The Day Christ Was Born - A Reverential Reconstruction

by Jim Bishop

A reissue of the classic retelling of the Nativity. "Written with dignity, unerring taste, and with no straining for effects."--Chicago Sunday Tribune

Genres: Christian, Christmas, Religion, Faith, Nonfiction, History

80 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

James Alonzo "Jim" Bishop (November 21, 1907 – July 26, 1987) was an American journalist and author.
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, he dropped out of school after eighth grade. In 1923, he studied typing, shorthand and bookkeeping, and in 1929 began work as a copy boy at the New York Daily News. In 1930, he got a job as a cub reporter at New York Daily Mirror, where he worked until 1943, when he joined Collier's Magazine. He remained until 1945.
His plans to write for his friend and mentor, Hollywood producer Mark Hellinger, ended with Hellinger's death in 1947. Bishop wrote a biography of Hellinger in 1952. From 1946 to 1948, he was executive editor of Liberty magazine, then became director of the literary department at the Music Corporation of America until 1951. He was then founding editor of Gold Medal Books (the juvenile division of Fawcett Publications) until 1953. In the 1950s, Bishop would do his writing at the Jersey Shore in Sea Bright, New Jersey, going back to his home in Teaneck, New Jersey on weekends to see his wife and children.[1] In 1957, he started his column, "Jim Bishop: Reporter" with King Features Syndicate, which continued until 1983. It also landed him on the master list of Nixon political opponents.
The remainder of his career was spent writing biographical books about notable figures, and Christian-themed books. His book The Day Lincoln Was Shot was published in 1955, and became an instant best-seller. Bishop also wrote The Day Christ Died, The Day Christ Was Born, and The Day Kennedy Was Shot. Perhaps his most critically acclaimed book was FDR's Last Year: April 1944-April 1945, which brought to public awareness the secrecy that surrounded President Franklin D. Roosevelt's declining health during World War II.
The Day Lincoln Was Shot was dramatized on TV twice, first as a 1956 live special starring Raymond Massey as Abraham Lincoln and shown on the Ford Star Jubilee anthology series, and again as a 1998 made-for-television film starring Lance Henriksen as Lincoln. The Day Christ Died was made into a television film in 1980, starring Chris Sarandon as Jesus Christ, and Keith Michell as Pontius Pilate.

Reviews

[K.D. Absolutely · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very appropriate Christmas read. Jim Bishop (1907-1987), American journalist and author of the more popular book, The Day Lincoln Was Shot (1955) and The Day Christ Died, incorporated in his re-telling data and information from his research on the time of the birth of Jesus as well as the possible emotion that the couples Joseph and Mary had at the time of their son Jesus.

The last part was what I liked really in this book. Bishop did not go overly dramatic about it. Although had he chose to, I would not mind because the way the birth is captured in the Bible is almost devoid of any personal emotion. Imagine the 15-y/o Mary, a virgin and still (based on today's standard) a child herself giving birth in a manger among the cows, lambs and horses? With an equally inexperienced 19-y/o husband Joseph?

It is also in this book when I realized the sacrifices that Joseph had for Mary, his wife. Had he chose to deny that he did "know" (fuck in today's language) Mary yet, Mary would have been condemn to death by stoning or by throwing herself into a ravine. I also enjoyed the conversations among the 3 wise men and how they resolved the meaning of the star. Then finally, the killing of the innocents (children below 2 years old) ordered by Herod. How Bishop narrated these are really awesome.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very realistic read about the birth and early life of Jesus and his Mother and (surrogate) Father Joseph. Sometimes a bit opinionated, but altogether a pleasant small book.

[Neil Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a remarkable read. An account of the first 24 hours (and then some) in the life of the newborn Jesus, the writing is clear, straightforward, unpretentious and believable. Jim Bishop puts a thoroughly human face on the events surrounding the most notable birth in history. The reader drops in along the road out of Bethany, falling in with a young Joseph and his bride, "Miriam (Aramean tongue)," five days out of Nazareth and making their way to Bethlehem as part of a census ordered by a self-absorbed emperor. Bishop's writing skills enable one to see and feel what the characters do. "Mary," as she is also called, "has progressed from tiredness to fatigue to weariness to the deep anesthesia of exhaustion." That's the strength of this book; the humanity. We're reading about real people undergoing real events that can all too easily seem so far removed from the day-to-day. The journey, the Birth, the immediate aftermath, and the later return to Nazareth are all covered, and it's as inspiring as it is breathtaking. This was my Advent read this year, and I could not have chosen a better one.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the mix of history, Bible, and fiction filling this book. Foremost, it is a narrative telling the story of Christ's birth. However, it is filled with historical information during the time, from Jewish marriage traditions to Roman history. It pulls on Biblical tradition as well. I really enjoyed the book, but it is also true that you can't exactly take it as fact. It's an enjoyable story, but there are so many unknown pieces of Christ's birth you cannot try to know exactly what happened through this book. But still a great read for Christmas!

[Doris Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It showed me just how difficult it was to be in that area of the world and at that time. It made me appreciate the sturdiness of Joseph and the bravery of Mary on their way to Bethlehem. I did not realize the great distance they had to travel to get there, Joseph walking and Mary, pregnant, riding on a donkey. After Jesus was born and the shepherds visited and adored Jesus and the three Magi also came with gifts, then Mary and Joseph had to pack up and leave for Egypt because Jesus' life was in danger. Another long trip through a desert. But Mary and Joseph endured.

[liv ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice little read, especially during Christmas. I found the story interesting and it seemed to follow the same plot I’ve been taught about went Christ was born. However the only reason it’s not 5 stars is because of the parts he filled in. I’m aware the author had to add some parts for the full story to make sense and I think he did a fairly good job however (idk nvm).
Regard this was a lovely book. 🎄✝️

[Terri Fangman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect read in the Advent and/or Christmas season. Just 97 pages long, and lots of photographs of the holy land, this little book takes you (through the research and imaginings of the author) from the Annunciation to the Nativity, the Presentation, to Mary and Joseph’s return to Nazareth. Prayerful, thought provoking, and inspiring.

[Cathy Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent story

[Regena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Nothing really new or different here. I don’t really like or buy into Joseph as a teen father….

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using the Biblical account along with historical research on Jewish customs during that time period, Bishop explored what it was like for Mary and Joseph from the time Mary became pregnant to their escape from King Herod to Egypt. It gave me a lot to think about, such as whether birth was as painful for Mary as other moms (she didn't have any superpowers and was a normal girl, so I would assume so, but Bishop's perspective was that God helped her with the pain so that it wasn't very uncomfortable). The part about King Herod ordering all the babies to be killed really gutted me now that I have a toddler under two, but also because of the vivid description. I never thought about the possibility that the soldiers who were ordered to do the murdering were ordered to also murder each other's infant sons as well. Written in 1959 by Bishop, an American journalist and author (who also wrote The Day Christ Died, The Day Lincoln Was Shot, and The Day Kennedy Was Shot), it was very readable and easy to follow. It could be a good book to read with middle-grade and teen kids and discuss what life could have been like during the long, dusty, bumpy journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, what Joseph must have been thinking when he found out Mary was pregnant, and what the shepherd felt when they saw a chorus of angels proclaiming the birth of a king.

[Carissa Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book years ago and reread it for Christmas this year. It is a short read, but a good read. The story is told simply with few frills and what additions are made are for ambiance and imaginations of what it might have been like. I appreciate that Bishop doesn't trample the Biblical account. It makes me think about what the birth of Jesus might have been like for all involved.

