Symbols
Why is a star a common symbol at Christmas?
Because a star appeared in the sky when Jesus was born, and the wise men followed it to Jesus.
Why was Jesus laid in a manger?
Because there was no room for them in the inn. (Lk 2:7 RSVCE)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202&version=RSVCE
What city was Jesus born in?
Bethlehem of Judea (Matthew 2:1)
What color is used most in the Catholic liturgy during the Christmas season?
White (will also take gold)
This saint led the Holy Family to Bethlehem.
Saint Joseph, the foster-father of Jesus.
Name the three gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus.
Frankincense, gold, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11)
What famous saint, often associated with animals, is credited for starting the first nativity scene?
St. Francis of Assisi
Which part of the Mass that we sing comes from when "an angel of the Lord appeared to" shepherds, told them of the birth of Jesus, and then starting singing to God with "a multitude of the heavenly host praising God"?
(Lk 2: 9, 13 RSVCE)
The Gloria (Glory to God in the Highest)
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”" (Lk 2:13-14 RSVCE)
This saint is often spoken about in relation to Santa Claus.
Saint Nicholas
Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes. What do the swaddling clothes allude to (foreshadow)?
Jesus' Burial after His Death on the Cross.
Which mystery of the rosary particularly commemorates the Nativity? You must say the number (1-5) and the set of mysteries (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, Glorious)
The 3rd Joyful Mystery
What was Herod's reaction to hearing about the birth of the "king of the Jews"? (Matthew 2:2)
Herod "sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men." (Matthew 2:16 RSVCE)
Which common Christmas carol is sometimes associated with being used as a catechetical teaching tool on the Christian faith?
The Twelve Days of Christmas
This saint's feast day is celebrated on December 26th. He was the first martyr for Christ to die after the Resurrection. His martyrdom was recorded in Sacred Scripture.
St. Stephen
Jesus was laid in a manger, which was a feed box. Which of the 7 Sacraments does this most closely relate to, and why?
The Most Holy Eucharist, because in the Eucharist we are fed with the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Himself!
Sometimes within the Church's liturgical celebrations (think: Masses), there are different texts used for the same celebration depending on the time of day (for example, a vigil Mass and Mass during the day). How many different texts are there for Christmas Masses?
4: Vigil Mass, Midnight Mass, Mass at Dawn, and Mass During the Day
According to the Gospel of St. Luke, why did Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem?
To be enrolled.
Luke 2:1,4-5 RSVCE "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child."
Christmas has its own "octave" of special celebration within the Christmas season in the liturgical year that lasts 8 days. Which other celebration in the liturgical year has an octave within a season?
This saint, an archbishop and martyr, is known for helping bring many in Germany to Christ. A particular story about him is that he is said to have cut down a pagan tree and preach the Gospel using an evergreen tree, starting the tradition of the Christmas tree.
What is the symbolic significance of each of the three gifts the wise men brought? Your team must get all three within the ballpark to get the points.
Frankincense: Jesus is the great High Priest (high priests burn incense)
Gold: Jesus is the King of kings
Myrrh: foreshadows the death of Jesus - myrrh was used when burying another.
The group to make the best Nativity scene using only their teammates gets the 500 points. You have 15 seconds. Go!
Winner:
Which Old Testament prophet prophesied the following (later quoted by St. Matthew):
"“Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and his name shall be called Emman′u-el”
(which means, God with us)." (Matthew 1:23)
Isaiah
Each group should choose a Christmas hymn to sing a verse of. The groups that get through a whole verse together will get 500 points
:)
List as many saints as you can that are mentioned by name in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). The 2 groups with the most will earn the 500 points.
:)