This is the sacred story of the beginning of the life of Jesus Christ, including Isaiah's prophecy and its fulfillment, the announcement to Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, the adoration of the shepherds, and Christ's birth in a manger.
After Jesus is born Joseph and Mary remain in Bethlehem where He is recognized as the Christ child. Three Magi travel to honor Him. Herod, fearful of losing his reign, orders the Massacre of the Innocents. The Holy family escapes to Egypt.
Starting with the return from Egypt, explore Jesus's home and scholarly training and His visit to the Temple, as well as the advent of Governor Pontius Pilate, the introduction of John the Baptist, and a vivid depiction of Jesus's baptism.
John the Baptist's testimony declaring Jesus the Son of God is followed by Jesus's baptism. Soon, Christ seeks solitude in the wilderness for 40 days and nights and experiences three temptations. John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod.
The challenge Christ faces as He begins His ministry with Peter, Andrew, James, and John gains much fervor. John the Baptist is secretly visited in prison by friends. Jesus invites Matthew, a tax collector, to become one of his disciples.
Discipleship indicates the meaning of being a Christian. Experience the moment in time when multitudes began to follow Jesus, as well as how, after a night in prayer, Jesus chose twelve disciples who he names Apostles.
Examine the ways in which Jesus's contemporaries accepted or rejected Him, including the healing of the Centurian's servant, the marriage at Cana, the rejection at Nazareth, Nicodemus's midnight visit and the parable of the good Samaritan.
Despite an ever-worsening political climate that would eventually lead to Christ's crucifixion, Jesus's words and deeds endure. Returning to Galilee, Jesus sends the Apostles out on their first missionary journey to spread the word of God.
Jesus sends the imprisoned John the Baptist a message of affirmation that He is indeed the Messiah. Herodias, unconvinced of Christ's sincerity, seizes upon an opportunity to have John executed during a banquet held by King Herod.
Jesus withdraws with the 12 Apostles to lands outside Herod's jurisdiction where He reveals to them that they represent the Church and predicts His death and resurrection. Soon, Jesus's entry into Jerusalem is halted at the Temple gates.
Experience Christ's triumphal Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem, the cleansing of the Temple, the sinister scheming and betrayal of Christ by Caiaphas and Judas, the Last Supper, and the trial of Jesus.
From the cross of Calvary and Jesus's crucifixion to the mysterious events surrounding His tomb, the magnificence of the resurrection is brought to light, including Christ's reappearance to His disciples in the upper room.