The Christmas story is held by many to be an embarrassing legend which diminishes Christians' ability to defend the rest of the New Testament.Scholars are almost all dismissive of it. The notionally supportive accounts in Christian books are skimpy and amount to either a mere assertion or an acknowledgement that it is apologetically weak.Yet there is a lot to be said in its support. It can only be said coherently if one comes afresh to the gospels, and takes seriously the historical and archaeological objections.The story that emerges is strange and compelling. Christmas happened: the world was changed. What does this mean for you?