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Home > Magazines > Bible Review > October 1994

A Political Christmas Story

Luke presents Jesus’ birth as a political message. But it is not the birth of an emperor that ushers in an era of peace: Rather it is the birth of a child in Bethlehem.

By Helmut Koester

The Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke (2:1–21) is probably the best known text in the entire New Testament. It is read every year in Christian churches on Holy Eve or Christmas Day, often performed by Sunday school children and enlivened by hymns. The story is beautiful and romantic: Joseph and Mary come from Nazareth in Galilee in the midst of winter over the mountains of Judea to the little town of Bethlehem; the stable cradles the babe; the ox and donkey look on while shepherds gather by night with their flocks; peace is proclaimed on earth; angels sing […]

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