25 Not Impossible Catholic Trivia Questions
By Andrew Hansen
To celebrate Christmas, let’s see how much you know! Here are 25 questions about the events leading up to Christmas, the day of Christmas, time after Christmas, Christmas traditions, and more. Play against yourself or your spouse or family members!
Answers are at the bottom.
- What is the name of the Angel that appeared to Mary announcing that she would conceive Jesus?
- What Old Testament prophet predicted that the Messiah would be born of a virgin?
- Who was Elizabeth, the relative of Mary, pregnant with at the same time as Mary. This baby also leapt for joy in the womb when Mary, while pregnant, visited Elizabeth.
- Which two Gospels include the birth narrative of Jesus?
- Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem?
- The word Bethlehem is an ancient Hebrew name that translates to what?
- What does the term "Incarnation" mean in Christian theology?
- Who were the first people to visit the infant Jesus after His birth?
- What gifts did the wise men (magi) bring to Jesus?
- What is the theological significance of the Magi’s three gifts to Jesus?
- What are the names of the three wisemen (magi) by tradition?
- What is the significance of the number 12 in the "12 Days of Christmas?”
- Where did Mary and Joseph flee with Jesus to escape Herod’s order to kill infants?
- What does the name "Emmanuel" mean?
- Around 336 AD, the practice of celebrating Jesus’ birth on December 25 started. Who was the leader of the Roman empire at the time and for a bonus point, who was the Pope?
- What feast is celebrated on January 1 in the Catholic Church and is a Holy Day of Obligation?
- Who was the first Christian martyr whose feast is celebrated on December 26?
- What saint is credited with establishing the tradition of giving Christmas gifts to the poor and who Santa Claus is based on?
- Which saint is credited with popularizing the Nativity scene (crèche) as part of Christmas celebrations?
- In what country did the custom of the Christmas tree originate?
- Who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when Jesus was presented in the Temple?
- What is the liturgical color used in the Catholic Church during Christmas?
- What is the reason for the custom of midnight Mass?
- What feast is celebrated 40 days after Christmas in Catholic tradition?
- What is the connection between the manger and the Eucharist?