# #135 Christmas Isn't What You Think - John Nelson

An episode of [Within Reason](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1458675168), 20 Dec 2025, 1 h 19 min.

Audio: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/APO7954179247.mp3

Get all sides of every story and be better informed at https://ground.news/AlexOC - subscribe for 40% off unlimited access. For early, ad-free access to videos, and to support the channel, subscribe to my Substack: https://www.alexoconnor.com. John Nelson earned a PhD in New Testament and Christian Origins from the University of Edinburgh in 2023. He writes for the Substack Behind the Gospels. His thesis is the first book-length study of Jesus' physical appearance in the Gospels. He runs a weekly Substack called "Behind the Gospels" which aims to make Biblical studies accessible to all. TIMESTAMPS (0:00) Was Jesus Really Born on Christmas Day? (2:51) Are the Birth Narratives Attempts at History? (6:34) Where Was Jesus Actually Born? (16:19) Were the Birth Narratives Added Later? (22:21) Was Mary Really a Virgin? (34:24) Why Does Nobody Else Mention the Virgin Birth? (39:06) Was Jesus a Product of Adultery? (43:49) Was Jesus Born in a Manger? (49:34) Who Are the Magi? (55:32) Was the Star Really a Star? (1:01:30) Did Herod Really Order a Slaughter of Infants? (1:07:54) Is the Christmas Story Anti-Imperial? (1:14:40) Are Christmas Trees a Pagan Idol? (1:17:39) John’s Book and the Upcoming Tour CONNECT My Website: https://www.alexoconnor.com SOCIAL LINKS Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cosmicskeptic Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cosmicskeptic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cosmicskeptic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cosmicskeptic CONTACT Business email: contact@alexoconnor.com Brand enquiries: David@modernstoa.co

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