Christmas: New Beginnings and the Birth of the Divine Child-Hero

Abstract

This chapter first addresses the extent to which the biblical stories of the birth of Jesus are myths in the sense of being unhistorical. After analyzing these stories in terms of archetypal mythological motifs, it reviews the mythological meanings of the virginal conception, the Holy Spirit, the star, the adoration of the magi, Luke’s shepherds and angelic choir, Matthew’s massacre of the innocents, the flight to Egypt, and the presentation of Jesus in the temple. The chapter then examines the holiday’s origins, its relationship to the winter solstice, and Christ as a solar hero. It then covers the holiday’s evolution and how the myth was expanded, including through St. Nicholas/Santa Claus. Finally, it discusses the depth psychological aspects of the incarnation and divine child.