The Nativity
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 1.3.10
The Nativity Story
The Nativity Story is the Christian story about the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mary and Joseph
- Mary and Joseph lived in a town called Nazareth.
- Their country was part of the Roman Empire and was occupied by Roman soldiers.
- At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Romans wanted to do a count of people in the country (a census).
- Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem, the town of Joseph’s tribe, to be counted.
Bethlehem
- Mary was pregnant while they travelled to Bethlehem.
- While they were in Bethlehem she gave birth to a son, who they named Jesus.
- It is said that Jesus was born in a stable because all the rooms in the local inns were occupied.
The Three Wise Men
- Three Wise Men had followed a star to the stable in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.
- The Three Wise Men continued to follow the star until they found Jesus.
- They presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
King Herod
- Although the region was ruled by the Romans, King Herod also had some power.
- Herod had questioned the Three Wise Men, and they told Herod that Jesus was King of the Jews.
- Herod was alarmed by the story of a new king, and he ordered the massacre of all recently born boys.
- But the three wise men also warned Mary and Joseph about Herod’s plans, and the family fled into Egypt to escape the massacre.
Test yourself on The Nativity
Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem?