Christmas

British Sign Language (BSL) translations of Christmas carols and for words and phrases related to advent and Christmas. Our videos are presented by Deaf BSL users who are practising Christians. The presenting team includes professional translators and interpreters, church leaders, and tutors. You can download our videos of Christmas carols in British Sign Language (BSL) to include them in online and onsite carol services, Bible studies, school assemblies, nativity plays, church groups, workshops, and similar. Find out how.

Christ (-Jesus) – RCS

Roman Catholic sign

A British Sign Language (BSL) translation of Christ (-Christ). A Roman Catholic sign for Christ. The second person of the Trinity; the Son of God.

The name Jesus comes from the Hebrew-Aramaic word Yeshua, which means “Yahweh (the Lord) is salvation.” Christ is actually a title for Jesus, it comes from the Greek word Christos, meaning “the Anointed One”. Yeshua was a common alternative form of the name Yehoshua (Joshua).

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Conceived (by the Holy Spirit)

A British Sign Language (BSL) translation of Conceived (by the Holy Spirit). The conception of Jesus, in Mary’s womb, without sexual intercourse, leading to what’s known as the Virgin Birth of Jesus.

It is a common mistaken belief that the term Immaculate Conception refers to the Virgin Mary conceiving Jesus without having sexual intercourse. However, the term Immaculate Conception in fact refers to Mary herself having been born free from original sin.

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Crook (Hooked staff)

A British Sign Language (BSL) translation of Crook (Hooked staff). A hooked stick used by shepherds to catch or restrain sheep, and carried by bishops.

See also: Staff (Stick) and Rod and Staff and Staff (Employees) and Bishop and Bishop – Roman Catholic sign and Suffragan Bishop and Archbishop and Mitre and Shepherd and Good Shepherd (-The)

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Donkey

A British Sign Language (BSL) translation of Donkey. A hoofed mammal in same family as the horse. In the lead up to Easter we read that Jesus rode on a donkey in what’s known as The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. As he entered the city the crowd shouted: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”. While we often see a donkey featured in the Christmas Nativity, there’s no mention in the Bible of a donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem.

Biblical references include: Genesis 22:3, Exodus 20:17, and Matthew 21:2

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Egypt

A British Sign Language (BSL) translation of Egypt. A country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia. Joseph, of technicolor coat fame, was sold to be a slave to Potiphar, who was the chief officer of King Pharaoh’s guard in Egypt. Egypt is the country from which Moses led the Jews from slavery via the Red Sea. After the birth of Jesus, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt to escape the order issued by King Herod that all the baby boys in Bethlehem and in the surrounding area who were two years old or younger should be killed.

Biblical references include: Genesis 42:1, Exodus 3:10, Matthew 2:19

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Frankincense

A British Sign Language (BSL) translation of Frankincense. An aromatic resin used in anointing and burnt offerings; symbolises priesthood.

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