This article dives into 25 Bible-based Christmas trivia questions, exploring key moments of Jesus Christ’s birth story. You’ll learn about the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary, Joseph’s response to her pregnancy, the journey to Bethlehem, the shepherds’ visit, and the wise men’s gifts. Here’s what to expect:
- Angels and Prophecies: Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and Micah’s prophecy about Bethlehem.
- Nativity Details: Jesus’ birth in a manger, the shepherds’ visit, and the significance of their worship.
- Wise Men: Their gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh) and their journey guided by a star.
- Historical Context: The Roman census, King Herod’s role, and the family’s escape to Egypt.
- Biblical Clarifications: The Bible doesn’t mention Christmas trees, December 25 as Jesus’ birthday, or modern gift-giving traditions.
This trivia set is perfect for family gatherings or church events, offering a deeper understanding of the Nativity story. For ready-made trivia packs blending biblical and cultural themes, visit Trivia About Christmas.
25 Christmas Bible Quiz – Test Your Knowledge of the Nativity Story
1. Which angel told Mary about Jesus’ birth?
The angel Gabriel visited Mary in Nazareth to share an extraordinary message: she would conceive a son, Jesus, through the Holy Spirit. Gabriel explained that Jesus would be the Son of God, destined to take David’s throne and establish a kingdom that would last forever.
Mary accepted this divine plan with humility, fulfilling ancient prophecies and beginning the story that forms the foundation of Christmas.
"The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’"
2. How did Joseph first respond to Mary’s pregnancy?
When Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant, he initially decided to quietly end their engagement to spare her from public shame. As stated in Matthew 1:19, Joseph intended to handle the situation discreetly. However, his plans changed after a dream where he received a message from an angel.
The angel revealed that Mary’s pregnancy was through the Holy Spirit and that the child would be the Messiah. Trusting this message, Joseph chose to follow the angel’s guidance:
"When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." – Matthew 1:24
3. What was Mary and Joseph’s relationship before Jesus?
The Bible explains that Mary and Joseph were betrothed when Mary became pregnant with Jesus. In first-century Jewish culture, betrothal was a legally binding agreement, similar to engagement today but much more serious, occurring before the couple lived together. This arrangement played a key role in the events surrounding the Nativity story.
4. What brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem?
Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem because of a Roman census ordered by Emperor Augustus. Joseph, being a descendant of King David, was required to register in Bethlehem, his ancestral town. Accompanied by Mary, who was heavily pregnant, he made the journey from Nazareth to comply with the decree.
This event also aligned with a prophecy from the Book of Micah, written centuries earlier, which foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. The prophecy described Bethlehem as the origin of a ruler for Israel. The Roman census played a crucial role in setting the stage for Jesus’ birth in the prophesied location, fulfilling this ancient prediction despite the hardships of the journey.
5. How did Mary and Joseph get to Bethlehem?
The Bible does not specify how Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem. According to tradition, they likely made the journey on foot, with Mary possibly riding a donkey due to her advanced pregnancy. This simple trip highlights the humble origins of Christ’s story.
6. In what place was Jesus born?
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small town in Judea, in a manger. Bethlehem is also closely tied to King David, aligning with ancient prophecies about the Messiah’s lineage and birthplace. This detail plays a key role in the broader narrative of biblical teachings.
7. Where did Mary place baby Jesus?
The Bible tells us that Mary placed baby Jesus in a manger, which is essentially a feeding trough for animals. This humble setting highlighted the simplicity of his birth and served as a clear sign for the shepherds. They were told to look for a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger, connecting the divine to a modest beginning.
8. Who were Jesus’ first visitors?
Shepherds watching over their flocks near Bethlehem were the first to visit Jesus. Angels appeared to them, announcing His birth and telling them they would find Him wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.
9. What were the shepherds doing before the angels came?
The shepherds were out in the fields, keeping an eye on their flocks during the night, when the angels appeared to them.
10. How many angels spoke with the shepherds?
In Luke 2:9–10, a single angel initially delivered the message about Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. Afterward, a multitude of angels appeared to praise God, but only the first angel directly communicated the announcement.
11. What message did the angels give the shepherds?
In Luke 2:10–14, an angel appeared to the shepherds, reassuring them not to be afraid. The angel proclaimed the joyous news that a Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born in the city of David. The angel also described how they would recognize Him: wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Shortly after, a multitude of angels joined in, praising God and declaring glory to Him while expressing a message of peace on earth. This announcement inspired the shepherds to quickly set out to see this extraordinary event for themselves.
