Journey to the Manger

Book excerpt: Journey to the Manger explores the New Testament’s various accounts of the birth of Jesus: their origins in Old Testament prophecies, the genealogies, the angelic announcements, the journeys and arrivals, and the aftermath of Jesus’ birth for the powerful and the poor alike. Engaging seriously with biblical and historical criticism, Paula Gooder uncovers key similarities running through the Gospel writers’ accounts and focuses on their shared understanding of the significant events they describe. Her detailed exploration of the texts is a gold mine for preaching and teaching, and will breathe new life into the familiar Christmas stories heard year after year in churches, hymn sings, and nativity plays. Devotional reflections and discussion questions also make this ideal for personal and group study. Rooted in the conviction that greater understanding of the Bible leads to deeper discipleship, this is an essential resource for preachers, teachers, and study group leaders, as well as those who simply wish to get to know the Bible better.