christmas

S3E117-Mark 13-14: A Sweet Fragrance

Today we read Mark chapters 13 and 14, and I’ve titled the episode “A Sweet Fragrance.” We also have a special encore presentation of the Christmas story and my favorite Christmas song of all time. Today’s Reading In our reading today from Mark 13 and 14, we see a dramatic shift from Jesus’ teaching on…

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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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S3E067-Job 19–20: I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Context: Today is Christmas Day, and we are reading Job 19–20. It might not feel like a “typical” Christmas passage, but it delivers a Christmas-sized truth: hope is not a mood. Hope is a Person. Today’s Episode Job is worn down by loss, misunderstanding, and pain. The people who should have comforted him have become…

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2 Corinthians 9:15: The Indescribable Gift

2 Corinthians 9:15 — When Gratitude Is the Only Response Christmas is a season full of explanation. We explain traditions, meanings, and stories that have been handed down for generations. We describe why the lights matter, why the songs sound the way they do, and why this season still carries weight long after childhood has…

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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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