The events surrounding the birth of Jesus are told with remarkable simplicity in the Bible, but they have too often been obscured by myths, mistletoe, and consumerism.   Now in paperback, The First Christmas separates fact from fiction, stripping away Yuletide folklore and questionable traditions to tell how it really was in the world of the Nativity. Delving into Jewish, Greek, Roman, and early Christian sources, Paul L. Maier uncovers fresh and fascinating insights into the true, yet unfamiliar, story of the first Christmas. A captivating combination of sacred and secular history, this informative and entertaining book answers many compelling questions, such as: Why did the Roman emperor Augustus order his famous census? What marriage customs applied to Mary and Joseph? When and where was Jesus born? Who were the Wise Men? What was the Star of Bethlehem?  This beautifully illustrated gift book by a best-selling author and church history expert offers a glimpse at the real, historical drama of Christmas.

First Christmas: The True and Unfamiliar Story

paul-l-maier

Religion & Spirituality

Mowbray, Oxford

First Christians: Pentecost and the Spread of Christianity

Mowbray

There's simply no better way to tell the Christmas story... No more fairy tales for Christopher; he wants real bedtime stories. So his mother tells him the amazing and miraculous story of Jesus' birth. Along the way, Christopher learns the answers to some challenging questions about the Christmas story. And all the answers are right from the Bible. Written by best-selling author and historian, Paul L. Maier, and richly illustrated by Francisco Ordaz, The Very First Christmas is already a treasured Christmas classic. Now individuals have the option to purchase this Gold Medallion Book Award winner in paperback. Families can also use this favorite in daily Advent remembrances with The Very First Christmas Advent Calendar. This title makes a wonderful gift for children, families, and friends. Paul L. Maier writes, This book answers the real questions children ask about the nativity story.

Very First Christmas

Sagebrush Education Resources

Examines the Nativity story as the origin of Christmas, viewing it in both scriptural and secular contexts.

The Very First Christmas

Children's Books

Holidays & Celebrations

Concordia Publishing

The Gold Medallion Award-winning team of the renowned ancient historian and the gifted illustrator make the story of Jesus death and resurrection come alive for children aged 5 to 10. Difficult questions are asked, reasonable answers given. For family reading or religious education.

The Very First Easter Board Book

In the tradition of The Very First Christmas and The Very First Easter, this childrens picture book tells the story of Gods creation of the world, the fall of man, and Gods promise of salvation. In eloquent and authoritative language accompanied by realistic paintings, this book describes what we know about the creation of the world as revealed in Scripture. Young readers will learn that God created the world and everything in it. He created us in His image and gave us stewardship over the earth. As the book unfolds, readers will learn about the fall into sin and the implications, and how God planned to reconcile us to Him through the promised Savior. This book clearly states that God created the world in seven days. It, therefore, imply that the scientific theories of evolution and the big bang are flawed and incomplete. And it introduces the reader to the thread of Messianic prophecy that weaves throughout the Old Testament. It is an important tool for dispelling myths and for teaching about the all-powerful nature of God and about our place in His world. More importantly, it will help young readers recognize the hopelessness of our sinful human condition and our abject need for a Savior from sin.

The Real Story of the Creation

This dramatic historical fiction offers a behind-the-scenes story of an ambitious Roman politician whose fateful decision changed the course of history. Guaranteed fiction!

Pontius Pilate: A Novel

Literature & Fiction

Kregel Publications

“The man who saved Christianity” - grateful words spoken by millions after Dr. Jonathan Weber revealed the truth about an archaeological dig two years ago.But Jon isn’t interested in the hype. He’s far more concerned with how people are being misled by prophecy enthusiasts and their bizarre end-times scenarios, particularly the wrong-headed predictions of his nemesis, Melvin Morris Merton.Still, Jon is a professor, not a crusader. He’s happy with his life of teaching (Harvard and Hebrew University), writing (a best-selling “biography” of Jesus), and research (Near East studies). He’s also a newlywed, deeply in love with his brilliant and beautiful wife, Shannon. Not even an annoying lawsuit from Merton can shake his world.But Joshua Ben-Yosef can.This Israeli speaks a dozen languages - fluently and without accent. His words ripple with wisdom and authority, and crowds follow him, enthralled. He heals the sick, gives sight to the blind, casts out demons, and even raises the dead. Once again, Jon is drawn into a hot pursuit of the truth that at times casts him into the very lonely, very dangerous role of one man against the world.Review the evidence, join the dig near Nazareth that uncovers a first-century mosaic, and find out if three lines of Hebrew could change the course of history.

More Than a Skeleton

United States

BRILLIANCE AUDIO ^

Dr. Jonathan Weber, Harvard professor and biblical scholar, is looking forward to his sabbatical year on an archaeological dig in Israel. But a spectacular find that seems to be an archaeologist's dream-come-true becomes a nightmare that could be the death rattle of Christianity. Meanwhile, Weber's strong interest in Shannon Jennings, daughter of the dig's director, is an exhilarating complication.Carefully researched and compellingly written, this fast-paced thriller takes you from the dust of an archaeological dig to the laboratories of dedicated scientists to the halls of political and religious power, where world reaction is instant, fierce, and shattering. Moreover, A Skeleton in God's Closet explores the tension between doubt and faith, science and religion, and one man's determination to find the truth—no matter what the cost.

Skeleton in God's Closet, A

Authors: Paul L. Maier
Publisher: Candle Books
Keywords: christmas, first
Published: 2001-10-01
Language: English
Category: Stories, Bible, Christianity, Religions, Children's
ISBN-10: 1859853285     ISBN-13: 9781859853283
Binding: Hardcover
List Price: Unknown

The First Christmas

Candle Books

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by paul-l-maier. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by paul-l-maier