What is the term for the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and of the Virgin Mary?

• A. Nativity
• B. Incarnation
• C. Epiphany
• D. Annunciation

Answer: (A)

The birth of Jesus is called the Nativity. This term focuses on the event of Jesus being born, traditionally celebrated at Christmas and often depicted in scenes of the manger, shepherds, and angels. It distinguishes the birth from other moments in the Christian story: the Incarnation is the belief that the divine Word became flesh in Jesus, a broader theological idea rather than just the birth event; the Annunciation is when the angel Gabriel told Mary she would conceive Jesus; and Epiphany refers to the revelation of Jesus to the world, such as the visit of the Magi, after his birth. So, the Nativity is the best match for describing the birth itself.