Lee Strobel – The Case for Christmas: Evidence of Jesus’ Birth & Biblical Prophecy | SRS #265

In this podcast episode, investigative Christian author Lee Strobel returns to discuss the updated edition of his book The Case for Christmas. Strobel shares new insights and research on biblical prophecies, the birth of Jesus, and cultural traditions surrounding Christmas. The conversation also delves into his personal faith journey, addressing common doubts, theological questions about Jesus' divine and human nature, and the significance of biblical evidence supporting Christianity.

The Revival of Christianity and Spiritual Curiosity

Lee Strobel opens by acknowledging a significant spiritual revival, especially among young people in America. He references a survey showing that many have taken spiritual steps following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, indicating that faith is gaining traction over political activism in recent times. Strobel reflects on how distrust in information—such as concerns about artificial intelligence and social media misinformation—is driving people toward seeking a firm foundation for their beliefs. This cultural stirring has prompted many, particularly younger generations, to seek out deeper spiritual truths, often rediscovering or embracing Christianity.

Encouragement to Express Doubt and Seek Answers

Strobel emphasizes the importance of openly addressing doubts and questions about faith rather than suppressing them. Using the biblical example of John the Baptist, who had doubts and sent messengers to Jesus to confirm His messianic identity, Strobel highlights that questioning faith is natural and not frowned upon by God. He encourages believers and seekers alike to investigate their faith, seek reputable sources, and engage in honest dialogue to strengthen their understanding and conviction without fear of judgment.

Isaiah's Prophecy of the Virgin Birth

The discussion moves to the biblical prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 predicting that the Messiah would be born of a virgin. Strobel addresses scholarly debates over the Hebrew word almah, which some claim simply means "young woman" rather than "virgin." He explains that although ancient Hebrew lacked a single word strictly meaning "virgin," almah was understood to imply virginity in that cultural context. Furthermore, the Greek Septuagint translation chosen by Jewish scholars before Jesus' birth explicitly uses the word for virgin, which Strobel sees as affirming this prophetic interpretation. He frames this passage as part of a cluster of messianic prophecies in Isaiah, linking ancient expectations to Jesus' birth.

The Seed of a Woman in Genesis 3:15 as a Prophecy

Strobel recalls a foundational biblical prophecy in Genesis 3:15, where God foretells the coming of a nemesis who will crush Satan. This prophecy foretells the Messiah coming "from the seed of a woman," which is unusual because biologically, seed is traced through men. Strobel highlights that Jesus' virgin birth—conception by the Holy Spirit without a human father—fulfills this cryptic prophecy, indicating divine intervention and the miraculous nature of Jesus' origin.

Scientific and Theological Defense of the Virgin Birth

Addressing scientific objections, particularly about how Mary could produce a male child without a Y chromosome, Strobel recounts how respected Christian apologist Dr. William Lane Craig initially doubted the virgin birth on such grounds but overcame this objection by recognizing that God, as Creator, could supernaturally create the genetic code needed. Strobel connects this to the Christian doctrine that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, ensuring His sinlessness. He clarifies that Mary herself was a sinner, like all humans, but the Holy Spirit's intervention interrupted the transmission of original sin to Jesus, allowing Him to be born fully human but without sin.

Mary's Character and Selection

Strobel reflects on why Mary, despite being a sinner, was chosen to be Jesus' mother. He describes her as a remarkable young woman of faith and devotion who found favor with God. He admires her humility and courage, emphasizing that her willing acceptance of God's plan made her an honorable vessel for the incarnation of Jesus.

The Announcement to Mary and Angelic Appearances

The episode recounts the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary, explaining that although we lack detailed descriptions of the angel's appearance, biblical angelic encounters are typically portrayed as male messengers. Strobel shares a personal story from his childhood of an angelic encounter, emphasizing that supernatural experiences are not always accompanied by the stereotypical imagery of wings and halos. He notes the importance of openness to the supernatural, which has become more accepted in recent times.

The Length and Timing of Mary's Pregnancy

Strobel explains that Jesus' birth followed a natural nine-month pregnancy. He discusses early Christian customs, which initially did not celebrate birthdays, suggesting that the historic rationale for celebrating Jesus' birth on December 25th is linked to ancient beliefs about the connection between conception and death. This idea held that Jesus was conceived on March 25th (the day he was believed to have died), making December 25th the logical date for his birth. This view comes from Christians like Tertullian and Julius Africanus and is considered the best-supported explanation for why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th.

Joseph's Identity and Role

Joseph is described as likely a carpenter or stonecutter, a man of faith from the line of David, which fulfills messianic lineage prophecies. Though not Jesus' biological father, his betrothal and caretaking role were critical. Strobel points out that Mark's Gospel deliberately refers to Jesus as "Mary's son," which was unusual in Jewish culture and may hint at his divine conception. Joseph's protective role is underscored, especially in the flight to Egypt to escape Herod's threat.

The Census and the Journey to Bethlehem

Addressing skepticism regarding Luke's account of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem for a census during Herod's reign, Strobel brings up new scholarly research clarifying the timeline and terminology. There were likely two censuses, with the earlier one occurring while Quirinius was a procurator rather than governor. The census required people to register in their ancestral towns, explaining Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem. This aligns with the prophecy in Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David.

