The Wonder of Christmas: Books by Kenneth P. Lenz

By Kenneth P. Lenz

This brief book explores several of the wonders of Christmas.  Particular support is offered for the credibility of the "virgin birth," the genealogy of Jesus entitling him to the "throne of David," the magi ("wise men") seeing a "star" that they viewed as announcing the birth of a King, and other fascinating details.  The book is intended to encourage our faith and gratitude to be lifted in worshipping the Christ of Christmas--anytime of the year.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Agape Book Ministries
• Release date: Apr 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224172269

Book preview

Introduction

The Christmas story is a true story, and filled with wonder and awe.  A number of events related to the story, however, are interpreted by many people as being incredible––in the true sense of that word, meaning lacking in credibility.  Therefore, this essay is being written and offered as a brief book to answer questions a skeptic may have, as well as to encourage the faith of those who believe, and to draw all readers to be in awe over God’s provision.

I would encourage you to have your own Bible at hand so as to read the context of passages surrounding the verses we will consider.  For this essay, I will be quoting from the New King James Version of the Bible, which is selected for several reasons.  First, it is one of the more literal of the newer translations offered, and even italicizes words the translators inserted so as to make the passage more readable in English––and with integrity, thereby identifying words inserted.  (Note, this is not to be confused with the literal words that I have in bold italics for emphasis.)  Second, while the NKJV is based on the various Greek texts available (and not just the Textus Receptus), it remains closer to the beloved King James Version––yet without antiquated words.  Third, while the Greek texts did not differentiate between upper- and lower-case letters, the NKJV does, reverently, capitalize names and pronouns for God, which is most appropriate in God’s Word.

Each year we hear the Christmas story, and increasingly we can lose the awe and wonder of God’s marvelous provision of a Savior.  So let us focus on the wonder and amazement of God’s gift to us of His precious Son.  This is the real meaning of Christmas.  Later in this essay we will consider questions regarding which census was being referred to in Luke’s Gospel account, and what the star may have been that led the wise men to travel to the Holy Land, as recorded in Matthew’s account.  But first, we will consider more basic issues such as whether Mary was truly a virgin when Jesus was conceived in her womb, and what His name was to be, and why such a small hamlet as Bethlehem was the birthplace for the Son of God.

Do you ever wonder why God chose a poor peasant girl to give birth to the King of Kings; rather than the daughter of a rich aristocrat?  Do you ever wonder why circumstances led to this One who was destined to be the Lamb of God being born in a stable; rather than in a palace, or even in just a home or an inn?  And that the only suitable bed for this Holy Infant was a feeding trough for animals; rather than a crib worthy the Creator of our universe?  Do you ever wonder why the angels appeared to low-class shepherds out on a hillside of Bethlehem; rather than to the priests and rabbis of Jerusalem, or to the rulers and governors of Palestine?  Yes,