Understanding the Nativity: The Birth of Jesus Christ Christian Religious Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1
Christian Religious Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1
Topic: The Birth of Jesus Christ
Sub-topic: The Nativity Story
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the pupils should be able to:
- Narrate the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Identify the names of Jesus’ parents.
- Explain the significance of Jesus’ birth.
Keywords: Jesus, Nativity, Mary, Joseph, Bethlehem, manger, angel, Savior
Set Induction: Start by asking pupils about their favorite holiday and why it’s important to them. Relate it to the significance of Christmas in Christianity.
Entry Behaviour: Pupils should have a basic understanding of Christian holidays and some familiarity with Bible stories.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Bible (preferably a children’s version)
- Pictures of the Nativity scene
- A map of ancient Palestine showing Bethlehem
- Audio/Visual aids (optional)
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge: Pupils should be familiar with basic Bible stories and the concept of Jesus as a central figure in Christianity.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Listening and comprehension
- Oral narration
- Critical thinking
Instructional Materials:
- Visual aids (Nativity scene pictures)
- Bible storybook or passages (Luke 2:1-20, Matthew 1:18-25)
Content:
- The Story of Jesus’ Birth:
- Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth.
- They traveled to Bethlehem because of a census ordered by Caesar Augustus.
- There was no room in the inn, so Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable and placed him in a manger.
- Angels announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds who visited him.
- Names of Jesus’ Parents:
- Mary (His mother)
- Joseph (His earthly father)
- Importance of the Birth of Jesus:
- The birth of Jesus marks the fulfillment of prophecies about the Messiah.
- It signifies the beginning of God’s plan for salvation.
- Jesus is considered the Savior of the world.
FAQs with Answers:
- Who were Jesus’ parents?
- Mary and Joseph.
- Where was Jesus born?
- In Bethlehem.
- Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem?
- For a census ordered by Caesar Augustus.
- What did the angels announce?
- The birth of Jesus to the shepherds.
- Why is the birth of Jesus important to Christians?
- It fulfills prophecies and marks the beginning of salvation.
- What was Jesus placed in after his birth?
- A manger.
- Who visited Jesus after his birth?
- Shepherds.
- What is the Nativity scene?
- A depiction of the birth of Jesus, including Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the manger, and the shepherds.
- What does the term ‘Messiah’ mean?
- Anointed one or savior.
- How did Mary and Joseph know about Jesus’ birth?
- Through angelic messages and prophecies.
- What is a manger?
- A feeding trough for animals, used as Jesus’ bed.
- What prophecy did Jesus’ birth fulfill?
- The prophecy that a savior would be born in Bethlehem.
- How did the shepherds find Jesus?
- They followed the angels’ instructions.
- What does the term ‘Nativity’ mean?
- The birth of Jesus Christ.
- Why was there no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn?
- The town was crowded due to the census.
Presentation:
- Step 1: Revise the previous lesson on the Old Testament prophecies.
- Step 2: Introduce the new topic by reading the Bible passages about Jesus’ birth.
- Step 3: Discuss the Nativity scene and significance of the birth of Jesus.
Teacher’s Activities:
- Read and explain the Bible passages.
- Show pictures of the Nativity scene.
- Facilitate a discussion on the importance of Jesus’ birth.
Learners’ Activities:
- Listen to the story and view the pictures.
- Participate in the discussion about the significance of Jesus’ birth.
- Answer questions related to the lesson.
Assessment:
- Ask pupils to narrate the story of Jesus’ birth.
- Have pupils list the names of Jesus’ parents.
- Discuss the importance of Jesus’ birth and how it affects Christians.
Evaluation Questions:
- Who are Jesus’ parents?
- Where was Jesus born?
- What did the angels tell the shepherds?
- Why did Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem?
- What is a manger?
- Why is Jesus’ birth important to Christians?
- What did the shepherds do after hearing about Jesus’ birth?
- What did Mary place Jesus in after his birth?
- What does the Nativity scene represent?
- What prophecy did Jesus’ birth fulfill?
Conclusion:
- Review key points of the lesson.
- Have pupils share what they learned about Jesus’ birth.
- Correct any misconceptions and provide feedback on their understanding.