1

Where is the Christmas story in the Bible?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked December 22 2013 Stringio Ricky Chapman Supporter

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

1
Closeup Jennifer Rothnie Supporter Housewife, Artist, Perpetually Curious
'The Christmas Story' is a phrase that many use to refer to Christ's birth. It pulls from the events of Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:1-20, and often takes from tradition as well. Usually, this telling merges many events into a compressed timeline (such as having the magi at Christ's birth). Actual events may be stylized by the addition of traditions (Mary on a Donkey, the magi being three kings, a cold winter's day, a bright star over the manger, etc) 

'The Christmas story' may also refer to telling a story about Christ's birth around Christmastime.

"The Christmas Story", of itself, is nowhere found in the Bible. Christmas is not mentioned in the Bible, and was not an existent celebration until a few centuries after. Christmas slowly took the place of many of the pagan solstice celebrations of the time, merging them together, until it was eventually mandated to keep by the Roman Empire.

For public use (church, general public, among friends of various beliefs, etc) it is probably best not to overuse the term 'Christmas Story' for Christ's birth as it links the two as if they were the same thing.

In summary: The story of Christ's birth is not the same thing as "the Christmas story", but "The Christmas Story" is a stylized account of Christ's birth.

[By analogy: Jesus' crucifixion is not the movie 'the Passion of the Christ', but 'The Passion of the Christ' is a stylized portrayal of Christ's last week].

July 24 2014 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


0
My picture Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church
Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20. 

Good question, Ricky Chapman!

December 25 2022 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining