Did you know the Bible never actually mentions three wise men? Or that Scripture does not say Mary rode a donkey to Bethlehem? Many beloved details of the Christmas story come from tradition rather than the biblical text itself. Whether you are preparing for a family game night, leading a Sunday school class, or organizing a church Christmas party, understanding what the Bible truly says about the birth of Jesus makes the celebration even more meaningful.
This comprehensive christmas bible quiz features 100 carefully crafted questions covering everything from Old Testament prophecies to the shepherds' midnight visit to common nativity misconceptions. At PatPat, we believe that family traditions built on knowledge create deeper connections, and what better way to celebrate the season than by exploring the true Christmas story together?
Each question in this nativity trivia collection includes the correct answer along with scripture references, so you can verify every fact in your own Bible. Whether you are looking for easy christmas bible trivia for kids or challenging questions that will stump even the most seasoned Bible scholars, you will find something for everyone in this ultimate biblical christmas trivia resource.
Grab your Bible, gather your family or group, and get ready to discover how much you really know about the night that changed the world forever.
Old Testament Prophecies About the Messiah's Birth (Questions 1-10)
Centuries before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Hebrew prophets recorded remarkably specific details about the coming Messiah. These christmas prophecy trivia questions explore how the birth of Christ fulfilled ancient predictions with stunning precision. The prophecies span nearly a thousand years of biblical history, demonstrating that the Christmas story was God's plan from the very beginning.
Questions 1-10: Prophecy Fulfillment
Q1: Which Old Testament prophet foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem?
Answer: Micah - Micah 5:2
Q2: What prophet predicted that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son called Immanuel?
Answer: Isaiah - Isaiah 7:14
Q3: What does "Immanuel" mean according to Scripture?
Answer: "God with us" - Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23
Q4: According to Hosea, from what country would God call His Son?
Answer: Egypt - Hosea 11:1
Q5: Which prophet spoke of a voice weeping for children in Ramah, fulfilled when Herod killed the infants?
Answer: Jeremiah - Jeremiah 31:15
Q6: According to Isaiah 9:6, what four titles would be given to the child born as Messiah?
Answer: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6
Q7: From whose royal family line was the Messiah prophesied to come?
Answer: King David - Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5
Q8: According to Isaiah 9:7, what characteristic would the Messiah's kingdom have?
Answer: It would have no end - Isaiah 9:7
Q9: In Numbers 24:17, what celestial sign was prophesied to announce the Messiah?
Answer: A star - "A star will come out of Jacob" - Numbers 24:17
Q10: Approximately how many years before Jesus' birth was the Bethlehem prophecy in Micah given?
Answer: Approximately 700 years (Micah prophesied around 700 BC)
The Annunciation: When Angels Delivered Divine Messages (Questions 11-22)
Before the birth of Jesus, angels appeared to several key figures to announce God's miraculous plan. The angel gabriel christmas story involves multiple divine visitations that prepared the way for the Savior's arrival. These annunciation trivia questions cover Gabriel's visits to Zechariah and Mary, the angel's message to Joseph, and Elizabeth's role in the narrative.
Questions 11-22: Angelic Announcements
Q11: What angel appeared to Mary to announce she would give birth to Jesus?
Answer: Gabriel - Luke 1:26
Q12: What was Mary's initial reaction when Gabriel first greeted her?
Answer: She was greatly troubled and wondered what kind of greeting this might be - Luke 1:29
Q13: What relative did Gabriel tell Mary was also miraculously pregnant?
Answer: Elizabeth, her cousin - Luke 1:36
Q14: How did the angel appear to Joseph to deliver God's message?
Answer: In a dream - Matthew 1:20
Q15: What name did the angel instruct Joseph to give the baby?
Answer: Jesus - Matthew 1:21
Q16: Why was the baby to be named Jesus according to the angel's message?
Answer: Because He would save His people from their sins - Matthew 1:21
Q17: What was the name of Elizabeth's baby who would prepare the way for Jesus?