The negatives to me are that some details are biblically inaccurate even if Bishop tried not to do so. I'm a bit picky when I come to modifications of the Bible since I view it as truth. Jesus most likely wasn't born ON Christmas day; most scholars think he was born in the Spring. Scholars have also noted that the term for inn can refer to the upper room of a house and in all probability, Mary didn't give birth in a barn or cave. The wise men most likely didn't show up until Jesus was closer to 2 years old. And the most nitpicky of all for me, the angels didn't sing to the Shepherds; the Bible says they spoke.

All that said, I do love this little novel. It puts my mind and heart where it needs to be on Christmas. I can look past the inaccuracies to the point and purpose of the book and that is to bring my thoughts closer to God's son at Christmastime.

[Debra Hofland]

Just paged through this book I've had for decades, planning to read it during Advent this year (finally). Funny how books can be on your "to be read" pile/shelves for years and then one day--booooof!--you find yourself holding it in your hands, asking yourself, "how have I not read this one yet?" And then you are leafing through the pages, tantalizing yourself, reading short phrases, and eagerly looking forward.

Seems like there are eight chapters (some quite long, others only a few pages), which I will portion out to last for the whole month as I plan to read this as part of my daily devotional quiet time.

I have several other books by this same author and plan to read them throughout the coming year a they line up with the church's liturgical calendar (Lent, Easter, Pentecost). Should keep my brain engaged with thoughts of Christ's life & work!

[Rosemary Lauryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book. I liked the details the author fills in about Jewish customs of the time, and he sets the scene nicely. But there are a few discrepancies with Church tradition - he says Mary never saw the Temple before which she did because she lived there much of her childhood and that Joseph never lived in Bethlehem which is totally false. Things like that. Still a nice quick Christmas read, but it reads a lot like conjecture. If you're looking for real insights into the early lives of the Holy Family, I suggest the writings of Ven. Mary of Agreda or Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich. Both received heavenly visions of these events and are great spiritual reading.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me really stop and think about what it must have been like, for Mary, for Joseph, for so many of the people we read about in the Scriptures. I had always overlooked Simeon until now. It was by faith in God that He waited for the Messiah, not knowing how long it would be before He came or even if Simeon would still be alive. But still he waited, and then God rewarded him with the blessing of being able to hold the little Messiah, the baby Jesus. Praise God! Very well written!

[Kathleen Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the perfect book to put me in the Christmas spirit. I think I will reread it year after year in December. I know the Nativity Story well, but the details of what was going on historically and culturally during this time in history, added a wonderful dimension to the story. I also didn't realize what a horrible man Herod the Great was. After doing more research on him, I think I would re-title him "Herod the Horrible"!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Day Christ Was Born" is the story of Jesus' birth. The author describes the daily life of the time period well and the reader has a better understanding of what life was like during Jesus' birth. The author explains the daily rituals, the travel, and the daily chores needed during this time period, tied in with Joesph and Mary had to do, had to sacrifice to provide to make Jesus' birth occur the way it did.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read "The Christ was born A Reventrial Reconstruction" DURING THIS PAST CHRISTMAS SEASON. It begins with the Annunciation and ends with The Holy Family retuning to Nazareth. WEhear this story in scripture all the time , but mr. Bishop brings the story to life with the emotions and fellings he gives to the holy Family. I recomend this book to all christins. Search it out it will be worhwhile.

[ѦѺ™ · Rating 5 out of 5]

i treasure this book. it is a timeless classic and a must-read for everyone no matter what his faith may be. spending 24 hours with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus was most satisfying and memorable.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as The Day Christ Died. I get that we have more factual information about Jesus' death, but this just felt like another retelling of the same story. Although, I did like this version of when the wise men came and why. A fun, quick Christmas read.

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good except it was the Catholic POV

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a wonderful get ready for Christmas book. So much insight. Loved it. I will be reading "The Day Christ Died" right after the season

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read the Day Christ Died and it was amazing and this book did not disappoint.It is a great read for the Christmas season.Only wish was that it had more of the customs of the time woven in.