1 00:00:00,300 --> 00:00:03,680 Speaker 1: Though He was very rich, yet for your sakes He 2 00:00:03,720 --> 00:00:07,860 Speaker 1: became poor, so that by His poverty He could make 3 00:00:07,880 --> 00:00:15,560 Speaker 1: you rich. 2 Corinthians 8.9 Dear Lord Jesus, You displayed 4 00:00:15,840 --> 00:00:19,760 Speaker 1: ultimate humility by leaving the glory of heaven to dwell 5 00:00:19,800 --> 00:00:25,410 Speaker 1: among us. Although all power, glory, and praise was due 6 00:00:25,450 --> 00:00:29,690 Speaker 1: to You, You humbled Yourself and died on a cross. 7 00:00:30,870 --> 00:00:34,980 Speaker 1: so that we might experience freedom and the riches of 8 00:00:35,060 --> 00:00:40,840 Speaker 1: your glorious grace. During this Christmas season, when gifts and 9 00:00:40,920 --> 00:00:46,950 Speaker 1: glamour are on full display, inspire us to walk in humility. 10 00:00:48,290 --> 00:00:53,590 Speaker 1: May we model your mindset of unconditional love, sacrifice, and 11 00:00:53,670 --> 00:00:58,900 Speaker 1: lowliness for the sake of others. When pride seeks to 12 00:00:58,960 --> 00:01:02,440 Speaker 1: grip our hearts and drag us down, Correct us with 13 00:01:02,480 --> 00:01:08,660 Speaker 1: your Spirit and push us forward toward righteousness. We pray 14 00:01:08,700 --> 00:01:10,550 Speaker 1: these things in Jesus' name. 15 00:01:11,790 --> 00:01:12,090 Speaker 2: Amen. 16 00:01:13,030 --> 00:01:16,330 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. Stay tuned now 17 00:01:16,430 --> 00:01:19,029 Speaker 1: for another episode of Stories of the Messiah. 18 00:01:25,240 --> 00:01:28,500 Speaker 2: The city of Bethlehem lay just ahead, its walls glowing 19 00:01:28,540 --> 00:01:31,830 Speaker 2: with the amber hue of a thousand lanterns. Mary and 20 00:01:31,860 --> 00:01:36,690 Speaker 2: Joseph felt both relief and a growing tension. With each step, 21 00:01:37,050 --> 00:01:40,950 Speaker 2: a new sensation grew within Mary, a tightening, a quickening, 22 00:01:41,230 --> 00:01:45,560 Speaker 2: that told her time was of the essence. Joseph, she whispered, 23 00:01:45,900 --> 00:01:50,100 Speaker 2: her voice catching with both wonder and fear. He's coming. 24 00:01:50,620 --> 00:01:54,450 Speaker 2: Joseph's face lost its color. His gaze met hers. We're 25 00:01:54,510 --> 00:01:57,570 Speaker 2: almost there. He gripped the reins of the donkey and 26 00:01:57,650 --> 00:02:00,590 Speaker 2: led them down the final switchbacks leading down to the 27 00:02:00,630 --> 00:02:04,800 Speaker 2: city gates. Campsites laced the vacant area surrounding the city. 28 00:02:05,440 --> 00:02:10,019 Speaker 2: The census had uprooted everyone. Roman soldiers marched in and 29 00:02:10,200 --> 00:02:12,799 Speaker 2: out of the gates in groups of ten to twenty. 30 00:02:13,180 --> 00:02:16,970 Speaker 2: It seemed like they were searching for something or someone. 31 00:02:17,850 --> 00:02:20,709 Speaker 2: Their presence made Joseph nervous. 32 00:02:22,350 --> 00:02:25,610 Speaker 3: Hello, everyone, and welcome to another Christmas episode of the 33 00:02:25,710 --> 00:02:31,419 Speaker 3: Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan from Pray.com. It's Christmas Eve, and 34 00:02:31,480 --> 00:02:34,800 Speaker 3: our nativity story is ramping up to the glorious arrival 35 00:02:34,820 --> 00:02:40,460 Speaker 3: of Christ. Mary and Joseph have endured ridicule, robbery, and 36 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:44,919 Speaker 3: storms to arrive at Bethlehem. Now, just as the city 37 00:02:45,000 --> 00:02:48,900 Speaker 3: comes into view, Mary is experiencing the pangs of childbirth. 38 00:02:49,960 --> 00:02:54,020 Speaker 3: Joseph and Mary require some hospitality. Will they find it? 39 00:02:55,960 --> 00:02:59,980 Speaker 3: This episode will explore themes of hospitality and compassion for 40 00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:04,500 Speaker 3: those in need. Mary and Joseph are vulnerable and at 41 00:03:04,540 --> 00:03:08,440 Speaker 3: the mercy of the people around them. If they don't 42 00:03:08,500 --> 00:03:11,880 Speaker 3: find shelter soon, Mary will have to give birth on 43 00:03:11,910 --> 00:03:17,230 Speaker 3: the streets. Hospitality and compassion reflect the character of Christ. 44 00:03:18,960 --> 00:03:21,560 Speaker 3: Our faith is shown in how we treat people who 45 00:03:21,600 --> 00:03:26,880 Speaker 3: are vulnerable and in need. The Nativity story illustrates that 46 00:03:27,000 --> 00:03:30,820 Speaker 3: God's providence will always come through, even when we feel 47 00:03:30,880 --> 00:03:35,760 Speaker 3: lost and without help. His providence doesn't always look like 48 00:03:35,880 --> 00:03:39,900 Speaker 3: parted seas or fire from heaven. Sometimes it's a small 49 00:03:40,060 --> 00:03:44,980 Speaker 3: act of generosity from a stranger. Let's dive into this 50 00:03:45,060 --> 00:03:48,840 Speaker 3: dramatic retelling of Luke chapter 2. Afterward, we'll come together 51 00:03:48,900 --> 00:03:51,430 Speaker 3: to unpack these timeless Christmas themes. 52 00:03:53,820 --> 00:03:58,050 Speaker 2: The streets of Bethlehem were a chaotic smattering of voices, noises, 53 00:03:58,270 --> 00:04:02,529 Speaker 2: and scents. The city was alive everywhere they looked, with 54 00:04:02,610 --> 00:04:06,550 Speaker 2: travelers and traders gathered for the senses. It became apparent 55 00:04:06,650 --> 00:04:08,940 Speaker 2: that finding a quiet space in the city would be 56 00:04:09,040 --> 00:04:13,520 Speaker 2: a nearly impossible task. Mary winced in pain, her breaths 57 00:04:13,600 --> 00:04:17,170 Speaker 2: becoming more labored. Joseph, we need to find somewhere to rest. 58 00:04:17,770 --> 00:04:21,380 Speaker 2: I think he's coming soon. I have distant relatives here, 59 00:04:21,620 --> 00:04:25,170 Speaker 2: Joseph said. trying to hold back his panic. This way! 60 00:04:25,650 --> 00:04:28,510 Speaker 2: They quickened their pace towards the group of homes tucked 61 00:04:28,570 --> 00:04:32,310 Speaker 2: away on the city's outskirts. A vast and open pasture 62 00:04:32,350 --> 00:04:36,070 Speaker 2: was behind the property, the very same hills where David 63 00:04:36,260 --> 00:04:40,380 Speaker 2: once strummed his harp beside his grazing sheep. Joseph knocked 64 00:04:40,440 --> 00:04:45,179 Speaker 2: on the door. Jephthah! he said frantically. It's Joseph! Please! 65 00:04:45,750 --> 00:04:48,810 Speaker 2: Open the door. An older portly man opened the door. 66 00:04:49,360 --> 00:04:52,800 Speaker 2: Behind him were dozens of Joseph's distant relatives from far 67 00:04:52,880 --> 00:04:56,920 Speaker 2: and wide. Joseph, he said with a furrowed brow. I 68 00:04:57,420 --> 00:05:00,460 Speaker 2: was wondering if I'd see you here. There's no room 69 00:05:00,520 --> 00:05:04,260 Speaker 2: for you. Jephthah, please. My wife, she is with child. 70 00:05:04,620 --> 00:05:07,440 Speaker 2: I know your wife is pregnant, Joseph. We all know. 71 00:05:07,660 --> 00:05:11,110 Speaker 2: The man sneered. We all heard about the woman you married. 72 00:05:11,610 --> 00:05:14,560 Speaker 2: It's a disgrace to your father, my cousin. I won't 73 00:05:14,600 --> 00:05:17,440 Speaker 2: condone it by letting you remain here another minute. With 74 00:05:17,480 --> 00:05:21,219 Speaker 2: those final insults, he slammed the door in Joseph's face. 75 00:05:21,920 --> 00:05:25,339 Speaker 2: Joseph paused for a long while, words of anger and 76 00:05:25,400 --> 00:05:29,180 Speaker 2: frustration dangling on his lips. He looked back at Mary. 77 00:05:29,690 --> 00:05:33,710 Speaker 2: She was in pain, straining for each breath. They needed 78 00:05:33,750 --> 00:05:38,049 Speaker 2: a safe place now. Time was slipping through their fingers 79 00:05:38,130 --> 00:05:42,980 Speaker 2: like grains of sand. Mary's contractions grew more insistent, her 80 00:05:43,060 --> 00:05:47,420 Speaker 2: pain a constant reminder of their urgent need. Joseph, driven 81 00:05:47,460 --> 00:05:51,160 Speaker 2: by a blend of fear and determination, knocked on door 82 00:05:51,400 --> 00:05:55,770 Speaker 2: after door.' Can anybody help us?' he shouted.' Please! My 83 00:05:55,830 --> 00:05:58,570 Speaker 2: wife is in labour!' His pleas were met with nothing 84 00:05:58,630 --> 00:06:02,830 Speaker 2: but awkward apologies or cold rejections. The night grew darker, 85 00:06:03,230 --> 00:06:07,310 Speaker 2: and their hope waned. A flickering candle in the relentless wind. 86 00:06:07,710 --> 00:06:11,420 Speaker 2: But then, as if guided by a hand unseen, they 87 00:06:11,480 --> 00:06:15,080 Speaker 2: found themselves before an inn, its warm glow a beacon 88 00:06:15,160 --> 00:06:18,810 Speaker 2: in the dark night. Joseph urgently picked Mary up and 89 00:06:18,830 --> 00:06:24,060 Speaker 2: hurried down the lane to the inn.' Please help us! Someone, please! 90 00:06:24,600 --> 00:06:28,980 Speaker 2: We beg for mercy!' he shouted, his voice cracking with desperation. 91 00:06:29,460 --> 00:06:32,340 Speaker 2: Joseph's forehead met the heavy wooden door of the inn 92 00:06:32,400 --> 00:06:35,820 Speaker 2: with a thud, all the while keeping Mary secure in 93 00:06:35,860 --> 00:06:40,200 Speaker 2: his embrace. No response came. Laughter and the clinking of 94 00:06:40,260 --> 00:06:46,660 Speaker 2: glasses echoed from within. He raised his voice, bellowing,' Please! Anyone!' 95 00:06:46,970 --> 00:06:50,810 Speaker 2: Silence was the only reply. With Mary tenderly held in 96 00:06:50,850 --> 00:06:54,570 Speaker 2: his arms, Joseph reeled back and delivered a powerful kick 97 00:06:54,610 --> 00:06:58,060 Speaker 2: to the door. It burst open, yet still failed to 98 00:06:58,100 --> 00:07:01,760 Speaker 2: catch the attention of anyone inside. Only then did he 99 00:07:01,880 --> 00:07:05,900 Speaker 2: understand why his call had gone unanswered. The inn was 100 00:07:06,160 --> 00:07:10,080 Speaker 2: overflowing with patrons, so packed that there was hardly room 101 00:07:10,140 --> 00:07:14,010 Speaker 2: to move, let alone notice a cry from outside. Joseph's 102 00:07:14,210 --> 00:07:19,190 Speaker 2: eyes found the innkeeper busy clearing cups in a corner. Innkeeper! Innkeeper! 103 00:07:19,510 --> 00:07:23,090 Speaker 2: He yelled, finally catching his attention. The innkeeper was a 104 00:07:23,130 --> 00:07:27,980 Speaker 2: disheveled man, his grey hair unkempt, his round face flushed 105 00:07:28,080 --> 00:07:32,220 Speaker 2: from the heat. We're filled to capacity, sir, as you 106 00:07:32,260 --> 00:07:35,480 Speaker 2: can plainly see. His voice trailed off as his eyes 107 00:07:35,560 --> 00:07:38,050 Speaker 2: met the tear-streaked face of the pregnant Mary. 108 00:07:38,370 --> 00:07:39,690 Speaker 1: Show compassion upon us. 109 00:07:39,910 --> 00:07:45,150 Speaker 2: Mary exhaled. The innkeeper's face creased with worry as he 110 00:07:45,210 --> 00:07:48,550 Speaker 2: ran his fingers through his beard. His voice filled with sorrow. 111 00:07:48,570 --> 00:07:50,800 Speaker 2: His eyes flickered down the hill behind the inn. 112 00:08:08,670 --> 00:08:11,550 Speaker 3: But there might be a spot I can show you. 113 00:08:12,330 --> 00:08:16,270 Speaker 2: Hurry, follow me. Joseph helped Mary onto the donkey, and 114 00:08:16,310 --> 00:08:19,290 Speaker 2: they found the innkeeper down a narrow, twisting path to 115 00:08:19,330 --> 00:08:23,040 Speaker 2: a cave-like enclosure in the hillside, where the animals were kept. 116 00:08:23,800 --> 00:08:28,760 Speaker 2: The sun was sinking, and Mary's agony intensified. The innkeeper 117 00:08:28,860 --> 00:08:32,199 Speaker 2: hung a lantern, casting a soft glow over the stable. 118 00:08:32,820 --> 00:08:36,720 Speaker 2: Mary's cries grew louder, her pain more acute, the birth 119 00:08:36,800 --> 00:08:40,350 Speaker 2: drawing near. I regret that this is all I can provide, 120 00:08:40,750 --> 00:08:45,260 Speaker 2: the innkeeper said, his voice low. Joseph simply nodded his thanks, 121 00:08:45,520 --> 00:08:49,420 Speaker 2: his focus solely on Mary. Mary looked around. After the 122 00:08:49,460 --> 00:08:52,179 Speaker 2: journey she had just endured, she was about to give 123 00:08:52,260 --> 00:08:55,660 Speaker 2: birth in a stable carved from a hill. This was 124 00:08:55,720 --> 00:08:59,850 Speaker 2: the stage for a moment of divine significance. Amidst the 125 00:08:59,910 --> 00:09:03,910 Speaker 2: hay and the gentle lowing of animals, Mary prepared herself. 126 00:09:04,450 --> 00:09:07,949 Speaker 2: In the cool evening air, she whispered softly to the Lord, 127 00:09:08,580 --> 00:09:12,020 Speaker 2: I am your servant. In that moment, the veil between 128 00:09:12,059 --> 00:09:16,400 Speaker 2: the worldly and the divine was paper thin. Outside, the 129 00:09:16,460 --> 00:09:20,370 Speaker 2: world continued its restless dance, but time seemed to pause 130 00:09:20,420 --> 00:09:24,890 Speaker 2: within the stable's walls. Above the stable, unnoticed by the 131 00:09:24,929 --> 00:09:28,370 Speaker 2: city's throng, a star shone with a brilliance that seemed 132 00:09:28,390 --> 00:09:31,839 Speaker 2: to pierce the very fabric of the night. Its light, 133 00:09:32,220 --> 00:09:35,180 Speaker 2: a herald of a new era, cast a gentle glow 134 00:09:35,240 --> 00:09:38,219 Speaker 2: over the stable, where the child of promise was about 135 00:09:38,260 --> 00:09:38,840 Speaker 2: to be born. 136 00:09:41,760 --> 00:09:45,189 Speaker 3: Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem was filled with obstacles. 137 00:09:46,230 --> 00:09:49,189 Speaker 3: You'd think that arriving in Bethlehem would be the easiest part. 138 00:09:49,950 --> 00:09:54,569 Speaker 3: But just as they reached their destination, tension rose. Doors 139 00:09:54,590 --> 00:09:58,160 Speaker 3: were shut in their faces around every corner. Even Joseph's 140 00:09:58,200 --> 00:10:03,040 Speaker 3: family rejected him. There's a theological precedent for including Joseph's 141 00:10:03,080 --> 00:10:07,220 Speaker 3: family in this story. Luke chapter 2 tells us simply 142 00:10:07,260 --> 00:10:10,459 Speaker 3: that there was no room in the inn. But that 143 00:10:10,500 --> 00:10:14,040 Speaker 3: could be taken to mean several things. Some scholars believe 144 00:10:14,080 --> 00:10:19,160 Speaker 3: it was an all-encompassing term. They were refused hospitality. In 145 00:10:19,220 --> 00:10:23,140 Speaker 3: Christ's day, hospitality to visitors among the Jews was essential, 146 00:10:23,540 --> 00:10:28,160 Speaker 3: based on biblical examples and law. In Deuteronomy chapter 10 147 00:10:28,160 --> 00:10:32,090 Speaker 3: verse 19, God told the Israelites to love the stranger. 148 00:10:33,030 --> 00:10:37,470 Speaker 3: And Leviticus chapter 19 verse 33 states, If a stranger 149 00:10:37,530 --> 00:10:40,370 Speaker 3: dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. 150 00:10:41,450 --> 00:10:45,270 Speaker 3: Denial of hospitality was shown throughout Scripture as an outrage, 151 00:10:46,000 --> 00:10:48,699 Speaker 3: unless it was established as a sign of disowning that 152 00:10:48,760 --> 00:10:52,760 Speaker 3: family member. Even from the very start of his life, 153 00:10:53,210 --> 00:10:57,870 Speaker 3: Jesus had nowhere to lay his head. This situation was 154 00:10:57,970 --> 00:11:02,230 Speaker 3: not by chance, but rather a symbolic representation of his 155 00:11:02,510 --> 00:11:08,630 Speaker 3: complete identification with the oppressed, vulnerable, the rejected, underprivileged, and 156 00:11:08,650 --> 00:11:12,790 Speaker 3: the poor. When God took human form, he sought none 157 00:11:12,809 --> 00:11:16,780 Speaker 3: of the worldly comforts, luxuries, or protections many hold dear. 158 00:11:18,320 --> 00:11:22,110 Speaker 3: God knew that throughout time, lonely and homeless people from 159 00:11:22,350 --> 00:11:24,890 Speaker 3: all corners of the globe would gaze at the stars 160 00:11:25,270 --> 00:11:28,890 Speaker 3: shivering in the cold and cry, God, you can't possibly 161 00:11:28,950 --> 00:11:33,750 Speaker 3: understand what I'm experiencing. To this, Jesus can respond with 162 00:11:33,910 --> 00:11:39,110 Speaker 3: truth and compassion. Actually, I know exactly what you're enduring. 163 00:11:40,290 --> 00:11:43,089 Speaker 3: The rejection by the people of Bethlehem serves as a 164 00:11:43,190 --> 00:11:46,980 Speaker 3: painful reminder that judgment and scorn can cause us to 165 00:11:47,080 --> 00:11:51,620 Speaker 3: close our doors to those in desperate need. May we 166 00:11:51,760 --> 00:11:56,580 Speaker 3: never fall into the same trap. Hebrews chapter 13 verse 167 00:11:56,580 --> 00:11:59,080 Speaker 3: 2 tells us not to forget to show hospitality to 168 00:11:59,120 --> 00:12:03,820 Speaker 3: strangers for some have unwittingly hosted angels. God is at 169 00:12:03,880 --> 00:12:08,440 Speaker 3: work in the margins of compassion and generosity. There is 170 00:12:08,540 --> 00:12:11,880 Speaker 3: no way to predict the ripple effects of your kindness. 171 00:12:13,679 --> 00:12:16,750 Speaker 3: For Mary and Joseph, One act of kindness is all 172 00:12:16,780 --> 00:12:21,150 Speaker 3: they needed to usher in the Son of God. The 173 00:12:21,190 --> 00:12:24,950 Speaker 3: compassionate innkeeper shines a light on the loving character of Christ. 174 00:12:26,210 --> 00:12:28,390 Speaker 3: Though he had no room, he did what he could 175 00:12:28,460 --> 00:12:30,520 Speaker 3: to provide a place for the Savior to be born. 176 00:12:31,840 --> 00:12:35,170 Speaker 3: His actions reflect Christ's teaching in Matthew 25, verses 35-40, 177 00:12:35,179 --> 00:12:36,920 Speaker 3: where Jesus says, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me. 178 00:12:44,860 --> 00:12:49,200 Speaker 3: Despite their dire circumstances, God's hand was evident throughout their journey. 179 00:12:50,070 --> 00:12:54,930 Speaker 3: The stable, humble though it was, became a holy place. Here, 180 00:12:55,690 --> 00:12:59,810 Speaker 3: Jesus Christ, the King of kings, was born in simplicity 181 00:13:00,150 --> 00:13:04,949 Speaker 3: and humility. Tomorrow is Christmas, and no doubt many of 182 00:13:04,990 --> 00:13:08,050 Speaker 3: you will reflect on why Jesus came in the way 183 00:13:08,120 --> 00:13:12,559 Speaker 3: He did. Why was He born in a stable? Why 184 00:13:12,580 --> 00:13:15,979 Speaker 3: was He born into a family with little resources and status. 185 00:13:16,940 --> 00:13:21,320 Speaker 3: It's simple. God chose the path of humility so we 186 00:13:21,380 --> 00:13:25,300 Speaker 3: might have hope in any circumstances. We do not have 187 00:13:25,340 --> 00:13:28,860 Speaker 3: a God that doesn't sympathize with our struggles and needs. 188 00:13:29,760 --> 00:13:33,100 Speaker 3: As it says in Hebrews chapter 4 verse 15, for 189 00:13:33,160 --> 00:13:35,540 Speaker 3: we do not have a high priest who is unable 190 00:13:35,580 --> 00:13:40,540 Speaker 3: to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every 191 00:13:40,610 --> 00:13:44,350 Speaker 3: respect has been tempted as we are. yet without sin. 192 00:13:46,410 --> 00:13:48,709 Speaker 3: Jesus knew what it was like to come from nothing, 193 00:13:49,090 --> 00:13:55,950 Speaker 3: to suffer, to work. Some of you may feel alone, rejected, misunderstood, 194 00:13:56,470 --> 00:14:00,910 Speaker 3: like Mary and Joseph. Know that Jesus understands you, He 195 00:14:01,010 --> 00:14:04,010 Speaker 3: loves you, and He's provided a place for you to 196 00:14:04,070 --> 00:14:09,800 Speaker 3: call home, the kingdom of God. Join us for our 197 00:14:09,840 --> 00:14:12,900 Speaker 3: next episode as we behold the glory of Christ's birth 198 00:14:14,320 --> 00:14:17,200 Speaker 3: In the most humble of circumstances, the Son of God 199 00:14:17,230 --> 00:14:20,570 Speaker 3: will be born. I am excited to unwrap the glorious 200 00:14:20,650 --> 00:14:22,020 Speaker 3: gift of Christmas with you.