Answer: John (later known as John the Baptist) - Luke 1:13
Q18: Who was Elizabeth's husband?
Answer: Zechariah, a priest - Luke 1:5
Q19: What happened to Zechariah when he expressed doubt about the angel's message?
Answer: He was struck mute (unable to speak) until John was born - Luke 1:20
Q20: What was Mary's faithful response when she accepted God's will for her life?
Answer: "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled." - Luke 1:38
Q21: What famous song or prayer did Mary speak after visiting Elizabeth?
Answer: The Magnificat (Mary's Song of Praise) - Luke 1:46-55
Q22: How long did Mary stay with Elizabeth after her visit?
Answer: About three months - Luke 1:56
Mary and Joseph: The Faithful Parents Chosen by God (Questions 23-34)
Mary and Joseph were ordinary people chosen for an extraordinary purpose. These mary and joseph trivia questions explore what the Bible reveals about their backgrounds, their faith, and their obedience to God's calling. Understanding these humble parents helps us appreciate the human side of the divine Christmas story.
Questions 23-34: The Holy Family
Q23: What town were Mary and Joseph originally from?
Answer: Nazareth in Galilee - Luke 2:4
Q24: What was Joseph's occupation?
Answer: Carpenter (the Greek word "tekton" can also mean craftsman or builder) - Matthew 13:55
Q25: From whose royal family line was Joseph descended?
Answer: King David - Matthew 1:6, Luke 2:4
Q26: What was Joseph's relationship to Mary when she became pregnant?
Answer: They were betrothed (pledged to be married) - Matthew 1:18
Q27: What did Joseph initially plan to do when he discovered Mary was pregnant?
Answer: Divorce her quietly (break the betrothal privately) - Matthew 1:19
Q28: Why does Matthew describe Joseph as a "righteous man"?
Answer: Because he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly - Matthew 1:19
Q29: From whose lineage was Mary descended?
Answer: David, through Nathan's line according to Luke - Luke 3:31
Q30: How old was Mary when she gave birth to Jesus?
Answer: The Bible does not specify her exact age (tradition suggests she was a young teenager)
Q31: What tribe of Israel was Mary from?
Answer: The tribe of Judah (implied through David's lineage)
Q32: After the angel's message in his dream, what did Joseph do?
Answer: He took Mary home as his wife - Matthew 1:24
Q33: According to Matthew 1:25, did Joseph and Mary have marital relations before Jesus was born?
Answer: No - "But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son" - Matthew 1:25
Q34: How many times does the Bible record Joseph speaking?
Answer: Zero - Joseph never speaks a single recorded word in Scripture
The Journey to Bethlehem and the Roman Census (Questions 35-44)
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was no small undertaking, especially for a woman in the final stages of pregnancy. These journey to bethlehem trivia questions examine the historical context of the Roman census that brought Mary and Joseph to the city of David, fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Micah.
Questions 35-44: The Census Journey
Q35: Which Roman emperor ordered the census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem?
Answer: Caesar Augustus - Luke 2:1
Q36: Why did Joseph specifically have to go to Bethlehem for the census?
Answer: Because he was of the house and lineage of David - Luke 2:4
Q37: Who was governor of Syria during this census?
Answer: Quirinius - Luke 2:2
Q38: Approximately how far was the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem?
Answer: About 80-90 miles (roughly a 4-5 day journey on foot)
Q39: What does "Bethlehem" mean in Hebrew?
Answer: "House of Bread" - Beth (house) + Lechem (bread)
Q40: What other famous biblical figure was born in Bethlehem?
Answer: King David - 1 Samuel 16:1
Q41: Does the Bible say that Mary rode a donkey to Bethlehem?
Answer: No - the Bible does not specify how Mary and Joseph traveled
Q42: How pregnant was Mary during the journey according to Luke?
Answer: She was "great with child" or very close to delivery - Luke 2:5-6
Q43: What empire ruled over Israel during Jesus' birth?
