How the Devil Tried to Steal Christmas | The True Story of the Nativity

Dec 18, 2025

Delve into the hidden narratives surrounding the Nativity, where supernatural events unfold beyond the familiar manger scene. Discover the dramatic backstory of Mary’s lineage and Joseph’s reluctant acceptance of his role. Explore the Church Fathers’ insights on the devil’s attempts to sabotage the Christ Child’s arrival and the cosmic battle between good and evil. Learn about Mary’s devotion, the significance of the census, and how these ancient traditions unveil a richer Christmas story, intertwining glory and peril.

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INSIGHT

Perpetual Virginity Explained By Context

The doctrine of Mary's perpetual virginity is defended by linguistic and cultural context from early fathers.
Jacobs points to Greek usages and Jewish firstborn customs that clarify Gospel language.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Midwife’s Doubt Turned To Belief

Jacobs recounts the Gospel of James midwife episode where divine glory obscures the birth.
A skeptical midwife checks Mary, repents, believes, and goes away justified.

insights

INSIGHT

The Star As Angelic Guide

The Magi's star is identified by some Fathers as an angel guiding them, not a natural star.
Jacobs connects angel-star imagery to Jewish associations of stars and angelic beings.

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Why nativity tradition matters

00:17 • 2min

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Modern Mary films and cultural context

02:24 • 2min

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Common Gospel nativity beats

04:12 • 3min

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Why Christian tradition adds more

07:02 • 3min

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Role of oral tradition in the church

09:38 • 4min

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Church fathers as curators of faith

13:48 • 7min

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Traditions about Mary and the nativity

Joachim and Anna: Mary's origins

32:28 • 4min

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Mary devoted to the temple

35:59 • 3min

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Betrothal to Joseph explained

38:57 • 4min

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The annunciation and Joseph's scandal

42:42 • 3min

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Temple inquiry and purity test

45:50 • 1min

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Journey to Bethlehem and the manger imagery

46:56 • 3min

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Perpetual virginity and textual issues

50:15 • 7min

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Midwife, skeptical witness, and magi

56:48 • 2min

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Herod, massacre, and flight to Egypt

58:33 • 4min

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Devil as an active nativity antagonist

01:02:56 • 1min

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Christian explanation for origin of evil

01:04:03 • 9min

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Angelic rebellion and human microcosm

01:12:35 • 11min

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Providence, miracles, and nature restored

01:23:07 • 16min

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Devil's ruse and the veiling of the Messiah

01:39:33 • 3min

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Christ's bait: fishhook and demonic response

01:42:17 • 5min

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Hades, descent, and binding the strongman

01:47:16 • 8min

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Incarnation as good infection

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Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith

Paul Böer

John of Damascus

#1667

• Mentioned in 26 episodes

On The Incarnation

C.S. Lewis

Athanasius

A Religious of C.S.M.V. S.Th.

Written by St. Athanasius in the 4th century, 'On the Incarnation' is an apologetic treatise that defends the incarnation of Christ against non-believers. Athanasius explains that the Word of God became incarnate to save fallen humanity, arguing that this act was necessary to undo the corruption of sin and restore humanity to its original state in the image of God. The book relies heavily on Scripture and the teachings of the early Church, addressing various objections to the incarnation and emphasizing the divine and human natures of Christ.

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• Mentioned in 284 episodes

Mere Christianity

C.S. Lewis

In 'Mere Christianity', C.S. Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology. The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity. Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage. The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style.

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Lives of the Philosophers

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Plutarch's "Lives of the Philosophers" offers biographical accounts of prominent Greek and Roman thinkers. It delves into their lives, philosophies, and contributions to intellectual history. The work provides valuable insights into the development of philosophical thought and the lives of influential figures. It's a significant historical source for understanding ancient philosophy and its impact on Western civilization. The biographies are rich in detail and offer a glimpse into the cultural context of the time.

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The Screwtape Letters

C.S. Lewis

The Screwtape Letters is a Christian apologetic novel written in a satirical, epistolary style. It consists of 31 letters from Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to 'Our Father Below' (the Devil), to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon tasked with securing the damnation of an ordinary young man. The letters provide advice on various methods of undermining God's influence and promoting abandonment of God, while offering insights into human nature and the Bible. The book is a profound and striking narrative on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil, highlighting the subtle forms of sin such as vanity, pride, and distraction that can lead humans away from God.

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The Chronicles of Narnia

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You're to be familiar with the popularized details of the Mary and Nativity stories—the manger, the shepherds, the star. But this week, Dr. Jacobs takes you beyond the familiar Sunday school narrative to explore the robust early Christian tradition surrounding Mary's birth, her betrothal to the elderly widower Joseph, and the supernatural drama unfolding behind the scenes. This episode examines what the Church Fathers believed about the devil's frantic attempts to thwart the Incarnation, from his watchful surveillance of Israel's virgins to Herod's demonic massacre of the innocents. Dr. Jacobs traces the cosmic war between the powers of light and darkness, revealing how God orchestrated an elaborate divine ruse to veil the Messiah from Satan's gaze. Drawing from sources like the Gospel of James, Irenaeus, Gregory of Nyssa, and John Chrysostom, this deep dive recovers the fuller Christmas story that shaped Christian understanding for centuries.

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