Snakes, Saints and Brothels: The Truth about Christmas

Was Jesus really born in a manger? Why do we bring a tree into our homes at Christmas? And how did Santa become the patron saint of pawnbrokers? In a new book, Mark Forsyth examines the myths and traditions of Christmas.

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The Nativity

The only New Testament gospels with a Nativity in are Matthew and Luke, which were probably written some time around AD80-90 – around half a century after Jesus’s death. Let’s start with Luke. It’s the story we all know. Joseph and Mary are living in Nazareth when Mary becomes pregnant by the Holy Spirit, but there’s a census and they have to go to Bethlehem. When they get there, there’s no room at the inn. So Mary gives birth in a stable and lays the baby Jesus in a manger. Then some shepherds who were abiding in the fields see an angel who tells them to go down to the stable. They do and everyone is much amazed. That’s the Christmas story and we all know it well.

Now, Matthew. Mary and Joseph are living in Bethlehem. In a house. Mary then becomes pregnant by the Holy Spirit. She gives birth. Then some Magi come from the East, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Magi stop off in Jerusalem and ask King Herod where the Messiah will be born, and Herod tells them to have a look in Bethlehem and report back. The Magi go to Bethlehem, find the house and hand over the gifts; but they’re warned in a dream not to report back to Herod, so they don’t. Herod gets angry and orders that all the children of Bethlehem should be killed. Mary and Joseph are warned in a dream and flee to Egypt. Then they decide to come back to Judaea, but as Bethlehem is still too dangerous, they move to Nazareth.