asured Christian holiday and at the same time, one of the least understood. Research suggests that large numbers of Americans are confused about the central reason for the holiday. Even evangelical believers cannot agree that the birth of Jesus is the most important factor of this national observance. Modern American culture has challenged the religious importance of Christmas. The media and retail stores have helped suppress the religious emphasis by asserting "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas."

So, the question is, "What is the truth about Christmas?" Is it found in the season's holiday music? Is the meaning in decorated trees and lighted city streets? Does commercialized gift-giving explain the purpose of the holiday? Perhaps it resides in Santa Claus and his magic-flying reindeer. So, where do we find the value in a holiday titled Christmas? The truth is found in the pages of the New Testament. Angels, shepherds, magi, a Jewish king, and the Roman Empire all play a part in the validity of the holiday.

How was Christmas planned in heaven? What does Scripture say about the incarnation? How did the shepherds find the Christ child in the darkness of a city without streetlights? How many magi arrived in Jerusalem to seek the new king? Where did they travel from? Why did they make the journey? What binds all these issues together around the birth of a baby in a small insignificant village? This volume presents the truth about an event the entire world uses to date its calendar.