Yes, the birth of Jesus is biblical. Here's what's not ...

Imagine for a moment it's late December, and there's an excitement in the air that spreads joy throughout the community.

People are holding parties, feasting, drinking, singing carols and exchanging gifts in celebration of the birthday of the deity.

They're lighting candles and decorating trees with silver and gold ornaments. There's plenty of holly around, and some people are seen kissing under the mistletoe.

Sounds like a typical Christmas these days, right?

Well, it just might stun you to find out that all this was taking place many years before Jesus was even born!

It's true. These customs were established hundreds, even thousands of years before Jesus, as pagan worshippers celebrated the winter solstice or the birthday of the "invincible sun" god.

This is just some of the eye-opening information revealed in "Shocked by the Bible: The Most Astonishing Facts You've Never Been Told" by WND Executive News Editor Joe Kovacs.

"It's amazing what people don't know about the most popular holiday of all time," said Kovacs, who is standing up for the absolute truth of the Bible. "Millions are simply unaware of the origins of their beloved holiday traditions, because many of them are certainly not from the Bible."

The well-researched book, published by Thomas Nelson, explains what exactly is included in Scripture, and what's not.

"Yes, two gospels in the New Testament document the birth of Jesus," says Kovacs. "You'll find majestic announcements from an angel, and Joseph and Mary eluding a bloodthirsty king who sought to slay the young Savior of mankind. What you won't find are 'Three Wise Men' or any wise men at the manger the night Jesus was born. And despite Christmas cartoons, there's no mention of a little drummer boy. In Scripture, there's no Saint Nicholas, no candy canes, no dreaded fruitcake and no one's grandma got run over by a reindeer."

"Shocked by the Bible" explains how December 25th was celebrated as the birthday of the unconquered sun god, and why ancient cultures associated mistletoe with sex and fertility.

The disclosures about holiday customs are just some of the Christmas goodies revealed in "Shocked by the Bible."

Kovacs explores the history of the holiday, and the concerns many of America's founders had, even banning its celebration in colonial New England.

If you ever wondered about the origin of the pagan Kris Kringle, it literally means "Christ child."

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. At the very least, people should know exactly why they do what they do."

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:

"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 also soared to No. 1 on the WND Best-Seller list. International demand has even led to a deal to have "Shocked" translated into the Korean language.

"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'

Christmas banned in America ... by Christians!

The disturbing Santa Claus connection to the Bible

"Shocked by the Bible" to be translated into Korean