12. What did the shepherds do after meeting Jesus?
As described in Luke 2:17–20, the shepherds returned to their flocks after meeting the newborn Jesus. They were filled with awe, gratitude, and praised God for everything they had seen and heard.
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13. What number of wise men came to see Jesus?
The story of the wise men adds depth to the Nativity narrative. Interestingly, the Bible does not specify how many wise men visited Jesus. It simply refers to "wise men from the East" (Matthew 2:1-12). Over time, the tradition of three wise men emerged, likely inspired by the three gifts they brought: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This shows a difference between the biblical account and the traditions that have become part of the Christmas story.
14. What led the wise men to Jesus?
The wise men’s journey, as part of the Nativity story, was inspired by a striking celestial event. A radiant star in the East announced the birth of the King of the Jews, prompting them to embark on their quest. Their travels brought them first to Jerusalem, and then the star led them to Bethlehem, where it stopped. Overjoyed, they followed its guidance to find the newborn Messiah.
15. What did the wise men bring as gifts?
The wise men brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Each gift had a deeper meaning. Gold represented kingship and authority, frankincense – commonly used in worship – pointed to divinity, and myrrh, often associated with burial, hinted at Jesus’ future suffering and death.
Here’s a breakdown of their significance:
| Gift | Use | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Royal treasury | Kingship and authority |
| Frankincense | Temple worship | Divinity and priestly role |
| Myrrh | Burial rituals | Suffering and foreshadowing death |
These gifts carry rich symbolism, reflecting key aspects of Christ’s identity and mission.
16. Which king did the wise men meet in Jerusalem?
As part of their journey, the wise men encountered King Herod (also known as Herod the Great) upon arriving in Jerusalem. When they asked about the newborn "King of the Jews", Herod became deeply disturbed.
Herod, pretending to support their quest, secretly met with the wise men. He consulted religious leaders for guidance and sent the wise men to Bethlehem, claiming he wanted to worship the child as well. However, after being warned in a dream, the wise men avoided Herod’s scheme by taking a different route back home.
For context, Herod the Great ruled Judea from 37 BC to 4 BC. He is remembered for his grand construction projects, such as the renovation of the Second Temple, as well as his ruthless actions against anyone he saw as a threat to his authority.
17. Which prophet said Jesus would be born in Bethlehem?
The prophet Micah foretold the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem about 700 years before it happened. Micah 5:2 states:
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel."
This prophecy came true, as confirmed in Matthew 2:1–6, when Herod and the religious leaders identified Bethlehem as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah. Despite being a small town, Bethlehem was chosen, demonstrating the precise fulfillment of this prophecy and adding depth to the biblical narrative of Christ’s birth.
18. What is the meaning of ‘Immanuel’?
The name ‘Immanuel’ translates to "God with us", carrying deep significance as a title for Jesus. It first appears in the book of Isaiah:
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
This prophecy is referenced again in Matthew 1:22-23:
"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet."
The name highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and emphasizes God’s presence among humanity. It symbolizes the incarnation – God becoming human through Jesus – a central idea in Christian theology and the heart of Christmas celebrations.
19. Which Bible books tell the Christmas story?
The Nativity story is found in the books of Matthew and Luke.
Matthew focuses on Joseph’s experience, including his discovery of Mary’s miraculous pregnancy and how it fulfills prophecy. Luke provides a more detailed narrative across two chapters. In Luke 1:26–38, the Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will give birth to Jesus. Then, in Luke 2:1–20, we read about the journey to Bethlehem, Jesus’ birth, and the shepherds’ visit.
In contrast, Mark skips over the Nativity entirely, starting instead with Jesus’ baptism and ministry. John takes a different approach, offering a theological view of the incarnation. These diverse accounts together offer a richer understanding of Jesus’ birth and its significance in Christian faith.
20. Where did Jesus’ family escape from Herod?
After Jesus was born, Joseph had a dream where he was warned to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod’s plan to harm the child. Acting without hesitation, Joseph followed the instructions and led his family to safety.
This journey to Egypt fulfilled the prophecy in Hosea 11:1:
"Out of Egypt I called my son."
The family stayed in Egypt until Herod passed away. Once again, Joseph was guided by an angel, who told him it was safe to return to Israel. However, instead of going back to Bethlehem – where Archelaus, Herod’s son, was in power – they settled in Nazareth, a town in Galilee.
This period of exile underscores how divine intervention protected Jesus during a time of political unrest and danger.
