Christmas banned in America ... by Christians!

When you think of the people who founded America's original settlements in New England, what comes to mind?

People feasting on a Thanksgiving-style dinner?

Struggling for survival through harsh weather?

Praying to God for guidance?

Well, here's something you most likely have never been taught in school or even in church.

Many of these same Christians who founded America actually banned the celebration of Christmas.

Yes, you read that right. Christmas was banned in America, not by any representative of the American Civil Liberties Union, but by Christians themselves.

It was actually against the law to observe Christmas, and people could be fined if they happened to take part in any celebration.

This stunning fact is just one of hundreds pointed out in "Shocked by the Bible: The Most Astonishing Facts You've Never Been Told" by Joe Kovacs, the executive news editor of WND.

"Despite the assumptions of many, Christmas was not a widespread holiday in much of colonial America," says Kovacs. "Shocking as it sounds, followers of Jesus Christ in both America and England helped pass laws making it illegal to observe Christmas."

Shock yourself, your friends and relatives with an autographed copy of "Shocked by the Bible," exclusively from WND's online store. If you prefer ordering by phone, call our toll-free order line: 1-800-4-WND-COM (1-800-496-3266).

And it wasn't just Americans in the 1600s who had "issues" with Christmas.

On Dec. 25, 1789, the first Christmas under the brand-new Constitution, the United States Congress was actually in session, with no day off for any holiday. In fact, the U.S. did not even make Christmas a federal holiday until 1870.

In "Shocked by the Bible," Kovacs explores the history of Christmas, and the concerns many of America's founders had with the day.

He also examines what the Bible actually says about the birth of Jesus, from an angel announcing to Mary she would bear the Son of God, to the slaughter of all male children in an attempt to extinguish the life of the Savior of mankind.

In the process, many myths and misconceptions are shattered about the Christmas story, including:

• "Three Wise Men" are mentioned nowhere in the story of Jesus' birth, and no wise men at all saw baby Jesus in a manger. (They saw Jesus for the first time as a young child in a house).

• The Bible never specifically mentions the day, month, year or even season Jesus was born.

• There's no mention of a Christmas tree or any tree in the gospels recording Jesus' birth. However, there is a custom mentioned in the Old Testament that shows people decorating trees with silver and gold. You might be astounded to find out what God says about such a practice.

"I know that Christmas is a very sacred and special time to countless millions," says Kovacs. "But so many people are still in the dark about what's actually in their own Bible, and what's not. I just want them to crack it open and find out. They might be very surprised."

And Christmas is only the beginning. There are 27 information-packed chapters in "Shocked," revealing some amazing truths.

Did you know ...

• The Bible never says Jesus died on a Friday or rose from the grave Sunday morning

• Scripture does not say Noah's Ark rested on "Mount Ararat"

• Noah brought a lot more than just two of certain animals aboard the Ark

• The word "Easter" has vanished from modern Bible translations
  

• God sought to kill Moses, shortly after telling him to lead the Israelites to freedom
  

• Jesus made personal appearances in the Old Testament

• The worst case of hemorrhoids in history is recorded

Kovacs was recently a guest on the Rusty Humphries radio show to shatter misconceptions many people have about the Bible.

You can listen to the entire interview by clicking the play button below:

Hear Joe Kovacs talk with Rusty Humphries about "Shocked by the Bible"

"Shocked by the Bible" has become an instant smash, twice hitting No. 1 in three Bible-related categories on Amazon.com with readers giving it high praise.

"Shocked by the Bible" skyrocketed to three No.1 spots on Amazon.com before and after its official release

It's still ranked near the top of Amazon's Most Wished For List for all Bible-related books. It also soared to No. 1 on the WND Best-Seller list.

"If you think you really know the Bible, better think again," warns Fox News' Bill O'Reilly. "Your parents never told you this stuff was in the Bible," adds radio talker and author Melanie Morgan. WND founder Joseph Farah simply says, "'Shocked by the Bible' is nothing short of genius."

Kovacs has written countless reports in his 25-year news career. Many have focused on biblical issues such as chariot wheels said to be found in the Red Sea, searches for Noah's Ark and the Ark of the Covenant, and controversies over Christmas and Easter holidays as well as the Saturday-vs.-Sunday Sabbath.

He has received many awards for news excellence from the Associated Press and United Press International. He's run television, radio and print newsrooms in the U.S., as well as Budapest, Hungary. Kovacs is also regarded as one of the premier creative headline writers in the news business today.

Find out what you've been missing. Get "Shocked by the Bible: The Most Astonishing Facts You've Never Been Told" personally autographed by the author. It makes a brilliant gift that will be remembered for a lifetime.

---

To interview Joe Kovacs, author of "Shocked by the Bible," please contact him.

---

Previous stories:

Pharaoh's chariots found in Red Sea?

Christmas in America becomes battleground

Flood of claims for 'Noah's Ark'

Real-life raiders hunt Ark of the Covenant

'Deception': Christians war over worship day

Old Testament proof! 'Royal seal' discovered

Blood moon eclipses: 2nd Coming in 2015?

Can Christians handle the truth about this?

What does it sound like when a Bible myth is shattered?

Is everyone looking for Noah's Ark in the wrong place?

Bible truth: Zero wise men saw baby Jesus in manger

Talk radio gets 'Shocked by the Bible'