1. THE NATIVITY OF JESUS+ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABP57sznhZ0

2. THE NATIVITY OF JESUS  SCV.04 demonstrate a familiarity with and an ability to retell key biblical narratives that illustrate God’s faithful covenant relationship with a chosen people and the community’s response to this relationship;  SCV.05 express connections between the relationships described in biblical events and their own life experiences.  PFV.02 explain the identity of Jesus as the Incarnate Word of God, and the importance of this teaching for the Christian faith (CCC §461-478), and how it makes sacred all that is human;  I can explain how Jesus coming to earth shows how special and holy I am.

3. THE NATIVITY OF JESUS  Incarnation means “in the flesh”.  ‘The Incarnation’ refers to Jesus becoming a human being while remaining truly God.  Some early Christians claimed that Jesus was a ‘special’ person, close to God, but not truly so. …the Council of Nicea said that the Trinity was one person.  Other Christians claimed that Jesus was truly God but only ‘appeared’ to be human. …the Council of Chalcedon said that Jesus was at once fully human and fully divine.   Ideas, like these, that we know to be true even though we cannot prove them scientifically are called ‘mysteries’.  Therefore, if God came to earth as a human then humans are very special and wonderful things, full of dignity and goodness.

4. THE NATIVITY OF JESUS REVIEW: What does it mean to read scripture contextually? Scripture tells us about the people we… 1. 2. 3.  There are two stories in the Gospels that describe the birth of Jesus:  Matthew tells the story of Jesus to Jewish followers of Christ.  Luke tells the story of Jesus to gentile followers of Christ.  Neither story was written until 80 years after Jesus died.

5. THE NATIVITY OF JESUS REVIEW: What does it mean to read scripture contextually? Scripture tells us about the people we… 1. 2. 3.  Matthew wants to describe Jesus as the royal son of God  Matthew chapter 1.18 – chapter 2.23 Matthew begins by listing all of the generations from King David to Joseph  Luke wants to describe Jesus as poor and vulnerable.  Luke chapter 1.26 – chapter 2.40 Luke begins by talking about the birth of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin

6. THE NATIVITY OF JESUS REVIEW: What does it mean to read scripture contextually? Scripture tells us about the people we… 1. 2. 3.  In groups of three: 1. Everybody read the story from Matthew together; 2. Write down the highlights of the story; 3. Write down what is different from the traditional Christmas story; 4. Repeat the steps for the story from Luke…

7. THE NATIVITY OF JESUS REVIEW: What does it mean to read scripture contextually? Scripture tells us about the people we… 1. 2. 3. Matthew chapter 1.18 – chapter 2.23 Luke chapter 1.26 – chapter 2.40 Highlights Different

8. THE NATIVITY OF JESUS A good paragraph has: A clear opening sentence (what is it about); 3-6 sentences expanding your point (evidence, explanation, expansion); A strong concluding sentence that restates your point or position.  Write a paragraph describing what the two stories of Jesus’ birth tell us about him.  Swop with a partner and provide feedback on structure, style, and spelling/punctuation.