Christmas/Easter Catechism

1. What is Christmas? 
Christmas is the day many Christians celebrate the eternal Son of God taking upon a human nature and being born in the person of Jesus. 

John 1:14 NKJV And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

2. Was Jesus really born on December 25th? Possibly, but we know many historical details about His birth like the shepherds visiting, the glory shining, and the angels praising. 

Luke 2:8-148 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news joy that will for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” 

3. Does God command us to celebrate Christmas? No, but it is a great opportunity to celebrate and declare the coming of Christ. 

Romans 14:5 ESV One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.

4. Was there anything unique about the conception of Jesus? Yes! The Holy Spirit miraculously put the baby Jesus inside of Mary.

Matthew 1:18-24 (NIV 2012) “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him...”

5. Does the Bible prophecy where the Messiah would be born? Yes! Seven hundred years before Christ, Micah prophesied that the coming King would be from Bethlehem.

Micah 5:2–5 (ESV): But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. 3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. 4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. 5 And he shall be their peace.

6. Does the Bible prophecy who the Messiah would be? Yes! Seven hundred years before Christ, Isaiah prophesied that the coming King would be a child, and yet God, who reconciles sinners to Himself.

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV): For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

7. What is the proper way for you to respond to the God-man, Jesus Christ? I should like the wise men, worship Jesus. 

Matthew 2:10–11 (NLT): When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. 

Resurrection Sunday

1. What does Jesus declare about Himself concerning the resurrection? He Himself is the resurrection and the life.

John 11:25–26 (NKJV):  “...I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

2. What were the events from Good Friday to Resurrection Sunday?
Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; The third day he rose again from the dead.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

3. What did Jesus’s death accomplish? Jesus died as a substitute for many to take the punishment of hell upon Himself. 

Mark 10:45 (NIV84): For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

4. What should be your response to Jesus’ death and resurrection? I should respond with a heart of faith. 
Romans 10:9–11 (ESV): because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”