How Well Do You Know the Nativity Story?

A baby born to a virgin, it’s one of the most familiar stories in the world. But how well do you really know the Gospels’ accounts of Jesus’ birth? Take this quiz and find out. Below is a selection of the questions asked. Remember, a number of our understandings about the Nativity come from popular piety, not Sacred Scripture.

Q1. Which archangel announced Jesus’ birth to Mary?

1. Michael
2. Gabriel
3. Raphael
4. Uriel

Q2. After Mary became pregnant with Jesus, her first action was to:

1. Explain to her parents what had happened
2. Explain to Joseph what had happened
3. Visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also pregnant
4. Go into seclusion so as not to be an object of shame

Q3. According to the Gospels, where was Jesus born?

1. In Bethlehem
2. In Nazareth
3. In Heaven
4. In Jerusalem

Q4. During the reign of which Roman emperor was Jesus born?

1. Augustus
2. Tiberius
4. Nero

Q5. Why was Jesus born in a manger?

1. In order to fulfill a prophecy
2. Because Joseph was a rancher
3. Because there was no room in the inn
4. To make clear that his message was for all creatures

Q6. In which two Gospels does the Nativity story appear?

1. Matthew and Mark
2. Matthew and Luke
3. Matthew and John
4. Mark and John

Q7. The angel who appeared to the shepherds told them they would recognize Jesus this way:

1. He would be wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger
2. They would see a halo over his head
3. A star would be shining over the stable
4. He would have startling blue eyes

Q8. Which animals does the Bible mention in connection with Jesus’ birth?

1. Sheep
2. An ox and an ass
3. Camels
4. All of the above

Q9. According to the Gospels, how many wise men were there?

1. 6
2. 3
3. 0
4. Nobody knows

Q10. Which star did the wise men follow to find the baby Jesus?

1. The Star in the East
2. The North Star
3. The Star of David
4. The Dog Star

Go to beliefnet.com for more questions and the answers.