From an early age, children are taught the elements of the Christmas story: the angel, the journey, the shepherds, the joy. Now Unto Us a Child Is Born: A Family Celebration of Christmas offers an invitation to explore those elements in more depth, adding fascinating cultural and historical background to shed new light on the familiar tale. What prophecies foretold the coming of Christ? What was Mary's early life like? Why did the baby Jesus sleep in a manger? Where did the Wise Men travel from? Award-winning author Jennifer Swanson draws on Biblical scholarship and teaching to provide rich context for the Gospel account and fresh insights into the story. The marvelous pictures from artist Diana Renzina evoke both the beauty of classical art and the simplicity and warmth of a traditional style. Direct quotations from the Bible anchor the text, while the words of ten beloved hymns add to the reverent atmosphere. It's the perfect book for families to read together as Christmas approaches, and to revisit every year as part of their holiday celebrations. Don't miss the companion title Stories of the Saints!.