by Michael Patrick Barber

• Biblical Studies & Commentaries

• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Published: 2021

Publisher's Description

What does the Bible really say about the birth of Jesus? How did the celebration of Christmas become associated with things like Santa Claus and decorated trees? In The True Meaning of Christmas: The Birth of Jesus and the Origins of the Season, biblical scholar Michael Patrick Barber offers an inspiring look at the Bible's accounts of Jesus' birth and the development of the Christmas season. Along the way, he answers numerous questions, including: • How is the Christmas story related to ancient Jewish expectations? • Why is Jesus said to be laid in a "manger"? • Who are the Magi? • What is the mysterious Christmas star? • How did December 25th become the date of Christmas? • How did Saint Nicholas become "Santa Claus"? As Barber explains, though some of the answers to these questions may be surprising, only by understanding the message at the heart of Christmas can we fully enter into the joy it promises. Contents Summary "I'll Be Home for Christmas": An Introduction The Magic of Christmas The True Meaning of Christmas Christmas as "Christ's Mass" What Everyone Should Know About Christmas "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel": Ancient Jewish Hopes for a Messiah Captive Israel Jewish Expectations for a Messiah Freedom from Sin "Let Nothing You Dismay": Gabriel's Announcement to Zechariah Zechariah's Temple Service and Gabriel's Appearance The God Who Answers Prayers Prepare the Way of the Lord "Christ Is Born of Mary": Gabriel's Announcement to Mary Christ the Lord Full of Grace The Lord Is with You "Round Yon Virgin": Why a Virgin Mother A Virgin Shall Conceive Mary as Virgin The New Creation "What Child Is This?": Joseph and His Dilemma The Royal Carpenter Joseph's Response to Mary's Pregnancy Joseph's Example of Faith "Away in a Manger": Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem The Little Town of Bethlehem The Manger Scene The Manger and the Bread of Life "Angels We Have Heard on High": The Shepherds in the Fields Why Shepherds Tidings of Comfort and Joy Heaven's Army and Peace on Earth "Star of Wonder": The Mysterious Magi Who Are the Magi? The Christmas Star The Cradle and the Cross "Christ Our God to Earth Descending": The Historical Figure of Jesus The Claims of Jesus Mythicists Jesus in Historical Memory The Gospels and History "The First Nowell": How December 25 Became Christmas The Time of Jesus' Birth in the Gospel of Luke Christmas and Paganism Ancient Attempts to Date Jesus' Birth The Winter Solstice "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas": The Development of the Christmas Celebration Christmas as a Season Celebrating Christmas Among the Pagans The War on Christmas