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Is Christmas Unbelievable?: Four Questions Everyone Should Ask About the World's Most Famous Story
Explores the historical reliability of the biblical account of the birth of Jesus. Many people assume that the story of the baby in the manger at Bethlehem is just another made-up fantasy for kids. In this concise book, respected apologist Rebecca McLaughlin outlines the evidence that Jesus was a real person, explaining the reliability of the Bible’s accounts of his life and why believing in a virgin birth is not as ridiculous as it might sound. This book shows that there is a rational basis for the belief that the world’s most famous story is fact, not fantasy―and how those events in history can infuse our lives today with meaning and joy.
64 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2021
52 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca McLaughlin
44 books532 followersRebecca McLaughlin (PhD, Cambridge University) is the cofounder of Vocable Communications, a communications consulting and training firm. She is also a regular contributor to the Gospel Coalition and previously spent nine years working with top academics at the Veritas Forum, which hosts forums on college campuses with conversations that pursue answers to life's hardest questions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
October 26, 2021
Short but compelling. I love everything Rebecca writes.
November 29, 2022
Rebecca McLaughlin is my go-to author for apologetics. Not only does she hit you with evidence from leading experts in history, science, and philosophy (atheist's and Christian's alike) but also with references from Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Doctor Who. She is definitely my kind of author.
This deceptively small book answers some of the big questions that pop up this time of year. Such as: Was Jesus even a real person? Can we take the gospels seriously? How can you believe in the virgin birth? And why does it matter? McLaughlin answers these questions in a logical and winsome way. So if you're a believer looking to settle some doubts or a seeker searching for answers, this is the book for you!
This deceptively small book answers some of the big questions that pop up this time of year. Such as: Was Jesus even a real person? Can we take the gospels seriously? How can you believe in the virgin birth? And why does it matter? McLaughlin answers these questions in a logical and winsome way. So if you're a believer looking to settle some doubts or a seeker searching for answers, this is the book for you!
December 16, 2024
Short (1 hour 16 minutes audiobook) but a good read whether you question the story of Jesus' birth or you think you'll encounter questions and want to have intelligent answers :) The four main questions she addresses are:
1. Was Jesus even a real person?
2. Are the Gospel accounts trustworthy sources?
3. How can we believe in a virgin birth?
4. Why does it all matter?
1. Was Jesus even a real person?
2. Are the Gospel accounts trustworthy sources?
3. How can we believe in a virgin birth?
4. Why does it all matter?
December 11, 2021
I love books written by Rebecca McLaughlin, everything I have read by her has blessed me and challenged me all at the same time. This little book was no exception. We are going to give these away to people this year for Christmas. Highly recommended!!
December 24, 2021
We all know the Christmas story.
But do we believe the Christmas story?
Rebecca McLaughlin, author of Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion, has written this super short (64 page) book outlining briefly, yet convincingly, why we can believe the Christmas story.
“I hope this little book will help you think a little more about the man who landed in our world 2,000 years ago, I hope it will persuade you that he’s more important than you thought. And I hope it will make you wonder if his unbelievable claim that he’d come to save the world… might just be true.”
The four questions mentioned in the subtitle of this book are these:
1. Was Jesus even a real person?
2. Can we take the Gospels seriously?
3. How can you believe in a virgin birth?
4. Why does it matter?
The logic follows:
If the main character of the Christmas story is Jesus, then first of all— did he really exist? The answer to that one is easy— yes. She gives three extra-biblical historical sources that name Jesus and confirm claims made by the gospel accounts.
If Jesus is real then can we trust what was written about him? She talks here about eyewitness accounts and pokes holes in the theory that the authors of the Gospels would have made all of it up.
So then if we can trust that the authors were telling the truth, then we must accept a virgin birth? Yes. Here she poses that if we believe in a God who created the universe then it would not be irrational to believe in a virgin birth. So we must consider the origins of the universe.
I like the quote she includes from Australian author, Glen Scrivener: “Christians believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. Atheists believe in the virgin birth of the universe. Choose your miracle.”
And at this point, if we are thinking through all of this we must ask- why does it matter? Here she talks about what we lose if we remove God from our moral structures that undoubtedly are influenced from biblical principles.
Consider why we believe universal human rights exist— where do those come from? (She talks about this further in her book ‘The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims.’)
Does your life have worth and meaning? It matters because life matters and we should know why.
And of course she ends with the message of the gospel. Because the reality is, if Jesus is real, if the Bible is trustworthy, and if Jesus, fully God and fully man, truly died and rose again, then we must believe all that the Bible tells us.
Which is bad news. And good news.
The Bible tells us that we are sinners deserving of death who cannot save ourselves. We are doomed. Yet there is a path to redemption and that path is in Christ alone by grace alone through faith alone.
We therefore have two choices: Either we accept this gift of salvation and choose to trust and follow Christ. Or we reject it.
That’s why considering whether the Christmas story is believable matters. Because if it is true, your choice is a choice of life or death.
That sounds dramatic. But it’s the truth.
This is a great, concise, sufficient resource to consider these questions but it is by no means exhaustive. Her first book I linked may provide more depth to questions you have about Christianity.
Don’t let the familiarity of the Christmas story numb you to the reality of the Christmas story.
Do you believe it?
[Spoiler Alert: This spring she is releasing a follow-up book called ‘Is Easter Unbelievable?’ where she will go more in-depth on the resurrection than she did in this book]
Book Review Blog: www.shelfreflection.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/shelfreflection
Pinterest: www.Pinterest.com/shelfreflectionblog
But do we believe the Christmas story?
Rebecca McLaughlin, author of Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion, has written this super short (64 page) book outlining briefly, yet convincingly, why we can believe the Christmas story.
“I hope this little book will help you think a little more about the man who landed in our world 2,000 years ago, I hope it will persuade you that he’s more important than you thought. And I hope it will make you wonder if his unbelievable claim that he’d come to save the world… might just be true.”
The four questions mentioned in the subtitle of this book are these:
1. Was Jesus even a real person?
2. Can we take the Gospels seriously?
3. How can you believe in a virgin birth?
4. Why does it matter?
The logic follows:
If the main character of the Christmas story is Jesus, then first of all— did he really exist? The answer to that one is easy— yes. She gives three extra-biblical historical sources that name Jesus and confirm claims made by the gospel accounts.
If Jesus is real then can we trust what was written about him? She talks here about eyewitness accounts and pokes holes in the theory that the authors of the Gospels would have made all of it up.
So then if we can trust that the authors were telling the truth, then we must accept a virgin birth? Yes. Here she poses that if we believe in a God who created the universe then it would not be irrational to believe in a virgin birth. So we must consider the origins of the universe.
I like the quote she includes from Australian author, Glen Scrivener: “Christians believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. Atheists believe in the virgin birth of the universe. Choose your miracle.”
And at this point, if we are thinking through all of this we must ask- why does it matter? Here she talks about what we lose if we remove God from our moral structures that undoubtedly are influenced from biblical principles.
Consider why we believe universal human rights exist— where do those come from? (She talks about this further in her book ‘The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims.’)
Does your life have worth and meaning? It matters because life matters and we should know why.
And of course she ends with the message of the gospel. Because the reality is, if Jesus is real, if the Bible is trustworthy, and if Jesus, fully God and fully man, truly died and rose again, then we must believe all that the Bible tells us.
Which is bad news. And good news.
The Bible tells us that we are sinners deserving of death who cannot save ourselves. We are doomed. Yet there is a path to redemption and that path is in Christ alone by grace alone through faith alone.
We therefore have two choices: Either we accept this gift of salvation and choose to trust and follow Christ. Or we reject it.
That’s why considering whether the Christmas story is believable matters. Because if it is true, your choice is a choice of life or death.
That sounds dramatic. But it’s the truth.
This is a great, concise, sufficient resource to consider these questions but it is by no means exhaustive. Her first book I linked may provide more depth to questions you have about Christianity.
Don’t let the familiarity of the Christmas story numb you to the reality of the Christmas story.
Do you believe it?
[Spoiler Alert: This spring she is releasing a follow-up book called ‘Is Easter Unbelievable?’ where she will go more in-depth on the resurrection than she did in this book]
Book Review Blog: www.shelfreflection.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/shelfreflection
Pinterest: www.Pinterest.com/shelfreflectionblog
December 3, 2024
I’d be surprised if I gave a McLaughlin book anything less than 5 stars.
October 22, 2021
Short book demonstrating the historical plausibility of the Christmas story. It assumes a decent amount of familiarity with the Christmas story - at least as much to object to elements of it!
For this reason, it's probably not going to have a wide readership in my own primary context (among university students). But it would be a great present to give to serious seekers (e.g. on Alpha or Christianity Explored courses). We are buying copies to give to older teens who attend our church.
For this reason, it's probably not going to have a wide readership in my own primary context (among university students). But it would be a great present to give to serious seekers (e.g. on Alpha or Christianity Explored courses). We are buying copies to give to older teens who attend our church.
November 8, 2023
A really quick but excellent read.
December 17, 2025
A short listen on audiobook (less than 2 hours), but I really enjoyed it. Rebecca McLaughlin is such a thorough and intelligent apologist, and I love her clear layouts of information as well as her heart behind what she’s explaining.
Honestly, my only criticism is that I wanted it to be longer! But in all seriousness, this is one thing I really appreciate about Rebecca — that her arguments are concise without skimping on the meat of the topic.
I recommend this book whether you’re wondering about the evidences supporting Christ’s birth and life or whether you’re already a believer in Jesus who’s looking for an encouraging Christmas-themed read. I would listen or read again!
Honestly, my only criticism is that I wanted it to be longer! But in all seriousness, this is one thing I really appreciate about Rebecca — that her arguments are concise without skimping on the meat of the topic.
I recommend this book whether you’re wondering about the evidences supporting Christ’s birth and life or whether you’re already a believer in Jesus who’s looking for an encouraging Christmas-themed read. I would listen or read again!
September 19, 2023
Es gab genau die Antworten auf die Fragen, die ich mir schon im Vorhinein gedacht hatte. Klingt nach einem Büchlein wieder ganz im Sinne: Ich kenne die Antworten und lege mir jetzt meine Argumentation deshalb zu recht. Vielleicht bin ich aber auch wieder etwas zu kritisch der Autorin/dem Buch eingestellt. Bekommt trotzdem 2 Sterne, weil gut lesbar und paar interessante Literaturverweise.
August 10, 2025
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! She uses several pop-culture references to keep you engages, but also focuses heavy on the miracle of Christmas. Great Gospel centered book about Christmas! She also got into some science related topics which I normally zone out of (i am not a science guy) but she used examples that helped me stay locked in and I really appreciated her insights and deep study in writing this book!
October 27, 2025
Super short audiobook (1hr 16min) and worth a listen as we approach Christmas so that you are prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.
December 11, 2025
You don’t have to be anti-science or anti-logic to be a Christian who believes the Christians story. The author is able to get this point across without falling into a trap some Christians do of effectively saying “you must be stupid to not be a Christian.” Instead, she explains her position with truth and grace.
November 9, 2021
McLaughlin is a wonderful and winsome apologist for the Christian faith. Here she explains why believing the Christmas stories as presented in the gospels makes sense both rationally and emotionally. Everything here is worthwhile, but it’s pretty short and focused specifically on the Christian claims related to Jesus’ birth. She gives deeper and more comprehensive arguments for the truths of Christ in Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion.
December 27, 2025
Simple, short and to the point book on the Christmas story and why it makes total sense that it’s real.
October 18, 2021
How can we share the Christmas story? In Is Christmas Unbelievable? Rebecca McLaughlin answers four questions everyone should ask about the world’s most famous story.
In this quick yet compelling book, McLaughlin gives evidence to prove the incredible claims of Christianity. Was Jesus even a real person? Can we take the Bible seriously? How can you believe in a virgin birth? These are all questions that are frequently asked of our faith.
