A12 The Christmas Story

Lesson 1: Zechariah and Elizabeth

Readings: Luke 1: 5-25

Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were very sad. They very much wanted a child. They had prayed and asked God for a baby for such a long time. Now they were old and it seemed impossible for Elizabeth to have a baby.

Lesson 2: Mary and Gabriel

Readings: Luke 1: 26-38

It was an exciting time; Zechariah and Elizabeth were going to have a baby, and now the angel Gabriel had another announcement to make. This time Elizabeth’s cousin, Mary, had a visit from the same angel. Mary was not married, but the angel explained that she, too, would have a son. He was to be given the name Jesus and He would be called the Son of God.

Lesson 3: The birth of John

Readings: Luke 1: 57-80

Eventually Elizabeth’s baby was born. He was the son whom God had promised. The family and neighbours came to congratulate them and everybody was happy.

Lesson 4: The birth of Jesus

Readings: Luke 2: 1-7

Mary was looking forward to the birth of her baby. Everything was ready for the birth in her home town of Nazareth in Galilee. Then came the order from the Roman
Emperor that they would have to go to the city where they were born to have their names registered.