The Star of Bethlehem and the Magi

The mysterious star that guided the magi is explored, with Strobel clarifying that the Greek word for star could mean various celestial phenomena such as a nova, planetary conjunction, or comet. He proposes that a bright nova recorded by Chinese astronomers and a planetary conjunction involving Jupiter and Saturn around 7-5 BC are plausible explanations. The magi themselves were astrologers and pagans from the East (possibly Persia) who, upon seeing the star, recognized the birth of a Jewish king and sought to worship Him. Strobel notes that their presence symbolizes Jesus' significance beyond the Jewish people, welcoming all nations.

The Gifts of the Magi and Their Symbolism

The magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Strobel interprets these gifts as symbolizing Jesus' royal status (gold), priestly role (frankincense), and foreshadowing His sacrificial death (myrrh). He also links myrrh to the mixture offered to Jesus on the cross, which He refused. These gifts emphasize the theological importance of Jesus' identity and mission.

The Massacre of the Innocents and Historical Context

Strobel addresses the biblical account of King Herod ordering the killing of male children under two years old in Bethlehem to eliminate the infant Messiah. He explains that the small size of Bethlehem and widespread brutality of Herod's reign make it plausible this event went unrecorded by contemporary historians like Josephus. The episode also links this episode to Old Testament prophecies and highlights the fulfillment of messianic predictions.

Fulfillment of Prophecies and Mathematical Odds

The conversation highlights numerous Old Testament prophecies fulfilled uniquely by Jesus, such as the birthplace in Bethlehem and the manner of His death. Strobel references mathematician Dr. Peter Stoner's probability calculations showing that the chance of one person fulfilling just 48 messianic prophecies by chance is astronomically low. He further emphasizes Isaiah 53 as a vivid, ancient prophecy describing the suffering servant Messiah who would bear humanity's sins and be resurrected, underpinning the credibility of Jesus' messianic claim.

The Spread of Early News About Jesus' Birth

Strobel notes that Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth (mother of John the Baptist), and a few others were initially aware of Jesus' identity and mission. John the Baptist, even while still in the womb, recognized Jesus' significance when Mary visited Elizabeth. The shepherds, led by angelic announcement, became the first public proclaimers of the birth, spreading the good news among the local community, gradually raising awareness though without modern communication methods.

The Narrowness of the Path to Salvation and Christian Exclusivity

When asked about the famous teaching of Jesus on the narrow gate, Strobel explains that the narrowness refers to salvation being available only through Jesus Christ. While acknowledging the presence of diverse religious beliefs, he argues that Christianity's central claims, especially the death and resurrection of Jesus, differentiate it logically from Islam and other faiths. He emphasizes the necessity of faith in Jesus as the singular path to reconciliation with God.

Christianity and Islam: Contrasting Doctrines

Strobel shares his personal experience investigating Islam alongside Christianity, pointing out fundamental theological conflicts. He notes Islam denies Jesus' divinity, crucifixion, and role as God's Son, which are foundational to Christian salvation. He discusses friendships with Muslim acquaintances, including high-profile individuals, and their ongoing spiritual journeys. Strobel underscores that both religions cannot simultaneously be wholly true due to irreconcilable beliefs.

Jesus' Relationship with God the Father and Prayer

The episode explores Jesus' unique relationship with God the Father, including His teachings on prayer exemplified by the Lord's Prayer. Strobel explains Jesus' use of the intimate Aramaic term "Abba" (Father/Daddy), highlighting the closeness and accessibility Jesus offered in understanding God's nature. This intimacy distinguishes Christian spirituality compared to other faith traditions.

Jesus' Dual Nature: Fully God and Fully Man

Strobel discusses the mystery of Jesus being both fully divine and fully human. He notes that while Jesus experienced temptations, suffering, and learning obedience through hardship, He remained without sin. This perfect obedience qualified Him as a sacrifice for humanity's sins. The conversation acknowledges the challenges of fully comprehending this dual nature but affirms its central place in Christian doctrine.

Growing in Faith: Doubt, Prayer, and Community

Drawing on personal experience, Strobel addresses the common oscillations in faith—highs and lows—that believers experience. He recommends continual engagement with Scripture, prayer, and the support of trusted Christian friends or small groups for spiritual growth and clarity. He stresses testing spiritual promptings against biblical truth and community counsel, illustrating his own decisions guided by such prayerful discernment.

Miraculous Personal Testimonies

Sharing a personal story, Strobel recounts how he was led by a spiritual prompting to anonymously send money to someone in need within his church community. The recipient, facing a financial crisis, later calls requesting prayer precisely for help that money covered. This anecdote exemplifies how God works through believers, reinforcing faith through unexpected provision and timing.

The Origins of Santa Claus

The episode concludes with the real history behind the Santa Claus legend. Strobel recounts the life of St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop from Myra (modern Turkey), known for his generous and discreet gift-giving. The story of his provision of dowries for three impoverished daughters is linked to the tradition of hanging stockings. The modern image of Santa Claus with red robes and white beard is credited largely to Coca-Cola's advertising campaign in the 1930s, evolving from earlier Dutch and medieval traditions.

Final Blessings and Encouragement

Throughout the interview, Strobel encourages listeners to pursue truth through investigation, conversation, and faith, praying that his work and discussions will inspire many toward Jesus Christ. He underscores the transformational power of the Christmas story and its foundational place within the broader story of redemption revealed in Scripture.