Chapter 7: Christmas Traditions and Truths
The birth of Jesus Christ happened over 2,000 years ago, which is more than enough time for truth to become entwined with tradition. Truth: There are over fifty scriptural prophecies foretelling the birth of Jesus Christ. Two examples: “A virgin shall conceive and bear a son” ( Isaiah 7: 14 ; 1 Ne. 11:13-20 ); and “Out of Bethlehem shall come forth a ruler in Israel” ( Micah 5: 2 ). (You can read more than 50 other prophesies at: lds.org/scriptures/tg/jesus-christ-prophecies-about?lang=eng .) Truth: Historical records document that these prophesied events happened and played out in real life to Mary who was espoused to Joseph. Truth: The prophet Nephi saw Mary in vision and said she was “most beautiful and fair” ( 1 Nephi 11:13, 15 ). The angel Gabriel said Mary was “highly favored” that the Lord was with her (see Luke 1:...