God’s Gift of His Son (Birth of Jesus) – Basic 1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

The birth of Jesus is the Bible story of God sending His only Son to save people from sin. Angel Gabriel told Mary she would have a baby named Jesus. He was born in a stable in Bethlehem and laid in a manger. Christians celebrate His birth at Christmas on 25 December.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Name the angel who visited Mary and say what he told her.
2. Say who Joseph was and how he obeyed God.
3. Tell where Jesus was born and where He was laid.
4. Say what the angels told the shepherds.
5. Explain why Christians celebrate Christmas and name some ways of celebrating it.

What happened when Angel Gabriel visited Mary?

Who is Mary?

• Mary was a young woman.
• She lived in Nazareth.
• She was engaged to Joseph.
• She loved God very much.

The angel’s visit

The Bible says in Luke 1:26-38 that one day, God sent Angel Gabriel to Mary.

What the angel said

1. “Greetings, you are highly favoured!”
2. “The Lord is with you.”
3. “Do not be afraid, Mary.”
4. “You will have a baby.”
5. “You will call Him JESUS.”
6. “He will be the Son of God.”
7. “He will be great.”

Mary’s response

• Mary was surprised.
• She asked, “How can this be?”
• The angel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you.”
• Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it happen.”

What happened when the angel visited Joseph?

Who is Joseph?

• Joseph was Mary’s fiancé.
• He was a carpenter.
• He was a good man.
• He loved God.

The angel visits Joseph in a dream

When Joseph heard Mary was pregnant, he was confused. But an angel appeared to him in a dream and said:

1. “Joseph, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife.”
2. “The baby is from the Holy Spirit.”
3. “You will call Him JESUS.”
4. “He will save people from their sins.”

Joseph obeyed God and married Mary.

How was Jesus born?

Why did Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem?

• The government said everyone must go to their hometown to register.
• Joseph was from Bethlehem.
• Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem.
• Mary was about to have the baby.

Where was Jesus born?

• When they arrived in Bethlehem, there was no room in the inn.
• All the hotels were full.
• They found a stable (where animals stay).
• Baby Jesus was born there.
• Mary wrapped Him in cloths.
• She laid Him in a manger (feeding box for animals).

How did the angels announce the birth?

• Angels appeared to shepherds in the field.
• The angel said, “Good news! A Saviour is born!”
• “He is Christ the Lord.”
• “You will find Him in a manger.”
• Many angels appeared, praising God.
• They sang, “Glory to God in the highest!”

What did the shepherds do?

• The shepherds went to Bethlehem.
• They found baby Jesus, just as the angel said.
• They worshipped Him.
• They told everyone what they saw.

Why do we celebrate Christmas?

What is Christmas?

• Christmas is Jesus’ birthday.
• We celebrate on 25 December.
• It is a special day.

Why is Christmas important?

1. Jesus is God’s greatest gift.
   • God loved us so much.
   • He sent His only Son.
   • He sent Him to save us from sin.
2. Jesus came to save us.
   • We all sin.
   • Sin separates us from God.
   • Jesus came to bring us back to God.
3. Jesus shows God’s love.
   • God could have stayed in Heaven.
   • But He came as a baby to be with us.
4. Jesus is our Saviour.
   • He came to rescue us.
   • He is the way to Heaven.
   • Through Him we have eternal life.

How do we celebrate Christmas?

1. Go to church.
   • Worship God.
   • Thank Him for Jesus.
   • Sing Christmas carols.
2. Decorate.
   • Christmas trees.
   • Lights and stars.
   • Beautiful decorations.
3. Give gifts.
   • God gave us Jesus.
   • We give gifts to show love.
4. Spend time with family.
   • Eat together.
   • Be happy together.
   • Celebrate together.
5. Remember the real meaning.
   • Christmas is about Jesus.
   • It is more than gifts and food.
   • Jesus is the reason for the season.

Christmas song

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Bible verse

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16)

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. Angel _____ visited Mary.
   • a) Michael
   • b) Gabriel
   • c) Raphael
2. Mary’s baby was named _____.
   • a) John
   • b) Jesus
   • c) Peter
3. Jesus was born in _____.
   • a) Nazareth
   • b) Jerusalem
   • c) Bethlehem
4. Jesus was laid in a _____.
   • a) bed
   • b) manger
   • c) chair
5. We celebrate Jesus’ birth on _____.
   • a) Easter
   • b) Christmas
   • c) New Year

Assignment

1. Draw baby Jesus in the manger.
2. Learn to sing one Christmas carol.
3. Tell someone about the birth of Jesus.
4. Thank God for sending Jesus.