LESSON 9 CL ASS PREPAR ATION MATERIAL

Rejoicing in the Divine Birth of Jesus Christ

The miraculous birth of Jesus Christ was a glorious Alma prophesied that the Savior would “be born of
event. Heavenly messengers sang praises to God Mary . . . she being a virgin, a precious and chosen
(see Luke 2:11–14), humble shepherds worshipped vessel . . . and [she would] bring forth a son, yea,
Jesus in a stable (see Luke 2:15–16), and Wise Men even the Son of God” (Alma 7:10). Think about how
honored Him with gifts (see Matthew 2:11). The the Savior’s parentage is connected to His ability to
lessons in unit 3 will provide you an opportunity to perform an atonement for all people.
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 We begin to see this connection between the
save me? Savior’s parentage and His power to save when the
angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she
Like the unique traits you inherit from the genetics would give birth to a son who would be named
of your parents, Jesus Christ was unique in what He Jesus (see Luke 1:26–31).
received from His parents. In the Book of Mormon,

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President Russell M. Nelson taught:

Study in Preparation for Class [Jesus Christ’s] mission was the Atonement.
Read Luke 1:32–35, and note how That mission was uniquely His. Born of a mor-
Gabriel described the Son Mary would tal mother and an immortal Father, He was the
bear. You might also watch the video “An Angel only one who could voluntarily lay down His
Foretells Christ’s Birth to Mary” (4:07). (Note: life and take it up again (see John 10:14–18).
Scriptures that refer to the conception of Jesus The glorious consequences of His Atonement
Christ emphasize that He is the Son of God but were infinite and eternal. He took the sting
do not reveal how this miracle took place [see out of death and made temporary the grief of
Matthew 1:18–20; 1 Nephi 11:15, 18–21; Alma the grave. (“The Mission and Ministry of Jesus
7:10].) Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2013, 34)

When the angel announced the birth of Jesus Christ

to nearby shepherds, he referred to the infant as
Ponder in Preparation for Class
the “Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11; What does this dual nature of Jesus
see also Luke 2:9–10). Jesus Christ’s ability to be Christ teach you about His ability to re-
our Savior was possible because He was born of late to you in mortality and save you in eternity?
an immortal Parent (Heavenly Father) and a mor-
tal parent (Mary). Because of His mortal mother,
Jesus could fully experience the pains, sorrows, and SECTION 2
temptations of mortality (see Hebrews 4:15). These
mortal experiences allowed the Savior to “know
How is Jesus Christ’s birth and
according to the flesh how to succor his people life a manifestation of His love
according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:12). Because
of His immortal Father, Jesus could bear all the
for me?
challenges of mortality. Think for a minute how amazing it is that the Great
Jehovah, who created the earth, would come to
Because of His mortal mother, Jesus could die.
earth as a helpless baby. In a vision, Nephi saw this
Because of His immortal Father, He could over-
act as an expression of love.
come death.

Study in Preparation for Class Study in Preparation for Class

Read 1 Nephi 11:13–22, and consider
Read John 10:17–18, and consider how
what the Savior’s birth can teach you
Jesus Christ’s unique parentage made
about His and His Father’s love for you. (Note: The
His Atonement possible.
word condescension means voluntarily descend-
ing 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.)

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L esson 9 Class Preparation M aterial : R ejoicing in the Divine B irth of Jesus Christ

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the

Twelve Apostles taught:

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 culminat-
ing in His Crucifixion and Resurrection (see
Alma 7:11–12). But His mission also included
the beauty of His service, the miracles of His
Speaking of the condescension of Jesus Christ,
ministry, the relief He brought to the suffering,
President Tad R. Callister, former Sunday School
and the joy He offered—and still offers—to the
General President, taught: mourning. (“Be at Peace,” Ensign or Liahona,
God the Son traded his heavenly home Dec. 2015, 30)
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 Consider the extraordinary example the Savior’s
11:26–31). condescension provides for us. Bishop Richard C.
Edgley, who served in the Presiding Bishopric,
explained:

Study in Preparation for Class So what does this mean for us? Our under-
standing of Christ’s condescension should take
Read 1 Nephi 11:32–33, and consider
us beyond our feelings of awe and deep grati-
how low the Savior condescended for
tude. As members of His Church, being called
you (see also 2 Nephi 26:24).
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 minis-
ter 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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Want More? (Optional)

Record Your Thoughts
Take some time to read or listen to the How can I learn more about the birth of
lyrics of one or more of the following Jesus Christ?
hymns. Then record the thoughts and feelings
you have. Consider that the Savior “descended The following scriptures contain some prophecies
below all things” (Doctrine and Covenants and accounts of the Savior’s birth:
88:6) so He could save you. Consider also how Old Testament prophecies: Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7;
you might follow His example in your service Micah 5:2
to others.
Book of Mormon prophecies: Mosiah 3:8; Helaman
• “O God, the Eternal Father” (Hymns, no. 175) 14:2–5; 3 Nephi 1:15–21
• “’Tis Sweet to Sing the Matchless Love” (Hymns, Joseph of Nazareth learns that Mary will bear the
no. 177) Son of God: Matthew 1:18–25
• “Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King” (Hymns, The birth of Jesus Christ: Luke 2:1–20
no. 181)
The Wise Men seek the Christ child: Matthew
• “God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son” (Hymns,
2:1–11
no. 187)
You might also consider watching the video “The
• “Thy Will, O Lord, Be Done” (Hymns, no. 188)
Christ Child” (17:56).
• “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns, no. 193)
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).

