EPISODE 0246 | The History of Christmas and Why December 25th Matters
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0246
In this special Christmas Eve message, Pastor Nate invites listeners to slow down and truly reflect on the meaning of Christmas—not just as a holiday, but as a historic, theological, and deeply personal moment in time. Tracing the origins of Christmas through Scripture and early church history, he unpacks how the Incarnation—God becoming man—was never rooted in myth or paganism, but in verifiable truth and radical love. You’ll hear how shepherds became the first evangelists, why December 25th actually makes sense, and how Saint Nicholas’ legacy points to the generosity of Christ.
Most importantly, Pastor Nate challenges each of us to pass down the real story of Christmas—to our children, our churches, and the next generation.
Main Topics Covered:
Why Christmas is rooted in historical fact, not fantasy
The role of shepherds—and how they symbolized all people
The powerful symbolism behind Bethlehem and the Passover lamb
Where the December 25 date actually came from (hint: not paganism)
Saint Nicholas, generosity, and how Santa got his start
How to celebrate Christmas intentionally in your home
Why this generation must pass down the story of Christ
Key Scriptures:
Luke 2 – The angels’ announcement to the shepherds
Isaiah 9:6 – “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…”
John 1 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”
Romans 10:9–10 – Salvation through confession and belief
Key Takeaways:
🎄 Christmas didn’t come from paganism—it came from Scripture and theology
🐑 God revealed His glory first to humble shepherds for a reason: it’s good news for all people
🕊️ Jesus was not just born—He was given—the eternal Son stepping into time
📜 The earliest Christians were obsessed with the Incarnation, not pageantry
👨👩👧👦 Christmas is a story we receive and a story we’re called to pass down
Resources
The Better Planner™ is a personal planner designed by Pastor Stephen to help you map out all the different aspects of success and personal growth on your way to better.
The foundation of the Better Planner™ is the practice of defining and reaching your personal vision. The other principles for growth all integrate with and flow out of this essential step. As you develop and record the insights you receive from God and His design for your life, the Better Planner™ will lead you through a step-by-step process to become better.
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