The Archaeology of Christmas

P75 – The earliest manuscript of the Luke’s gospel, (2nd/3rd century AD). Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Many people approach the Christmas story in the Bible the same way they do the story of jolly old St. Nick.  It’s a nice tradition to celebrate during the festive season, and possibly based in some historical fact, but more myth than truth.  I mean really, shepherds seeing angels? Wisemen bringing gifts?  A virgin birth?  (You do know how babies are made, right?!).

However, the two earliest records of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth were written by a man who spent years following him (Matthew) and by a historian who carefully investigated the claims by speaking directly with eyewitnesses (Luke).  Further, they were written within the lifetime of those who actually knew Jesus: his mother, his siblings, and his disciples.¹ Peter himself said, “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we…