1 00:00:00,480 --> 00:00:04,680 Speaker 1: This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and 2 00:00:04,760 --> 00:00:11,200 Speaker 1: of the Assembly Ephesians five thirty two. Dear Heavenly Father, 3 00:00:11,360 --> 00:00:14,520 Speaker 1: we are reminded this season of the depth of your 4 00:00:14,600 --> 00:00:18,799 Speaker 1: love for us, a love so deep that it is 5 00:00:18,880 --> 00:00:22,040 Speaker 1: compared to the bond between a husband and a wife. 6 00:00:23,760 --> 00:00:28,440 Speaker 1: We are the Church your bride, and Jesus Christ is 7 00:00:28,480 --> 00:00:33,879 Speaker 1: our heavenly bridegroom. Thank you, Lord for this sacred relationship. 8 00:00:35,080 --> 00:00:40,559 Speaker 1: Thank you for your unconditional love, enduring patience, and unending 9 00:00:40,640 --> 00:00:46,960 Speaker 1: faithfulness to us. Help us to truly grasp this divine mystery, 10 00:00:48,200 --> 00:00:51,120 Speaker 1: to respond to your love in a way that honors you. 11 00:00:52,560 --> 00:00:56,200 Speaker 1: May we be faithful to you, seeking to know you 12 00:00:56,440 --> 00:01:00,000 Speaker 1: more each day, and living in a way that reflects 13 00:01:00,400 --> 00:01:05,000 Speaker 1: your love for the world. Teach us to love one 14 00:01:05,040 --> 00:01:11,240 Speaker 1: another as you have loved us, fostering unity, kindness, and 15 00:01:11,400 --> 00:01:16,880 Speaker 1: understanding within the body of Christ. As we ponder this 16 00:01:17,120 --> 00:01:22,640 Speaker 1: great mystery, fill us with awe and gratitude for your love. 17 00:01:23,800 --> 00:01:27,840 Speaker 1: Then guide us and walking in faithful response to it. 18 00:01:29,000 --> 00:01:31,640 Speaker 1: In the name of Jesus, we pray Amen. 19 00:01:40,160 --> 00:01:42,559 Speaker 2: Joseph picked up his pace and rounded the corner towards 20 00:01:42,560 --> 00:01:45,360 Speaker 2: the light, but before he could see anything the cave 21 00:01:45,400 --> 00:01:48,720 Speaker 2: flooded with water, and Joseph found himself swimming for his 22 00:01:48,840 --> 00:01:51,559 Speaker 2: life amidst a violent storm in the middle of the sea. 23 00:01:52,000 --> 00:01:55,280 Speaker 2: Waves and breakers crashed over him. He swam but made 24 00:01:55,280 --> 00:01:58,960 Speaker 2: no progress. The waves thrashed and the riptide dragged him 25 00:01:58,960 --> 00:02:02,040 Speaker 2: down underneath it. Joseph sank in a free fall into 26 00:02:02,040 --> 00:02:05,080 Speaker 2: the black abyss until a current pushed him onto the shore. 27 00:02:05,320 --> 00:02:08,919 Speaker 2: The storm subsided, and Joseph looked out at a golden 28 00:02:09,000 --> 00:02:13,880 Speaker 2: sunset hovering over the glassy sea. Suddenly, a luminous figure 29 00:02:13,919 --> 00:02:18,040 Speaker 2: appeared before him, an angel standing upon the glassy water. 30 00:02:18,600 --> 00:02:22,120 Speaker 2: His eyes were filled with wisdom and compassion. Joseph was 31 00:02:22,160 --> 00:02:27,240 Speaker 2: struck by awe and reverence. You're not Joseph, son of David. 32 00:02:28,200 --> 00:02:31,280 Speaker 2: What is conceived? And Mary is of the Holy Spirit. 33 00:02:32,040 --> 00:02:34,560 Speaker 2: She will bear a son, and you shall call his 34 00:02:34,680 --> 00:02:37,679 Speaker 2: name Jesus, where he will save his people. 35 00:02:37,400 --> 00:02:38,280 Speaker 3: From their sins. 36 00:02:38,760 --> 00:02:42,160 Speaker 2: The words wrapped around Joseph like a warm embrace, filling 37 00:02:42,200 --> 00:02:47,160 Speaker 2: him with an understanding that transcended earthly wisdom. 38 00:02:47,280 --> 00:02:50,000 Speaker 4: Hello, I'm Jack Graham with today's episode of the Bible 39 00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:53,079 Speaker 4: in a Year podcast. But before we began, I want 40 00:02:53,120 --> 00:02:56,519 Speaker 4: to let you know about a unique ebook that's yours 41 00:02:56,560 --> 00:03:01,600 Speaker 4: to download absolutely free today. It's called Breaking Free from Stress, 42 00:03:02,080 --> 00:03:04,520 Speaker 4: and my prayer is that it will help you conquer 43 00:03:04,560 --> 00:03:07,880 Speaker 4: the daily task and pressures and burdens that bring stress 44 00:03:07,919 --> 00:03:11,600 Speaker 4: in your life. Download your free copy of Breaking Free 45 00:03:11,639 --> 00:03:16,520 Speaker 4: from Stress today by visiting Jack Graham dot org slash stress. 46 00:03:17,120 --> 00:03:21,720 Speaker 4: That's Jack Graham dot org slash stress. Today's episode is 47 00:03:21,760 --> 00:03:26,800 Speaker 4: a dramatization of Mary in Joseph's marriage. What a strange 48 00:03:26,800 --> 00:03:32,400 Speaker 4: and beautiful event that must have been. The circumstances surrounding 49 00:03:32,440 --> 00:03:36,040 Speaker 4: their union were far from ordinary. The customs back then 50 00:03:36,120 --> 00:03:40,120 Speaker 4: were set in stone, and nobody deviated from them. It 51 00:03:40,160 --> 00:03:43,360 Speaker 4: was not the path Mary and Joseph imagined for themselves. 52 00:03:43,600 --> 00:03:48,400 Speaker 4: But I suppose that's how life is. Sometimes we expect 53 00:03:48,440 --> 00:03:52,320 Speaker 4: life to follow a predictable course, but unexpected twists and 54 00:03:52,360 --> 00:03:57,120 Speaker 4: turns force us to adapt. The Bible shows us that 55 00:03:57,160 --> 00:04:00,960 Speaker 4: a life truly lived in obedience to God is rarely predictable. 56 00:04:02,320 --> 00:04:06,000 Speaker 4: I'm reminded of James Chapter four, verses thirteen through fifteen, 57 00:04:06,560 --> 00:04:10,520 Speaker 4: where it talks about making plans. It says, now, listen, 58 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:13,360 Speaker 4: you who say today or tomorrow will go to this 59 00:04:13,480 --> 00:04:16,640 Speaker 4: or that city, spend a year there carry on business 60 00:04:16,680 --> 00:04:19,800 Speaker 4: and make money. You do not even know what will 61 00:04:19,800 --> 00:04:23,440 Speaker 4: happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a miss 62 00:04:23,440 --> 00:04:27,040 Speaker 4: that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, 63 00:04:27,400 --> 00:04:30,080 Speaker 4: you want to say, if it's the Lord's will, we 64 00:04:30,120 --> 00:04:34,720 Speaker 4: will live and do this or that. James is communicating 65 00:04:34,800 --> 00:04:38,960 Speaker 4: an important life lesson for all of us. Life takes 66 00:04:39,080 --> 00:04:45,000 Speaker 4: unexpected turns. Life takes unexpected turns, and we must look 67 00:04:45,040 --> 00:04:48,160 Speaker 4: for God's will in all of it. Proverbs chapter sixteen, 68 00:04:48,279 --> 00:04:51,800 Speaker 4: verse nine says, a man's heart plans his way, but 69 00:04:51,960 --> 00:04:57,560 Speaker 4: the Lord directs his steps. We don't rely on our 70 00:04:57,600 --> 00:05:01,440 Speaker 4: plans or schedules to get through life. Instead, we rely 71 00:05:01,560 --> 00:05:05,040 Speaker 4: on the Lord's direction and strength to overcome the unknowns. 