Ok, I was a little overly pessimistic about my odds of writing more this week. Since it’s Christmas Eve, I just wanted to take the opportunity to share a series of blog posts I did waaaayyyy back in 2015, titled “Myths of the Nativity.” Back then, I was much more into engaging Scripture via historical criticism, so those posts are heavy on that kind of thing. Being much more orthodox in my faith today, I don’t necessarily agree with everything I wrote back then, but they are interesting posts, in my opinion. Here’s how I described my goal in writing these back then:
Studying the text alongside commentaries and analysis reveals the shaky factual foundation of such things as the Roman census, the location of Bethlehem, the appearance of the magi, the identities and attributes of Mary and Joseph, the Virgin Birth, and the date of December 25th. The question emerges, what is left of Advent and Christmas when this foundation is shaken? How can we find meaning and power in a story that largely appears to be myth and embellishment?
There are seven posts in all, on these topics:
- Introduction
- Mary, Joseph and the Virgin Birth
- Bethlehem vs. Nazareth
- The Adoration: Magi and Shepherds
- the Flight to Egypt and Herod’s Decree
- The Meaning of December 25th, Christmas Trees, Advent
- Jolly Old St. Nick
Enjoy reading, and Merry Christmas Eve!
Today’s Song: “Grow” by The Oh Hello’s
I’m going to spend the next week or so, before the turn of the new year, highlighting some of the top songs from Apple Music Replay. These are the songs that were on my list more than any others this year. First up, my favorite song by one of my favorite bands in the world.
Justin DaMetz 