1. Infancy Narratives

2. Pre-Nativity Old Testament Prophecies
From the root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-5)
Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
Perform many miracles (Is 35:5-6)
Gentiles will believe while Jews will reject (Psalm 118:22)
Prepared by a voice in the wilderness (Is 40:3)

3. Pre-Nativity John the Baptist
Son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary’s kinswoman
Born 6 months before Jesus
Beheaded by Herod Antipas
Pre-cursor of Jesus
Last Prophet
Jumped in the womb when Mary visited Elizabeth

4. Annunciation
Luke 1:26-38
Archangel Gabriel announces to Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah
Says Mary is “full of grace.”

5. Visitation Luke 1:39-56 Mary visits Elizabeth after the Annunciation
John leaps in the womb
Mary responds with the MAGNIFICAT

6. MAGNIFICAT English (The Divine Office): My soul glorifies the Lord, *
my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.
He looks on his servant in her lowliness; *
henceforth all ages will call me blessed.
The Almighty works marvels for me. *
Holy his name!
His mercy is from age to age, *
on those who fear him.
He puts forth his arm in strength *
and scatters the proud-hearted.
He casts the mighty from their thrones *
and raises the lowly.
He fills the starving with good things, *
sends the rich away empty.
He protects Israel, his servant, *
remembering his mercy,
the mercy promised to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his sons for ever.

7. Joseph Could have divorced Mary Visited by Gabriel at night
Advised to keep Mary as his wife
Known by the people as the father of Jesus

8. Nativity Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem
The home of Joseph’s family
Census ordered by Rome
Mary would have walked
There was no donkey
Joseph had relatives in Bethlehem
Jesus would have been born in a home
Inn could also be Upper room or Guest room

9. Nativity Mary was helped by female relatives
Joseph not present at the birth
Would not know what to do
Jesus was wrapped and laid in a manger
Small trough for feeding animals
Usually filled with straw

10. Epiphany Wise men visit Jesus Came from the east, possibly Persia
Unknown number
Three gifts identified
Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh
Astrologers not kings
Followed a star
Portent of birth of great king

11. Flight to Egypt Wisemen told not to report back to Herod the Great
Joseph warned that Jesus was in danger
Holy Family lives in Egypt for a few years
Herod has all boys 2 years or younger killed
Holy Innocents