About the Author:
Stephen S. Ahokas, DVM

I grew up in a pastor’s home, so faith was always at the center of my world. From an early age, I was taught about the significance of Christ’s birth and death—how it all pointed to a Savior who came to save us. But as I grew older, I realized that there was more to the story than I had been taught. Outside the walls of our church, I began to see how the world misunderstood the true meaning of these events. This sparked a deep curiosity in me, and I began seeking to understand it in a way that went beyond the surface.

My journey led me to study music, wildlife management, and pre-veterinary medicine at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, eventually earning my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University. But it wasn’t in the classroom where I truly began to understand the depth of Christ's sacrifice—it was through my involvement with Campus Crusade for Christ during veterinary school that my faith became something personal, something that had to be connected to real life.

One moment that stands out to me happened during my veterinary studies. I overheard a Jewish professor say that, because of his heritage, he couldn’t accept Christ. That moment hit me hard. I knew that there was a deeper understanding of the truth that he—along with many others—had missed. That’s when I felt God press upon my heart the importance of understanding the connection between Christ’s birth and death in a way that hadn’t been seen before.

Bringing Faith and Scripture to Life through Knowledge and Passion

I spent years studying the Scriptures, especially the Passover, trying to piece together the story in a way that made sense to both Jews and Gentiles alike. I came to realize that Christ’s birth and death cannot be understood fully by studying them separately. The deeper truth lies in seeing the whole picture—the birth, the life, the death—and how it all ties back to the Old Testament and the Jewish traditions. It was this understanding that led me to write ‘Twas Christmas to Passover—a book that explores the profound connection between the Jewish Passover and Christ’s life and sacrifice.

Looking back now, I can see how every part of my journey—the experiences, the questions, the moments of doubt—have shaped my understanding of the Bible and my faith. It’s been a long road, but one that has taught me to always seek the deeper meaning in life and Scripture, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this with others.