I just finished reading a book entitled, “The Nativity”, by Alonzo L. Gaskill. It has given me new understanding of the Savior’s birth. Here is an excerpt from the end of the book that was very thought provoking:
“Thus if the story of the birth of Christ is really the gospel story in miniature, then it appears that we must see ourselves in the story line. We must ask, not simply, How does this story draw me to Christ? but also, How is this story about me and my effort to be what God has called me in this life to be? For example, the announcement in Matthew 1:18 that Jesus’ parents were the mortal Mary and the divine Father, even God, is not simply a passing side note. It is the primary point of the Nativity story and central truth of the gospel plan. Like Christ, we too are of divine origin – sons and daughters of God sent to this earth with a mission. And like Jesus, we have been given earthly parents as guardians and stewards while we are in our youth.”
Here are some questions from a quiz at the back of the book to test our knowledge of Nativity events. I will post the answers in a few days and you can see how smart you are.
1. Jesus was born in a country ruled by what people?
2. What was the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist?
3. How did the shepherds find the Christ child?
4. Where did the wise men find Jesus?
5. Other than the wise men, who in the Eastern Hemisphere saw the “new star” that announced the birth of Christ?
6. How many wise men visited the Christ child?
7. Who did Herod order to be killed in Bethlehem?
8. What false notion is taught in the second verse of the Christmas carol “Away in a Manger”?
9. What false notions are taught in the first and second verses of the Christmas carol “It Came up on a Midnight Clear?”
10. What false notions are taught in the first and second verses of the Christmas carol “With Wondering Awe”?
11. What false notions are taught in the traditional Christmas carol “The First Noel”?