21. At what age was Jesus brought to the temple?
Jesus’ family followed the tradition of attending the Festival of the Passover in Jerusalem each year. This is described in Luke 2:41-42:
"Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom."
At the age of twelve, Jesus was found in the temple, engaging with the teachers. Luke 2:46 gives a glimpse of this moment:
"At the age of twelve, Jesus was found in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions."
This event highlighted His deep understanding and hinted at the path His ministry would take in the years to come.
22. Who met Jesus at the temple and knew he was the Messiah?
At the temple, Simeon and Anna immediately recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Simeon, who had been assured by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before his death, approached the infant Jesus. As detailed in Luke 2:28-30:
"Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace… for my eyes have seen your salvation.’"
Anna, a prophetess and a devoted widow who spent her days fasting and praying at the temple, also recognized Jesus’ divine identity. Luke 2:38 recounts her reaction:
"Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem."
Their recognition of Jesus highlights their deep faith and spiritual insight, fulfilling the long-held prophecies about the Messiah’s arrival.
23. Does the Bible mention Christmas trees?
No, the Bible doesn’t mention Christmas trees. This tradition started in 16th-century Germany, where devout Christians decorated trees in their homes. By the 1830s, German settlers in Pennsylvania had introduced the custom to the United States.
Christmas trees are a cultural practice that emerged well after the biblical events surrounding Christ’s birth. While the Bible describes the shepherds, wise men, and events in Bethlehem, the Christmas tree is a later addition, unrelated to the biblical narrative.
24. Does the Bible list December 25 as Jesus’ birthday?
No, the Bible does not mention December 25 as Jesus’ birthday. The earliest recorded celebration of Christmas on this date was in 336 AD, chosen by early church leaders in Rome.
There were two main reasons for selecting December 25. First, it aligned with Roman winter festivals, like Saturnalia. Second, theological calculations placed Jesus’ conception on March 25, making December 25 a symbolic nine months later. These choices were based on tradition and symbolism, not biblical instruction.
Different Christian traditions also celebrate Christmas on varying dates. For example, some Orthodox churches using the Julian calendar observe it on January 7. This highlights the diverse ways Christians commemorate Christ’s birth.
While the Bible doesn’t specify a date, the focus remains on the nativity’s events and their spiritual meaning, rather than pinpointing a specific day.
25. What does the Bible say about Christmas gifts?
The Bible doesn’t specifically mention the modern tradition of Christmas gift-giving. The only instance of gift-giving connected to Jesus’ birth is found in Matthew 2:1-12, where the Magi present gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus.
These gifts were deeply symbolic, representing Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and His future sacrifice. However, this moment was about honoring and worshiping Jesus, not about exchanging gifts with others. This is a key distinction: while today’s Christmas often revolves around giving and receiving presents, the Bible’s focus is solely on gifts offered to Christ as a form of reverence.
It’s also worth noting that the Magi’s visit didn’t happen the night Jesus was born. Their journey brought them to Jesus sometime after His birth, making the timing quite different from the way we celebrate Christmas today.
In short, the Bible doesn’t instruct or encourage modern Christmas gift exchanges. Instead, it highlights the Magi’s act of giving as a way to honor Christ, shifting the focus to worship rather than material exchange.
Conclusion
These Bible-based Christmas trivia questions shed light on the richness of the Nativity story. They go beyond historical details, focusing on themes like worship, fulfilled prophecies, and God’s overarching plan, setting them apart from modern holiday customs.
For instance, the Bible doesn’t specify Jesus’ exact birth date or mention traditions like Christmas trees. Instead, it centers on the profound narrative of Christ’s birth and its spiritual significance.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into Biblical Christmas knowledge or plan a holiday gathering, Trivia About Christmas (https://www.triviaaboutchristmas.com) is a great resource. They provide trivia packs that combine Biblical and traditional Christmas questions, making them ideal for family get-togethers or church events. Their ready-to-use formats make hosting an engaging and meaningful holiday trivia session simple.
Some key points highlighted by these questions include:
- Prophecies fulfilled through Jesus’ birth
- The divine nature of His arrival
- Worship from both shepherds and wise men
- God’s guidance and protection of the Holy Family
Whether you’re exploring these questions for personal enrichment or preparing for a trivia event, they offer a deeper understanding of the Biblical Christmas story. For ready-made trivia materials, check out Trivia About Christmas (https://www.triviaaboutchristmas.com), with digital packs starting at $14.99.
