Free Downloads and Supplements
- Christmas Ideas and Insights
- See excerpts from Remembering Christ at Christmas
- New 2011 Christmas Notes and Quotes (includes a free download link)
- The Christmas story as seen through Middle Eastern eyes is based on the writings of Kenneth E. Bailey who lived in the Middle East for 60 years. The language and culture of about 10 million Middle Eastern Christians are closely related to the language and culture of the Bible. Many Bible stories, parables, and words have different and fascinating meanings when seen through Middle Eastern eyes.
- Download free LDS Scripture program for Windows laptops and desktop computers.
- Chauncey C. Riddle's Writings and Some Recommended Readings
- Gospel Doctrine Handouts and Notes by Monte F. Shelley
- Talks and articles by Monte and Elona Shelley
- Free 133 page eBook: When Was Jesus Born, Baptized, and Buried? — A Review of LDS and Non-LDS Educated Guesses by Monte F. Shelley
Answers to Christmas Questions
Free Supplements to Remembering Christ at Christmas
Bibliography supplements: Online Images and online Articles
The following notes add to information found in the four chapters of Remembering Christ at Christmas.
Chapter 1: SEEING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
“I was becoming cynical about many of our Christmas traditions, but your book has rescued me from that cynicism. Thanks!”—LH
“I particularly liked the 16 comparisons between Christ and Santa.”—S
In colonial America, Christmas was an unchristian holiday instead of a Christian holy day. Some traditions that people now feel take Christ out of Christmas were adopted or invented by good Christians to bring Christ back into a Christmas.
- Why did the Puritans in New England try to suppress Christmas?
- When and why was Santa Claus invented in the U.S.A.?
- When did the Christmas tree become popular in the U.S.A.?
- What are Advent and the 12 days of Christmas?
- Who was the angel in Gethsemane who strengthened Jesus (Luke 22:43)?
- What is the symbolism of five-pointed and six-pointed stars?
Chapter 2: NATIVITY STORIES
“I am amazed how the Christmas story has changed for me. The possibility that Jesus was born in a ceremonially clean place where lambs meant for sacrifice in the temple were usually born, stirs feelings deep inside me ”—DH
“I particularly enjoyed the information on the caravansary, as it related to Christ's birth (potentially) and the Good Samaritan story. Very enlightening.”—L
- What hour of the day was Christ born?
- Why do we see both an ox and a donkey in nativity scenes?
- Why are the wise men also called kings and shown on camels?
- Could the wise men have been Essene high priests?
- How are gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolic of the temple and Christ’s role as the “great high priest”?
- The Holy Child Jesus: Notes On The Nativity(audio CD)
by Donna B. Nielsen, popular BYU Education Week Lecturer, LDS Tour Guide to Israel
Why was Zacharius afraid when the angel appeared to him in the Temple? Why was Mary troubled by Gabriel's greeting? What do swaddling bands represent? Were women involved in ancient Temple service? How were carpenters regarded in Christ’s time? Listen to the answers to these questions and many more fascinating insights into the real background and symbolic meaning of Christ's miraculous birth and early life. Hear Donna Nielsen's connections between the Restored Gospel and ancient Hebrew beliefs.
“This CD is truly eye-opening. It takes a beloved story and makes it richer and even more meaningful. Donna is a talented researcher and her insights delight her listeners as she seamlessly blends facts and testimony.”— P.B. Kailia, HI
Chapter 3: ADVENT TREES AND CALENDARS
“I especially liked the idea of an Advent tree and the 24 possible ornaments. Very well thought out.”—T
“I like using Advent traditions to teach scripture and temple symbolism.”—M
Chapter 4: HAVE A “MARY” CHRISTMAS
“This year we went to fewer activities so that we could have a merry ‘Mary’ Christmas at ‘the most Martha time of the year.’ Thanks!”—TA