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Christmas

The Original Story
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Christmas the Original Story by Margaret Barker delves into the biblical and historical origins of the Christmas narratives. Beginning with John's Gospel, it explores stories from Luke, Matthew, and apocryphal texts, illuminating figures like the wise men, Herod, and the holy family. The book also examines the development of Orthodox Christmas iconography and links the Christmas story with traditions from the Coptic Church and the Koran, offering an accessible yet scholarly perspective on Old Testament prophecy and early Christian thought.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3399
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book suits readers keen on biblical scholarship, religious history, and the theological foundations of Christmas traditions.

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Explores the nature of the Christmas stories and the nature and use of Old Testament prophecy. Beginning with John's account, this book includes Luke and Matthew, the apocryphal gospels, and the traditions of the Coptic Church, to throw light upon wise men and their gifts, the character of Herod, and Matthew's use of prophecy.

Margaret Barker's temple researches reveal previously undetected patterns and fresh significance in the New Testament references to the birth of Jesus Christ

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In Christmas the Original Story, Margaret Barker explores the nature of the Christmas stories and the nature and use of Old Testament prophecy.

Beginning with John's account, it then goes on to include Luke and Matthew, the apocryphal gospels, and the traditions of the Coptic Church, to throw light upon wise men and their gifts, the character of Herod, Matthew's use of prophecy, and the holy family in Egypt.

This book also discusses the stories we get from the Infancy Gospel of Jesus and the development of the Orthodox Christmas icon, as well as the Christmas story and the Mary material in the Koran.

This is an accessible book based on scholarly work.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

John McDade, Principal of Heythrop College, University of London, praises Barker's work, stating that her interpretation of temple theology is essential reading for those interested in Judaism and the origins of Christian faith.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780281060504

Publisher: SPCK Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 October 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: SPCK Publishing

Illustration: black & white illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 266g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Margaret Barker is a well-known and high-selling author and former president of the Society for Old Testament study. She is a member of the ecumenical Patriarch's Symposium on Religion, Science and the Environment and a Methodist Local Preacher. She is the author of major and influential works such as The Great High Priest (2003), The Revelation of Jesus Christ (2000) and The Risen Lord (1996). Her Temple Theology (2004) was short listed for the Michael Ramsey Prize, and she was awarded the honour of a Lambeth degree in 2008.

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  • Temple Theology
    Margaret Barker believes that Christianity developed so quickly because it was a return to far older faith - far older than the Greek culture that is long-held to have influenced Christianity. Temple Theology explains that the preaching of the gospel and the early Christian faith grew out of the centuries' old Hebrew longing for God's original Temple. These longings form...
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