Book connects biblical number symbolism, divine order and the coming of Jesus in a fresh examination of the Nativity
PINEVILLE, La. — What if the numbers woven throughout Scripture reveal a deeper understanding of Christmas? In “Four – The Number of Immanuel: Christmas by the Numbers”(published by WestBow Press), author David Elliott explores biblical number symbolism and its relationship to the birth of Jesus Christ, inviting readers to reconsider the spiritual significance of the Nativity through a numerical lens.
“Four – The Number of Immanuel” offers a compelling and reverent exploration of the birth of Christ, guiding readers away from over-commercialized and superficial observances of Christmas and back to the profound significance of Immanuel — “God with us.” Drawing on the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, Elliott presents the number four as a symbol of earth and creation, while nine represents the completeness of God’s heavenly Kingdom. Together, these numbers reveal divine order, intentionality, and joy embedded within Scripture.
The book examines several fourfold patterns throughout the Nativity accounts, including four prophetic declarations, four women in Christ’s genealogy, four angelic messages urging recipients not to fear, and four dreams through which Joseph receives divine guidance. Through these examples, Elliott examines the roles of Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah, Simeon, the shepherds and other biblical figures whose faith and obedience contributed to the unfolding Christmas narrative.
“Culture is consumed with Christmas, and unfortunately too often for the wrong reasons,” the author states. “The holiday has become secularized, losing its original joy for the coming of the Savior. Christmas has lost its true meaning, and is often consumed with greed and pleasure, not the peace found in God’s redemptive activity on earth. This book is an effort to reexamine the accounts of the Savior’s birth and help the reader focus on the right Christmas message.”
“Four – The Number of Immanuel” is intended for Christian readers, Bible study groups and those interested in biblical symbolism. The book offers readers a devotional exploration that extends beyond the Christmas season and allows them to reflect on relevance of coming of Jesus Christ in contemporary society.
“Four – The Number of Immanuel: Christmas by the Numbers”
By David Elliott
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 238 pages | ISBN 9798385050840
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 238 pages | ISBN 9798385050833
E-Book | 238 pages | ISBN 9798385050826
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Author
David Elliott is a professor of chemistry and chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville, Louisiana, where he has taught since 2005. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Louisiana Christian University and a doctorate in polymer science from the University of Southern Mississippi. A former industrial research scientist with 18 U.S. patents, Elliott has worked with Unilever Research US, Calgon Corporation and The Gillette Company. He currently holds the Hixson Endowed Professorship. He is also the author of “Air, Earth, Fire, and Water: A Glimpse of the Created Earth” published in 2025. Visit www.drdavidelliott.com for more information.
WestBow Press is a strategic supported self-publishing alliance between HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Author Solutions, LLC — the world leader in supported self-publishing. Titles published through WestBow Press are evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication through Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. For more information, visit www.westbowpress.com or call 844-714-3454.