Is the Christmas story a comforting myth or a historical reality? NT Wright explores the evidence behind the Gospel narratives, challenging modern scepticism and affirming the season’s wonder as the most pivotal moment in history.

It may be a cliché, but it remains the case that the wonder of Christmas on the faces of little children is absolutely amazing, and now that I have grandchildren, the wonder of the season comes alive for me in an even more profound way. One of the nice things about getting older is that I have layer upon layer of memory that are easily evoked by just one line of a Christmas hymn or story. I love all kinds of music, but one of my all-time favourite pieces is Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. To me, the opening is perhaps the best in all classical music. It ascends with the most amazing explosion of sound, announcing a historic moment, in which everything is now different. You can feel it in the music, and you can sense Bach’s almost contagious excitement.

But I often get asked whether this wonder, this awe we feel at Christmas time… (Register to read the rest of the article)