Ep. 401: The Case for Christmas with Lee Strobel

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude JournalIn this episode of Let’s Parent On Purpose, Jay Holland sits down with award-winning journalist and bestselling author Lee Strobel to explore the historical, theological, and personal significance of the Christmas story. Together they unpack the evidence for the birth of Jesus, the reliability of the Gospel accounts, misconceptions about the Nativity, and why the Incarnation still changes lives today.Whether you're a long-time believer, a seeker exploring Christianity, or a parent looking to equip your teens with confidence in their faith, this conversation offers clear, compelling reasons to trust the Christmas story as true history—not just a seasonal tradition.Key Topics Covered• The Investigative Journalist Who Tried to Disprove ChristianityLee shares how his journey from atheism to faith began as an attempt to rescue his wife from what he believed was a “cult.” His two-year investigation into the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection led him to the unexpected conclusion that Christianity is true.Why the Nativity Story Is Historically ReliableLee walks through:Why Luke’s and Matthew’s accounts are independent and trustworthyWhy different Gospel perspectives strengthen—not weaken—the historical caseHow early Christian writings outside the Gospels affirm the virgin birthHow ancient biography differs from modern biography but remains reliableWhat “No Room in the Inn” Actually MeansLee reveals:The Greek word kataluma likely means guest room, not hotelThe Holy Family almost certainly stayed with relativesJesus was probably born in the family living space of a first-century home, not a wooden stableWhy nativity sets with wooden barns and angry innkeepers are historically inaccurateWhy the Virgin Birth Matters theologicallyLee explains why the virgin birth is essential for:Jesus being fully God and fully manJesus being born without inherited sinFulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 7:14)Preserving core Christian doctrinesPagan Myth Claims DebunkedLee dismantles the popular internet claim that Christianity “borrowed” the virgin birth or resurrection from pagan myths such as Mithras, Dionysus, or Zoroaster. Each is exposed as historically inaccurate or chronologically impossible.How Investigating Christmas Strengthens WorshipLee shares how studying the incarnation moved him deeply, reminding him that Christianity is not a legend—it's a true story about God entering our world to save us.God Is Moving TodayLee and Jay reflect on the remarkable openness to the gospel they’re seeing nationwide—from churches to college campuses to everyday encounters.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgAbout Lee StrobelLee Strobel is a former award-winning legal editor for the Chicago Tribune and a New York Times bestselling author of more than forty books, including The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, The Case for a Creator, The Case for Miracles, and his newest seasonal release, The Case for Christmas.Originally an atheist, Lee spent two years investigating the evidence for Christianity as a journalist. His search led him to faith in Christ and ultimately into ministry, where he continues to write, speak, teach apologetics, and help people explore the evidence for God.Lee currently serves as founding director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University. His books have sold millions of copies and inspired films, documentaries, and student editions that help the next generation explore faith with confidence.Resources & Links:The Case for Christmas by Lee Strobel https://amzn.to/49S5BDcThe Case for Miracles Movie (2024) https://thecaseformiraclesmovie.com/Check out www.youthministry.coachDaily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.netJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/