THE INFANCY AND EARLY LIFE OF JESUS

26/12/2020

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The annunciation is divided into two, i.e.

Annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist.
Annunciation of the birth of Jesus Christ.

THE INFANCY AND EARLY LIFE OF JESUS

Birth of John the Baptist is announced - Luke 1:5-25

THE BIRTH OF JESUS [Luke 2:1 – 20]

Took place in Bethlehem, Judea during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar.
A census had been ordered by the emperor to determine the payment of taxes and those eligible for military recruitment.
Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem; David’s and Joseph’s birthplace to be counted from their original home.
Jesus was born in David’s town.
He is David’s son and the promised Messiah. He must be born in a David’s city to fulfill Micah’s prophesy.
While in Bethlehem, Mary’s time to have her child came.
There was no available place to rest for all the rooms were booked.
The baby was born in a stable. Mary wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.
The shepherd’s were the first people to be told the good news about Jesus Christ.

The visit of the Angel of the Lord to the shepherds on the night Jesus was born

The shepherds were looking after their flocks in the field at night.
The Angel appeared to them.
The glory of the Lord shone around them.
They were filled with fear.
The Angel reassured them.
The angels told them about the good news about the birth of Jesus.
They were told where to find baby Jesus.
The angel gave them a sign on how to they would find Jesus.
There appeared a host of of other angels singing/ praising God.
The angels left them/ went back to heaven.
The shepherds went to Bethlehem/ found Jesus.

Occasions when angels appeared during the annunciation of Jesus Christ and John

Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary during the annunciation of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah when he was burning incense in the temple to announce John the Baptist’s birth.
Angel of the lord appeared to the shepherds bringing them the news about Jesus Christ.
A multitude of angels appeared singing praises to God during Jesus Christ’s birth.

ACTIVITIES THAT TOOK PLACE WHEN JESUS CHRIST WAS BORN [Luke 2:6 – 20]

Mary the mother of Jesus wrapped Him in swaddling clothes.
She laid Him in a manger.
The angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds.
A multitude of angels appeared singing praises to God.
The shepherds hurried to see the baby.
The shepherds spread the news to many people.
The shepherds sung/ praised God after they had seen the baby Jesus.
The shepherds returned to their home/work.

Ways in which Christians in Kenya express their joy for the birth of Jesus.

They sing or listen to Christian songs and carols.
They attend Christmas worship service or mass.
They partake of the Holy Communion or Eucharist.
They exchange gifts and cards of goodwill.
They visit friends, relatives or invite them to their homes.
They decorate their homes or churches during Christmass.
They buy and wear new clothes during the Christmass season.
They also prepare special dishes and serve drinks during Christmass.
Christians take rest from their normal duties to celebrate Christmass.
Some hold Christmass concerts and drama.
Tey watch movies or films that relate the birth of Jesus.
They read christmass stories from the Bible.
They help the needy or engage themselves in acts of charity.
They repent and dedicate themselves to God.

THE DEDICATION OF JESUS [Luke 2:21 – 40]

The following activities took place during the dedication of Jesus in the Temple;

Jesus was taken to Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord by His parents.
Simeon took Jesus up in his arms/ blessed the Lord.
Simeon said he was ready to die since he had seen God’s salvation/ a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of the Israelites.
Simeon blessed the parents of Jesus.
Simeon told Mary, Jesus’ mother that the child was set for the fall and rising of many in Israel.
Anna gave thanks/ prayed/ spoke of Jesus to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
The parents of Jesus performed everything according to the law of the Lord.
Jesus parents returned home.

THE BOY JESUS AT THE TEMPLE [Luke 2:41 – 52]

The following are the activities that took place from the incident when Jesus was left behind by His parents in the Temple when He was twelve years old;

When Jesus was twelve years old, He accompanied His parents to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover feast.
They went to Jerusalem as demanded by custom.
As they returned back after the festival, boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.
His parents did not know it, but supposing Him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey.
They looked for Him among His relatives and friends.
When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him.
After three days they found him in the Temple sitting among teachers, listening to them and asking the questions.
All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and answers.
When the parents saw Him they were astonished and His mother said to Him, “Son why have you treated us like so? Behold your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.’
And He said to them “How was it that you sought for me? Did you not know that I must be in my father’s house?”
They did not understand Him.
He went down with them and came to Nazareth.

Jewish traditions fulfilled in Jesus life.

Circumcised on the 8th day.
Named Jesus.
His mother was purified after his birth.
Dedicated / presented to God in the temple.
Parents offered a sacrifice of a pair of turtle doves/two young pigeons.
Obeyed his parents.
Celebrated the Passover festival at age 12.

Qualities shown by Jesus when He accompanied His parents to the Temple at the age of twelve

He was obedient.
He was courageous.
He was knowledgeable/ intelligent/ wise.
He was respectful.
He was cooperative.
He was patient.
He was honest.
He was assertive/ independent/ making independent decisions.
He was social.
He was inquisitive.

Lessons Christians learn from the incident when Jesus was left behind by His parents in the Temple

Christians should involve their children in prayer/ worship of God.
Christians should give clear instructions to their children in their day to day affairs.
Parents should be concerned of the whereabouts of their children.
Children should be taught the word of God/ the Bible.
There should be communication among family members/ they should inform one another of their whereabouts.
Children should obey their parents.
Parents should love their children.
Christians should accommodate the views of the youth.
Christians should exercise tolerance/ forgiveness.

Reasons why Mary took Jesus to the temple in His early life

To dedicate Him to God.
For her purification.
To receive religious instruction.
To expose Jesus to their religious faith.
To observe the Passover feastival.
For His naming.
For circumcision.

Ways in which parents develop their children’s spiritual life

By having the children baptized/ participate in the sacramental life of the church.
Leading a righteous life for the child to copy/ being good role models.
Taking children to church for dedication/ thanksgiving.
By allowing him/her to interact with others e.g.Sunday school.
By praying to God to guide the chiLd.
By exposing the child to church activities.
By condemning the child’s evil activities/correcting them.
By offering counseling services on spiritual matters.
Teaching them to read the Bible

Ways which show Jesus came from a poor background from the early life upto twelve years

His father was a poor carpenter.
His mother was an ordinary village girl.
He was born in a manger/ cattle shed/ wrapped in swaddling clothes.
He was born in a small town of Judah/ Bethlehem.
The first people to visit him were shepherds who were lowly regarded.
He was revealed to Simeon/ Anna who were simple.
During his dedication the parents offered birds.
He grew up in Nazareth/ a town of low status.

Reasons why children should take part in church activities

They are made in the image of God.
To follow the example of Christ who went to the Synagogue/Temple.
To prepare them for future roles as leaders.
To teach them religious beliefs/ practices.
To lay a foundation for Christian morals at an early age.
Jesus taught that the Kingdom belongs to them/ He appreciated/ blessed children.
For the continued growth of the church.
To help develop/ improve their talents.
To give them an opportunity to socialise with others.
To help them spend their leisure time positively.

Ways in which Christians show respect to places of worship in Kenya today

They should maintain the cleanliness in the places of worship.
Christians should obsserve silence in places of worship.
Places of worship are treated with reverence; in some cases shoes are removed.
Christisans dress in decent clothing as they go to places of worship.
Order is maintained in places of worship i.e. only authorised people are allowed to talk or make announcements.
Posters, notices, decorations and flowers are always put to remind people that they are in a sacred place.
Constructing special places for worshipping God or dedicating them.