The Eric Metaxas Show #28- William Federer
Dec 26, 2025
Historian William Federer, an expert in Christian history and author of 'There Really Is a Santa Claus,' dives deep into Christmas traditions. He discusses how Jewish customs impacted the recording of Jesus' birth and connects key dates using priestly courses. William argues December 25th predates pagan celebrations, offering evidence from early church records. He also traces the origins of the Twelve Days of Christmas and shares the poignant stories behind the Christmas tree's symbolism in Christian teaching.
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Dating Jesus From Temple Priestly Rotations
- Luke's timeline and priestly courses let historians estimate Jesus' conception and birth dates.
- William Federer traces Zechariah's Abijah service to date the Annunciation to March 25 and Christmas to December 25.
Birthday Card In Turkey Story
- William Federer recounts a Turkish woman who needed to search for her birthday card.
- He uses it to illustrate Eastern cultures often didn't emphasize birthdays historically.
Dead Sea Scrolls Unlock Priestly Calendar Clues
- The Dead Sea Scrolls and later scholarship revealed the 24 priestly courses and their service timing.
- Federer connects those courses and the temple's 70 AD fall to deduce Abijah's service timing and date clues.