The Nativity Story (Discussion Questions)

Read Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1-15 and Luke 1:26-56, 2:1-20

• Where does the story take place in Matthew? Luke? [Bethlehem is the city of Jesus' birth, but Matthew has Mary and Joseph living in Bethlehem and Luke has them living in Nazareth traveling to Bethlehem.]
• Why wasn't there room for them in the inn?
• Where did they stay instead?
• Since it was the custom for people to sing when a baby boy was born, who sang for Jesus? [the angels]
• What part do the angels have in the entire birth story?
• What is the name of the angel who told Mary she was going to have God's son? [Gabriel]
• Who else did the angels speak to and why?
• Who were the first visitors to see Jesus? [shepherds]
• Why do you think shepherds were the first ones to be invited to see Jesus? [They knew how to spot the blemish free lambs – Jesus was the lamb of God.]
• What do you like most about the Nativity story?
• Do you hear it differently in the summer than in the winter? Why or why not?