The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.

Kelly turns to the infancy narratives to see what the New Testament says about the Nativity. He also reveals that Christmas celebrations, cards, pageants, and crches are often combinations and embellishments of the gospel narratives.

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 Dr. Barber will show, to find our way "home" at Christmas, we need to first return to Christmas's home in the story of the Bible. Only by carefully reflecting on the stories of Jesus' birth can we hope to celebrate Christmas in the way it is meant to be celebrated and discover the real joy it promises!

This text aims to offer children the opportunity to feel the excitement of the shepherds as they searched for and found God's son.

The story of the Nativity is read in homes, schools, and churches all through Advent, year after year. The emotion and detail in Anne Yvonne Gilbert's exquisite illustrations will make this picture book of the first Christmas stand out in the memory with all the awe and splendor that the birth of Jesus evokes. The retelling follows the traditional sequence of episodes and echoes the language of the Gospels themselves.

This beautiful, fresh new telling of the Nativity story, through the eyes of a young girl, brings wonderful humanity to this familiar tale. Bethlehem has never been so busy! Leah, the innkeeper's daughter businessman off her feet. Then in the starlight miracles begin.