Christmas in Scripture
These humble workers were chosen as the first witnesses of Christ’s birth.
Who were the shepherds?
"All is calm; all is bright."
This theological term refers to God becoming man.
What is the Incarnation?
The star typically found on top of a Christmas tree represents this.
What is the star of Bethlehem (which guided the Magi to the Infant Jesus)?
Santa Claus usurped the identity of this Catholic saint.
Who is St. Nicholas?
This Old Testament title meaning “God with us” is applied to the child born of the Virgin.
What is Emmanuel?
The Latin Christmas hymn meaning “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
What is “Veni, Veni Emmanuel”?
The dogma stating that Christ possesses both a divine and a human nature united in one Person.
What is the hypostatic union?
The liturgical colour normally used during Christmastide, representing purity and joy.
What is white?
This 1946 black-and-white film is often considered the most beloved Christmas movie of all time.
What is “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
This Jewish rite, fulfilled by Mary and Joseph, led to Simeon and Anna encountering the Infant Christ.
What is the Presentation in the Temple?
“God and sinners reconciled”
What is “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”?
The heresy condemned by the Church that denied Christ’s true humanity.
What is docetism?
Gold - kingship. Frankincense - divinity. Myrrh - ?
What is sacrifice/humanity/death?
This character famously learns “the true meaning of Christmas” after attempting to steal it.
Who is the Grinch?
This Old Testament figure’s prophecy is fulfilled when a ruler comes forth from Bethlehem.
Who is the prophet Micah?
“Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.”
What is “O Come, All Ye Faithful”?
The ecumenical council that defined Mary as Theotokos in 431.
What is the council of Ephesus?
The wood of the crib prefigures this later wood in Christ’s life.
What is the wood of the Cross?
This 1990 film features a child accidentally left home while his family travels for Christmas.
What is “Home Alone”?
This Old Testament event prefigures the Flight into Egypt.
What is the Exodus?
The chant traditionally sung at the proclamation of Christ’s birth during the Roman Martyrology.
The Kalenda.
This Christological error claimed that Christ had only one nature after the Incarnation, and was condemned by the Church.
What is Monophysitism?
The Star of Bethlehem symbolizes not only guidance, but this Old Testament figure whose oracle foretold a star rising from Jacob.
Who is Balaam?
The opening line of this anonymously authored poem from 1823 did more than any other single work to define Santa Claus as a cheerful, nocturnal visitor arriving by sleigh.
What is "twas the night before Christmas"?