Author: Amanda McGarrigle

RE—Incarnation
Why does Christmas matter to Christians?

Background Information
The birth of Jesus is recorded in two of the Gospels — Matthew and Luke. Although this happens near the start of the New Testament, it is quite a way into the ‘big story’ narrative of the Bible if we consider that this starts with Creation.
Christians use the birth stories not only to guide them in their celebrations at Christmas, but also to remind them about the place of Jesus in the ‘big story’ of God’s relationship with humans. Jesus is the saviour and rescuer, whose birth was prophesied but came to pass in unexpected ways, amongst poor and marginalised people.

In this unit the children will…
How is the story of Jesus’ birth part of the big story in the Bible?
How is the story of the birth of Jesus linked with Incarnation?
Why is Jesus important to Christians?
How do Christians use the story of the nativity to guide their beliefs and actions at Christmas? (I)
What am I thankful for at Christmas time? ©

By the end of this unit….
All children can:
I can give a clear, simple account of the story of Jesus’ birth and why Jesus is important for Christians. (T)
I can recognise that stories of Jesus’ life come from the Gospels. (T)
Most children will:
I can give examples of ways in which Christians use the story of the nativity to guide their beliefs and actions at Christmas. (I)
Some children will:
I can decide what I personally have to be thankful for at Christmas time. (C)

Look at signs that Christmas is coming.
Look at a picture of Jesus and what we know about him as a baby.
Getting ready for a baby—getting ready for Jesus.
Why is Jesus important to Christians?
Why does Christmas matter to Christians today?
Look at advent and how this can help Christians to get ready for Christmas.
To be able to retell the main parts of the Christmas story.

Key Vocabulary
Christmas— The annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth.
Advent—a season of the Church year leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays.
Stable—a place where animals lived.