There are indeed interesting facts about the birth of Christ. We can find the story of Jesus’ birth in the Gospel according to Matthew and Luke. The narrative of the birth of Christ intentionally draws a contrast between Jesus and John the Baptist. The story of the birth of the latter was nothing short of a miracle considering the fact that Elizabeth had long passed the childbearing years coupled with the experiences of Zechariah. BETTY AMUKPO elicits more facts about the birth of Christ. The children respond thus.
‘Christmas means Mass of Christ’
Christmas, meaning Mass of Christ is celebrated on December 25. It signifies the first coming of Christ in history, born in a manger (a home for animals) because there was no room in the inns. This, in a more spiritual sense translates to people not opening their hearts to receive Jesus. The Magi (The Three Wise Men) came with gifts. (Matt 2:11) Gold signifying His Kingship; Frankincense His Ministry; and Myrrh His Suffering.
Facts about Zechariah
Zechariah was a Priest married to Elizabeth who was barren and old. One day while Zechariah was in the temple, an angel came to him and said that he will have a son and his name will be John. (Luke 1:12-17) Zechariah was made dumb because he doubted the angel’s words when he was told he will have a son. (Luke 1:18-20) During the naming ceremony, people suggested many names for John but Zechariah wrote on a piece of paper that reads, “His name is John” and he gained his voice back. (Luke 1:57-66) John was the forerunner of Jesus. John preached about repentance so that people’s hearts will be open to receive Jesus.
• Ebubechukwu Chinedu

‘Christmas is a day of joy, peace and love with hope restored’
With reference to the Gospel of St Luke 1:1 ff. Zechariah was a priest who served God diligently, but he grew old with his wife Elizabeth even without a child. Luke 1:26-45. Angel Gabriel appeared unto Mary and said to her “greetings, O favoured one, the Lord is with you” knowing her fears, the angel told her that she will conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit and bear a son and shall call his name Jesus.
After this declaration, Mary visited Elizabeth and Zechariah. And they ministered to Mary. Zechariah and Elizabeth were also blessed with a son (John) in their old age though in the midst of his doubts, for which he was punished. Elizabeth had her son, he was to be the forerunner of Jesus. Jesus was taken to the temple according to the Jewish customs and when Zechariah saw him, his dumbness healed and proclaimed that this child shall lead to the rising and falling of many. The day of Christ’s birth is Christmas. A day of joy, hope restored, peace and love. The time to give and to share.
• Okononfua Bryan

‘Zechariah’s story is the beginning of the Christmas story’
The birth of Jesus Christ, particularly holds a special place in my heart. Every time is Christmas, Christ is born anew in my heart. Christ overcame a lot, so we can. It gives a new hope and meaning to the essence of living. Zechariah’s story is the beginning of the Christmas story. We are told that when God decided to tell the story of His son Jesus Christ in the gospel of Luke, He started the story with an old Priest, a Godly Priest, a sorrowful Priest, a Priest who desired a son, a Priest who questioned the messenger of God and was punished. God used this Priest to announce the beginning of a new age.
The age of forgiveness and grace, the age of Jesus Christ. Above all we should not forget, his wife Elizabeth, is a cousin to our Mother, the Mother of our Saviour Jesus Christ. And both Zechariah and Elizabeth are from priestly homes. Their son, John the Baptist paved the way for the coming of our Saviour.
• Victoria Okefe.

Zechariah is worth studying so that you may have certainty of your own faith’
Zechariah is worth studying so that you may have certainty of your own faith. Zechariah was a Priest. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous people. Zechariah and Elizabeth were old and without children.
• Awaki Barnabas