Answer: The Roman Empire
Q44: What was the primary purpose of the Roman census?
Answer: For taxation purposes (to count people for tax collection)
The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem: What Scripture Actually Says (Questions 45-56)
Many details we associate with the birth of jesus trivia come from tradition rather than Scripture. This section of our christmas nativity story quiz focuses specifically on what the Bible actually tells us about that holy night in Bethlehem, separating fact from beloved fiction.
Questions 45-56: The Holy Birth
Q45: Where was Jesus laid after his birth?
Answer: In a manger (a feeding trough for animals) - Luke 2:7
Q46: Why was Jesus placed in a manger?
Answer: Because there was no room for them in the inn (or guest room) - Luke 2:7
Q47: What were "swaddling clothes" that baby Jesus was wrapped in?
Answer: Strips of cloth wrapped snugly around a newborn, a common ancient practice - Luke 2:7
Q48: Does the Bible specifically say Jesus was born in a stable?
Answer: No - Scripture only mentions the manger, not the specific location
Q49: What Greek word is translated as "inn" in Luke 2:7, and what else might it mean?
Answer: "Kataluma" - it can also mean "guest room" (the same word is used for the upper room in Luke 22:11)
Q50: Does the Bible mention any animals being present at Jesus' birth?
Answer: No - animals at the nativity come from tradition, not Scripture
Q51: What is the only physical description of baby Jesus given in Luke's account?
Answer: He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger - Luke 2:12
Q52: According to Luke 2:6, when did the birth occur?
Answer: "While they were there" in Bethlehem, the time came for the baby to be born
Q53: What does the Bible say about what time of year Jesus was born?
Answer: The Bible does not specify the date, month, or season
Q54: According to Scripture, who was present at the birth of Jesus?
Answer: The Bible does not specify who was present - only Mary and Joseph are mentioned in the narrative
Q55: What city is Jesus associated with because of his birth location?
Answer: Bethlehem - though he grew up in Nazareth and was often called "Jesus of Nazareth"
Q56: According to Galatians 4:4, Jesus was born when?
Answer: "In the fullness of time" - Galatians 4:4
The Shepherds: First to Hear the Good News (Questions 57-68)
While kings and religious leaders remained unaware, humble shepherds became the first to receive the announcement of Jesus' birth. These shepherds christmas story trivia questions explore the remarkable encounter between ordinary workers and a heavenly host that lit up the night sky.
Questions 57-68: The Shepherds' Experience
Q57: What were the shepherds doing when the angel appeared to them?
Answer: Keeping watch over their flocks by night - Luke 2:8
Q58: What was the shepherds' initial reaction when they saw the angel?
Answer: They were terrified (greatly afraid) - Luke 2:9
Q59: What were the angel's first words to calm the frightened shepherds?
Answer: "Do not be afraid" - Luke 2:10
Q60: How did the angel describe the message about Jesus' birth?
Answer: "Good news that will cause great joy for all the people" - Luke 2:10
Q61: What sign did the angel give the shepherds to help them find the baby?
Answer: They would find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger - Luke 2:12
Q62: What appeared with the angel to praise God?
Answer: A great company of the heavenly host (a multitude of angels) - Luke 2:13
Q63: What did the heavenly host proclaim?
Answer: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests" - Luke 2:14
Q64: How quickly did the shepherds go to Bethlehem after the angels left?
Answer: They hurried (went with haste) - Luke 2:16
Q65: What did the shepherds do after finding Mary, Joseph, and Jesus?
Answer: They spread the word about what they had been told about this child - Luke 2:17
Q66: How did people react when they heard the shepherds' story?
Answer: They were amazed - Luke 2:18
Q67: What did Mary do with everything the shepherds told her?
Answer: She treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart - Luke 2:19
Q68: What did the shepherds do as they returned to their flocks?
Answer: They returned glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen - Luke 2:20
The Wise Men from the East: Following the Star (Questions 69-82)
The Magi remain among the most mysterious figures in the Christmas story. These wise men magi trivia questions separate biblical fact from popular tradition about these gift-bearing travelers who followed a star to worship the newborn King. You might be surprised by how much of what we think we know comes from tradition rather than Scripture.