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L esson 9 T eacher M aterial : R ejoicing in the Divine B irth of Jesus Christ

LESSON 9 TEACHER MATERIAL

Rejoicing in the Divine Birth of Jesus Christ

As declared by an angel, the birth of Jesus Christ was reason for “great joy” (Luke 2:10). During
this class, students will have the opportunity to explain why Jesus Christ’s unique parentage
was essential to Him becoming our Savior. Students will also be invited to share their feelings
about the divine love manifested by the condescension of God and how that love can impact
the choices they make.

Suggestions for Teaching ed. Clyde J. Williams [1996], 14). In such circum-
stances, it is OK to simply acknowledge that we
don’t know or that that information has not been
Mary learns she will be the mother of the revealed. Focus on what we do know and what
Son of God. the Holy Ghost can confirm as truth in the hearts
Draw the following diagram on the board, and of students.
invite some students to share traits they inherited
from their parents. Draw the accompanying diagram on the board.

Invite students to review Luke 1:30–35 and look To help students think about the significance of
for how the angel Gabriel described the son Mary Jesus Christ’s unique parentage, consider asking
would bear. some of the following questions:

• What unique traits did Jesus Christ inherit from

Mary? from Heavenly Father?
Improving Our Teaching and Learning
Avoid speculation. Refrain from discussing • How does the unique parentage of Jesus Christ
with students doctrinal topics that the prophets relate to His Atonement and Resurrection? (As
and apostles have not chosen to teach or about part of the discussion, you could review with
which they have not made an official statement. students John 10:17–18 and the statement by
For example, Church leaders have cautioned President Russell M. Nelson in section 1 of the
against speculating about how the Savior was preparation material. Help students identify a
conceived (see The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, truth like the following: Because of His unique

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parentage, Jesus Christ had power to atone for

our sins and to lay down His life and take it
up again.)

To help students think more deeply about this doc-

trine, you could invite them to record their thoughts
and impressions about these questions:

• What can this dual nature of Jesus Christ

teach you about His ability to relate to you in
mortality?

• How do the phrases in this sentence from “The

Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles”
(available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org) relate to
each other and to you: “[ Jesus Christ] was the
Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in
the flesh, the Redeemer of the world”?

Nephi saw in vision the condescension

of God.
Consider displaying the following pictures of Jesus
as Creator of the world, as a helpless baby, and as
a solitary figure on the cross. Ask students what
these images teach about the condescension of Jesus
Christ. If needed, read the definition of condescension
found in section 2 of the preparation material.

To continue this discussion, you could arrange stu-

dents in small groups and provide each group with
a copy of the following handout.

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L esson 9 T eacher M aterial : R ejoicing in the Divine B irth of Jesus Christ

demonstrates the love of Heavenly Father and

Jesus Christ for each of us.
The Condescension of God
Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher
Material—Lesson 9 • What can we learn from the Savior through His
example in condescending to help the least of
Divide the following reading assignments among us? (If needed, students could review Bishop
your group. As you read, look for how the Lord
Richard C. Edgley’s statement in section 2 of the
voluntarily descended from a higher position to a
preparation material. Students could also ponder
lower status.
for a minute how they might follow the Savior’s
1. Abraham 3:24–25, 27; Philippians 2:7–8 example as they seek to minister to and serve all
2. 1 Nephi 11:14–22 of Heavenly Father’s children.)
3. 1 Nephi 11: 26–27, 31–33 Remind students that in section 2 of the preparation
4. The statements by President Tad R. Callister material, they were invited to read or listen to the
and Elder D. Todd Christofferson in section 2 lyrics of hymns that speak of the condescension of
of the preparation material and the following the Savior. Students could review one of the hymns
statement by Sister Wendy Ulrich, former and then share with the class words and phrases
member of the Relief Society general advi- from the hymn that most impressed them. If time
sory council: permits, you may also want to sing together a verse
[The Savior] was born as a helpless or two from these hymns.
infant in a mortal body and raised by
imperfect [parents]. He had to learn To help students apply what they have learned and
how to walk, talk, work, and get along felt during class, invite them to ponder and record
with others. He got hungry and tired, their responses to the following question or one of
felt human emotions, and could get ill, your own choosing:
suffer, bleed, and die. (“It Isn’t a Sin to
Be Weak,” Ensign, Apr. 2015, 33) • What can you do to show the Savior your grat-
itude for His willingness to condescend so He
Then discuss together the following questions:
could redeem and save you?
• What do these readings teach us about the
condescension of Jesus Christ?
• What does the condescension of Jesus Christ For Next Time
teach us about our Savior’s and our Heavenly
To remind students to study the preparation ma-
Father’s love for us? How does Their love for
terial for the next class, consider sending the follow-
you affect your love for Them?
ing message or one of you own: What priority has
the Savior had in your life this week? Consider how
After sufficient time for discussion, you could the preparation material for lesson 10 can help you
display and share your feelings about the follow- answer this question.
ing statement: The condescension of Jesus Christ

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