📖 FORM ONE C.R.E NOTES (DETAILED)
🎄 TOPIC: THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST (CHRISTMAS)
PART 1: INTRODUCTION, BACKGROUND & BIBLICAL ACCOUNT
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTMAS
Christmas is one of the most important festivals in Christianity. It is celebrated every year on 25th December by Christians all over the world. The word Christmas comes from “Christ’s Mass,” meaning a special church service held in honor of Jesus Christ.
Christmas is not only a time of celebration but also a time of remembering the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
1.1 MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
Christmas refers to:
The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
A religious festival that reminds Christians about God’s love for humanity.
A time of joy, peace, sharing, and worship.
For Christians, Christmas is not just a holiday, but a holy event that changed human history.
1.2 HISTORICAL AND BIBLICAL BACKGROUND
The story of Jesus’ birth is recorded in the New Testament, mainly in:
Matthew 1:18–25
Luke 1:26–38
Luke 2:1–20
These accounts describe how God sent His Son into the world through a miraculous birth.
1.3 EVENTS LEADING TO THE BIRTH OF JESUS
(a) Prophecy of the Messiah
Long before Jesus was born, prophets in the Old Testament predicted that God would send a savior (Messiah) to save people from sin.
One famous prophecy is found in Isaiah 7:14, which says:
> “A virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.”
(b) Angel Gabriel Visits Mary
God sent the angel Gabriel to a young virgin named Mary, who lived in Nazareth.
The angel told her:
She had been chosen by God.
She would give birth to a son.
The child would be called Jesus, meaning “Savior.”
Mary was confused but accepted God’s plan with faith.
(c) Joseph’s Dream
Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph. When Joseph learned Mary was pregnant, he planned to quietly break the engagement.
But an angel appeared to him in a dream and said:
Do not fear to take Mary as your wife.
The child is from the Holy Spirit.
He will save people from their sins.
Joseph obeyed God and accepted Mary.
1.4 THE JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM
At that time, the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus ordered a census (counting of people).
Every person had to go back to their hometown.
Joseph, being from the family of King David, went with Mary to Bethlehem.
This journey was long and difficult, especially because Mary was heavily pregnant.
1.5 BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST
When Joseph and Mary reached Bethlehem:
All inns were full.
There was no room for them.
They finally found shelter in a stable (place for animals).
In that humble place:
Mary gave birth to Jesus.
She wrapped Him in cloth.
She laid Him in a manger (animal feeding trough).
This shows that Jesus was born in humility and simplicity, not in luxury.
1.6 ANGELS ANNOUNCE THE BIRTH OF JESUS
On the night Jesus was born:
Angels appeared to shepherds in the fields.
The angels brought good news of great joy.
They said a Savior had been born in Bethlehem.
The shepherds were afraid at first, but the angels told them not to fear.
A great host of angels praised God saying:
> “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth.”
1.7 VISIT OF THE SHEPHERDS
After hearing the message:
The shepherds went quickly to Bethlehem.
They found Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus lying in a manger.
They worshipped Him and shared what the angels had told them.
The shepherds became the first human witnesses of Jesus’ birth.
1.8 VISIT OF THE WISE MEN (MAGI)
Some wise men from the East saw a bright star. They believed it was a sign of the birth of a special king.
They traveled a long distance following the star until it led them to Bethlehem.
When they found Jesus:
They worshipped Him.
They presented gifts:
Gold (symbol of kingship)
Frankincense (symbol of divinity and worship)
Myrrh (symbol of suffering and death)
1.9 KING HEROD’S REACTION
King Herod became afraid when he heard about the birth of a new “king.”
He feared losing his power and planned to kill Jesus.
However:
God warned the wise men in a dream.
They did not return to Herod.
Joseph was also warned to escape to Egypt with Mary and Jesus.
1.10 SUMMARY OF KEY EVENTS
The birth of Jesus includes:
1. Angel Gabriel visits Mary
2. Joseph accepts Mary after a dream
3. Journey to Bethlehem
4. Birth in a manger
5. Angels announce birth
6. Shepherds visit Jesus
7. Wise men bring gifts
8. Escape from King Herod
📌 END OF PART 1
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