Many of the Christmas traditions we take for granted, like December 25th, the Nativity, Christmas trees, the Magi, the star of Bethlehem, and even Herod’s massacre, have complex histories that don’t always match the Bible or what we’ve been taught. This week, biblical scholar Dan McClellan joins us to explain the most common Christmas misconceptions and what the historical and textual evidence actually shows.

👉 Dr. McClellan helps us explore:

– When Christians started saying “put Christ back in Christmas”

– Whether Christmas has pagan origins

– The origins of the Nativity scene

– How modern culture reshapes the Bible

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🎙️ Credits

Guest: Dr. Dan McClellan

Hosted by Dr. Jordan Jones

Edited by Mary Kathryn Lichty

The Bible & Archaeology podcast is made with support from Amanda Stone

Bible & Archaeology is a University of Iowa production. The views and opinions expressed on Bible & Archaeology belong solely to the individuals who share them. They do not represent the positions of the University of Iowa or the State of Iowa.