Questions 69-82: The Magi's Visit
Q69: What term does the Bible actually use to describe the wise men?
Answer: Magi (from the Greek "magoi") - Matthew 2:1
Q70: How many wise men does the Bible say visited Jesus?
Answer: The Bible does not specify a number - only three gifts are mentioned
Q71: From what direction did the Magi travel to find Jesus?
Answer: From the East - Matthew 2:1
Q72: What were the three gifts the Magi brought to Jesus?
Answer: Gold, frankincense, and myrrh - Matthew 2:11
Q73: What is frankincense?
Answer: An aromatic resin used in worship, incense, and perfume - symbolizing deity or priesthood
Q74: What is myrrh and what was it commonly used for?
Answer: A resin used for perfume, incense, medicine, and burial preparation - symbolizing death and sacrifice
Q75: What question did the Magi ask when they arrived in Jerusalem?
Answer: "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?" - Matthew 2:2
Q76: What had the Magi seen that led them on their journey?
Answer: His star rising (or appearing) in the East - Matthew 2:2
Q77: Where did the Magi actually find Jesus when they arrived?
Answer: In a house - Matthew 2:11
Q78: What Greek word describes Jesus when the Magi visited, and what does it suggest?
Answer: "Paidion" (young child), not "brephos" (infant) - suggesting Jesus was older, possibly a toddler - Matthew 2:11
Q79: What did the Magi do when they saw Jesus?
Answer: They bowed down and worshiped him - Matthew 2:11
Q80: How were the Magi warned not to return to Herod?
Answer: They were warned in a dream - Matthew 2:12
Q81: What route did the Magi take when they left?
Answer: They returned to their country by another route (avoiding Jerusalem) - Matthew 2:12
Q82: Which Gospel is the only one that tells the story of the Magi?
Answer: Only Matthew - Matthew 2:1-12
King Herod, the Flight to Egypt, and Nativity Misconceptions (Questions 83-100)
The Christmas story does not end with the manger scene. King Herod's violent response, the holy family's escape to Egypt, and the eventual return to Nazareth complete the biblical narrative. This final section of our christmas bible quiz also includes questions that challenge common christmas myths vs biblical facts.
King Herod's Troubled Response (Questions 83-88)
Q83: Which Herod was king when Jesus was born?
Answer: Herod the Great - Matthew 2:1
Q84: How did Herod react when he heard about the newborn "king of the Jews"?
Answer: He was troubled (disturbed), and all Jerusalem with him - Matthew 2:3
Q85: Who did Herod consult to learn where the Christ was to be born?
Answer: The chief priests and teachers of the law (scribes) - Matthew 2:4
Q86: What did Herod ask the Magi to do after they found the child?
Answer: Report back to him so he could go and worship the child too (though his true intent was to kill him) - Matthew 2:8
Q87: What terrible order did Herod give when the Magi did not return?
Answer: He ordered the killing of all boys two years old and under in Bethlehem and vicinity - Matthew 2:16
Q88: How did Herod determine the age limit for his decree?
Answer: Based on the time he had learned from the Magi when the star first appeared - Matthew 2:16
The Holy Family's Flight to Egypt (Questions 89-94)
Q89: How was Joseph warned to flee to Egypt?
Answer: An angel appeared to him in a dream - Matthew 2:13
Q90: When did the family leave for Egypt?
Answer: During the night (immediately after Joseph's dream) - Matthew 2:14
Q91: How long did the family stay in Egypt?
Answer: Until Herod died - Matthew 2:15
Q92: What Old Testament prophecy did the flight to Egypt fulfill?
Answer: "Out of Egypt I called my son" - Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15
Q93: Where did the family settle after returning from Egypt?
Answer: Nazareth in the region of Galilee - Matthew 2:23
Q94: Who ruled in Judea after Herod's death, causing Joseph to be afraid to return there?
