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:

1. Narrate the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
2. Identify the names of Jesus’ parents.
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. Names of Jesus’ Parents:
   • Mary (His mother)
   • Joseph (His earthly father)
3. 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:

1. Who were Jesus’ parents?
   • Mary and Joseph.
2. Where was Jesus born?
   • In Bethlehem.
3. Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem?
   • For a census ordered by Caesar Augustus.
4. What did the angels announce?
   • The birth of Jesus to the shepherds.
5. Why is the birth of Jesus important to Christians?
   • It fulfills prophecies and marks the beginning of salvation.
6. What was Jesus placed in after his birth?
   • A manger.
7. Who visited Jesus after his birth?
   • Shepherds.
8. What is the Nativity scene?
   • A depiction of the birth of Jesus, including Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the manger, and the shepherds.
9. What does the term ‘Messiah’ mean?
   • Anointed one or savior.
10. How did Mary and Joseph know about Jesus’ birth?
    • Through angelic messages and prophecies.
11. What is a manger?
    • A feeding trough for animals, used as Jesus’ bed.
12. What prophecy did Jesus’ birth fulfill?
    • The prophecy that a savior would be born in Bethlehem.
13. How did the shepherds find Jesus?
    • They followed the angels’ instructions.
14. What does the term ‘Nativity’ mean?
    • The birth of Jesus Christ.
15. Why was there no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn?
    • The town was crowded due to the census.

Presentation:

1. Step 1: Revise the previous lesson on the Old Testament prophecies.
2. Step 2: Introduce the new topic by reading the Bible passages about Jesus’ birth.
3. 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:

1. Who are Jesus’ parents?
2. Where was Jesus born?
3. What did the angels tell the shepherds?
4. Why did Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem?
5. What is a manger?
6. Why is Jesus’ birth important to Christians?
7. What did the shepherds do after hearing about Jesus’ birth?
8. What did Mary place Jesus in after his birth?
9. What does the Nativity scene represent?
10. 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.