is the quoted line found?

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11) One of our carols begins, "Angels we have heard on high, / Sweetly singing o'er the plains."

What did the angels sing at Jesus' birth?

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12) Since there were likely other babies in Bethlehem at the time what sign did the angel give the

shepherds that would enable them to identify the baby Jesus?

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13) Mary laid her newborn Son in a manger. A carol says Jesus had "no crib for a bed." What is

the carol?

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14) What carol contains the line, "Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing"?

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15) What carol quotes the angels saying to the shepherds, "All glory be to God on high, / And to

the earth be peace"?

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16) What carol fancifully describes "angels bending near the earth / To touch their harps of

gold"?

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17) What carol says of Jesus' birth, "While mortals sleep, the angels keep / Their watch of

wondering love"?

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18) What carol says of Christ's coming to earth, "Mild He lays His glory by, / Born that man no

more may die"?

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19) What carol begins, "Hark, how all the welkin rings!"

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20) What carol says to the wise men, "Sages, leave your contemplations, / Brighter visions beam

afar"?

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21) When the wise men arrived in the Holy Land, where did they go first?

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22) Herod ruled that area for the Romans. What was his reaction when he heard that a new King

had been born?

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23) Who was it that told Herod about an Old Testament prophecy that Israel's Messiah-King

would be born in Bethlehem?

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24) Herod sent the wise men in search of the Baby. He told them to let him know where to find

Him, so he could worship Him too (Matt. 2:8). But what was his real reason for wanting to know

where Jesus was?

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25) What carol tells us, "Then entered in those wise men three, / Full reverently upon the knee"?

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26) Where did Joseph take Mary and the Baby to protect them from Herod's murderous

intentions?

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27) What is the meaning of the word "Noel," as in the carol line, "Noel, Noel, / Born is the King

of Israel"?

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28) According to the Bible, how many wise men were there?

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29) As well as being a gift from the wise men, at what other time was "myrrh" associated with

Christ?

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30) Referring to the English custom of ringing church bells on Christmas morning, what carol

says, "Then pealed the bells more loud and deep" / ‘God is not dead: nor doth He sleep'"?

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Add up your score. If you got 25-30 correct, you may be a genius! If you got 15-24 correct, you

did well. After you have tested your knowledge with this Christmas Bible Quiz and the questions

about our carols, you can read the Christmas story in Luke 2:1-20, and Matthew 2:1-11.

Adapted from wordwise-bible-studies.com


ANSWERS CHRISTMAS BIBLE QUIZ

1) John the Baptist, who was to announce Christ's coming, was born to Zacharias and Elizabeth

(likely Mary's cousin) six months before Jesus was born (Lk. 1:31, 36, 56-57, 76).

2) The prophet announcing the virgin birth, 700 years before the time of Christ, was Isaiah, in

Isa. 7:14, a prophecy Matthew's Gospel says was fulfilled by the birth of Jesus (Matt. 1:18-23).

3) For answers to a Christmas Bible Quiz like this, you would need to go to Matthew and Luke.

Mark's and John's Gospels say nothing of the events of Christ's birth.

4) It is "Silent Night" that is the most popular carol of all. The top three secular songs are: "The

Christmas Song" ("Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..."), "Have Yourself a Merry Little

Christmas," and "Walking in a Winter Wonderland."

5) The name Jesus means Jehovah [the Lord] is Salvation, or simply Jehovah Saviour. ("Christ"

means Anointed One. It is the Greek form of the Hebrew word Messiah.) Before His birth an

angel told Joseph in a dream, "You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from

their sins" Matt. 1:21). Years later, when John the Baptist publicly presented Him, he said,

"Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (Jn. 1:29).

6) The Roman government decreed that everyone had to go to his or her ancestral hometown to

be registered in a census. Because they were both descendants of the family of King David, and

Bethlehem was his birthplace, that is where they went (Lk. 2:1-5.)

7) It doesn't. That date of December 25th was chosen for the celebration of Christ's birth several

centuries later. Actually, the weather in Palestine was often bad in December. The Romans

would not likely have planned their census for then. Nor would the shepherds be grazing their

flocks out in the open fields then. A more likely date for Christ's birth is some time late

September.

8) Back at the beginning of the Middle Ages, on each day during the week before Christmas,

there was a church service. What is called an antiphon would be sung then, with choral groups

answering back and forth "antiphonally." The antiphon anticipating the advent of Christ

consisted of a single word–a long, drawn-out "Oh!" Called "The Great O of Advent," it was

intended to express a deep sense of longing for the coming of the Saviour. As time went by,

other phrases were added to that "O," such as, "O Dayspring, come and give us light." Finally,

someone thought of combining all the antiphons into a single Latin hymn. In 1851 this hymn was

translated into English and became the carol, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."

9) We do not know if Jesus was born in a stable. The Bible says there was no room for them in

the inn at Bethlehem–likely because so many had come to register in the census. A manger is

said to be the place the newborn Baby was laid, but there is no mention of a stable (Lk. 2:7).