Answer: Archelaus (Herod's son) - Matthew 2:22
Nativity Myths vs. Biblical Facts (Questions 95-100)
Q95: True or False: The Bible says there were exactly three wise men.
Answer: FALSE - The Bible never specifies how many Magi visited Jesus
Q96: True or False: The wise men visited Jesus at the manger along with the shepherds.
Answer: FALSE - The Magi visited later, at a house, when Jesus was a young child
Q97: True or False: The Bible describes Mary riding a donkey to Bethlehem.
Answer: FALSE - No donkey or any mode of transportation is mentioned in Scripture
Q98: True or False: An innkeeper turned Mary and Joseph away.
Answer: FALSE - No innkeeper is mentioned anywhere in the biblical account
Q99: True or False: The Bible tells us Jesus was born on December 25th.
Answer: FALSE - No date or season is given in Scripture
Q100: True or False: The angels sang to the shepherds.
Answer: Technically FALSE - Luke 2:13-14 says they "said" or "praised" God; "singing" is an assumption
How to Use These Biblical Christmas Trivia Questions
Whether you are planning a christmas bible trivia for families event or organizing activities for your church, these 100 nativity trivia questions offer endless possibilities:
For Sunday School Classes
- Use the easy questions (Shepherds, Mary and Joseph sections) for younger children
- Create age-appropriate teams and award points for correct answers
- Read the scripture references together to reinforce learning
- Focus on one section per week during the Advent season
For Family Game Night
- Divide into teams mixing adults and children
- Allow younger players to answer easier questions for bonus points
- Use the True/False section as a fun icebreaker
- Keep score and award small prizes for the winning team
For Church Christmas Parties
- Format as Christmas Bible Jeopardy with different point values
- Project questions on a screen for large groups
- Create a "Nativity Knowledge Bowl" competition between groups
- Use the myths vs. facts section for engaging discussions
For Youth Groups
- Challenge teens with the harder prophecy and Greek word questions
- Discuss why the misconceptions became popular traditions
- Create a podcast or video series exploring the answers
- Develop critical thinking about what Scripture actually says
Christmas Nativity Myths vs. Biblical Facts: Quick Reference
One of the most valuable aspects of studying biblical christmas trivia is learning to distinguish between what Scripture says and what tradition has added. Here is a quick reference table:
| Common Tradition | What the Bible Actually Says |
|---|---|
| Three wise men | Number not specified - only three gifts mentioned |
| Wise men at the manger | Magi visited a house, possibly years later |
| Mary rode a donkey | No transportation mentioned |
| Born in a stable | Only a manger is mentioned |
| Innkeeper turned them away | No innkeeper mentioned |
| Animals present at birth | No animals mentioned |
| Angels singing | "Said" or "praised" - singing not specified |
| December 25th birth | No date given in Scripture |
Understanding these distinctions does not diminish the Christmas celebration. Rather, it deepens our appreciation for what the Bible actually records about this miraculous event. For authoritative biblical study, resources like Bible Gateway and Bible Hub provide excellent tools for exploring Scripture in depth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biblical Christmas Trivia
How many wise men visited Jesus according to the Bible?
The Bible does not specify how many wise men (Magi) visited Jesus. Matthew 2:1 simply says "Magi from the east came to Jerusalem." The tradition of three wise men comes from the three gifts mentioned: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). There could have been two, five, or any other number of Magi in the group.
What gifts did the wise men bring to Jesus and what do they symbolize?
The wise men brought three gifts: gold (symbolizing royalty and kingship), frankincense (an aromatic resin used in worship, symbolizing deity or priesthood), and myrrh (a resin used for burial preparation, symbolizing death and sacrifice). These gifts foreshadowed Jesus' roles as King, God, and Savior. These gifts are recorded in Matthew 2:11.
Was Jesus born in a stable, a cave, or a house?
