Behold the Lamb of God, by Walter Rane

Lesson 9 Class Preparation Material

Rejoicing in the Divine Birth of Jesus Christ

The miraculous birth of Jesus Christ was a glorious event. Heavenly messengers sang praises to God (see Luke 2:11–14), humble shepherds worshipped Jesus in a stable (see Luke 2:15–16), and Wise Men honored Him with gifts (see Matthew 2:11). The lessons in unit 3 will provide you an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the mortal ministry of Jesus Christ. His birth and His life truly inspire “good tidings of great joy … to all people” (Luke 2:10). Consider watching the video “The Nativity” (2:59) to help set the tone for your study.

Section 1

How can understanding the parentage of Jesus Christ increase my confidence in His power to save me?

Like the unique traits you inherit from the genetics of your parents, Jesus Christ was unique in what He received from His parents. In the Book of Mormon, Alma prophesied that the Savior would “be born of Mary … she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel … and [she would] bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God” (Alma 7:10). Think about how the Savior’s parentage is connected to His ability to perform an atonement for all people.

Mary listens to the angel Gabriel

We begin to see this connection between the Savior’s parentage and His power to save when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would give birth to a son who would be named Jesus (see Luke 1:26–31).

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Study in Preparation for Class

Read Luke 1:32–35, and note how Gabriel described the Son Mary would bear. You might also watch the video “An Angel Foretells Christ’s Birth to Mary” (4:07). (Note: Scriptures that refer to the conception of Jesus Christ emphasize that He is the Son of God but do not reveal how this miracle took place [see Matthew 1:18–20; 1 Nephi 11:15, 18–21; Alma 7:10].)

When the angel announced the birth of Jesus Christ to nearby shepherds, he referred to the infant as the “Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11; see also Luke 2:9–10). Jesus Christ’s ability to be our Savior was possible because He was born of an immortal Parent (Heavenly Father) and a mortal parent (Mary). Because of His mortal mother, Jesus could fully experience the pains, sorrows, and temptations of mortality (see Hebrews 4:15). These mortal experiences allowed the Savior to “know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:12). Because of His immortal Father, Jesus could bear all the challenges of mortality.

Because of His mortal mother, Jesus could die. Because of His immortal Father, He could overcome death.

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Study in Preparation for Class

Read John 10:17–18, and consider how Jesus Christ’s unique parentage made His Atonement possible.

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

President Russell M. Nelson

[Jesus Christ’s] mission was the Atonement. That mission was uniquely His. Born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father, He was the only one who could voluntarily lay down His life and take it up again (see John 10:14–18). The glorious consequences of His Atonement were infinite and eternal. He took the sting out of death and made temporary the grief of the grave. (“The Mission and Ministry of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2013, 34)

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Ponder in Preparation for Class

What does this dual nature of Jesus Christ teach you about His ability to relate to you in mortality and save you in eternity?

Section 2

How is Jesus Christ’s birth and life a manifestation of His love for me?

Think for a minute how amazing it is that the Great Jehovah, who created the earth, would come to earth as a helpless baby. In a vision, Nephi saw this act as an expression of love.

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Study in Preparation for Class

Read 1 Nephi 11:13–22, and consider what the Savior’s birth can teach you about His and His Father’s love for you. (Note: The word condescension means voluntarily descending from a higher position to a lower status or condition. Consider how the condescension described in this scripture can apply to both the Father and the Son.)

Mary holding the infant Jesus

Speaking of the condescension of Jesus Christ, President Tad R. Callister, former Sunday School General President, taught:

President Tad R. Callister

God the Son traded his heavenly home with all its celestial adornments for a mortal abode with all its primitive trappings. … He exchanged the dominion of a god for the dependence of a babe. … It was a trade of unparalleled dimension. … The great Jehovah, creator of worlds without number, infinite in virtue and power, made his entry into this world in swaddling clothes and a manger. (The Infinite Atonement [2000], 64)

Nephi learned more about Christ’s condescension when he saw in vision the Savior ministering among the people and healing their afflictions (see 1 Nephi 11:26–31).

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Study in Preparation for Class

Read 1 Nephi 11:32–33, and consider how low the Savior condescended for you (see also 2 Nephi 26:24).

Jesus carrying His cross

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

When we talk about the birth of Jesus Christ, we appropriately reflect on what was to follow. His birth was infinitely significant because of the things He would experience and suffer so that He might better succor us—all culminating in His Crucifixion and Resurrection (see Alma 7:11–12). But His mission also included the beauty of His service, the miracles of His ministry, the relief He brought to the suffering, and the joy He offered—and still offers—to the mourning. (“Be at Peace,” Ensign or Liahona, Dec. 2015, 30)

Jesus washes His disciples’ feet

Consider the extraordinary example the Savior’s condescension provides for us. Bishop Richard C. Edgley, who served in the Presiding Bishopric, explained:

Bishop Richard C. Edgley

So what does this mean for us? Our understanding of Christ’s condescension should take us beyond our feelings of awe and deep gratitude. As members of His Church, being called to represent Him and testify of Him, our great opportunity is to try to emulate Him. …

Like the Savior, our greatest good may be brought about through administering to even “the least of these my brethren” [Matthew 25:40]. We must remember that in any station of life or particular calling, every person is a beloved child of God; and ours is to minister even to the most humble and to serve them as the Master would serve them. (“The Condescension of God,” Ensign, Dec. 2001, 20, 21)

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Record Your Thoughts

Take some time to read or listen to the lyrics of one or more of the following hymns. Then record the thoughts and feelings you have. Consider that the Savior “descended below all things” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:6) so He could save you. Consider also how you might follow His example in your service to others.

• “O God, the Eternal Father” (Hymns, no. 175)

• “’Tis Sweet to Sing the Matchless Love” (Hymns, no. 177)

• “Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King” (Hymns, no. 181)

• “God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son” (Hymns, no. 187)

• “Thy Will, O Lord, Be Done” (Hymns, no. 188)

• “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns, no. 193)

Want More? (Optional)

How can I learn more about the birth of Jesus Christ?

The following scriptures contain some prophecies and accounts of the Savior’s birth:

• Old Testament prophecies: Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7; Micah 5:2

• Book of Mormon prophecies: Mosiah 3:8; Helaman 14:2–5; 3 Nephi 1:15–21

• Joseph of Nazareth learns that Mary will bear the Son of God: Matthew 1:18–25

• The birth of Jesus Christ: Luke 2:1–20

• The Wise Men seek the Christ child: Matthew 2:1–11

You might also consider watching the video “The Christ Child” (17:56).

Where can I learn more about Mary and Joseph?

To gain further insights about the lives of Mary and Joseph, read “Mary and Joseph” by Susan Winters (New Era, Dec. 2006, 28–33). To learn more about Mary’s life and example, read “Mary, the Mother of Jesus” by BYU religion professor Gaye Strathearn (Ensign or Liahona, Jan. 2019, 12–17) or “Following Mary’s Example” by Becky Craven, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency (New Era, Dec. 2018, 24–27).