1 00:00:00,360 --> 00:00:03,680 Speaker 1: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he 2 00:00:03,920 --> 00:00:08,280 Speaker 1: has visited and redeemed his people. Luke one sixty eight, 3 00:00:10,160 --> 00:00:14,440 Speaker 1: Dear Heavenly Father, as we prepare our hearts for the 4 00:00:14,520 --> 00:00:18,000 Speaker 1: celebration of the birth of your son, we are filled 5 00:00:18,000 --> 00:00:23,599 Speaker 1: with all and gratitude. We praise you for your divine 6 00:00:23,640 --> 00:00:28,560 Speaker 1: intervention and love so profound that you sent us a savior, 7 00:00:29,280 --> 00:00:34,440 Speaker 1: the greatest gift humanity has ever received. Let the miracle 8 00:00:34,479 --> 00:00:38,519 Speaker 1: of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, the fulfillment of your promise, 9 00:00:39,520 --> 00:00:45,920 Speaker 1: resonate deeply within us. Help us remember and appreciate Christmas's 10 00:00:46,040 --> 00:00:50,120 Speaker 1: true meaning. Amidst the festive cheer, the lights, and the carols, 11 00:00:51,560 --> 00:00:55,680 Speaker 1: we praise you for your faithfulness, love that never fails, 12 00:00:56,520 --> 00:01:00,400 Speaker 1: and the promise of redemption that was beautifully fulfill on 13 00:01:00,560 --> 00:01:05,160 Speaker 1: that first Christmas night. Help us to live each day 14 00:01:05,280 --> 00:01:10,959 Speaker 1: in the light of this truth. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen. 15 00:01:15,080 --> 00:01:17,920 Speaker 1: Will God always allow wickedness to prevail. 16 00:01:19,160 --> 00:01:22,679 Speaker 2: The captive people of Israel wondered where is the God 17 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:27,440 Speaker 2: of Justice? They cried in despair and hurt. God's people 18 00:01:27,520 --> 00:01:30,920 Speaker 2: wondered if deliverance would ever come. The pain of sin 19 00:01:31,040 --> 00:01:35,039 Speaker 2: and oppression bit at their hearts. They needed deliverance from 20 00:01:35,120 --> 00:01:38,120 Speaker 2: the hopeless ashes of Israel. The God of all creation 21 00:01:38,280 --> 00:01:42,160 Speaker 2: made a promise through the prophet Malachi. He spoke a 22 00:01:42,200 --> 00:01:46,959 Speaker 2: song of hope. Behold, I will send my messenger to you. 23 00:01:47,440 --> 00:01:52,680 Speaker 2: He declared, he will prepare the way before me. He 24 00:01:52,760 --> 00:01:57,560 Speaker 2: will prepare the way of the Lord. He is coming. 25 00:01:58,040 --> 00:02:01,520 Speaker 2: The people's hearts ached for the promised delivery. But before 26 00:02:01,560 --> 00:02:04,280 Speaker 2: he would come, a voice would cry out to heark 27 00:02:04,320 --> 00:02:09,040 Speaker 2: in his arrival, the voice of one crying in the wilderness. 28 00:02:09,800 --> 00:02:13,960 Speaker 2: Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight in the 29 00:02:14,080 --> 00:02:19,120 Speaker 2: desert a highway for our God. Before the Saviour's arrival, 30 00:02:19,360 --> 00:02:22,000 Speaker 2: a voice would cry out, he would have the spirit 31 00:02:22,040 --> 00:02:24,840 Speaker 2: of the Lord. Like the prophet Elijah. He would be 32 00:02:24,919 --> 00:02:27,880 Speaker 2: the forerunner, the one to prepare the way. 33 00:02:30,680 --> 00:02:33,760 Speaker 3: Hello, I'm pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the 34 00:02:33,760 --> 00:02:37,520 Speaker 3: Bible and a Year Podcast. Today we're continuing the story 