Most people think they know the Christmas story from nativity plays and carols, but the historical reality is far more complex. While the traditions are familiar, the actual circumstances of Jesus’ birth—and the world he entered—have been obscured by centuries of later legends and conflated narratives.

In this special event, go behind the scenes with top scholars for candid, unscripted discussions on the "Bethlehem problem" and the true historical context of the first century. You will see the Christmas story stripped of its myths to reveal the fascinating, and often surprising, historical truth.

Most people know Herod only as the villain of the Christmas story, but history tells a far richer story. He was a politically skilled ruler and a visionary builder whose monuments reshaped Judea, yet his legacy has long been defined by fear and legend.

In this course, Dr. Jodi Magness reveals what archaeology shows about Herod’s world, his ambitions, and the discovery of his tomb. You will see how his power, reputation, and self-image shaped both his reign and the stories told about him in the New Testament.