‘Adoration of the Shepherds’ by Gerard van Honthorst, 1622
We grew up very familiar with the Christmas story, writes JB. The journey to Bethlehem as demanded by the census, the lack of accommodation when they got there and the subsequent birth of Jesus in a stable, and being laid in a manger because there was ‘no crib for a bed’.
The star, angels announcing the good news, shepherds and wise men all congregating at the stable to see the child, we know so well, but what does the Bible actually say about the Christmas story? Much of our knowledge of the nativity has no doubt been coloured by those childhood memories, by paintings, and by the words of familiar hymns.
Try the following nine questions, which will have you looking again at the Bible which has the original story on which our subsequent imaginings are based. Some of the familiar details do not appear, but that does not detract from the most wonderful story of all time.
(Click the + sign for the answer to each question.)
Who was first to be visited by an angel - Mary or Joseph?
In which Gospel is the donkey mentioned?
Which of the Gospels mentions shepherds?
Which governor of Syria is mentioned?
Who was the Roman ruler?
Where did the Magi come from?
Bethlehem is in the land of ...?
Who was the king at the time?
If that’s whetted your appetite, here’s another online quiz.
• Originally published on December 6, 2017
