This week’s Health newsletter explores if cholesterol can drop too low, investigates the latest findings about weed, looks at childbirth in the time of Jesus, considers the benefits of switching from coffee to tea, probes how rising bird flu cases could morph into a pandemic ... and learns how NOT to snack like Santa.

PAINTING BY LORENZO LOTTO, COURTESY BRIDGEMAN IMAGES 

The Bible says Jesus was born in a manger, but details are lacking on Mary’s delivery. Scholars have turned elsewhere, combing contemporary births in ancient Rome for intriguing insights about the era’s practices. They include some surprisingly hygienic customs that remain commonplace today. Read more. 

Related: What archaeologists say about the real Jesus

Also: Who were the three kings?

JAMES KING-HOLMES, SCITECH IMAGE/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO 

With heart disease remaining the No. 1 killer in the U.S.—someone dies from it every 33 seconds—scientists are increasingly focused on ways to further reduce the LDL blood cholesterol at the center of the condition. The quest had led to increasingly powerful medicines that plunge LDL to new lows. Can they go too far? 

PHOTOGRAPH BY REBECCA HALE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 

LILIAN CAZABET/HANS LUCAS/REDUX 

Time to switch from coffee to tea? Both beverages have life-extending qualities, but health experts cite a few reasons to consider a move from Robusto to rosehip, from Sumatra to Earl Grey. Why do you think? 

A. Antioxidant power
B. The calming effect of L-theanine
C. Less insomnia
D. All of the above

Related: These ancient forests produce the world’s finest tea

Today’s Soundtrack: MY ROSE, Beyoncé

Bonus track: Danza de gardenias, Natalia Lafourcade 

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by David Beard and produced by Alisher Egamov. Thanks for reading! Have a suggestion? Let us know. And happy holidays!