For the past several months I have had the privilege of working with many of the children and youth during Sunday School. One of the tools we use to teach is a catechism. This little booklet consists of 114 questions and answers, it guides us to understand what the Bible teaches about our Triune God, and us humans. Below you’ll find the catechism’s questions that help us understand the meaning of Christmas, or Advent, if you will. There is much more to Christmas than decorations, buying gifts, preparing food, and hanging lights. All of those cultural traditions are great but let’s remember the true meaning of Christmas this year as we are gathered with family and friends. Let these questions and answers from the catechism assist you and your family to remember why it is that we Christians celebrate and emphasize Christmas.
1. What did God do to save his people from his anger and punishment?
He sent his Son so that whoever believes in him would not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (NIV).
2. Who is God’s Son?
The Lord Jesus Christ.
Luke 1:35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (NIV).
3. How did he come to this world?
He was born in Bethlehem in a stable.
Luke 2:4-7 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them (NIV).
4. Who was his mother?
The virgin Mary.
Matthew 1:18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit (NIV).
5. Did he have an earthly father?
No. He came into the world by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:18 (see verse above)
6. Why did he come in this way?
So that he would be free from original sin.
Hebrews 7:26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens (NIV).
I numbered these questions 1-6 for our purposes here, but they are questions 43-48 from Carine Mackenzie’s booklet, My First Book of Questions And Answers. (Christian Focus Publications, 2011).
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Son who was born to die and rise again. He is the Lord of life. May he be given his rightful place among our families and around our dinner tables this Christmas season. Have a very merry Christmas!
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