Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 2 - The birth of Jesus Christ

The birth of Jesus Christ

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TERM: 1ST TERM

WEEK: 1

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: The Birth of Jesus Christ

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1.) Give an account of the birth of Jesus, Luke 2: 1-20, 30-32

2.) Give an account of the visit of the shepherd LUKE 2:8-20

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Christian Religious Knowledge textbooks for Junior Secondary School 2

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITY

PUPIL’S ACTIVITY

STEP 1

Review

The teacher revises the previous examination Paper.

Learners pay attention

STEP 2

Introduction

She then introduces the new topic by giving an account of the birth of Jesus

Learners pay attention and participate

STEP 3

Explanation

She gives an account of the visit of the shepherd

Learners pay attention and participate

STEP 4

NOTE TAKING

The teacher writes a short note on the board for the learners to copy

The learners copy the note from the board

 

NOTE

THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST

Account of the Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20, 30-32)

The birth of Jesus is described in the Gospel of Luke, where it is presented in a humble and miraculous context. According to Luke 2:1-7, a decree from Emperor Augustus required that everyone return to their ancestral towns for a census. Joseph, being of the lineage of David, traveled from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem, the city of David, with Mary, who was pregnant at the time.

Upon arriving in Bethlehem, they found no room in the inn, so Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable and laid Him in a manger. This humble setting highlighted the significance of Jesus' birth, emphasizing His accessibility to all, especially the lowly and marginalized.

The passage continues with an angelic announcement to the shepherds in the fields. The angels proclaim that a Savior has been born, who is Christ the Lord. The angel instructs the shepherds to find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. This announcement is significant, as it reveals the fulfillment of the prophetic promise of a Messiah.

After the birth, the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see the newborn. They found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, just as the angel had described. The shepherds shared the message they received from the angels, spreading the news of Jesus' birth. All who heard the shepherds' testimony were amazed, and Mary treasured these events in her heart, pondering their significance.

In verses 30-32, Simeon, a righteous and devout man, had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. When he saw Jesus in the temple, he praised God, declaring that Jesus was a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of God’s people, Israel. This highlights Jesus’ mission to bring salvation and hope to all people.

 

Account of the Visit of the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)

In Luke 2:8-20, the narrative focuses on the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem. They were tending to their flocks during the night when an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The shepherds were terrified, but the angel reassured them, proclaiming good news of great joy for all people: the Savior, who is Christ the Lord, had been born.

The angel instructed the shepherds on how to identify the baby: they would find Him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Suddenly, a multitude of heavenly hosts joined the angel, praising God and proclaiming peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.

After the angels departed, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.” They hurried to the town and found Mary and Joseph, along with the baby Jesus. The shepherds shared the angel's message about the birth of Christ, and all who heard it were amazed.

The shepherds returned to their fields, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, which was just as they had been told. This account underscores the significance of Jesus’ birth as a moment of divine revelation and joy, highlighting the shepherds as the first recipients of the good news, representing the humble and marginalized who would embrace the Messiah.

  

EVALUATION:

  1. How does the humble setting of Jesus' birth in a stable and manger reflect the themes of accessibility and inclusivity in His ministry?
  2. What role do the shepherds play in the narrative of Jesus' birth, and what does their response to the angelic announcement reveal about the nature of faith and acceptance of divine revelation?
  3. In what ways does Simeon's proclamation upon seeing Jesus (Luke 2:30-32) highlight the universal significance of Christ's birth for both Jews and Gentiles?
  4. Discuss the significance of the angel's message to the shepherds that the birth of Jesus is "good news of great joy for all people." How does this message redefine the understanding of the Messiah in the context of the Jewish faith?
  5. What can we learn from Mary's reaction to the events surrounding Jesus' birth, particularly her contemplation of these matters in her heart? How does this reflect on the importance of personal reflection in understanding God's plans?

         

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively