Lifespring! WhyChristmas

Bringing you Christmas traditions, customs and fun! Hosted by Steve Webb and James Cooper.

Day 25 – Luke 2: The Christmas Story Unfolds

Merry Christmas! We have reached the final day of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar. It has been an incredible journey through the history, traditions, and scriptural accounts of the holiday. Today, host Steve Webb and James Cooper from WhyChristmas.com open the final door to share the most important story of all: the birth of Jesus…

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Day 24 – Prepare the Way: The Birth of John the Baptist

On this very special Christmas Eve edition of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar, host Steve Webb is joined by a legendary guest: Reverend Rosey Grier. Known for his time with the Los Angeles Rams as part of the “Fearsome Foursome,” Grier lends his powerful voice to the scriptural account of another miraculous birth—that of John…

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Day 23 – The Journey of the Magi: Wise Men and Stars

In this episode of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar, host Steve Webb and James Cooper dive deep into the fascinating history and scriptural account of the Magi. While tradition often places them at the manger, the biblical narrative suggests a different timeline and a journey filled with astronomical wonder and political danger. The Scriptural Account…

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Day 22 – Why We Associate Snow and Ice with Christmas 

In this episode of the Lifespring WhyChristmas Advent Calendar, host Steve Webb and James Cooper explore the cultural history of the “White Christmas.” Despite snow and ice having no mention in the original biblical story, they have become central to our holiday imagery through literature and royal tradition. The Dickensian Influence The strong association between…

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Day 21 – The Story of O Come All Ye Faithful

In this episode of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar, Steve Webb and James Cooper explore the history and heart behind one of the most recognizable Christian Christmas carols in the world, O Come All Ye Faithful. The History of a Masterpiece Today we open the door to find the story behind James Cooper’s favorite carol,…

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Day 20 – Figgy Pudding and Mince Pies  

On this twentieth day of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar, host Steve Webb and James Cooper dive into the delicious and surprising history of figgy pudding and mince pies. The Evolution of a Festive Favorite Today behind the door, Steve and James explore the culinary traditions that define a British Christmas dinner. While we often…

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Day 19 – How to Say Merry Christmas Around the World

The Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar is a daily celebration of the season’s history and global traditions. In today’s episode, we take a linguistic tour of the globe to learn how to share the joy of the season with others, no matter what language they speak. Speaking the Language of Christmas One of the most beautiful…

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Day 18 – Discover Christmas Traditions From Madagascar to Spain

The Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar is a daily journey through the history, heart, and global reach of the Christmas season. In this episode, we explore how diverse cultures—from the tropical coast of Madagascar to the festive streets of Spain—celebrate the birth of Christ with unique customs and flavors. A Global Celebration of Christmas Christmas is…

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Day 17 – Mary’s Yes: The Story of the Annunciation

Day 17 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar focuses on one of the most powerful and quietly courageous moments in the Christmas story: Mary’s yes. This episode explores the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appeared to a young woman in Nazareth and told her she would give birth to the Savior of the world. Mary’s…

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Day 16 – The Story of the Christmas Tree and the Yule Log

Day 16 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar explores the rich history behind two beloved Christmas traditions: the Christmas tree and the Yule log. In this episode, Steve Webb and James Cooper trace these symbols from ancient winter festivals through medieval Europe and into their Christian meaning today. Evergreen trees and burning logs were long…

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