72 00:05:06,760 --> 00:05:12,000 Speaker 4: The Christmas story was filled with unknowns. As this series continues, 73 00:05:12,240 --> 00:05:16,240 Speaker 4: the plot will thicken and become more dramatic. In all 74 00:05:16,279 --> 00:05:20,039 Speaker 4: of the turmoil, danger, and mystery, Mary and Joseph must 75 00:05:20,120 --> 00:05:23,880 Speaker 4: rely on each other for support and on God for guidance. 76 00:05:25,080 --> 00:05:28,240 Speaker 4: In a sense, that is what Christmas means for all 77 00:05:28,279 --> 00:05:32,800 Speaker 4: of us. This season is about immersing ourselves in the 78 00:05:32,839 --> 00:05:37,600 Speaker 4: loving embrace of family and in the majesty of our God. 79 00:05:38,600 --> 00:05:41,480 Speaker 4: Let continue down the road with Joseph as he seeks 80 00:05:41,480 --> 00:05:45,359 Speaker 4: out Mary, the Lord has given him a dream confirming 81 00:05:45,400 --> 00:05:50,000 Speaker 4: that Mary is pregnant with God's son. Joseph, determined to 82 00:05:50,040 --> 00:05:53,039 Speaker 4: do right by Mary, finds her and takes her as 83 00:05:53,040 --> 00:05:57,400 Speaker 4: his wife. Let's listen, now join me afterwards, so we 84 00:05:57,440 --> 00:06:01,200 Speaker 4: can unpack Christmas truths and applications to strengthen our faith. 85 00:06:04,120 --> 00:06:06,520 Speaker 2: Joseph ran down the hill back to Nazareth with love 86 00:06:06,560 --> 00:06:09,839 Speaker 2: in his heart and courage in his bones. His dream 87 00:06:09,839 --> 00:06:13,240 Speaker 2: had provided clarity and purpose. He and Mary were chosen 88 00:06:13,279 --> 00:06:17,080 Speaker 2: to raise God's son, the chosen Messiah and Savir Israel 89 00:06:17,080 --> 00:06:20,600 Speaker 2: had been waiting for. Joseph ran to Mary's house, the 90 00:06:20,640 --> 00:06:24,400 Speaker 2: angel's words still ringing in his ears. His feet barely 91 00:06:24,440 --> 00:06:26,200 Speaker 2: touched the ground as he rushed to tell her of 92 00:06:26,240 --> 00:06:29,640 Speaker 2: his divine revelation. He found her in the garden outside 93 00:06:29,640 --> 00:06:33,520 Speaker 2: her home. She was kneeling, her soft hands delicately tending 94 00:06:33,520 --> 00:06:37,040 Speaker 2: to the flowers. She had such a grace and elegance. 95 00:06:37,520 --> 00:06:41,679 Speaker 2: Her beauty especially now enraptured Joseph. A flood of memories 96 00:06:41,680 --> 00:06:44,280 Speaker 2: from the childhood came rushing back to him. Even as 97 00:06:44,279 --> 00:06:46,640 Speaker 2: a boy, he had always known that she was the 98 00:06:46,640 --> 00:06:47,240 Speaker 2: one for him. 99 00:06:47,800 --> 00:06:49,560 Speaker 3: Mary, Joseph said softly. 100 00:06:50,160 --> 00:06:53,000 Speaker 2: She looked up. Her eyes were still tinged with the 101 00:06:53,080 --> 00:06:56,400 Speaker 2: sadness of the last meeting. Joseph approached slowly and knelt 102 00:06:56,440 --> 00:07:00,479 Speaker 2: beside her. He took her hand in his ben another 103 00:07:00,560 --> 00:07:02,640 Speaker 2: on her belly, and smiled. 104 00:07:02,640 --> 00:07:05,000 Speaker 3: His name will be Jesus. 105 00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:09,400 Speaker 2: Mary's eyes widen with amazement and relief. Her lips pursed together, 106 00:07:09,720 --> 00:07:13,520 Speaker 2: holding back tears. Joseph embraced her and allowed her to 107 00:07:13,600 --> 00:07:16,560 Speaker 2: sob in his arms. He stroked the back of her 108 00:07:16,600 --> 00:07:20,160 Speaker 2: head and whispered, the Angel told me everything I need 109 00:07:20,200 --> 00:07:23,200 Speaker 2: to know. He pulled back and held her face. He 110 00:07:23,240 --> 00:07:26,400 Speaker 2: wiped tears from her eyes with his thumbs and smiled. 111 00:07:27,720 --> 00:07:31,840 Speaker 3: We will struggle, Mary, the people they will not understand. 112 00:07:32,560 --> 00:07:36,000 Speaker 3: But I am with you. I will marry you. We 113 00:07:36,080 --> 00:07:39,320 Speaker 3: will raise this child together as a husband and wife. 114 00:07:40,080 --> 00:07:43,560 Speaker 3: Whatever comes our away, we know the Lord will be 115 00:07:43,640 --> 00:07:45,360 Speaker 3: on our side. 116 00:07:45,640 --> 00:07:48,960 Speaker 2: Joseph's words were a healing balm to Mary's soul. She 117 00:07:49,080 --> 00:07:51,760 Speaker 2: no longer had to carry this burden and blessing on 118 00:07:51,800 --> 00:07:54,520 Speaker 2: her own. She will have someone by her side to 119 00:07:54,560 --> 00:07:57,600 Speaker 2: walk the peaks and valleys of God's divine path. She 120 00:07:57,720 --> 00:08:01,520 Speaker 2: gently touched Joseph's face and said something she had said before, 121 00:08:01,880 --> 00:08:07,280 Speaker 2: but never with the same weight and meaning. I love you, Joseph, 122 00:08:07,320 --> 00:08:11,440 Speaker 2: and those words, spoken honestly and without prompting, were exactly 123 00:08:11,480 --> 00:08:15,320 Speaker 2: what Joseph needed. Joseph wanted to hold, kiss and marry 124 00:08:15,360 --> 00:08:17,800 Speaker 2: her right there in the garden, but he knew he 125 00:08:17,880 --> 00:08:20,880 Speaker 2: had to show restraint. They had to tread lightly, for 126 00:08:20,960 --> 00:08:24,240 Speaker 2: the entire village thought Mary had been unfaithful. It would 127 00:08:24,320 --> 00:08:26,920 Speaker 2: only be a matter of time before they speculated Joseph 128 00:08:27,040 --> 00:08:30,640 Speaker 2: was the father and they had both broken tradition. Mary 129 00:08:30,720 --> 00:08:33,880 Speaker 2: rose to her feet, sensing the thoughts racing through Joseph's mind. 130 00:08:34,320 --> 00:08:36,840 Speaker 1: We will have to tell my parents, We will have 131 00:08:36,920 --> 00:08:37,840 Speaker 1: to tell everyone. 132 00:08:38,400 --> 00:08:41,480 Speaker 3: Joseph nodded. Don't worry, he said, leave it to me. 133 00:08:41,600 --> 00:08:41,920 Speaker 1: Mary. 134 00:08:42,280 --> 00:08:44,040 Speaker 3: I will not let anyone dishonor you. 135 00:08:44,880 --> 00:08:48,079 Speaker 1: We can't keep others from judging us, Mary said, all 136 00:08:48,120 --> 00:08:50,640 Speaker 1: we can do is obey the Lord and trust that 137 00:08:50,679 --> 00:08:51,760 Speaker 1: he will go before us. 138 00:08:52,240 --> 00:08:54,280 Speaker 2: The two of them left the garden and ventured to 139 00:08:54,320 --> 00:08:57,680 Speaker 2: Mary's home. There, they sat together and explained everything to 140 00:08:57,720 --> 00:09:02,000 Speaker 2: her parents. Mary's father listened, skinedically, the cultural traditions and 141 00:09:02,080 --> 00:09:04,120 Speaker 2: judgments weighing heavily on his mind. 142 00:09:04,360 --> 00:09:04,920 Speaker 3: He did not. 143 00:09:04,880 --> 00:09:08,880 Speaker 2: Reject Joseph's words outright, but wore an expression of deep concern. 144 00:09:09,320 --> 00:09:13,880 Speaker 2: The villagers and extended family tool were unreceptive, whispers of 145 00:09:13,920 --> 00:09:18,320 Speaker 2: scandal and disbelief circulating like a bitter wind. Even so, 146 00:09:18,920 --> 00:09:21,840 Speaker 2: Joseph and Mary were determined to be wed. They planned 147 00:09:21,840 --> 00:09:25,000 Speaker 2: a modest wedding, simple but filled with the profound joy 148 00:09:25,040 --> 00:09:28,920 Speaker 2: of their unique bond. Mary underwent all the cleansing rituals, 149 00:09:29,000 --> 00:09:31,960 Speaker 2: and Joseph gathered a few faithful men to blow Chaffar's 150 00:09:32,320 --> 00:09:35,559 Speaker 2: They held the ceremony in the olive grove just before sunset. 151 00:09:36,080 --> 00:09:39,440 Speaker 2: As the day's last rays trickled through the trees, Joseph 152 00:09:39,480 --> 00:09:42,520 Speaker 2: saw his bride approach. His heart fluttered at the sight 153 00:09:42,600 --> 00:09:46,280 Speaker 2: of her. Although their union was under strange circumstances, he 154 00:09:46,360 --> 00:09:49,080 Speaker 2: found himself hopeful that his future with Mary would be 155 00:09:49,120 --> 00:09:52,520 Speaker 2: filled with quiet joy. Surrounded by only a few who 156 00:09:52,559 --> 00:09:56,720 Speaker 2: accepted them, they exchanged vows and gifts. Their eyes met, 157 00:09:56,960 --> 00:09:59,760 Speaker 2: and in that sacred moment, they saw each other and 158 00:09:59,760 --> 00:10:03,640 Speaker 2: the incredible journey ahead. The excitement for their new life, 159 00:10:03,840 --> 00:10:06,280 Speaker 2: the child they would raise, and the love they would 160 00:10:06,280 --> 00:10:10,679 Speaker 2: share was captured in that single, timeless glance. That night, 161 00:10:10,720 --> 00:10:13,720 Speaker 2: in the Hauppa, they did not consummate their marriage. Joseph 162 00:10:13,800 --> 00:10:16,400 Speaker 2: knew something sacred was at work with in Mary. He 163 00:10:16,440 --> 00:10:20,320 Speaker 2: would not know her intimately until after the birth of Jesus. Instead, 164 00:10:20,520 --> 00:10:23,120 Speaker 2: he tucked Mary into her bed and laid at her feet. 165 00:10:23,600 --> 00:10:26,000 Speaker 2: He had a tenderness towards his wife, but it was 166 00:10:26,040 --> 00:10:29,320 Speaker 2: not a weak devotion. His love was protective and a 167 00:10:29,360 --> 00:10:32,400 Speaker 2: testament to the strength of his character. By the warm 168 00:10:32,440 --> 00:10:35,880 Speaker 2: flickering of candlelight, they spoke of their future, their hopes, 169 00:10:36,120 --> 00:10:40,240 Speaker 2: their dreams, and their fears, but always with faith in 170 00:10:40,280 --> 00:10:42,840 Speaker 2: each other and in the divine plan that had brought 171 00:10:42,880 --> 00:10:43,480 Speaker 2: them together. 172 00:10:43,880 --> 00:10:45,080 Speaker 3: The world might doubt. 173 00:10:44,880 --> 00:10:47,520 Speaker 2: And scorn, but Joseph and Mary knew they were a 174 00:10:47,559 --> 00:10:52,240 Speaker 2: part of something greater, something beautiful, something eternal. 175 00:10:52,600 --> 00:10:53,520 Speaker 3: They were not alone. 176 00:10:53,960 --> 00:10:57,360 Speaker 2: They were guided, protected and loved by the creator of 177 00:10:57,440 --> 00:11:00,600 Speaker 2: all things, and that was all they needed. 178 00:11:02,600 --> 00:11:07,200 Speaker 4: In deciding to marry Mary, Joseph demonstrated his obedience to 179 00:11:07,280 --> 00:11:13,320 Speaker 4: God's directive and his willingness to face potential societal backlash. 180 00:11:13,640 --> 00:11:16,400 Speaker 4: Even though the rest of the world might not understand 181 00:11:16,520 --> 00:11:20,320 Speaker 4: Mary and Joseph's predicament, they had each other and that's 182 00:11:20,360 --> 00:11:24,240 Speaker 4: all they needed. Their decision to get married and remain 183 00:11:24,360 --> 00:11:28,280 Speaker 4: devoted to each other reflects the strength of the marriage covenant. 184 00:11:29,160 --> 00:11:32,560 Speaker 4: Marriage is not just a physical bond, nor is it 185 00:11:32,600 --> 00:11:36,000 Speaker 4: a mere government contract, as some would lead you to believe. 186 00:11:37,800 --> 00:11:41,280 Speaker 4: Many see marriage as a recognition of two people's love 187 00:11:41,360 --> 00:11:44,360 Speaker 4: for each other, like being recognized in marriage is a 188 00:11:44,480 --> 00:11:49,600 Speaker 4: validation of your identity. But marriage is so much more 189 00:11:49,640 --> 00:11:54,120 Speaker 4: than that. Marriage is a covenant before God, a sacred commitment, 190 00:11:54,520 --> 00:12:00,600 Speaker 4: and a sanctuary of support, love, and strength. Marriage is 191 00:12:00,640 --> 00:12:04,240 Speaker 4: not just about the world validating your love. If it were, 192 00:12:04,520 --> 00:12:08,000 Speaker 4: then Joseph and Mary wouldn't have been married, since nobody 193 00:12:08,040 --> 00:12:11,880 Speaker 4: approved of what was happening. No, marriage is a bond 194 00:12:11,960 --> 00:12:16,920 Speaker 4: designed to endure trials and the unexpected turns of life, 195 00:12:17,320 --> 00:12:21,200 Speaker 4: and ultimately, marriage is a reflection of Christ's love for us. 196 00:12:23,160 --> 00:12:26,920 Speaker 4: In Ephesians chapter five, Paul describes marriage as a mysterious 197 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:30,680 Speaker 4: and profound image of the love and devotion Christ has 198 00:12:30,720 --> 00:12:36,520 Speaker 4: for the Church and the Church has for Christ. Joseph's 199 00:12:36,520 --> 00:12:40,280 Speaker 4: willingness to proceed with the marriage despite the appearance of scandal, 200 00:12:40,679 --> 00:12:45,839 Speaker 4: highlights marriage as a partnership designed to weather storms. He 201 00:12:45,880 --> 00:12:48,200 Speaker 4: and Mary must have drawn strength from each other throughout 202 00:12:48,200 --> 00:12:53,040 Speaker 4: their challenging, yet divinely appointed journey. This act is an 203 00:12:53,200 --> 00:12:57,000 Speaker 4: encouragement for all married couples, a call to stand by 204 00:12:57,040 --> 00:13:01,560 Speaker 4: each other in the face of adversity, providing mutual support, understanding, 205 00:13:01,960 --> 00:13:06,000 Speaker 4: and love. Marriage is a steady pillar when the world 206 00:13:06,040 --> 00:13:09,400 Speaker 4: around us begins to crumble. We know that Mary and 207 00:13:09,520 --> 00:13:12,120 Speaker 4: Joseph must have had that to endure what they did. 208 00:13:13,120 --> 00:13:15,800 Speaker 4: In the coming episodes, we'll see their relationship put to 209 00:13:15,840 --> 00:13:20,719 Speaker 4: the test as they brave a harrowing journey to Joseph's homeland. 210 00:13:22,240 --> 00:13:27,840 Speaker 4: Another theme explored in this episode is surrendering expectations. Mary 211 00:13:27,920 --> 00:13:32,280 Speaker 4: and Joseph both had to surrender their expectations of traditional 212 00:13:32,280 --> 00:13:38,840 Speaker 4: marriage life. They had to embrace God's extraordinary plan, which 213 00:13:38,880 --> 00:13:45,640 Speaker 4: involved potential ridicule and misunderstanding from their community. This surrendering 214 00:13:45,679 --> 00:13:49,000 Speaker 4: of expectations is a central theme of the Christmas narrative. 215 00:13:49,800 --> 00:13:53,000 Speaker 4: It points to the idea that God's plans often defy 216 00:13:53,160 --> 00:13:58,240 Speaker 4: human expectations and require our obedience and trust. Yet there 217 00:13:58,280 --> 00:14:01,520 Speaker 4: seemed to be a misunderstanding many Jews of the time 218 00:14:01,640 --> 00:14:06,760 Speaker 4: had about the Messiah. They expected some sort of political 219 00:14:06,800 --> 00:14:11,560 Speaker 4: liberator and king to come and deliver them from Roman oppression. Instead, 220 00:14:11,840 --> 00:14:15,520 Speaker 4: the Messiah came humbly, feeding the poor and fishing with 221 00:14:15,559 --> 00:14:21,360 Speaker 4: all the commoners. God's greatest gift to humanity. Jesus arrived 222 00:14:21,360 --> 00:14:24,720 Speaker 4: in a way that defied all human expectations, not in 223 00:14:24,760 --> 00:14:28,600 Speaker 4: the palace but in a humble stage, not to a queen, 224 00:14:29,040 --> 00:14:32,320 Speaker 4: but from a virgin in Nazareth. The willingness of Mary 225 00:14:32,400 --> 00:14:36,200 Speaker 4: and Joseph to change their expectations and to obediently align 226 00:14:36,240 --> 00:14:39,560 Speaker 4: with God's plan allowed for the First Christmas and the 227 00:14:39,680 --> 00:14:45,040 Speaker 4: arrival of our Savior. As we reflect on the Christmas story, 228 00:14:45,120 --> 00:14:50,360 Speaker 4: we can draw inspiration from Mary and Joseph's experiences. Christmas 229 00:14:50,400 --> 00:14:54,080 Speaker 4: is a time of joy and celebration, but it's also 230 00:14:54,160 --> 00:14:56,680 Speaker 4: a time to reflect on our own willingness to trust 231 00:14:56,720 --> 00:15:02,600 Speaker 4: God when his plans for us defy our expectations. This season, 232 00:15:02,840 --> 00:15:05,640 Speaker 4: let us remember the strength of the marriage bond as 233 00:15:05,680 --> 00:15:09,720 Speaker 4: exhibited by Mary and Joseph. Let Us also embrace the 234 00:15:09,840 --> 00:15:14,120 Speaker 4: humility and obedience they showed even when God's plans were 235 00:15:14,160 --> 00:15:19,000 Speaker 4: beyond their understanding. This Christmas, let us welcome Jesus into 236 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:24,080 Speaker 4: our hearts, homes, and lives, willing to surrender our expectations 237 00:15:24,120 --> 00:15:28,560 Speaker 4: in favor of God's divine plan. Maybe your traditions will 238 00:15:28,600 --> 00:15:31,680 Speaker 4: be shaken up this year, maybe dreams will fall through. 239 00:15:32,400 --> 00:15:36,360 Speaker 4: Do you know what That's okay? Because the one constant 240 00:15:36,360 --> 00:15:40,800 Speaker 4: of Christmas is Christ and that will certainly never change. 241 00:15:42,280 --> 00:15:44,680 Speaker 4: Thank you for joining me today on our journey through 242 00:15:44,720 --> 00:15:48,040 Speaker 4: the Nativity. Be sure to tune in next time as 243 00:15:48,040 --> 00:15:51,080 Speaker 4: the plot thickened and Mary and Joseph are forced to 244 00:15:51,160 --> 00:15:55,240 Speaker 4: leave Nazareth because of a decree made by Caesar. Thank 245 00:15:55,280 --> 00:15:58,239 Speaker 4: you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. 246 00:15:58,720 --> 00:16:01,000 Speaker 4: Before we go, I want to let you know about 247 00:16:01,000 --> 00:16:05,520 Speaker 4: a unique ebook that's yours to download absolutely free today. 248 00:16:06,200 --> 00:16:09,760 Speaker 4: Is called Breaking Free from Stress, and my prayer is 249 00:16:09,760 --> 00:16:12,080 Speaker 4: that it will help you conquer the daily task and 250 00:16:12,160 --> 00:16:16,120 Speaker 4: pressures and burdens that bring stress into your life. Download 251 00:16:16,160 --> 00:16:19,720 Speaker 4: your free copy of Breaking Free from Stress today by 252 00:16:19,800 --> 00:16:25,320 Speaker 4: visiting Jackgraham dot org slash stress. That's Jagraham dot org 253 00:16:25,680 --> 00:16:26,960 Speaker 4: slash stress.