10) It is "Silent Night" that says, "Silent night, holy night / Shepherds quake at the sight."


11) Actually, we are not told that the angels sang at all, though several carols give that

impression. The Bible says, "There was...a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and

saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest' (Lk. 2:13-14). The Greek word translated "praising" (aineo)

can include praise that is sung, but we simply don't know for sure.

12) The angel said He would be "wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger" (Lk. 2:12).

Swaddling (or swathing) cloths were strips of cloth commonly used to wrap a newborn.

13) The carol is "Away in a Manger." In 1887, hymn writer and music publisher James Ramsey

Murray (1841-1905) produced a book of children's music called Dainty Songs for Little Lads and

Lasses. "Away in a Manger" was included in the book, under this heading: "Luther's Cradle

Hymn, composed by Martin Luther for his children, and still sung by German mothers to their

little ones." It is a touching picture, but not historically accurate. Careful research has shown that

the carol was likely written 400 years after Luther's time, by an anonymous Lutheran living in

Pennsylvania.

14) Speaking of the Lord Jesus as "the Word" sent from heaven by God the Father, John's Gospel

declares, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory" (Jn. 1:14). The

carol that refers to this is "O Come, All Ye Faithful."

15) When the angels appeared to the shepherds, one of them announced the birth of Christ, then

they all said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace" (Lk. 2:11, 14). A carol that

describes the incident using the Bible's wording almost exactly is "While Shepherds Watched

Their Flocks by Night."

16) The carol is "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." Though popular, and found in many hymn

books, the carol surprisingly says nothing at all about the birth of Christ! Even this line about the

angels is not true to Scripture. Nothing is said there about harps!

17) The carol is "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Though the Bible says nothing about it

specifically, it is quite possible the angels gazed upon the Son of God in the manger with

"wondering love." The Apostle Peter says the gospel is something the angels "desire to look

into" (I Pet. 1:12).

18) The lines come from Charles Wesley's great hymn, "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing." Loaded

with references to Scripture passages, it is the most theologically detailed of our carols. Wesley

leaves no doubt as to Christ's identity, saying, "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, / Hail the

incarnate Deity, / Pleased as man with men to dwell, / Jesus our Emmanuel."

19) That is the original first line of Charles Wesley's carol, "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing!"

"Welkin" is an old word for the sky. But when it fell into disuse and was not widely understood,

the line was changed to what we know now.

20) The carol "Angels from the Realms of Glory" in this way invites the wise men to follow the

Bethlehem star, and go in search of "the King of the Jews" (Matt. 2:2).

21) The wise men went to the city of Jerusalem (Matt. 2:1-2), likely because they expected a

"King" to be born in a palace in the capital city.


22) The Bible says, "He was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him" (Matt. 2:3). No doubt he

feared that someone was plotting a political revolt. In the time between the Old and New

Testaments, others had arisen claiming to be Israel's promised Messiah or new ruler.

23) It was the Jewish chief priests and scribes, who quoted the Old Testament words of Micah

5:2 that revealed the birthplace of the coming Messiah (Matt. 2:4-6).

24) Herod was hoping to destroy the baby Jesus (Matt. 2:13). To be sure he got the right baby,

Herod ordered "all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two

years old and under" to be slain (Matt. 2:16).

25) The lines are from "The First Noel." And since the wise men came from far-away Persia,

they did not arrive in Bethlehem on the night of Christ's birth, but some months later. By then,

the Bible reveals the family had taken up residence in a house, and Jesus is described, not as a

baby, but as a "young Child" (Matt. 2:11).

26) After the wise men left them, the family fled to Egypt, where they remained until they

learned of the death of Herod (Matt. 2:13-15.)

27) Noel means birthday. In the Middle Ages, especially in France, traveling troubadours would

go from town to town, singing songs and reciting poetry. They also carried the news of the day.

And a call of "Noel, noel, noel!" would indicate that an important birth was about to be

announced.

28) We are not told how many wise men there were. The traditional thinking that there may have

been three comes from the fact that three gifts were presented–gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

29) During His crucifixion, Jesus was offered a drink of wine mixed with myrrh (Mk. 15:23). It

was used in this case as a sedative to somewhat dull the pain suffered on the cross. But the Lord

refused to drink it. Myrrh was also one of the spices used in the wrapping of Christ's body at the

time of His burial (Jn. 19:38-40).

30) The carol is "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," which expresses a longing for peace on

earth. At the time when it was written, the American Civil War was raging. The author, Henry

Wadsworth Longfellow, had a son fighting in the conflict, and he was deeply worried about him.

ADD UP YOUR SCORE. If you got 25-30 correct, you may be a genius! If you got 15-24

correct, you did well. After you have tested your knowledge with this Christmas Bible Quiz and

the questions about our carols, you can read the Christmas story in Luke 2:1-20, and Matthew

2:1-11.

Lesson Compiled By C. Pierce

12/2011

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