Christmas: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

An Advent Study for Adults

Book - Paperback
Christmas: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Paperback ISBN: 9780687660346
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E-Book ISBN: 9781426733499
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Published September 2010




In this four-week Advent study, author Richard B. Wilke focuses on people in the story of Christ’s birth. There are those we associate with the joy and celebration of Christmas—the wise men, the shepherds, and Joseph. Yet the author reminds us not to forget that the evil King Herod is also part of the Christmas story, and how it is because there is evil in our world that we so desperately needed—and need—a Savior.

Each lesson includes a key scripture, brief reflection, questions to discuss, a suggested Christmas carol, and a prayer.

Table of Contents:

First Week of Advent
Let’s Keep Herod in Christmas (Matthew 2:1, 7-8, 16-18)

Second Week of Advent
Let’s Keep the Wise Men in Christmas (Matthew 2:1-12)

Third Week of Advent
Let’s Keep Joseph in Christmas (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-15, 19-23)

Fourth Week of Advent
Let’s Keep the Shepherds in Christmas (Luke 2:8-20)

About the Author

Richard B. Wilke

Richard B. Wilke (1930-2025) was a retired United Methodist bishop and co-author of the popular DISCIPLE Bible Study series. Bishop Wilke served the United Methodist Church for more than forty years. More recently, he served as the Bishop in Residence at Southwestern College. Bishop Wilke and his wife, Julia K. Wilke (1932-2016), established the Foundation for the Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern. Widely known as a speaker and preacher, Bishop Wilke often served as conference preacher and keynote speaker at regional and national meetings. Other books by Bishop Wilke include: And Are We Yet Alive?, Signs and Wonders, Tell Me Again, I'm Listening, Our Father, and The Pastor and Marriage Group Counseling.