Read and See
McLaughlin writes with authenticity and eagerness. I appreciated the endnotes to encourage further searching. There is a genuine concern and care for the questions being asked. Pop-culture references help make connections, including The Big Bang, Harry Potter, and House M.D.
This book is the perfect gift to give away. Unbelievers will be challenged. Believers will be encouraged. Read and see that Jesus Christ and the Christmas story is unbelievably true.
I received a media copy of Is Christmas Unbelievable? and this is my honest review.
In this quick yet compelling book, McLaughlin gives evidence to prove the incredible claims of Christianity. Was Jesus even a real person? Can we take the Bible seriously? How can you believe in a virgin birth? These are all questions that are frequently asked of our faith.
Read and See
McLaughlin writes with authenticity and eagerness. I appreciated the endnotes to encourage further searching. There is a genuine concern and care for the questions being asked. Pop-culture references help make connections, including The Big Bang, Harry Potter, and House M.D.
This book is the perfect gift to give away. Unbelievers will be challenged. Believers will be encouraged. Read and see that Jesus Christ and the Christmas story is unbelievably true.
I received a media copy of Is Christmas Unbelievable? and this is my honest review.
December 28, 2025
Passend zu den aktuellen Feiertagen: ein kompaktes Buch über 4 Fragen bezüglich der biblischen Weihnachtsgeschichte.
Gab es Jesus überhaupt wirklich?
Können wir die Evangelien ernst nehmen?
Wie kann man an eine Jungfrauengeburt glauben?
Warum ist das von Bedeutung?
Die Autorin hat einen lockeren Schreibstil mit einer der Buchlänge angemessenen Tiefe und Dichte. Habe die Autorin schon bei einigen Konversationen und Diskussionen mitbekommen und würde mir auch andere Bücher von ihr anschauen.
Gab es Jesus überhaupt wirklich?
Können wir die Evangelien ernst nehmen?
Wie kann man an eine Jungfrauengeburt glauben?
Warum ist das von Bedeutung?
Die Autorin hat einen lockeren Schreibstil mit einer der Buchlänge angemessenen Tiefe und Dichte. Habe die Autorin schon bei einigen Konversationen und Diskussionen mitbekommen und würde mir auch andere Bücher von ihr anschauen.
January 21, 2025
Another 5 stars for Rebecca McLaughlin’s apologetics. I just love how easy she makes it to read (even translated in French) and grasp complex concepts, with so many scientific, historical and literary experts backing her up, alongside the help of pop culture references like Star Wars and Doctor Who. I had no idea God could be seen paralleled in the Doctor but with the self-sacrificing to save the universe, seeing value in every person etc. I see it now!
December 24, 2021
So much packed into this book. Rebecca attacks the greater question of the belief in Jesus. If we believe in him then the story is true. If we do not then none of it matters. This is spectacular for the non-believer to read.
One quote I found helpful was:
As Australian author and speaker Glen Scrivener puts it, “Christian’s believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. Atheists believe in the virgin birth of the universe. Choose your miracle.”
One quote I found helpful was:
As Australian author and speaker Glen Scrivener puts it, “Christian’s believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. Atheists believe in the virgin birth of the universe. Choose your miracle.”
January 25, 2023
A quick but interesting read. It doesn't go into a lot of detail but it does give some good jumping off points for further research. I still struggle with skepticism, but I think this is a helpful little book with some good resources provided for doing deeper digging. I like the use of pop culture references as examples.
December 20, 2023
A clear and compelling case for the reliability of the gospels and miracle of the Christmas story. Mc Laughlin weaves academic thinking with accessible comparisons and examples to build an argument in just under 60 pages for belief in the world’s most famous story. A quick yet honest read and one that points us to why it all matters.
November 6, 2025
Essentially a pamphlet divided into 4 parts addressing common questions or objections to the Bible’s Christmas story. I bought this with the intention of giving it to a friend who has these questions and McLaughlin’s relatable hooks and personable writing style as well as the clarity of her arguments has convinced me it’s a good idea to give it to them.
