Hobby Lobby stores across the country are giving away one of author Lee Strobel’s best-selling books to their shoppers.
The New York Times best-selling author announced on social media that the famed faith-based arts-and-crafts store is giving away 500,000 copies of his book “The Case for Christmas: A Journalist Investigates the Identity of the Child in the Manger.”
The book gives Strobel’s arguments for the evidence of Jesus’ virgin birth, Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by his birth, up-to-date scholarship and more.
“People are sending me photos of the Free Gift they received from Hobby Lobby after shopping there. … I’m praying God uses them to point people to Himself!” Strobel posted Dec. 6 on X.
A former atheist journalist-turned-Christian, Strobel initially released the book in 2005 and a revised edition this past September with Zondervan.
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People are sending me photos of the Free Gift they received from Hobby Lobby after shopping there — my new book The Case for Christmas! Hobby Lobby is giving away half a million free copies to customers at their stores! I'm praying God uses them to point people to Himself! pic.twitter.com/1rv6e7jCcZ
— Lee Strobel (@LeeStrobel) December 3, 2025
Strobel personally bought 280 books from the publisher to give away, according to an interview with “Standing For Truth Ministries,” a Young Earth creationist group.
He appeared on a two-hour YouTube video, where he spoke about traditions surrounding Christ’s virgin birth, Greek mythologies at the time, Old Testament prophecies, and speculations on the true date of Christ’s birth.
Some Facebook posts commented on the free book posting:
- “We’re studying this book in Sunday school this month. Incredible book.”
- “I received a copy on Black Friday and have been slowly reading it.”
- “Yesterday, my friend and I went to Hobby Lobby. As we were checking out, the clerk asked if she could put a book in my bag. … I’ve only read a little so far, so I can’t wait to read the rest of it. Thank you, Hobby Lobby, for the gift.”
Hobby Lobby did not respond immediately to The Roys Report’s (TRR) request for comment on why the Oklahoma City-based chain chose to give away so many copies. Founded by evangelical Christians Barbara and David Green, Hobby Lobby is known for its religious roots, including being closed on Sundays.
But TRR visited a suburban Seattle store where staff reported some 300 copies were sent there about two weeks ago. About 75 percent of the customers accepted the books, according to one of the Hobby Lobby clerks.
“They went quickly,” she said.
Sheila Stogsdill is a freelance print journalist and digital reporter, primarily covering crime issues for KSN/KODE.
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