Christmas Truths and Myths with Julie West

What if everything you’ve been told about Christmas being “pagan” is actually backwards?

I sat down with Julie West Worth Remembering - Bible teacher, media personality, and genuine treasure trove of biblical and historical knowledge - for one of the most intellectually satisfying conversations I’ve had about faith, Christmas traditions, and the beautiful complexity of Scripture.

This isn’t another surface-level holiday discussion. Julie and I dive deep into the actual historical origins of Christmas traditions, unpacking myths that get repeated year after year, and discovering how God invites us to use our minds - not shut them off - when approaching His Word.

What You’ll Discover in This Conversation

The Real Story Behind Christmas TreesForget what you’ve heard about pagan origins. Julie shares the incredible account of Saint Boniface and how the Christmas tree actually represents a powerful Christian testimony of God’s triumph over false worship. The truth is far more beautiful than the myths.

Saint Nicholas and the Gospel PictureThe real story of Saint Nicholas isn’t about a jolly elf - it’s a stunning picture of Christ’s redemptive work. When you hear how Nicholas actually saved three sisters from slavery, you’ll never see Santa the same way again.

Why December 25th Matters (Even If It’s Not Exact)Was Jesus actually born on December 25th? Probably not. Does that make Christmas meaningless? Absolutely not. Julie breaks down why the celebration matters even when we can’t pin down exact dates, and what this teaches us about worship versus legalism.

The Intellectual Depth of ChristianityOne of the most powerful themes in this conversation is how God doesn’t ask for blind faith - He invites us to wrestle, reason, and dig deep. If you’ve ever felt like Christianity requires you to “check your brain at the door,” this conversation will revolutionize your perspective.

Wrestling with Scripture Is Part of the JourneyFrom Job’s arguments with God to Jesus using the Socratic method with religious leaders, the Bible itself demonstrates that questioning, wrestling, and seeking understanding are fundamental to genuine faith - not obstacles to it.

Key Moments & Timestamps

[00:03:42] The danger of “shorthand” Christianity and urban legends[00:05:58] Brandon’s journey: from intellectual skepticism to discovering the Bible’s depth[00:07:25] The Christmas tree myth debunked: Saint Boniface and the Thunder Oak[00:18:03] The beautiful backstory of Saint Nicholas and redemption[00:31:45] Was Jesus really born on December 25th?[00:45:12] The importance of source materials and honest inquiry[00:58:30] Why Christianity doesn’t require blind faith[01:13:46] God gave us brains for a reason - let’s use them[01:15:30] The archaeological evidence supporting biblical history[01:18:03] Julie’s upcoming projects and recommended resources

Why This Matters for Your Faith Journey

If you’ve ever felt torn between intellectual honesty and faith, this conversation offers genuine hope. Julie demonstrates what it looks like to be both a rigorous scholar and a devoted follower of Christ - proving these aren’t contradictory positions but complementary ones.

Whether you’re:

* New to faith and wrestling with questions about Christian traditions

* A longtime believer who wants to go deeper than surface-level understanding

* Someone who loves the intellectual depth of Scripture

* A parent wanting to pass on faith with integrity and honesty

* Curious about the real history behind Christmas celebrations

This conversation will challenge myths, deepen your understanding, and remind you that God designed us to seek, question, and discover truth - not to settle for comfortable half-truths.

Resources Mentioned

Julie’s Book: Exiting Egypt - Julie is generously offering free digital copies of her book. This will be for a limited time only, so get your copy while you can. If you decide to take her up on the gift, a review of her book would be greatly appreciated!

Julie’s Upcoming Podcast: “Oh Wow, That Really Happened” - A true crimes approach to obscure Bible stories

Recommended Resources:

* Wave Nunnally - Dead Sea Scrolls scholar and conservative Christian teacher

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