Christian-owned retailer Hobby Lobby is giving away 500,000 copies of Lee Strobel’s book, an investigative journalist and author defending the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth.
Strobel appeared on the latest episode of CBN’s “Faith in Culture” to announce that the craft store is giving away 500,000 copies of “The Case for Christmas,” which he called “amazing.”
Mr. Strobel’s book, and Hobby Lobby’s decision to give away thousands of copies, comes at a time when Americans are becoming more open to spiritual topics.
According to data from Lifeway Research, less than 50% of Americans attend religious services during the Christmas season, but more than half (56%), including 40% of non-religious people, say they are more likely to go to church during the holidays if someone they know invites them.
“I think this is a very powerful statistic,” Strobel said, quoting Colossians 4:5-6, written by the Apostle Paul, “act wisely with outsiders and make the most of every opportunity. Always season your conversations with grace and season with salt, and you will be able to answer everyone” (NIV).
“The Christmas season is here, and this is an opportunity for us. … Invite them to your church’s Christmas Eve service. Yes, it’s a little awkward to do sometimes, but take the spiritual risk and invite them. Don’t just say, “Hey, would you like to come?” Please offer to pick it up and take it with you. …and you’re almost 100% sure they’ll show up. ”
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Years ago, while trying to disprove the gospel as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune and ultimately failing, the author, who came to believe in Jesus, encouraged believers to be bold in sharing their faith.
He mentioned a conversation he had with the late evangelist Luis Palau in his later years. Palau told Strobel, “Lee, when you reach the end of your life and it’s all said and done, you’ll never regret being brave for Christ.”
“Let’s make sure no one is left behind this Christmas,” Strobel said. “Let’s share the gospel far and wide. Let’s recklessly invite people to come to church with us, and you’ll be surprised how many will say yes, as this statistic shows.”
Strobel originally published “The Christmas Affair: A Journalist Investigates the Identity of the Child in the Manger” in the early 1980s, but in September he published a “completely revised and updated edition,” telling CBN News that he thought a rewrite was necessary because “new discoveries” in linguistics and archaeology required a “new edition of the book.”
As for Hobby Lobby, the company, which has more than 1,000 stores in the lower 48 states, is known for its commitment to Christian principles.
Hobby Lobby says on its website that it is “committed to honoring the Lord in everything we do by operating our company in a manner consistent with Biblical principles, offering superior selection and value to our customers, (and) serving our employees and their families by establishing work environments and company policies that build character, strengthen individuals, and provide for families.”
CBN News has contacted Hobby Lobby for a statement regarding this giveaway.
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