Great News of Great Joy
Which Gospel is the only one to record the angel Gabriel visiting Mary to announce Jesus’ birth?
The Gospel of Luke
Reference: Luke 1:26–38
Which ancient Roman festival, celebrated in December, is often linked to influencing later Christmas traditions?
Saturnalia
Saturnalia was a major Roman festival held in December to honour Saturn, the god of agriculture. It involved feasting, gift-giving, decorations, and a temporary reversal of social roles. When Christianity later spread through the Roman Empire, some timing and customs of Saturnalia likely influenced how Christmas was celebrated culturally (not religiously).
“Snow or Sun: Christmas Down Under vs Up North”
Summer
What reason does the Gospel of Luke give for Joseph and Mary travelling to Bethlehem?
They went to register for a census ordered by Caesar Augustus
Reference: Luke 2:1–5
In which century did December 25th become widely recognised as the date to celebrate Christmas?
4th century
The Bible does not give a specific date for Jesus’ birth. December 25 was formally recognised in the 4th century, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine, as Christianity became established. The date likely aligned with existing winter festivals, making the Christian celebration easier to adopt.
What popular outdoor Australian Christmas meal often replaces the traditional roast?
BBQ or Seafood
What title do the angels use for Jesus when announcing His birth to the shepherds?
“Christ the Lord”
Reference: Luke 2:11
Which country is credited with popularising the Christmas tree as we know it today?
Germany
Decorated evergreen trees were used in German regions in the late Middle Ages. The tradition spread through Europe and later to England when Queen Victoria’s German husband, Prince Albert, popularised the Christmas tree in the 1800s. From there, it spread widely to North America and beyond.
According to Matthew’s Gospel, what sign did the Magi see that led them to seek the newborn king?
His star in the east
Reference: Matthew 2:1–2
Which English author’s 1843 novella helped revive Christmas celebrations by emphasising generosity and goodwill?
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (published in 1843) reshaped how Christmas was viewed in Victorian England. It emphasised generosity, family, compassion, and care for the poor, helping transform Christmas into the warm, family-centred celebration we recognise today.
Which uniquely Canadian Christmas tradition involves public broadcasts of personal holiday messages to friends and family?
The Canadian “Christmas Message” on CBC
(or “Christmas greetings broadcast on CBC radio/TV”)
Which Old Testament prophet foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem?
Micah
Reference: Micah 5:2
Which 16th-century religious movement briefly banned Christmas celebrations in parts of England and colonial America?
The Puritans believed Christmas had pagan roots and was not biblically commanded. In the mid-1600s, they banned Christmas celebrations in parts of England and later in colonial America (especially Massachusetts). Celebrating Christmas could even result in fines at the time.
Which Australian Christmas carol reimagines the nativity in the outback and includes animals like kangaroos?
The Three Drovers
The Three Drovers is a well-known Australian Christmas carol written by Australian poet Henry Lawson in the late 1800s. It retells the Christmas nativity story as if it were happening in the Australian outback, replacing the traditional Wise Men with drovers and featuring distinctly Australian imagery such as kangaroos, a campfire, and the bush.
The carol reflects how Australians adapted European Christmas traditions to their own landscape, culture, and climate, making it a uniquely Australian contribution to Christmas music.