Lifespring! WhyChristmas Show

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 Christ.

The account in Luke 2 begins with a decree from Caesar Augustus for a census across the Roman world. This political requirement forced Joseph and a heavily pregnant Mary to travel approximately 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the ancestral town of David. James Cooper highlights that this arduous three-day journey was likely timed by the Roman government to ensure proper tax collection—a reminder that the first Christmas took place in a very real, often difficult world.

Upon their arrival, the couple found no room in the “inn.” Steve explains that in the context of the time, this often referred to the upper guest rooms of family homes, which were overflowing due to the census. Consequently, the King of Kings was born in the lowly lower level of a house or a stable, where animals were kept. The baby was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger, which was simply a stone or wooden feeding trough for livestock. This humble beginning serves as a powerful testament to the nature of God’s love for humanity.

As this series concludes, Steve and James reflect on the joy of producing this calendar from opposite sides of the globe. This international collaboration is symbolic of the fact that Jesus came for the entire world. The episode concludes with special thanks to the many contributors who made this season possible, including Rosey Grier, Bryan Duncan, and the listeners who shared their holiday greetings. We invite you to stay subscribed to the feed for future updates and to carry the spirit of Christmas with you all year long.

For a wealth of information on Christmas traditions, visit WhyChristmas.com. To explore more life-changing content, visit lifespringmedia.com.

Entities: Luke 2, Caesar Augustus, Joseph, Mary, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Manger, Swaddling Clothes, Roman Census, King David.

The birth of Jesus is the ultimate gift of love from God to the world. We hope this advent journey has deepened your appreciation for the “Reason for the Season” and the historical reality of the first Christmas.

Merry Christmas from the entire team. I’m Steve Webb. God bless you.

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 the Baptist.

The story of John’s birth, found in the first chapter of Luke, begins with Zechariah and Elizabeth. Both were descendants of priestly families and lived upright lives, yet they were well along in years and childless. While Zechariah was serving in the temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him with a startling message: Elizabeth would bear a son named John, who would be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth and prepare the people of Israel for the Lord.

Because Zechariah questioned the angel’s message, he was struck dumb and remained unable to speak until the prophecy was fulfilled. James Cooper explains the significance of this temple service; it was a rare and holy duty to be chosen to burn incense, and Gabriel’s appearance marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history. When John was finally born and Zechariah confirmed his name on a writing tablet, his tongue was loosed, and he broke into a prophetic song of praise now known as the Benedictus.

John the Baptist was the slightly older cousin of Jesus. When Mary visited Elizabeth during their pregnancies, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy, acknowledging the presence of the Savior. John’s mission was unique: he was called to be a prophet of the Most High, giving knowledge of salvation and guiding feet into the path of peace. His arrival signaled that the “rising sun” from heaven was about to shine on those living in darkness.

For more beautiful stories behind Christmas traditions, visit WhyChristmas.com. You can catch up on previous days of the advent calendar at lifespringmedia.com.

Entities: Rosey Grier, Zechariah, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Gabriel, Luke 1, Magnificat, Benedictus, Bethlehem, Nazareth.

As we prepare for Christmas morning, the story of John reminds us that God is gracious and always keeps His promises. John’s life was dedicated to pointing others toward the Light of the World, which is the heart of our celebration tomorrow.

Merry Christmas Eve! I’m Steve Webb. God bless you.

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 story of the Wise Men, found in the Gospel of Matthew, is often depicted alongside the shepherds in nativity scenes. However, historical and scriptural evidence indicates that the Magi likely arrived when Jesus was between one and two years old, visiting him in a house rather than a stable. James Cooper explains that these men traveled from areas likely within modern-day Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, or Yemen—regions then known as Persia, Arabia, and Sheba.

The term “Magi” comes from the Greek word magos, a title for priests or experts in astronomy and astrology. In the ancient world, these disciplines were viewed as sciences. These “wise men” were highly esteemed and wealthy enough to travel with a significant entourage. While we commonly refer to “Three Kings,” the Bible does not specify their number or royal status; the number three is traditionally derived from the three specific gifts they presented: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

What exactly was the star that led the Magi? Various astronomical theories exist, including supernovas, comets, or planetary conjunctions. James discusses the notable triple conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the constellation of Pisces during 7 BC, which would have carried immense symbolic weight for ancient astronomers. Whether it was a natural celestial alignment orchestrated by God or a supernatural phenomenon, the “star” served as a divine beacon for those seeking the new King.

The gifts brought by the Magi were not merely valuable; they were prophetic. Gold represented the kingship of Jesus. Frankincense, used in worship, pointed to his divinity. Myrrh, an embalming perfume, foreshadowed his eventual suffering and death. These valuable treasures likely provided the financial means for Mary and Joseph to flee to Egypt as refugees, escaping the murderous decree of King Herod.

For more deep dives into the history of Christmas traditions, visit WhyChristmas.com. You can listen to more episodes of Lifespring! WhyChristmas at lifespringmedia.com.

Entities: Matthew 2, Magi, Star of Bethlehem, King Herod, Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh, Persia, Sheba, Egypt, Jupiter, Saturn, Pisces.

The journey of the Magi reminds us that seeking the truth often requires a long journey and a heart prepared to worship. Their story connects ancient science with the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

Until tomorrow, I’m Steve Webb. God bless you.

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 strong association between Christmas and snow is largely a Victorian invention, specifically tied to the writing of Charles Dickens. During his childhood, Britain experienced several heavy snowfalls at Christmastime. Dickens carried these memories into his work, filling classics like A Christmas Carol and The Pickwick Papers with snowy scenes that eventually became part of our collective cultural consciousness. This literary influence transformed a simple weather occurrence into a foundational element of the holiday spirit for generations to come.

Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, also played a major role in shaping these traditions. Bringing customs from his native Germany, he was accustomed to snowy winters and helped popularize the Christmas tree in the United Kingdom. This era also saw the rise of the Christmas card, which frequently featured snowy landscapes as a nostalgic nod to the “hard Christmases” of the past. These cards helped distribute the image of a snowy Christmas across the globe, making it a universal symbol of the season.

The episode also discusses the iconic song “White Christmas,” performed by Bing Crosby. Written by Irving Berlin in just 18 minutes, the song debuted in the film Holiday Inn, which was set in a snowy Vermont. It has since become a global phenomenon, with Crosby’s original recording selling over 30 million copies worldwide. Whether you are in sunny Southern California or a snowy Vermont, the dream of a white Christmas continues to define the spirit of the season and remains a centerpiece of holiday media.

To learn more about holiday customs from around the world, visit WhyChristmas.com. For more inspiring content and past episodes, check out LifeSpringMedia.com.

Entities: Charles Dickens, Prince Albert, Bing Crosby, Irving Berlin, Queen Victoria, A Christmas Carol, Holiday Inn, Riverside, Vermont.

Understanding the history of these snowy traditions helps us appreciate how cultural stories and music shape the way we celebrate the holidays today, regardless of the weather outside. The influence of the Victorian era continues to cast a long, snowy shadow over our modern festivities.

Until next time, I’m Steve Webb. May your Christmas be filled with joy and peace. God bless you.

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.

Today we open the door to find the story behind James Cooper’s favorite carol, “O Come All Ye Faithful.” While it was attributed to many authors over the years, historical research points to an English Catholic priest named John Wade as the true author. Wade wrote the carol in the 1700s during a time of great religious upheaval in the UK.

Following the Protestant Jacobite Rebellion in 1745, life became difficult for Catholics in Britain. John Wade fled to Douay, France, where his skills as a calligrapher and musician were put to use preserving historic church music. It was here, around 1750, that he composed the beautiful tune known as Adeste Fideles. A decade later, he added six Latin verses to accompany the melody.

The version we sing today in English did not appear until 1841. Frederick Oakley translated the first three verses and the sixth verse, while William Thomas Brooke translated verses four and five. Interestingly, for many years, Wade did not receive credit for his work. Some even attributed the piece to the 13th century saint, St. Bonaventure, or called it the “Portuguese Carol” after it was performed at the Portuguese Embassy in London in 1860 where the organist claimed it was written by a Mr. John Reading.

The carol eventually found its way into the mainstream, even appearing on the US Top Ten charts three separate times. One unique tradition regarding this song is that the final verse, which begins with “Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning,” is traditionally reserved for Christmas Day or midnight mass services as it celebrates the specific morning of Christ’s birth.

This episode features a special audio experience, including a dramatization of a cold Christmas Eve night and multiple musical renditions of the carol. Steve recommends using headphones or earbuds for this particular show to get an extra measure of enjoyment from the production. You will hear performances by:

To learn more about the history of your favorite carols, visit WhyChristmas.com. You can also explore more Christian content and music at LifespringMedia.com.

Entities: John Wade, Frederick Oakley, James Cooper, Steve Webb, Adeste Fideles, Bryan Duncan, NehoSoul Band, Julie Melton, Gary Sunblad, Jill Parr.

Summary: This episode provides a deep dive into the origins of “O Come All Ye Faithful,” tracing its roots from 18th-century France to its modern-day popularity, accompanied by unique musical performances and a classic Lifespring dramatization.

May the story of this carol remind you of the invitation to come and adore Him. For James Cooper and Steve Webb, we look forward to seeing you tomorrow for Day 22!

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.

Today behind the door, Steve and James explore the culinary traditions that define a British Christmas dinner. While we often think of Christmas pudding as a sweet cake, James explains that it actually began as a medieval porridge called frumenty. This early version was a savory soup made from beef or mutton, raisins, and spices, often eaten as a fasting meal during the Advent season.

By the late 16th century, the recipe shifted away from meat, incorporating eggs, breadcrumbs, and plenty of spirits to enhance the flavor. However, the tradition faced a major hurdle in 1664 when the Puritans banned it, along with many other Christmas celebrations, viewing it as a “bad custom.” Thankfully, King George I re-established the pudding as a staple of the holiday meal in 1714, leading to the version we recognize today.

A particularly charming tradition discussed is Stir-Up Sunday, which occurs the Sunday before Advent. Families gather to stir the pudding mixture from east to west in honor of the Wise Men. Adding a silver sixpence to the bowl brings luck to whoever finds it in their portion, provided they don’t break a tooth! We also learn about the history of mince pies, which were originally oval-shaped to represent the manger of Jesus and were once filled with actual meat.

Whether you like your mince pies hot with ice cream or enjoy the spectacular display of a brandy-soaked pudding set alight, these treats are central to the holiday spirit. You can find more fascinating details about these customs at WhyChristmas.com. For more episodes and advent inspiration, visit Lifespring Media.

The theme music for our journey is provided by Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band. Our background music today features Jerome Wilson with a festive rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Entities: Steve Webb, James Cooper, WhyChristmas.com, Bryan Duncan, NehoSoul Band, Jerome Wilson, Stir-Up Sunday, Advent.

This episode serves as a reminder that many of our most beloved holiday traditions have deep, often surprising historical roots. By understanding the history of Christmas pudding and the symbolism behind our food, we can appreciate the rich heritage that connects us to generations past during the Advent season.

Thanks for joining us for Day 20. I am Steve Webb, and I hope to see you back here tomorrow as we draw even closer to Christmas Day!

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.

One of the most beautiful aspects of the Advent season is how the message of “Peace on Earth” transcends borders. Today, Steve Webb and James Cooper explore the many ways people express holiday cheer across different cultures. From the familiar sounds of Europe to the unique dialects of the Pacific Islands, we discover that the heart of the greeting remains the same.

This episode is truly a community effort, featuring recordings from listeners who shared their native tongues. We hear Dan Johnson from Cincinnati explain the French Joyeux Noël, and Olē from the Faroe Islands shares a unique Norwegian and Faroese greeting. Maria also joins the show to teach us the traditional Russian way to announce the Nativity of Christ, Srejstvom Christovom.

James attempts (with varying degrees of “British” accents) to navigate the pronunciations of Flemish, Danish, and Finnish. We also take a trip to the islands, learning the Samoan and Hawaiian versions of the greeting. Steve even throws in a special “Californian” version for those celebrating near the surf. It is a lighthearted but educational look at the diversity within the global Body of Christ.

To see a full list of these greetings and their spellings, be sure to visit the world’s premier Christmas information site at WhyChristmas.com. For more episodes exploring the deep roots of our faith, visit Lifespring Media.

Entities: Steve Webb, James Cooper, Dan Johnson, Faroe Islands, Russia, Madagascar, Madagascar, Samoa, Hawaii, Bryan Duncan, NehoSoul Band, Pittsburgh Symphony Brass.

Content Importance: Understanding how to say Merry Christmas in different languages allows us to better appreciate the vast, international community of believers and the universal nature of the Christmas message.

Outro: However you say it, we hope your Christmas is filled with joy and peace. I’m Steve Webb for James Cooper. Come on back tomorrow; we will be waiting for you right here.

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.

Christmas is truly a worldwide event, and today we discover Christmas traditions to see how the same story is told through different cultural lenses. We begin our journey in Madagascar, an island off the east coast of Africa where Christmas is celebrated in the warmth of summer. Despite the heat, many residents still decorate with holly and snow scenes, blending traditional imagery with their local environment. Here, the figure we know as Santa Claus is affectionately called Dadabi Noeli.

Steve Webb explains why some countries, like Russia and Serbia, celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January. This is because the Orthodox Church continues to follow the Julian calendar for religious dates. Their Advent season lasts six weeks and involves significant periods of fasting, sometimes leading up to the moment the first star is seen in the sky on Christmas Eve.

Food plays a central role in these global traditions. In Russia, the first meal on Christmas Eve is often sosyevo, a dish of wheat or rice mixed with honey and fruit. In Poland, the sharing of the oplotek wafer signifies unity and peace among family members. Meanwhile, in Serbia, a special bread called sesnika is baked with a hidden coin; the one who finds it is said to have good luck for the coming year. This is strikingly similar to the British tradition of hiding a coin in a Christmas pudding.

In Spain, the festivities extend well beyond December 25th. While they enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve dinner of pavo trufado de Navidad (turkey stuffed with truffles), the primary day for gift giving is Epiphany on January 6th. This day, known as Fiesta de los Tres Reyes Mejes, honors the visit of the wise men to the baby Jesus. Children leave out their shoes on Epiphany Eve, hoping the Three Magic Kings will fill them with presents.

For more beautiful stories of faith and holiday history, visit Lifespring Media. To dive deeper into the technical and historical details of these customs, check out the world’s best Christmas information site at WhyChristmas.com.

Entities: Steve Webb, James Cooper, Madagascar, Russia, Poland, Serbia, Spain, Orthodox Church, Julian Calendar, Dadabi Noeli, Epiphany, Bryan Duncan, NehoSoul Band.

Content Importance: This episode highlights the beautiful diversity of the global Body of Christ, showing how different nations honor the same Savior through their unique cultural traditions and culinary heritage.

Outro: Whether you are eating turkey, seafood, or a special honeyed rice today, we hope your heart is filled with the joy of the season. I’m Steve Webb for James Cooper. Come on back tomorrow; we will be waiting for you right here.

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 response was not fear, argument, or resistance, but humble trust: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”

The story comes from Luke chapter 1, where we learn that Mary was likely a teenager, engaged but not yet married, living an ordinary life when God interrupted her plans. The angel Gabriel called her “highly favored,” declaring that God’s grace was upon her in a unique and world-changing way.

Mary asked honest questions, but she did not refuse God’s call. Instead, she trusted God with her reputation, her future, and her safety. Her obedience stands in sharp contrast to the power structures of the world, showing that God often works through the humble and overlooked.

The episode also highlights Joseph’s role in the story. When he learned Mary was expecting a child, he planned to divorce her quietly until an angel appeared to him in a dream. Joseph’s obedience protected Mary and affirmed God’s plan, reminding us that faith often requires quiet courage.

Together, Mary and Joseph model what it looks like to trust God when the path forward is unclear.

Mary’s response to God marks the beginning of the incarnation. Her willingness made room for Jesus to enter the world, bringing salvation, hope, and peace. This moment reminds us that God still works through willing hearts today.

For more background on Advent traditions and the Christmas story, explore additional episodes in the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar archive.

To learn more about Christmas traditions and biblical history from around the world, visit WhyChristmas.com.

Come back tomorrow for Day 18 of the Lifespring! Advent Calendar as we continue opening the story of Christmas together.

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 associated with hope, light, and life during the darkest days of winter.

Evergreen trees were seen as signs of continuing life long before Christianity. Over time, these traditions were reshaped to reflect Christian belief, especially the promise of eternal life through Christ.

One of the earliest recorded Christmas trees dates back to 1510 in Riga, Latvia. Later stories, including the legend of Martin Luther placing candles on a tree to reflect the stars of heaven, helped shape how Christmas trees were used in Christian homes.

During the Middle Ages, “paradise trees” were used in mystery plays to tell Bible stories to people who could not read. These trees represented the Garden of Eden and eventually influenced how Christmas trees were decorated.

The Yule log tradition began in Northern Europe as a way of celebrating the winter solstice. Families would bring a large log into their homes and burn it throughout the twelve days of Christmas, often lighting it from the remains of the previous year’s log.

Over time, the Yule log became a symbol of warmth, continuity, and hope during the Christmas season.

Both the Christmas tree and the Yule log point beyond themselves. They remind us of light overcoming darkness and life enduring through winter. For Christians, they also reflect the deeper truth of Christ leaving heaven to bring hope to the world.

To explore more Christmas customs and traditions from around the world, visit WhyChristmas.com.

You can find more Advent episodes and Christmas resources at