What's True About Christmas? Updated: What's True About

By R Frederick Riddle

This is the updated version of the original What's True About Christmas?

There is a great deal of confusion about the Christmas story.

What is true?

And what is fiction?

Learn the truth regarding the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When was He born and what is significant about His birth?

• Language: English
• Publisher: T&R Independent Books
• Release date: Dec 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215090749

R Frederick Riddle

R. Frederick Riddle loved writing long before publishing his first book in 2003. Over the years he has established himself as a writer of Bible based books. A student of the Bible as well as a student of writing, he has now written six books of the World That Was series, plus he is now writing the nonfiction series What’s True About. What’s True About Easter is the second of the series and compliments What’s True About Christmas, the first book of the series which examines the traditional nativity scene and other interesting facts.

Book preview

Ancient Jewish Calendar

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This is the basis for the Jewish calendar.

Traditional Nativity Scene

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On the opposite page you see the traditional nativity scene. When you compare it with others you may see some differences, but this is essentially what they all encompass.

Here is what you see:

A Star

Sometimes called the Star of Bethlehem, it is crucial to the story, and I personally like it, although it is generally represented by a star on top of a Christmas tree. But in whatever manner it is depicted, was it really part of the birth of Christ? What was its significance?

Speaking of the Christmas tree, I remember many a Christmas where such a star was placed on top of the Christmas tree along with light bulbs and other decorations. As a kid it was part of the excitement. But was that appropriate?

Joseph & Mary

It is interesting that we really don’t know much about either Mary or Joseph. Joseph was a carpenter. This was not a trade where you made a lot of money, but apparently, he made enough to be comfortable.

Mary is depicted in scripture as a godly woman, but beyond that our knowledge suffers.

How old was Mary? How old was Joseph? I have heard different ages, but do we know? Were either one in the Davidic line?

Baby Jesus in a manger

It is not a nativity scene without the manger. But why a manger? What’s the story behind it?

The manger points to their poverty and inability to find a room for themselves. But what do we know about that night?

Shepherds

Ever seen a nativity scene without shepherds? Neither have I. The Bible mentions them, but what do they tell us about Jesus’ birth? What do we know about the sheep themselves? This is an intriguing study in itself.

These shepherds play a definite role in events surrounding Jesus’ birth. We will find that they tell us a lot not only about that night but about the actual date of His birth. And it might amaze you! At the very least it will inform you.

Three Magi bearing gifts

Almost all nativity scenes include the three kings or the Magi. But what do we know about who they were? Where were they from? Why did they come?

This nativity scene starts showing up right after Thanksgiving and goes to December 25th or maybe beyond by a few days. It is the traditional picture.

I enjoy seeing the nativity scene on display, especially those that are lit up at night. It is a very enjoyable sight that some people have invested a lot of time, money, and energy setting up. And we get to see them for free!

If this is the true or correct scene or depiction of that night, then it not only entertains you but tells you a great deal about Jesus’ birth. But it also raises the question as follows: is this the true Christmas Story?

Was Jesus even born on Christmas Day? This book is written to separate fact from fiction and give you a better picture of the Birth of Jesus Christ and its meaning.

The cover that I chose for this book is fictional. But there are other fictions that are not so obvious. Some of these fall under the heading of traditions. So, I will be addressing some traditions as we travel through the book.

I enjoy watching Christmas themed movies, especially the one about Santa Claus going on trial because he believes he is Santa. In other words, I enjoy the fictional aspects of Christmas as much as anyone else.

The fact is that Christmas means many things to a lot of people. Some don’t care what it means, but some care although they are misinformed.

I believe that truth is more exciting than fiction. I have written a number of novels which consists of fiction overlaying facts. Historical fiction exists because we don’t know the real stories behind the facts, so we create stories that might be true.

But in dealing with nonfiction, fiction is only used if it helps clarify the facts. To create a picture. Thus, you will find a few instances where I have used fiction to portray or bring to life the known facts.

This book is written with the purpose of presenting facts that may or may not alter your understanding of what the truth is about Christmas. I simply want you to be able to compare the facts with what you believe. The rest is between you and God.

Questions to Ponder

Answers in Recapping Questions

At the close of each chapter hereafter, you will find questions regarding the content within the chapter. You will be given the opportunity to answer the questions. Answers are found in ‘Recapping Questions to Ponder’.

I hope you not only read the