Behind the First NOEL.

BIRTH of Jesus Christ; INFANCY narratives (Gospels); BIBLICAL criticism; BIBLE stories; MYTH in the Bible; CRECHES (Nativity scenes); CHRISTMAS decorations; CHRISTMAS plays; CHRISTMAS stories; RELIGIOUS drama; BIBLE plays; GOD; HOLY Spirit; DOCTRINAL theology; APOCRYPHAL Gospels; APOCRYPHAL books (New Testament); APOCRYPHAL infancy Gospels; CHRISTMAS; EPIPHANY; VIRGIN birth

Discusses the tradition for Sunday-school classrooms across the U.S. to use pageants and professional productions to help children understand the meaning of Christmas. Reference to how Bible experts are uncertain about the validity of the Gospel Nativities which are focused on in the biography of Jesus; Debate over the literal truth of the Gospels regarding the Christian testimonies of Paul in the 50s A.D.; Differences between the approaches of Matthew and Luke to the Nativity story in the Bible regarding their tellings of the announcement of the birth of Jesus; Dispute over the role of the Holy Spirit in the conception in Mary's womb of God's Son; Interpretation of the ways in which each Gospel writer depicts the Holy Family.