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 Barber explains, though some of the answers to these questions may be surprising, only by understanding the message at the heart of Christmas can we fully enter into the joy it promises. "In his brilliant and fascinating new book, Michael Barber uses the Bible, Jewish tradition, archaeology, and ancient history to shed fresh light on the true meaning and mystery of Christmas. If you’re looking for a wonderful Christmas gift for your loved ones (or yourself!), then look no further." --Brant Pitre, Distinguished Research Professor of Sacred Scripture, Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology, Author of Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist "I love this book! It is a joy to read, packed as full as a Christmas stocking with solid facts and helpful insights on the Bible, the early Church Fathers, and why we celebrate the season the way we do today." --Leslie Baynes, Associate Professor of New Testament and Second Temple Judaism, Missouri State University "As a self-described lover of and expert on Christmas, I thought that Dr. Barber's book would be a helpful review of all of the elements of the season that I am so fond of. I did not anticipate learning so much about Christmas...and I definitely did not imagine that my heart would be set on fire like it was by what I read in this book. Not only was my intellect and imagination formed by the content of Dr. Barber's book, but my love and longing for Jesus Christ was enkindled by his words. This is not merely my new favorite book by Michael Barber, it is my new favorite book on Christmas." --Fr. Mike Schmitz, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth and Chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth Michael Barber, Ph.D. , is Associate Professor of Scripture & Theology at the Augustine Institute in Greenwood Village, Colorado. The True Meaning of Christmas: The Birth of Jesus and the Origins of the Season (Hardcover)