The story of Christ's birth, as told by Matthew and Luke, has inspired many great paintings. Here, coupled with excerpts from the King James Version of the Bible, a selection of paintings follows each episode of the biblical story. From Jan van Eyck's "Annunciation to the Virgin" to Mantegna's portrayal of shepherds adoring Jesus and Sassetts's "Journey of the Magi", each painting is accompanied by Richard Muhlberger's commentary. The narrative discusses subjects such as the identity of the Magi, how Christmas came to be celebrated as an annual festival and the ways in which artists invested familiar objects with spiritual significance. It also includes information on the artists and their times.