Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem on a donkey – well, maybe she rode a donkey, maybe not – who knows. It was in the dead of winter, or maybe summer or early fall or perhaps even in the spring. Upon their arrival they found lodging in a barn, in a cave, or maybe the home of a relative, but definitely not in the guest room. At the time of Jesus’ arrival a whole bunch of angels appeared to some shepherds and told the shepherds what had happened – OK one angel spoke to shepherds and then a bunch of angels showed up and ignored the shepherds because they were praising God – not singing, just praising God.

Later three Wise Men – {OK maybe it was 3, maybe 2, maybe 22 – who knows – and they were “Magi” which means magicians, astrologers, astronomer, scientists – probably wise, but . . . } rode in on camels or maybe they walked, who knows. They were guided by a star or a planet or a conjunction of planets (they would have called them wandering stars) or some other celestial light. When they arrived the baby had just been born, or maybe he was a few weeks old, or maybe he was 2 and going through that stage of life known as the “terrible twos” – Ok that went too far – Jesus did NOT put His parents through the terrible twos – I have no proof, but some things you just know. End of discussion.

My aim in this class session was not to tear down any preconceived notions about Christmas, but moreover to see that the truth of Christmas far exceeds all of the trappings and stories and events that seem to occupy this time of the year. You see, it doesn’t really matter if He was born in a cave, a barn, or a house – what matters is that He came. When we “Fact Check” Christmas we must remember that the most significant fact is that, while we were still sinners, the Father sent His only begotten Son to redeem us to Himself. Merry Christmas!

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday December 14, 2025. Handouts with class presentation content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .

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