October 21, 2021
{First posted here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/is...}
Christmas is an important celebration for believers. It’s a time we remember a baby born in human form, the fulfillment of prophecies, and how power is found in humility. If we’ve grown up in the church, Luke 2 is nearly committed to memory, and I wonder if our familiarity prevents us from considering the mystery and miracles of the Christmas events, because they’re truly astounding!
In Rebecca McLaughlin's short book, "Is Christmas Unbelievable?" she answers four questions:
-Was Jesus even a real person?
-Can we take the Gospels seriously?
-How can you believe in a virgin birth?
-Why does it matter?
She shares with us the evidence that Jesus was a real person, that the gospels were not made up, and that the miracles of Christmas haven’t been disproved by science. With an encouraging tone, she addresses these honest questions and equips us as believers with reasons why this celebration is pivotal for our lives today.
“You see, if there is a God who made us and loves us, that’s wonderful news. It means that our lives are meaningful, that there are such things as good and evil, and that justice and love will win in the end.”
Our lives are given purpose and meaning through the life, death and resurrection of Christ, and our celebration of his birth points us to the gospel.
If you’re looking for a short book to answer a few questions about Christmas, this one is for you!
Quick Stats
# of pages: 64
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
A big thanks to the Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review!
Christmas is an important celebration for believers. It’s a time we remember a baby born in human form, the fulfillment of prophecies, and how power is found in humility. If we’ve grown up in the church, Luke 2 is nearly committed to memory, and I wonder if our familiarity prevents us from considering the mystery and miracles of the Christmas events, because they’re truly astounding!
In Rebecca McLaughlin's short book, "Is Christmas Unbelievable?" she answers four questions:
-Was Jesus even a real person?
-Can we take the Gospels seriously?
-How can you believe in a virgin birth?
-Why does it matter?
She shares with us the evidence that Jesus was a real person, that the gospels were not made up, and that the miracles of Christmas haven’t been disproved by science. With an encouraging tone, she addresses these honest questions and equips us as believers with reasons why this celebration is pivotal for our lives today.
“You see, if there is a God who made us and loves us, that’s wonderful news. It means that our lives are meaningful, that there are such things as good and evil, and that justice and love will win in the end.”
Our lives are given purpose and meaning through the life, death and resurrection of Christ, and our celebration of his birth points us to the gospel.
If you’re looking for a short book to answer a few questions about Christmas, this one is for you!
Quick Stats
# of pages: 64
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
A big thanks to the Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review!
December 31, 2022
Great little reminder on how the story of Christmas isn’t some fantasy story created to spur false hope in December, but that it’s a real story of a real historical figure who died a real death and gave his life as a ransom for many.
January 23, 2023
Raised in a Christian family, I was taught to love Jesus Christ. But as I realized that part of my family were not good Christians at all and were like the people in John that wanted to throw stones at Jesus and He basically said "You're not sons of Abraham. You're sons of Satan", I've harbored a very large disliking to Jesus. Which is not great. I struggle with so many mental conditions that it's not even funny. But I found this book being given away for free at a church, and this is what made me go back to church recently. I'm nowhere near being a perfect child of Christ, but at least this book made me try Christianity again.
December 8, 2024
“Christians believe in the virgin birth of Jesus.
Atheists believe in the virgin birth of the universe.
Choose your miracle.”
This book was brilliant. Short, readable, very much written for a secular person who has never taken the claims of Christ seriously, especially those surrounding his birth.
Atheists believe in the virgin birth of the universe.
Choose your miracle.”
This book was brilliant. Short, readable, very much written for a secular person who has never taken the claims of Christ seriously, especially those surrounding his birth.
December 12, 2021
3.5 - Good little booklet that serves as a handout for skeptics, and also a reminder for followers of Christ.
January 11, 2022
A fantastic apologetic book for Christmas and the gospel.
November 7, 2022
Brilliant
December 5, 2022
I always love this author. This was a quick, great, well-researched read. Plan to buy a few copies to give out at Christmas time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews