1 00:00:00,800 --> 00:00:05,040 Speaker 1: Let us pray, and she brought forth her first born 2 00:00:05,080 --> 00:00:08,480 Speaker 1: son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him 3 00:00:08,480 --> 00:00:11,160 Speaker 1: in a manger because there was no room for them 4 00:00:11,240 --> 00:00:16,960 Speaker 1: in the inn. Luke two seven, Lord, I know that 5 00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:20,720 Speaker 1: you are the creator of all things, because you have 6 00:00:20,760 --> 00:00:24,440 Speaker 1: already planned out my life. I will not allow myself 7 00:00:24,520 --> 00:00:27,280 Speaker 1: to be disheartened when I am led to give birth 8 00:00:27,320 --> 00:00:34,080 Speaker 1: to my dreams in undesired circumstances. Like Jesus, my calling 9 00:00:34,159 --> 00:00:39,000 Speaker 1: isn't determined by my surroundings, but is determined by my anointing. 10 00:00:41,040 --> 00:00:44,879 Speaker 1: With this truth guiding my life, I thank you that 11 00:00:44,920 --> 00:00:48,560 Speaker 1: when you bring forth your promise through me, you will 12 00:00:48,600 --> 00:00:52,640 Speaker 1: also bring people like Simeon to me to confirm what 13 00:00:52,800 --> 00:00:57,040 Speaker 1: you have spoken over my life. I will not despise 14 00:00:57,120 --> 00:01:00,440 Speaker 1: the location of my beginnings because I I know that 15 00:01:00,520 --> 00:01:06,400 Speaker 1: where I currently am isn't where I'll end up. Like Jesus, 16 00:01:07,120 --> 00:01:11,080 Speaker 1: You've called me with a purpose, and I'll shine bright 17 00:01:11,560 --> 00:01:16,240 Speaker 1: no matter where I start because with you, Lord, I 18 00:01:16,319 --> 00:01:24,160 Speaker 1: know that my finish line will be glorious in Jesus' name. Amen, 19 00:01:25,920 --> 00:01:29,319 Speaker 1: thanks for making prayer a priority in your life to 20 00:01:29,360 --> 00:01:32,200 Speaker 1: hear the Bible, come to life, stay tuned for the 21 00:01:32,280 --> 00:01:35,680 Speaker 1: Bible in a year brought to you by Bible Innyear 22 00:01:35,840 --> 00:01:37,080 Speaker 1: dot com. 23 00:01:37,560 --> 00:01:40,760 Speaker 2: Many choices in life can be scary, but your healthcare 24 00:01:40,800 --> 00:01:43,720 Speaker 2: shouldn't be one of them. Did you know that traditional 25 00:01:43,800 --> 00:01:46,560 Speaker 2: insurance isn't your only option to take care of your 26 00:01:46,600 --> 00:01:51,880 Speaker 2: medical costs? Christian Healthcare Ministries is created for you. Believers 27 00:01:51,920 --> 00:01:55,760 Speaker 2: who expect more from their health care. Embrace a faith 28 00:01:55,800 --> 00:02:00,240 Speaker 2: based alternative that puts you in control, plus experience its 29 00:02:00,320 --> 00:02:04,080 Speaker 2: flexibility to pick your provider of choice with programs as 30 00:02:04,080 --> 00:02:10,160 Speaker 2: lo as ninety two dollars per month. Enroll today Atchministries 31 00:02:10,639 --> 00:02:34,719 Speaker 2: dot org slash prey. 32 00:02:24,320 --> 00:02:28,760 Speaker 3: The Birth of Jesus. In our last story, we learned 33 00:02:28,760 --> 00:02:31,600 Speaker 3: about the birth of John, the child was born to 34 00:02:31,639 --> 00:02:34,160 Speaker 3: be a proclaimer of the Messiah and make way for 35 00:02:34,240 --> 00:02:37,960 Speaker 3: his arrival. We also witnessed the call of Mary to 36 00:02:37,960 --> 00:02:41,360 Speaker 3: be the mother of God's son. Although she was a virgin, 37 00:02:41,440 --> 00:02:45,160 Speaker 3: she would bear the child of God, the promised Messiah. 38 00:02:45,560 --> 00:02:48,400 Speaker 3: Mary felt the weight of this calling, but resolved in 39 00:02:48,520 --> 00:02:51,640 Speaker 3: her heart to see it through. Now we learn about 40 00:02:51,680 --> 00:02:55,320 Speaker 3: the birth of God's chosen hero, Jesus, the Son of God, 41 00:02:55,639 --> 00:03:00,000 Speaker 3: would be born in the most humble of ways among animals, shepherds, 42 00:03:00,160 --> 00:03:03,120 Speaker 3: and a manger inspired. 43 00:03:02,680 --> 00:03:09,040 Speaker 4: By the Gospels. In yesterday's episode, we heard about John 44 00:03:09,080 --> 00:03:12,399 Speaker 4: the Baptist, who came before Jesus to announce a new 45 00:03:12,480 --> 00:03:17,799 Speaker 4: age of liberation, celebration, and salvation. We heard how both 46 00:03:17,840 --> 00:03:24,440 Speaker 4: Elizabeth and Mary received news of an unlikely, astonishing, miraculous pregnancy. 47 00:03:25,120 --> 00:03:28,400 Speaker 4: These righteous women submitted to God's will and served him 48 00:03:28,440 --> 00:03:31,720 Speaker 4: in a powerful way as mothers to babies who would 49 00:03:31,720 --> 00:03:35,640 Speaker 4: grow into men that changed history. Today we'll hear of 50 00:03:35,640 --> 00:03:39,320 Speaker 4: the birth of the long awaited Messiah, Jesus. His coming 51 00:03:39,800 --> 00:03:43,200 Speaker 4: was not as anyone had expected, but rather, the birth 52 00:03:43,200 --> 00:03:47,320 Speaker 4: took place in a humble stable. His welcoming party was 53 00:03:47,800 --> 00:03:52,080 Speaker 4: thrown by dirty shepherds, the outcast of society. So let's 54 00:03:52,080 --> 00:03:53,960 Speaker 4: listen now to God's word. 55 00:03:55,600 --> 00:03:58,360 Speaker 3: It was late and the night sky was painted with 56 00:03:58,400 --> 00:04:02,240 Speaker 3: bright Starsiph looked up at the vastness of the universe. 57 00:04:02,760 --> 00:04:06,240 Speaker 3: He felt small sitting under the galaxies, and thought about 58 00:04:06,280 --> 00:04:09,520 Speaker 3: the great plans of God. Then he looked down to 59 00:04:09,560 --> 00:04:13,120 Speaker 3: see Mary lying on her side under the blankets. Joseph 60 00:04:13,160 --> 00:04:16,040 Speaker 3: stroked her hair and covered her shoulders with the covers. 61 00:04:16,920 --> 00:04:19,520 Speaker 3: They were on their way to Bethlehem for the censes. 62 00:04:20,320 --> 00:04:23,720 Speaker 3: Joseph had wed Mary despite his doubts. It hurt at 63 00:04:23,760 --> 00:04:26,400 Speaker 3: first when he saw that she was with child, but 64 00:04:26,480 --> 00:04:29,000 Speaker 3: the Lord was faithful and visited him in a dream. 65 00:04:29,720 --> 00:04:33,320 Speaker 3: He told him of how Mary became pregnant. Joseph went 66 00:04:33,360 --> 00:04:38,640 Speaker 3: from overwhelming heartbreak to overwhelming gratitude. Why did the Lord 67 00:04:38,760 --> 00:04:42,640 Speaker 3: choose me, he thought to himself. He was honored and 68 00:04:42,680 --> 00:04:45,680 Speaker 3: felt the intense responsibility of caring for the Son of 69 00:04:45,720 --> 00:04:49,920 Speaker 3: God and his mother. He sat up all night, determined 70 00:04:50,040 --> 00:04:53,120 Speaker 3: to protect her and the unborn child. In just a 71 00:04:53,200 --> 00:04:56,960 Speaker 3: day's time, they would be in Bethlehem, the birthplace of David. 72 00:04:57,600 --> 00:05:00,800 Speaker 3: It was where Joseph's family was from. He looked at 73 00:05:00,800 --> 00:05:03,520 Speaker 3: his wife, filled with tender love for her and the 74 00:05:03,560 --> 00:05:06,920 Speaker 3: baby living within. She would give birth any day now, 75 00:05:07,279 --> 00:05:10,520 Speaker 3: and Joseph knew time was running out to get into Bethlehem. 76 00:05:11,400 --> 00:05:13,760 Speaker 3: The sun peeked its head above the valley, and Mary 77 00:05:13,800 --> 00:05:17,880 Speaker 3: awoke gracefully to the sound of chirping birds. She watched 78 00:05:17,880 --> 00:05:21,320 Speaker 3: as Joseph was already packing the donkey for the journey. 79 00:05:21,440 --> 00:05:24,599 Speaker 3: She saddled up and rode as Joseph walked beside them. 80 00:05:24,960 --> 00:05:28,039 Speaker 3: After a full day's journey, the couple could see Bethlehem 81 00:05:28,080 --> 00:05:31,400 Speaker 3: in the distance. As they entered the city, Mary began 82 00:05:31,480 --> 00:05:35,360 Speaker 3: to feel the pains of labor. Joseph rushed door to 83 00:05:35,440 --> 00:05:37,400 Speaker 3: door trying to find a place for the two of 84 00:05:37,440 --> 00:05:40,040 Speaker 3: them to stay, but the senses had brought far too 85 00:05:40,120 --> 00:05:43,559 Speaker 3: many people. They finally knocked on the door of an inn. 86 00:05:44,160 --> 00:05:46,080 Speaker 3: Although there was no room for them, they had a 87 00:05:46,120 --> 00:05:50,200 Speaker 3: stable where the animals slept, so Joseph and Mary settled there. 88 00:05:50,880 --> 00:05:53,880 Speaker 3: As the sun was setting over the western horizon, Mary's 89 00:05:53,880 --> 00:05:58,200 Speaker 3: screams echoed throughout the cave like stable. The pain was unbearable, 90 00:05:58,240 --> 00:06:00,760 Speaker 3: and the animals were stirring as they were watched her labor. 91 00:06:01,600 --> 00:06:05,000 Speaker 3: Joseph was beside Mary the whole time, unwavering in his 92 00:06:05,080 --> 00:06:08,400 Speaker 3: devotion to her. Just as the sun finished its descent, 93 00:06:08,720 --> 00:06:12,240 Speaker 3: the sound of a baby's cries filled the stable. In 94 00:06:12,320 --> 00:06:14,960 Speaker 3: the distance, a group of shepherds gazed at the stars 95 00:06:15,040 --> 00:06:17,839 Speaker 3: as the sheep settled for the night. The valley was 96 00:06:17,880 --> 00:06:21,799 Speaker 3: silent and the tall grass swayed to the light breeze. Suddenly, 97 00:06:21,880 --> 00:06:24,359 Speaker 3: as if the sky was cut open by a long blade, 98 00:06:24,600 --> 00:06:28,080 Speaker 3: an angel appeared in light. The radiance of the Lord's 99 00:06:28,080 --> 00:06:32,440 Speaker 3: glory surrounded them. And they were terrified. Do not be frightened, 100 00:06:32,640 --> 00:06:36,560 Speaker 3: the angel reassured, I have come with good news. In 101 00:06:36,600 --> 00:06:39,840 Speaker 3: the town of Bethlehem lies a baby. He is swaddled 102 00:06:39,880 --> 00:06:43,599 Speaker 3: securely in a manger at the inn stables. This child 103 00:06:43,839 --> 00:06:47,880 Speaker 3: is the Messiah, the Lord, the savior of the world, 104 00:06:47,960 --> 00:06:53,000 Speaker 3: and redemption of mankind. The shepherds were speechless. They listened 105 00:06:53,080 --> 00:06:57,359 Speaker 3: closely to the angel's words. Then the light radiated even brighter, 106 00:06:57,560 --> 00:07:00,960 Speaker 3: and the angel was surrounded by a choir of more angels, 107 00:07:01,000 --> 00:07:04,680 Speaker 3: singing glory to God in the highest peace on earth 108 00:07:04,720 --> 00:07:08,640 Speaker 3: and good will towards mankind. And like a vapor in 109 00:07:08,680 --> 00:07:14,320 Speaker 3: the wind, they vanished. The shepherds sat there in the quiet. 110 00:07:14,760 --> 00:07:17,520 Speaker 3: They could barely believe what had just happened to them. 111 00:07:17,680 --> 00:07:21,280 Speaker 3: God had not spoken to mankind in four hundred years 112 00:07:21,440 --> 00:07:24,640 Speaker 3: since the prophets. Now, in the dead of night, he 113 00:07:24,720 --> 00:07:27,640 Speaker 3: decided to speak to a small group of lowly shepherds. 114 00:07:28,280 --> 00:07:31,000 Speaker 3: The wind whistled across the valley, and the sheep were 115 00:07:31,040 --> 00:07:35,160 Speaker 3: sleeping soundly in place. The shepherds left their things and 116 00:07:35,320 --> 00:07:39,400 Speaker 3: ran towards beth Lamb. They searched the city for hours 117 00:07:39,480 --> 00:07:42,200 Speaker 3: until they found the inn. They peered down a small 118 00:07:42,280 --> 00:07:43,360 Speaker 3: hill towards the back. 119 00:07:43,960 --> 00:07:44,680 Speaker 1: Below were a. 120 00:07:44,600 --> 00:07:47,960 Speaker 3: Few lights illuminating a small stable carved into the hill. 121 00:07:48,520 --> 00:07:51,720 Speaker 3: They approached quietly. There, in the coolness of the night, 122 00:07:51,840 --> 00:07:55,280 Speaker 3: they saw him. The baby was sleeping soundly in a manger, 123 00:07:55,360 --> 00:07:58,680 Speaker 3: surrounded by straw and torn cloth. He was the most 124 00:07:58,720 --> 00:08:01,960 Speaker 3: marvelous thing they had ever scene. He did not glow 125 00:08:02,240 --> 00:08:05,400 Speaker 3: or speak, he did not cry in a strange tomb 126 00:08:05,480 --> 00:08:10,320 Speaker 3: or radiate flames. But the child was absolutely special. The 127 00:08:10,360 --> 00:08:12,880 Speaker 3: shepherds knew without a shadow of a doubt that they 128 00:08:12,880 --> 00:08:15,480 Speaker 3: were in the presence of the King of Israel, the 129 00:08:15,520 --> 00:08:20,880 Speaker 3: promised One, the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. The 130 00:08:20,920 --> 00:08:24,520 Speaker 3: shepherds fell on their faces in worship. Tears streamed down 131 00:08:24,600 --> 00:08:27,400 Speaker 3: their rough faces. Why would the Lord send them to 132 00:08:27,480 --> 00:08:31,120 Speaker 3: be the first? They were but lowly shepherds. The thought 133 00:08:31,200 --> 00:08:35,320 Speaker 3: humbled them beyond words. They left the stable and proclaimed 134 00:08:35,360 --> 00:08:38,079 Speaker 3: what they had seen in the city streets. Then they 135 00:08:38,120 --> 00:08:41,880 Speaker 3: returned to their flocks, praising God for all they had witnessed. 136 00:08:43,280 --> 00:08:46,280 Speaker 3: Eight days later, a man named Simeon sat at the 137 00:08:46,280 --> 00:08:49,520 Speaker 3: gates of the Temple in Jerusalem. He was advanced in 138 00:08:49,640 --> 00:08:52,920 Speaker 3: years and waited near the temple gates every day The 139 00:08:53,000 --> 00:08:55,360 Speaker 3: Lord had told him long ago that he would witness 140 00:08:55,400 --> 00:08:59,120 Speaker 3: the Messiah, so he waited patiently. He prayed in the 141 00:08:59,160 --> 00:09:02,080 Speaker 3: shade of the temple walls until the Holy Spirit tugged 142 00:09:02,080 --> 00:09:05,080 Speaker 3: on his heart. He opened his eyes and saw Mary 143 00:09:05,160 --> 00:09:08,600 Speaker 3: and Joseph entering the temple courtyard with a small child. 144 00:09:09,320 --> 00:09:11,720 Speaker 3: They were coming to present their child to the Lord 145 00:09:12,320 --> 00:09:17,559 Speaker 3: and dedicate him accordingly to the law of Moses. Simeon's 146 00:09:17,600 --> 00:09:20,800 Speaker 3: heart fluttered in his chest. Tears fell down his cheeks 147 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:24,240 Speaker 3: as he hobbled over to the child. Startled, Mary stepped 148 00:09:24,240 --> 00:09:27,440 Speaker 3: back and held Jesus close, but then she looked at 149 00:09:27,440 --> 00:09:32,319 Speaker 3: the man's eyes. Joy overwhelming and honest joy could be 150 00:09:32,400 --> 00:09:35,880 Speaker 3: seen in his eyes. Mary rested him in Simeon's arms. 151 00:09:36,559 --> 00:09:39,000 Speaker 3: The old man held the baby and cried out loud 152 00:09:39,080 --> 00:09:42,520 Speaker 3: to the heavens. He held the boy up and praised God, 153 00:09:43,360 --> 00:09:47,120 Speaker 3: Oh my God, Now I may rest in peace. I 154 00:09:47,200 --> 00:09:50,120 Speaker 3: have seen your salvation and held it in my arms. 155 00:09:50,720 --> 00:09:53,959 Speaker 3: He is the light of the Lord. Simeon gave the 156 00:09:54,040 --> 00:09:56,680 Speaker 3: child back to his mother and held both Mary and 157 00:09:56,760 --> 00:10:00,640 Speaker 3: Joseph in his arms. Simeon held Mary's should and looked 158 00:10:00,679 --> 00:10:04,360 Speaker 3: her in the eyes. His joyful face turned into mourning 159 00:10:04,440 --> 00:10:07,760 Speaker 3: as he looked at her. This child is destined to 160 00:10:07,760 --> 00:10:11,360 Speaker 3: make many fall and rise. He will expose the depths 161 00:10:11,360 --> 00:10:14,880 Speaker 3: of every person's heart. Many will be after him, and 162 00:10:14,960 --> 00:10:18,160 Speaker 3: a sword will cut straight through your very soul because 163 00:10:18,200 --> 00:10:18,440 Speaker 3: of it. 164 00:10:21,080 --> 00:10:24,240 Speaker 4: As we began today's reading, Mary and Joseph have traveled 165 00:10:24,240 --> 00:10:27,160 Speaker 4: to Bethlehem, the city of David, to be counted in 166 00:10:27,200 --> 00:10:30,959 Speaker 4: the census ordered by the King. Mary is very close 167 00:10:31,000 --> 00:10:35,120 Speaker 4: to delivering the child she is carrying. Joseph has obeyed 168 00:10:35,160 --> 00:10:37,120 Speaker 4: the Lord and married the young girl, even though she 169 00:10:37,280 --> 00:10:40,640 Speaker 4: is carrying a child that is not his, and once more, 170 00:10:40,720 --> 00:10:44,240 Speaker 4: he has not had relations sexual relations with his young wife. 171 00:10:44,920 --> 00:10:47,880 Speaker 4: We can often overlook the strength of character and conviction 172 00:10:48,120 --> 00:10:51,720 Speaker 4: Joseph possessed in order to act in faith as he did. 173 00:10:52,320 --> 00:10:56,120 Speaker 4: What a faithful man He stood beside Mary as her 174 00:10:56,200 --> 00:10:59,760 Speaker 4: protector and provider, and soon he would have the incredible 175 00:11:00,040 --> 00:11:03,800 Speaker 4: lady roll of being the earthly adoptive father of God's son. 176 00:11:04,880 --> 00:11:08,319 Speaker 4: None of us will ever have the experience of Joseph, 177 00:11:08,720 --> 00:11:12,520 Speaker 4: but we will be called to do things that are uncomfortable, uncertain, 178 00:11:12,720 --> 00:11:18,240 Speaker 4: and even unpopular, Hard things, difficult things. We will, as 179 00:11:18,320 --> 00:11:21,520 Speaker 4: Joseph did, follow God's will with courage and faith, or 180 00:11:21,600 --> 00:11:25,319 Speaker 4: we could choose our own comfort and convenience. We then 181 00:11:25,400 --> 00:11:29,400 Speaker 4: heard how the young couple entered into Bethlehem, a fulfillment 182 00:11:29,440 --> 00:11:32,199 Speaker 4: of the prophecy that foretold the birth of the Messiah. 183 00:11:32,280 --> 00:11:38,480 Speaker 4: In this tiny, insignificant town, one would expect luxury accommodations 184 00:11:38,480 --> 00:11:42,079 Speaker 4: for the birth of a king, but that's not where 185 00:11:42,120 --> 00:11:45,240 Speaker 4: Mary and Joseph were. They were instead in a part 186 00:11:45,240 --> 00:11:48,280 Speaker 4: of a home where animals were kept for shelter. It 187 00:11:48,400 --> 00:11:53,120 Speaker 4: certainly wasn't luxurious, it was likely smelly, certainly not dignified. 188 00:11:53,559 --> 00:11:56,120 Speaker 4: But it was there that Mary delivered to the world 189 00:11:56,160 --> 00:11:59,480 Speaker 4: the Son of God, the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 190 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:03,800 Speaker 4: the Word was made flesh. She wrapped him in warm 191 00:12:03,840 --> 00:12:06,560 Speaker 4: swaddling blankets and placed him in a feeding trough, a 192 00:12:06,640 --> 00:12:12,160 Speaker 4: manger unconventional, But nothing about this was conventional or expected. 193 00:12:12,480 --> 00:12:17,000 Speaker 4: It's all a miracle. Neither was what happened next. It 194 00:12:17,120 --> 00:12:20,080 Speaker 4: wasn't to the local elders or political figures that the 195 00:12:20,120 --> 00:12:23,000 Speaker 4: birth of Christ was announced, but it was to shepherds 196 00:12:23,040 --> 00:12:26,080 Speaker 4: who watched over their flocks that evening. And yet it 197 00:12:26,160 --> 00:12:29,280 Speaker 4: also seems very fitting that shepherds would receive the first 198 00:12:29,360 --> 00:12:32,400 Speaker 4: news of the birth of the good Shepherd, the epitome 199 00:12:32,440 --> 00:12:34,640 Speaker 4: of one who had laid out his life for his sheep. 200 00:12:35,800 --> 00:12:38,000 Speaker 4: An Angel of God appeared to these men, and they 201 00:12:38,040 --> 00:12:42,079 Speaker 4: were understandably terrified. Who among us would not have been 202 00:12:42,120 --> 00:12:45,960 Speaker 4: stricken with fear by such a heavenly invasion. But the 203 00:12:46,000 --> 00:12:48,240 Speaker 4: Angel told them not to fear, for he brought good 204 00:12:48,360 --> 00:12:52,880 Speaker 4: news of great joy reason to celebrate. The Savior was 205 00:12:52,920 --> 00:12:57,000 Speaker 4: finally there. The one Israel waited for so long had 206 00:12:57,040 --> 00:13:01,000 Speaker 4: now arrived. So they hurried to Bethlehem and found Jesus, 207 00:13:01,080 --> 00:13:04,520 Speaker 4: just as the angels said they would. Luke two verses 208 00:13:04,559 --> 00:13:08,560 Speaker 4: seventeen and eighteen tells us what happens. And when they 209 00:13:08,600 --> 00:13:10,880 Speaker 4: saw it, they may have known the saying that had 210 00:13:10,920 --> 00:13:13,720 Speaker 4: been told of them concerning the child, and all who 211 00:13:13,760 --> 00:13:18,120 Speaker 4: heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. The news, 212 00:13:18,160 --> 00:13:21,319 Speaker 4: the good news is always too good to keep to ourselves. 213 00:13:22,160 --> 00:13:24,839 Speaker 4: Just as these shepherds shared the message of the birth 214 00:13:24,880 --> 00:13:28,360 Speaker 4: of Jesus, so are we to hurry to tell others 215 00:13:28,440 --> 00:13:31,760 Speaker 4: about him. We too are the bearers of the good news, 216 00:13:31,800 --> 00:13:35,040 Speaker 4: the greatest news ever heard, and we must not keep quiet. 217 00:13:35,280 --> 00:13:37,920 Speaker 4: We must not be silent, But we must tell the 218 00:13:37,960 --> 00:13:42,160 Speaker 4: world who Jesus is. These shepherds returned to the fields, 219 00:13:42,200 --> 00:13:45,880 Speaker 4: praising God for what they had seen. They worshiped God, 220 00:13:46,360 --> 00:13:49,520 Speaker 4: and they witness of the power of God. These are 221 00:13:49,559 --> 00:13:53,400 Speaker 4: the two proper responses to an encounter with Jesus Christ. 222 00:13:53,840 --> 00:13:56,880 Speaker 4: We in today's reading were a man named Simeon. He 223 00:13:57,000 --> 00:14:00,400 Speaker 4: had awaited the Messiah all his life, and God promised 224 00:14:00,400 --> 00:14:04,080 Speaker 4: that he would not die until he actually viewed the Messiah. 225 00:14:04,640 --> 00:14:07,160 Speaker 4: When Joseph took the child to the temple to offer 226 00:14:07,200 --> 00:14:10,960 Speaker 4: a sacrifice and accordance to the law, Simeon saw the baby, 227 00:14:11,840 --> 00:14:14,040 Speaker 4: and he now knew he had seen the grace and 228 00:14:14,080 --> 00:14:16,839 Speaker 4: the glory of God. He was ready for the rest 229 00:14:16,840 --> 00:14:21,240 Speaker 4: of his life and ready for his death. But first 230 00:14:21,240 --> 00:14:23,800 Speaker 4: he spoke words that foreshadowed the pain that would come 231 00:14:23,840 --> 00:14:27,240 Speaker 4: to this baby, because Jesus came to save, and to 232 00:14:27,320 --> 00:14:29,920 Speaker 4: do that he would have to suffer the death that 233 00:14:30,040 --> 00:14:33,000 Speaker 4: all of us deserve on the cross. There was a 234 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:37,000 Speaker 4: long road to Calvary ahead for the baby Jesus. But 235 00:14:37,120 --> 00:14:40,720 Speaker 4: the next time we meet visitors from long distance, these 236 00:14:40,760 --> 00:14:43,640 Speaker 4: would be those who would worship the Lord as King 237 00:14:43,680 --> 00:14:49,440 Speaker 4: of kings. Stay tuned for next time. Dear God, We 238 00:14:49,600 --> 00:14:53,080 Speaker 4: thank you for Jesus, who was born to give us life, 239 00:14:53,680 --> 00:14:56,440 Speaker 4: who came to earth so that we could go to heaven. 240 00:14:56,880 --> 00:14:59,360 Speaker 4: Thank you for your love that makes this salvation in 241 00:14:59,440 --> 00:15:03,440 Speaker 4: Christ POSSI help us to respond like those shepherds by 242 00:15:03,480 --> 00:15:07,000 Speaker 4: telling this good news everywhere we go, and to worship 243 00:15:07,080 --> 00:15:11,560 Speaker 4: you always in Christ's name. Amen. Thank you again for 244 00:15:11,680 --> 00:15:16,120 Speaker 4: listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. I'm Jack Graham, 245 00:15:16,320 --> 00:15:19,600 Speaker 4: pastor in Dallas, Texas. You could download the Prey dot 246 00:15:19,640 --> 00:15:22,960 Speaker 4: com app and make Bible study and prayer a priority 247 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:26,080 Speaker 4: in your life. If you enjoyed this podcast, please share 248 00:15:26,120 --> 00:15:29,400 Speaker 4: it with someone else, and if you want more resources, 249 00:15:29,400 --> 00:15:31,840 Speaker 4: I would love for you to contact us at Jack 250 00:15:31,920 --> 00:15:35,600 Speaker 4: Graham dot org. God bless you and have a great day.