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The Secret of the Bethlehem Shepherds
St. Luke’s story of “shepherds in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night” echoes in the hearts and minds of millions who have heard the story told and retold year after year.
Like most well-loved tales, the simple account of the adoration by the shepherds has grown and developed over the ages. Extra traditions have attached themselves to it. Charming characters and details have become part of the story. Beautiful preaching points have illuminated the tale and unlocked the story’s deeper meanings. Many of these “extras,” however, were conditioned by later cultural assumptions and colored by devotions removed from historical reality.
What are the true circumstances of the birth of Jesus Christ? What was Bethlehem like at the time of Jesus’ birth, and why was the little village so important? How did Joseph and Mary meet, and why did they travel to Bethlehem? Were they really homeless the night Jesus was born? Was there an inn, a “No vacancy” sign, and a grumpy innkeeper? Who were the shepherds, why were the manger and the swaddling clothes a “sign” to them, and why were they so important to St. Luke?
After completing The Mystery of the Magi — his groundbreaking study of the wise men — Fr. Dwight Longenecker took a sabbatical in Jerusalem to study the ancient texts and the geography, history, politics, and culture of the time. He added his own firsthand visit to present-day Bethlehem shepherds in order to unlock “the secret of the Bethlehem shepherds.”
This little book sheds new light on an old, old story, deepening its beauty and enriching your Advent and Christmas celebrations for years to come.
Like most well-loved tales, the simple account of the adoration by the shepherds has grown and developed over the ages. Extra traditions have attached themselves to it. Charming characters and details have become part of the story. Beautiful preaching points have illuminated the tale and unlocked the story’s deeper meanings. Many of these “extras,” however, were conditioned by later cultural assumptions and colored by devotions removed from historical reality.
What are the true circumstances of the birth of Jesus Christ? What was Bethlehem like at the time of Jesus’ birth, and why was the little village so important? How did Joseph and Mary meet, and why did they travel to Bethlehem? Were they really homeless the night Jesus was born? Was there an inn, a “No vacancy” sign, and a grumpy innkeeper? Who were the shepherds, why were the manger and the swaddling clothes a “sign” to them, and why were they so important to St. Luke?
After completing The Mystery of the Magi — his groundbreaking study of the wise men — Fr. Dwight Longenecker took a sabbatical in Jerusalem to study the ancient texts and the geography, history, politics, and culture of the time. He added his own firsthand visit to present-day Bethlehem shepherds in order to unlock “the secret of the Bethlehem shepherds.”
This little book sheds new light on an old, old story, deepening its beauty and enriching your Advent and Christmas celebrations for years to come.
87 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2022
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 16, 2022
Amazing!
I can't believe how much I learned !
How many times my jaw dropped!
How many times in total awe!
Awe for what I was learning
and Awe for how much I didn't know- never taught!
I was amazed at his Magi book, thought this was going to be a light read. Wow was I wrong.
I have bought so many of his resources books. From Petra to Shepherds I will be swimming in for a long time and loving every minute. Thank you for taking us on this journey, the Scriptures are so much more alive!
I can't believe how much I learned !
How many times my jaw dropped!
How many times in total awe!
Awe for what I was learning
and Awe for how much I didn't know- never taught!
I was amazed at his Magi book, thought this was going to be a light read. Wow was I wrong.
I have bought so many of his resources books. From Petra to Shepherds I will be swimming in for a long time and loving every minute. Thank you for taking us on this journey, the Scriptures are so much more alive!
December 26, 2024
Wonderful examination of the Nativity account. Fr. Longenecker does a great job laying out the details in the Bible and examines them through the lens of historical documents and archeology along with Church traditions.
Well worth your time. While it is densely packed with details it is an easy read.
Well worth your time. While it is densely packed with details it is an easy read.
December 24, 2022
Great read for those interested in the story behind the Christmas story
This book is an inspiring and great read for those interested in the story behind the Christmas story and the factual basis for it.
This book is an inspiring and great read for those interested in the story behind the Christmas story and the factual basis for it.
January 31, 2023
This book was so thought provoking! It had so many interesting facts and speculation surrounding the story of Jesus miraculous birth. This was my first book I’ve read from Fr. Longenecker. I am excited to read his other ones!
December 26, 2023
An informative examination of the Nativity of Jesus: sources, individuals, historical context, and modern scholarship. There are many details and connections to consider regarding the original language and some of the later "decorations" added. Well done!
December 2, 2022
This is a short book but well worth the read.
December 6, 2022
Wonderful book that tells the Christmas story as you’ve never heard. Highly recommend to all those looking to grow in their faith during this Advent season.
January 3, 2024
Taking in the Christmas story with new eyes thanks to this book! Especially powerful after having visited the Holy Land myself.
January 28, 2024
A well researched book that helps the reader experience Christ's birth in a new way. It is an excellent book for Advent.
January 1, 2026
Advent/Christmas read 2025. Nice little book digging into the historical context of the Bethlehem Shepherds. It was a wonderful way to wait and hope for the coming of our Savior.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews