Every year around this time the same questions arise, among both Christians and non-Christians: when and where was Jesus really born? Is Christmas secretly a pagan holiday? And what's the deal with the chubby guy in red?
Since the biblical narrative often gets blended with extrabiblical tradition, art, and carols, I'm going to clear up the confusion with a bit of background info, a dash of mythbusting — and some surprising discoveries along the way. |
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Bible News The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news |
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December 20 — English Heritage has retracted claims that Christmas Day originated from the pagan Roman festival of Sol Invictus, acknowledging the theory's historical inaccuracies. Early Christians celebrated December 25 as Christ's birth based on the belief that Jesus was conceived on March 25. Historians have debunked the Sol Invictus connection, noting its celebration on December 25 emerged nearly a century after Christians adopted the date. (Christian Today) |
| December 21 — Templar Media has acquired Bible X, the Norwegian studio behind the Bible-based video game Gate Zero. This semi open-world action-adventure game combines historical and sci-fi elements, allowing players to explore biblical events through time travel. The acquisition provides expanded resources for development, marketing, and distribution, with plans to launch on major gaming platforms. Templar's future projects aim to meet the growing demand for high-quality, faith-based entertainment. (Christian Daily) |
| December 21 — Christian influencers are reaching younger audiences online, offering their own biblically informed guidance on topics often overlooked in traditional sermons. Podcasts and social media personalities address personal struggles, faith, and cultural issues that resonate with Millennials and Gen Z, though they sometimes struggle to navigate thorny political issues. Still, some leaders warn about their celebrity status, noting that many such influencers have no training in biblical teaching or ministry. (AP) |
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| Access an additional $3,100 worth of resources and go even deeper in your Bible study. Try it free for 7 days |
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Most of us don't actually read the Bible.
Sure, we might read the "Verse of the Day" or follow along with a devotional or even review our notes from last Sunday's sermon, but when it really comes down to reading it like a book, we fall flat.
We know we're supposed to read the Bible. We even want to read it. But a lot of the time it gets pushed to the side with our busy schedules and we chalk it up to "reading it one day." As if it's only a history book that doesn't offer insight into our current situations.
But the problem is much deeper than poor time management and the busyness of life. It's how we have been taught to interact with Scripture. |
| If you're anything like me, it's easy to set high expectations when it comes to setting a new goal. Especially with something like Bible reading, it can be both exciting and intimidating!
Without some kind of guide, it's so easy to lose your way. That's why solid Bible study tools are so important. They give you a path to follow, helping you get the most out of your quiet time with God and understand how all those different stories fit together into one great story.
With so many choices in the Bible study market, this article will help you sort through the many options with curated recommendations depending on your needs. |
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This study from Proverbs 31 Ministries is about uncomplicating your prayer life. We'll explore thirty psalms together, gaining insights into how these prayers provide words for our own—whether we're seeking joy, expressing gratitude, grappling with sorrow, or searching for answers. Through them, we are reminded that God doesn't expect perfection when we come to Him. He just asks us to come. Get your free gift with purchase when you order now. |
| The Prayer Bible guides you in praying the life-giving Word of God, giving you the words to pray even when you don't know what to pray. With the help of 1200 prompts, you can pray through every chapter of Scripture for a deep, personal engagement with the Bible. Order today and receive a free gift with purchase. |
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Devotionals and Reading Plans Sign up to get daily inspiration, biblical themes, and guided studies that allow you to engage with Scripture in a meaningful and practical way. |
| Bible Gateway App Connect with God's Word anytime, anywhere. | | Bible Audio App Listen to God's word in your favorite narration. Enjoy features such as setting a timer, adjusting the speed, or repeating verses to better absorb the Word of God. |
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| Save up to 60% on faith-building books, journals, Bibles, and devotionals-- perfect for getting the new year started! Plus, get a FREE "Start the New Year in the Word" Resource Kit with every purchase. |
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*All prices are USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The 7-day free trial is available to new subscribers only. *FaithGateway sale price ends on 12/29/25 at 11:59 PM. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii. *Sale price ends on 12/31/25 at 11:59 PM CST. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. Shipping, gift cards, or customization of products does not qualify towards minimum purchase requirements. Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Free Resource Kit delivered via email for every purchase through 12/31/25 at 11:59 PM CST. This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by Bible Gateway, 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this message because you signed up to receive updates and offers from Bible Gateway and its sponsors. If you have questions or comments about
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*The Bible Gateway Plus sale is valid through December 8, 2025. All prices are USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The 7-day free trial is available to new subscribers only. *FaithGateway sale price ends on 12/29/25 at 11:59 PM. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii. *Sale price ends on 12/31/25 at 11:59 PM CST. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. Shipping, gift cards, or customization of products does not qualify towards minimum purchase requirements. Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Free Resource Kit delivered via email for every purchase through 12/31/25 at 11:59 PM CST. This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by Bible Gateway, 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this message because you signed up to receive updates and offers from Bible Gateway and its sponsors. If you have questions or comments about
this email, please contact us. VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER ► Manage all Bible Gateway subscriptions Opt Out of all Bible Gateway communication |
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