The Bible does not specify the exact location where Jesus was born. Luke 2:7 only mentions that Jesus was laid in a manger because there was no room in the "kataluma" (which can mean inn or guest room). The stable tradition developed because mangers were typically found in animal shelters. Some scholars suggest it may have been a lower level of a home where animals were kept, or a cave used as a shelter.
Did the wise men and shepherds visit Jesus at the same time?
No, the shepherds and Magi visited at different times. The shepherds visited Jesus the night of his birth when he was still an infant (brephos in Greek) lying in a manger (Luke 2:16). The Magi visited later when Jesus was a young child (paidion in Greek) living in a house (Matthew 2:11). Based on Herod's decree to kill children two years old and under, the Magi may have arrived up to two years after Jesus' birth.
What Old Testament prophet predicted Jesus would be born in Bethlehem?
The prophet Micah predicted Jesus would be born in Bethlehem approximately 700 years before the event. 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, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
Why did Mary and Joseph have to travel to Bethlehem?
Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus ordered a census requiring everyone to register in their ancestral town. Since Joseph was descended from King David, he had to go to Bethlehem, known as "the city of David." This journey, though difficult for Mary who was heavily pregnant, fulfilled the ancient prophecy in Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-4).
How can I use this biblical Christmas trivia for a group activity?
This trivia works perfectly for Sunday school classes, youth groups, family game nights, church Christmas parties, and Bible study groups. You can divide into teams and assign point values by difficulty, use questions as discussion starters, create a Jeopardy-style game, or work through one category per week during Advent. All answers include scripture references, making it easy to look up verses together for deeper study and discussion.
What is the difference between the nativity accounts in Matthew and Luke?
Matthew and Luke provide complementary accounts of Jesus' birth from different perspectives. Matthew focuses on Joseph's perspective, the visit of the wise men, King Herod's plot, and the family's flight to Egypt. Luke emphasizes Mary's perspective, the census journey, details about the manger, the shepherds' visit, and later events like Jesus' presentation at the temple. Together, they provide a complete picture of Jesus' birth and early life, with each Gospel emphasizing different theological themes.
Deepen Your Nativity Knowledge This Christmas Season
Gather around the Christmas tree in your cozy Christmas Pajamas, sharing laughter and insights as you dive into these biblical trivia questions with your loved ones.
You have now explored 100 biblical christmas trivia questions covering everything from ancient prophecies to the shepherds' midnight visit to common misconceptions about the nativity story. Whether you scored perfectly or discovered some surprising facts along the way, the goal has always been the same: to deepen our understanding of the true Christmas story as recorded in Scripture.
These nativity trivia questions remind us that the Christmas story is not just a sentimental tale but a carefully documented historical event that fulfilled centuries of prophecy. The humble circumstances of Jesus' birth - born to ordinary parents, laid in a feeding trough, announced first to lowly shepherds - reveal profound truths about God's character and His plan for humanity.
At PatPat, we celebrate families coming together to create meaningful traditions. What better tradition than exploring the biblical foundation of Christmas together? Use these questions to spark conversations with your children, challenge your Bible study group, or add depth to your church Christmas celebration.
As you prepare for the Christmas season, we encourage you to read the original accounts in Matthew chapters 1-2 and Luke chapters 1-2. Let the true nativity story fill your heart with wonder at the gift of Immanuel - God with us.
Share this christmas bible quiz with your Sunday school class, youth group, or family members. Print it out for your Christmas Eve gathering. And most importantly, let these questions lead you back to Scripture, where the greatest story ever told awaits you every time you open its pages.
Merry Christmas from all of us at PatPat!
Additional Resources for Biblical Christmas Study
To continue your study of the biblical Christmas story, we recommend these trusted resources:
- Luke Chapter 2 - The detailed account of Jesus' birth and the shepherds
- Matthew Chapters 1-2 - Joseph's perspective and the visit of the Magi
- World History Encyclopedia: Herod the Great - Historical context about the ruler during Jesus' birth
- Space.com: The Star of Bethlehem - Scientific perspectives on the Christmas star
