Days grow shorter, rain turns to sleet, and nature’s creatures are forced into hibernation. Winter is here; when the world wages war on us, through darkness, danger, and impending depression. But from the clouds of winter’s despair, therein shines a light: gatherings among families and friends, spirits of fellowship and forgiveness, and scenes of feasts and festivities.

It is Christmas, who shepherds us together – when we would otherwise be apart – and spares us from the cold, and into loving arms. As we shall see, the festival of Christmas has snowballed with the passing of many winters – from the early celebrations of the Romans and Vikings to the Christian nativity and commercialisation – but what has held this snowball together?

Let us burn candles, logs, and line our homes with dancing lights; let us bring in trees and celebrate the hope of new life; and let us give generously and extend goodwill to our neighbours here, and around the world.

Contents

Part I. The Nativity

Part II. The Nativity Continued

Part III. Further Analysis and Discussion

Links

Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives (book)

Raymond E. Brown, The Birth of the Messiah: A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke (book)

Judith Flanders, Christmas: A History (book)

Bruce Forbes, Christmas: A Candid History (book)

Brent Landau, Revelation of the Magi: The Lost Tale of the Wise Men's Journey to Bethlehem (book)

Robert J. Miller, Born Divine: The Births of Jesus and Other Sons of God (book)

Richard C. Trexler, The Journey of the Magi: Meanings in History of a Christian Story (book)

Attributions

The following sounds were used with the permission of the copyright holder.

Medieval City, OGsoundFX; Night Farmfields, klankbeeld; Baby Breath, m3fuss; all other sounds were produced by Epidemic Sound and The Panpsycast.

Episode 125, The Christmas Special (Part...