35 00:02:37,560 --> 00:02:41,440 Speaker 3: of Mary. Elizabeth is in the throes of labor, and 36 00:02:41,520 --> 00:02:45,079 Speaker 3: Mary is about to glimpse her own future. The baby 37 00:02:45,120 --> 00:02:49,519 Speaker 3: born from Elizabeth and Zechariah, is no ordinary child. He's 38 00:02:49,560 --> 00:02:53,160 Speaker 3: the forerunner for the Messiah. The voice that Malachi and 39 00:02:53,280 --> 00:02:57,720 Speaker 3: Isaiah prophesied the birth of John the Baptist. Hearkens to 40 00:02:57,760 --> 00:03:02,160 Speaker 3: the beginning of God's redemptive Gospel. Just as the ministry 41 00:03:02,160 --> 00:03:04,600 Speaker 3: of John paved the way for the ministry of Jesus, 42 00:03:05,160 --> 00:03:07,400 Speaker 3: the birth of John paved the way for the birth 43 00:03:07,440 --> 00:03:11,040 Speaker 3: of Jesus. Without these events, Mary would not have been 44 00:03:11,080 --> 00:03:15,000 Speaker 3: ready for the struggles ahead. Her time with Elizabeth and 45 00:03:15,120 --> 00:03:18,720 Speaker 3: Zechariah gave her the strength and courage to face her 46 00:03:18,760 --> 00:03:24,400 Speaker 3: future with fearlessness. This story is inspired by the Gospel 47 00:03:24,400 --> 00:03:29,040 Speaker 3: of Luke. These events with Mary, Elizabeth, and Zachariah represent 48 00:03:29,160 --> 00:03:33,400 Speaker 3: a fulcrum between the Old and the New Testaments. The 49 00:03:33,440 --> 00:03:37,200 Speaker 3: covenant of law, prophets, and the priests is about to 50 00:03:37,280 --> 00:03:41,080 Speaker 3: transition into the new covenant of grace, Christ and the 51 00:03:41,120 --> 00:03:45,480 Speaker 3: Holy Spirit. Elizabeth is an older woman about to give 52 00:03:45,560 --> 00:03:50,240 Speaker 3: birth to Israel's last prophet. Beside her is Mary, the 53 00:03:50,280 --> 00:03:54,880 Speaker 3: young Virgin, carrying the promised Messiah. This moment represents the 54 00:03:54,960 --> 00:03:59,720 Speaker 3: passing of the torch Tewo. Corinthians, Chapter five, verse seventeen 55 00:04:00,160 --> 00:04:02,760 Speaker 3: tells us that the Old has passed and the New 56 00:04:02,960 --> 00:04:09,080 Speaker 3: has come. This moment encapsulates that idea Elizabeth and Zechariah 57 00:04:09,120 --> 00:04:13,440 Speaker 3: won't be mentioned again. Their stories serve as a transition 58 00:04:13,600 --> 00:04:17,520 Speaker 3: from the old to the new. As she beholds all 59 00:04:17,560 --> 00:04:20,560 Speaker 3: these events, Mary will find the strength to carry out 60 00:04:20,560 --> 00:04:25,800 Speaker 3: her role in God's magnificent plan. So let's immerse ourselves 61 00:04:25,800 --> 00:04:29,920 Speaker 3: now in the story, and afterward we'll unpack Christmas truths 62 00:04:30,040 --> 00:04:31,080 Speaker 3: to encourage our. 63 00:04:31,040 --> 00:04:36,520 Speaker 2: Souls under the mantle of the evening stars. Mary pushed 64 00:04:36,560 --> 00:04:40,000 Speaker 2: open the door to Elizabeth and Zachariah's home. The house 65 00:04:40,120 --> 00:04:42,839 Speaker 2: was a symphony of chaos and urgency, and that the 66 00:04:42,880 --> 00:04:45,800 Speaker 2: center was Elizabeth, crumpled in the throes of labor. 67 00:04:46,279 --> 00:04:46,599 Speaker 3: Mary. 68 00:04:46,800 --> 00:04:49,520 Speaker 2: Elizabeth cried with a nervous smile, It's. 69 00:04:49,360 --> 00:04:51,599 Speaker 1: Time for this old woman to see what she's made of. 70 00:04:52,120 --> 00:04:53,160 Speaker 1: Come by my side. 71 00:04:53,480 --> 00:04:55,880 Speaker 2: Mary rushed to her side, her hands shaking as she 72 00:04:55,960 --> 00:04:59,960 Speaker 2: held onto Elizabeth's clammy fingers. The older woman's face was flushed, 73 00:05:00,120 --> 00:05:03,280 Speaker 2: her eyes brimming with a wild mixture of fear, anticipation, 74 00:05:03,520 --> 00:05:08,040 Speaker 2: and joy. Zachariah, rendered mute by the angel, paced outside 75 00:05:08,080 --> 00:05:11,640 Speaker 2: with worry edged across his weathered face. Mary glanced around 76 00:05:11,680 --> 00:05:15,599 Speaker 2: the room, her heart echoing the tumultuous atmosphere. The walls 77 00:05:15,600 --> 00:05:18,560 Speaker 2: seemed to pulsate with the life of their own echoing 78 00:05:18,600 --> 00:05:21,960 Speaker 2: the rhythmic cries of the laboring woman. The room smelled 79 00:05:22,000 --> 00:05:24,720 Speaker 2: of sweat and fear, yet beneath it there was a 80 00:05:24,720 --> 00:05:27,359 Speaker 2: faint but persistent aroma of hope. 81 00:05:27,640 --> 00:05:29,360 Speaker 1: You're doing wonderfully, Elizabeth. 82 00:05:29,560 --> 00:05:32,279 Speaker 2: Mary soothed, brushing the hair off Elizabeth's forehead. 83 00:05:32,440 --> 00:05:33,520 Speaker 1: He's nearly here. 84 00:05:33,839 --> 00:05:37,000 Speaker 2: Elizabeth let out a primal cry. Her body seized with 85 00:05:37,040 --> 00:05:40,520 Speaker 2: another contraction. There was a raw of vulnerability in her eyes. 86 00:05:40,880 --> 00:05:45,320 Speaker 2: It hurts, Elizabeth gasped, squeezing Mary's hand. I know, Mary 87 00:05:45,440 --> 00:05:48,760 Speaker 2: murmured the heart aching with sympathy. She saw a glimpse 88 00:05:48,839 --> 00:05:50,120 Speaker 2: into her own future. 89 00:05:50,720 --> 00:05:53,839 Speaker 1: But it'll be worth it just a little longer. 90 00:05:54,480 --> 00:05:57,560 Speaker 2: Finally, the sun began its rise over the hills, painting 91 00:05:57,560 --> 00:06:00,880 Speaker 2: the sky with hues of orange and pink. Elizabeth gave 92 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:03,680 Speaker 2: one last mighty push, and the room was filled with 93 00:06:03,720 --> 00:06:06,719 Speaker 2: a cry of a newborn. Mary felt a jolt of 94 00:06:06,839 --> 00:06:09,880 Speaker 2: joy surge as she saw him. As soon as Zachariah 95 00:06:09,920 --> 00:06:12,680 Speaker 2: heard his son's screams, he burst through the door to 96 00:06:12,720 --> 00:06:15,680 Speaker 2: cradle his son in his arms, a mixture of awe 97 00:06:15,680 --> 00:06:18,640 Speaker 2: and disbelief on his face as he beheld the miracle child, 98 00:06:19,320 --> 00:06:23,000 Speaker 2: A sense of divine realization seeped into the room. There 99 00:06:23,040 --> 00:06:26,400 Speaker 2: was a sweet stillness and purity to the moment. Mary 100 00:06:26,440 --> 00:06:28,680 Speaker 2: looked at the new born babe and remembered he was 101 00:06:28,760 --> 00:06:33,240 Speaker 2: no ordinary child. Mary approached and reached out a finger 102 00:06:33,320 --> 00:06:36,680 Speaker 2: to the child. He wrapped his tiny hand around her finger. 103 00:06:37,279 --> 00:06:40,000 Speaker 2: Mary's heart fluttered with hope. This child was going to 104 00:06:40,040 --> 00:06:42,880 Speaker 2: be the forerunner for hers. A voice crying out from 105 00:06:42,880 --> 00:06:45,960 Speaker 2: the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. Zachariah 106 00:06:46,000 --> 00:06:48,920 Speaker 2: held the boy up high, still unable to speak, and 107 00:06:49,000 --> 00:06:51,800 Speaker 2: mouth to prayer to the Lord. He kissed the son's 108 00:06:51,800 --> 00:06:55,080 Speaker 2: forehead and gave him to Elizabeth. She caressed his cheek 109 00:06:55,120 --> 00:06:57,520 Speaker 2: with the back of her hand and sang a lullaby. 110 00:06:58,120 --> 00:07:02,440 Speaker 2: Mary's heart melted with a She watched Zachariah wrap his 111 00:07:02,640 --> 00:07:06,440 Speaker 2: arms around Elizabeth and couldn't help but think about Joseph. 112 00:07:06,800 --> 00:07:09,520 Speaker 2: She had often dreamed about them having children of their own. 113 00:07:10,040 --> 00:07:12,560 Speaker 2: She imagine him wrapping her in his arms as they 114 00:07:12,600 --> 00:07:13,680 Speaker 2: beheld their child. 115 00:07:13,840 --> 00:07:17,320 Speaker 1: Would that even be possible now, she wondered, Will Joseph 116 00:07:17,400 --> 00:07:18,280 Speaker 1: even accept me? 117 00:07:18,640 --> 00:07:21,560 Speaker 2: Mary's heart ached out of longing for a normal life. 118 00:07:21,920 --> 00:07:25,080 Speaker 2: But God had other plans. She prayed silently to the 119 00:07:25,120 --> 00:07:29,600 Speaker 2: Lord again and rededicated herself to his plans. Eight days passed, 120 00:07:29,840 --> 00:07:32,440 Speaker 2: and the newborn was to be circumcised and given a name. 121 00:07:32,480 --> 00:07:36,440 Speaker 2: According to tradition, everyone gathered around for the occasion. The 122 00:07:36,480 --> 00:07:39,280 Speaker 2: birth of this child had become famous. They marveled at 123 00:07:39,320 --> 00:07:41,800 Speaker 2: the baby, wondering what the Lord had in store for him. 124 00:07:42,040 --> 00:07:46,080 Speaker 2: He should be named Zachariah, after his father, they all suggested, 125 00:07:46,320 --> 00:07:50,280 Speaker 2: but the Lord had other plans. Zachariah held his child tightly. 126 00:07:50,720 --> 00:07:55,120 Speaker 2: With a gentle yet resonating voice. Zachariah was finally able 127 00:07:55,160 --> 00:08:00,520 Speaker 2: to speak. His name is John. His voice rang out 128 00:08:00,560 --> 00:08:04,520 Speaker 2: clear and certain, slicing through the collective surprise. The air 129 00:08:04,600 --> 00:08:08,200 Speaker 2: seemed thickened with awe. Zachariah walked with his child and 130 00:08:08,320 --> 00:08:12,160 Speaker 2: held him up to the Lord. Small tears slowly streaked 131 00:08:12,200 --> 00:08:16,120 Speaker 2: down his crabbed cheeks. Beaming with fatherly pride and gratitude. 132 00:08:16,360 --> 00:08:21,480 Speaker 2: Zachariah spoke a prophecy, saying, Praise be to the Lord, 133 00:08:21,880 --> 00:08:26,200 Speaker 2: the God of Israel, for his eyes have not turned blind, 134 00:08:26,760 --> 00:08:29,560 Speaker 2: nor his heart death. To the plight of his people. 135 00:08:30,160 --> 00:08:33,240 Speaker 2: He has visited us not as a ghost in the night, 136 00:08:33,800 --> 00:08:38,839 Speaker 2: but as a redeemer cloaked in daylight, Zachariah began his voice, 137 00:08:38,880 --> 00:08:42,640 Speaker 2: echoing through the people. From the lineage of his servant David. 138 00:08:43,040 --> 00:08:47,360 Speaker 2: He has kindled a beacon, a horn of salvation, as 139 00:08:47,360 --> 00:08:52,480 Speaker 2: his prophets those holy heralds of old once foretold. His 140 00:08:52,600 --> 00:08:56,040 Speaker 2: gaze moved across the faces, gathered their eyes, reflecting the 141 00:08:56,120 --> 00:09:00,200 Speaker 2: radiant hope kindled by his words. Salvation is upon us, 142 00:09:00,679 --> 00:09:04,000 Speaker 2: not just from our visible adversaries, but also from the 143 00:09:04,200 --> 00:09:07,520 Speaker 2: unseen enemies of hatred and malice that creep within the 144 00:09:07,559 --> 00:09:12,320 Speaker 2: hearts of men. His mercy on furls like the petals 145 00:09:12,320 --> 00:09:17,400 Speaker 2: of a sacred bloom, echoing the promise given to our forefathers, 146 00:09:17,440 --> 00:09:21,680 Speaker 2: reverberating the holy covenant he etched in the sands of time. 147 00:09:22,640 --> 00:09:26,200 Speaker 2: Zecharai's voice took on a reflective timber. The oath he 148 00:09:26,400 --> 00:09:30,680 Speaker 2: made to our father Abraham has not been forgotten, for 149 00:09:30,840 --> 00:09:34,560 Speaker 2: his promises are not of the fleeting kind. He has 150 00:09:34,760 --> 00:09:38,000 Speaker 2: pledged to deliver us from the grasp of our foes, 151 00:09:38,520 --> 00:09:42,400 Speaker 2: to unshackle us from the chains of fear. In this 152 00:09:42,640 --> 00:09:47,319 Speaker 2: new found freedom, we are able to serve him our 153 00:09:47,440 --> 00:09:52,880 Speaker 2: lives as a testament of his grace. Steeped in righteousness 154 00:09:52,920 --> 00:09:57,040 Speaker 2: and sanctity. A tender smile grazed his lips as he 155 00:09:57,080 --> 00:10:00,800 Speaker 2: gazed into the eyes of his son. And you, my son, 156 00:10:01,559 --> 00:10:04,720 Speaker 2: will be hailed as a prophet of the Most High. 157 00:10:05,320 --> 00:10:08,880 Speaker 2: Your path is laid before the face of the Lord, 158 00:10:09,360 --> 00:10:14,160 Speaker 2: a trailblazer and the divine narrative. Your voice will resonate 159 00:10:14,280 --> 00:10:18,640 Speaker 2: with the knowledge of salvation, a melody of redemption for 160 00:10:18,760 --> 00:10:23,720 Speaker 2: his people, a song of sins forgiven. His voice, filled 161 00:10:23,760 --> 00:10:28,360 Speaker 2: with fatherly pride, continued in the tender mercy of our God. 162 00:10:28,760 --> 00:10:33,160 Speaker 2: A new day dawns. The morning light from the heavens 163 00:10:33,200 --> 00:10:36,920 Speaker 2: above will touch us, and a divine hand to heal 164 00:10:37,040 --> 00:10:40,600 Speaker 2: and guide us. It will shine upon those who dwell 165 00:10:40,679 --> 00:10:44,840 Speaker 2: in the shadows, upon those ensnared by the fear of death, 166 00:10:45,360 --> 00:10:50,200 Speaker 2: a beacon to guide our steps into the path of peace. 167 00:10:51,080 --> 00:10:55,160 Speaker 2: As Zacharia's voice tapered off, a reverent silence filled the air. 168 00:10:55,880 --> 00:10:58,760 Speaker 2: Their hearts brimming with hope, they gazed at the baby 169 00:10:58,800 --> 00:11:01,960 Speaker 2: in Elizabeth's arms, the prophet of the Most High, the 170 00:11:02,040 --> 00:11:04,640 Speaker 2: voice that would echo in the wilderness. Preparing for the 171 00:11:04,679 --> 00:11:07,480 Speaker 2: way of the Lord. They felt the stirrings of a 172 00:11:07,520 --> 00:11:11,920 Speaker 2: new dawn, a divine narrative unfolding, the whisper of prophecy 173 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:15,040 Speaker 2: dancing in the wind, and they noon, the long night 174 00:11:15,200 --> 00:11:19,520 Speaker 2: was ending, The day of redemption was at hand. As 175 00:11:19,640 --> 00:11:23,800 Speaker 2: days turned into weeks, Mary watched John grow his every 176 00:11:23,840 --> 00:11:27,840 Speaker 2: milestone a quiet prelude to her own impending motherhood. Yet 177 00:11:27,840 --> 00:11:30,840 Speaker 2: amidst the joy, her heart fluttered with a fresh wave 178 00:11:30,920 --> 00:11:34,319 Speaker 2: of uncertainty. How was she going to tell Joseph? The 179 00:11:34,440 --> 00:11:37,439 Speaker 2: law regarding adultery was clear about such matters, and the 180 00:11:37,520 --> 00:11:41,079 Speaker 2: consequences were harsh. How was she going to convince him 181 00:11:41,080 --> 00:11:43,640 Speaker 2: that she was not unfaithful? How would she convince her 182 00:11:43,640 --> 00:11:46,720 Speaker 2: own father? On the last night, Mary gazed up at 183 00:11:46,720 --> 00:11:50,440 Speaker 2: the twinkling tapestry of stars, her heart heavy with silent 184 00:11:50,520 --> 00:11:55,840 Speaker 2: prayers and unspoken fears. Tomorrow she would return to Nazareth. Tomorrow, 185 00:11:55,880 --> 00:11:59,960 Speaker 2: she would tell Joseph. Tomorrow her life would change forever. 186 00:12:00,440 --> 00:12:04,560 Speaker 2: But tonight she was just merry, cradling the promise of 187 00:12:04,600 --> 00:12:08,200 Speaker 2: salvation in her wound. As she closed her eyes, the 188 00:12:08,240 --> 00:12:10,480 Speaker 2: whispers of the knight seemed to draw her into a 189 00:12:10,600 --> 00:12:14,360 Speaker 2: dance of destiny, promising a tale of faith, love, and 190 00:12:14,400 --> 00:12:19,280 Speaker 2: divine miracles. Yet with the promise came a shadow of uncertainty, 191 00:12:19,400 --> 00:12:22,840 Speaker 2: a mystery that would shape the destiny of humankind. 192 00:12:24,760 --> 00:12:27,560 Speaker 3: So account of the birth and naming of John the Baptist, 193 00:12:27,840 --> 00:12:31,439 Speaker 3: intertwined with the Christmas narrative, is a tale of prophetic 194 00:12:31,480 --> 00:12:36,520 Speaker 3: fulfillment and new life brimming with potential. Upon the birth 195 00:12:36,559 --> 00:12:39,520 Speaker 3: and naming of his son, Zechariah is filled with the 196 00:12:39,559 --> 00:12:43,520 Speaker 3: Holy Spirit and offers a prophetic song now known as 197 00:12:43,679 --> 00:12:49,920 Speaker 3: the Benedictus. His prophecy reaffirms God's promises to Israel, and specifically, 198 00:12:50,160 --> 00:12:53,199 Speaker 3: it prophesies the role his son John will play in 199 00:12:53,320 --> 00:12:57,360 Speaker 3: this divine plan, stating, and you child will be called 200 00:12:57,400 --> 00:13:00,040 Speaker 3: the Prophet of the Most High, for you will go 201 00:13:00,120 --> 00:13:05,079 Speaker 3: before the Lord to prepare his ways. This prophecy underscores 202 00:13:05,120 --> 00:13:07,960 Speaker 3: the role of John the Baptist paving the way for 203 00:13:08,000 --> 00:13:12,720 Speaker 3: the Messiah, the essence of the Christmas story. This story 204 00:13:12,760 --> 00:13:16,240 Speaker 3: provides one of those moments when comparing Elijah to John 205 00:13:16,280 --> 00:13:20,520 Speaker 3: the Baptist, the similarities between John and the Prophet Elijah 206 00:13:20,600 --> 00:13:25,560 Speaker 3: are striking and significant. Both were prophetic voices in their generations, 207 00:13:25,840 --> 00:13:29,800 Speaker 3: calling people back to God. Both led lives marked by 208 00:13:29,880 --> 00:13:35,640 Speaker 3: simplicity and separation from societal norms. John, like Elijah, was 209 00:13:35,720 --> 00:13:40,320 Speaker 3: a fearless preacher confronting the wrongs of his time. Jesus 210 00:13:40,360 --> 00:13:43,319 Speaker 3: affirmed this parallel when he said in Matthew chapter eleven, 211 00:13:43,920 --> 00:13:47,160 Speaker 3: for all the prophets and the law prophesied until John, 212 00:13:48,040 --> 00:13:50,640 Speaker 3: and if you are willing to accept it, he is 213 00:13:50,720 --> 00:13:53,400 Speaker 3: the Elijah who was to come. As we reflect on 214 00:13:53,440 --> 00:13:57,400 Speaker 3: the Christmas story, the figure of John akin to Elijah 215 00:13:57,480 --> 00:14:01,000 Speaker 3: is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness us in sending 216 00:14:01,040 --> 00:14:05,760 Speaker 3: messengers to prepare his people for his coming. The birth 217 00:14:05,800 --> 00:14:08,640 Speaker 3: of John the Baptist is a story of new life 218 00:14:08,640 --> 00:14:13,720 Speaker 3: and potential. Zechariah and Elizabeth, considered too old to have children, 219 00:14:14,040 --> 00:14:17,520 Speaker 3: were blessed with the son vital to God's salve ethic plan. 220 00:14:19,680 --> 00:14:23,240 Speaker 3: John's life, filled with great potential, reminds us that it's 221 00:14:23,280 --> 00:14:27,120 Speaker 3: never too late for new beginnings with God. The Christmas 222 00:14:27,160 --> 00:14:32,000 Speaker 3: season embodies this message of new life and potential. With 223 00:14:32,120 --> 00:14:34,840 Speaker 3: the birth of Jesus, new life was given to all 224 00:14:34,880 --> 00:14:38,400 Speaker 3: who believed in him. This season invites us to see 225 00:14:38,440 --> 00:14:42,520 Speaker 3: our lives that, no matter are past or present circumstances, 226 00:14:42,840 --> 00:14:47,800 Speaker 3: as brimming with divine potential. As we reflect on this story, 227 00:14:48,200 --> 00:14:51,720 Speaker 3: let's be reminded of God's prophetic promises fulfilled in the 228 00:14:51,800 --> 00:14:56,359 Speaker 3: Christmas story and the beautiful themes of new life and potential. 229 00:14:57,600 --> 00:15:00,720 Speaker 3: May these reflections inspire us to prepare our hearts for 230 00:15:00,760 --> 00:15:04,080 Speaker 3: the coming of Christ and to embrace the potential God 231 00:15:04,160 --> 00:15:06,840 Speaker 3: is placed within each of us, not just during the 232 00:15:06,920 --> 00:15:12,280 Speaker 3: Christmas season, but all through our lives. In our next episode, 233 00:15:12,360 --> 00:15:17,080 Speaker 3: we finally meet Joseph, Mary's betrothed. Will he accept Mary's 234 00:15:17,120 --> 00:15:20,240 Speaker 3: explanation or take advantage of his right to stone her? 235 00:15:21,000 --> 00:15:24,640 Speaker 3: We'll find out next time on the Jesus Podcast. Thanks 236 00:15:24,640 --> 00:15:28,280 Speaker 3: for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. I'm 237 00:15:28,400 --> 00:15:32,240 Speaker 3: pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Download Theprey dot com 238 00:15:32,280 --> 00:15:35,240 Speaker 3: app and make prayer a priority in your life. If 239 00:15:35,280 --> 00:15:38,160 Speaker 3: you enjoy this podcast, share it with someone you love. 240 00:15:38,480 --> 00:15:41,200 Speaker 3: By sharing this podcast, you can make a difference in 241 00:15:41,280 --> 00:15:44,600 Speaker 3: someone's life. And if you want more resources on how 242 00:15:44,640 --> 00:15:48,600 Speaker 3: to tap into God's power for successful Christian living, be 243 00:15:48,680 --> 00:15:53,640 Speaker 3: sure to visit Jagraham dot org. God bless you.