Nativity and Hidden Years Quiz

Nativity and Hidden Years

• Imperial Census: Caesar Augustus decreed a census, requiring Jewish men to register in their ancestral cities. This compelled Joseph, a descendant of David, to travel to Bethlehem.

• Mary's Pregnancy: Mary, Joseph's betrothed, was pregnant and traveling with him to Bethlehem.

• Bethlehem's Significance: Micah prophesied the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Mary likely understood the importance of Bethlehem for her child's destiny.

• Divine Intervention: The Roman census, a seemingly mundane event, facilitated Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, aligning with God's plan.

• Humble Birth: Jesus' birth, in a manger, underscored the humility of the Son of God becoming Son of Man. The location of his birth wasn't a palace but a place of poverty.

The Birth of Jesus

• Unconventional Birth: Jesus' birth, in obscurity and poverty, challenged conventional expectations for such a momentous event.

• Shepherd's Revelation: God chose shepherds outside Bethlehem to be the first to hear the birth of the Savior. Angels announced Jesus' arrival and declared him Christ the Lord.

• Universal Celebration: The arrival of Jesus was greeted with angelic glory and peace.

• Date of Birth: Jesus was born likely in 7 or 6 BC, shortly before Herod the Great's death in 4 BC. The "Before Christ" dating is a calendarical convention.

• Political Context: Tension and revolt (like Judas the Galilean's uprising) existed during Jesus' birth.

The Holy Innocents

• Herod's Fear: Herod, the king, feared a threat to his reign from the new Jewish king and ordered the killing of male infants near Bethlehem up to two years of age.

• Martyrdom: These infants are honored as martyrs by the Church.

• Flight to Egypt: Joseph fled to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape Herod's wrath. An angel warned the couple in a dream.

The Return and Early Life

• Archelaus' Reign: Herod's son, Archelaus, succeeded him and was also a threat. The Romans eventually sent him into exile.

• Nazareth: Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Nazareth in Galilee. This marked the start of Jesus' "Hidden Life".

• Family Life: The Holy Family resided in Nazareth and led a modest, working class life similar to other families.

• Joseph's Profession: Joseph, a carpenter, played a significant role in Nazareth's society. Jesus likely learned the trade from his father.

• Jewish upbringing: Jesus was raised according to the customs of a devout, conservative Jewish family, studying Jewish texts and traditions.

The Twelve-Year-Old Jesus

• Passover Journey: At age twelve, Jesus accompanied his parents to Jerusalem for Passover.

• Temple Sermon: Jesus was found in the Temple after his family had left him; he astonished the learned scribes with his intellectual prowess.

• Divine Will: Jesus, in explaining his presence, stated, "I must be in my Father's house," emphasizing obedience to God's will.