Popular and beloved author J. Ellsworth Kalas presents new insight into the biblical story of Christmas. Kalas approaches the season through the "back side"--through a unique starting point, a creative retelling, a new "lens," or the eyes of a minor character. Kalas's creative approach both clarifies basic teachings and introduces new possibilities of meaning, even for those who are most familiar with the Christmas story. Enriched with contemporary illustrations and personal experiences, this volume will provide new perspectives. J. Ellsworth Kalas (1923-2015) was the author of over 35 books, including the popular Back Side series, A Faith of Her Own: Women of the Old Testament, Strong Was Her Faith: Women of the New Testament, I Bought a House on Gratitude Street, and the Christian Believer study, and was a presenter on DISCIPLE videos. He was part of the faculty of Asbury Theological Seminary since 1993, formerly serving as president and then as senior professor of homiletics. He was a United Methodist pastor for 38 years and also served five years in evangelism with the World Methodist Council. Christmas from the Back Side By J. Ellsworth Kalas Abingdon Press Copyright © 2003 Abingdon Press All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-687-02706-4 Contents INTRODUCTION, CHAPTER 1: The Scandal of Christmas GENESIS 3:1-10, CHAPTER 2: Three Votes for an Early Christmas ISAIAH 9:2-7; MICAH 5:2-5a; JOB 9:25-33, CHAPTER 3: Christmas Comes to a Back Fence LUKE 1:39-45, CHAPTER 4: Celebrating Christmas in a Hotel LUKE 2:1-7, CHAPTER 5: How the Government Helped the First Christmas Happen LUKE 2:1-7; MATTHEW 2:1-8, CHAPTER 6: Christmas and the Impossible Dream MATTHEW 2:1-12, CHAPTER 7: Christmas Comes to a Church LUKE 2:22-32, STUDY GUIDE, CHAPTER 1 The Scandal of Christmas GENESIS 3:1-10: Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" He said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." I 'm quite sure my title has offended you. Believe me, I mean no offense nor do I intend to shock. I suppose that sometimes the preacher in me has used a title to shock, but not this time. In truth, my only aim is to give you an honest title. I'm about to say something that needs to be said at Christmastime, something that is not often mentioned. Christmas began with a scandal. It's easy to avoid this scandal, because the occasion of Christmas itself is bathed in so much loveliness. Think of the pictures, whether graphic or verbal. There's a Baby; what could be lovelier? And a star; of course, that has a heavenward pull. And there are angels singing, and wise men on a quest. The manger itself, if truth be told, was not a pretty place, but our artists through the ages have kindly hidden its distasteful elements in mystical shadows. And besides, in our increasingly urban age, a manger speaks of a simpler, quieter world, so that even its crudeness adds to the mystique of loveliness. But the church calendar has prepared us for the Christmas scandal, and as a result, so has some of the music related to that calendar. I'm speaking of Advent, the season celebrated in the church since the sixth century. In liturgical churches, the color of Advent is purple, symbolic of repentance. It is in that mood of repentance that earnest Christians over scores of generations have prepared themselves for the celebration of our Lord's coming by reminding themselves of our great need for a Savior. We modern and postmodern Christians don't easily get into that mood. At Christmas, we're planning festivities, and the music around us encourages it. Not just "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and "Jingle Bell Rock," but the festive church music. You may hear "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night" in a shopping mall, bu