1 00:00:00,320 --> 00:00:03,600 Speaker 1: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ, could 2 00:00:03,640 --> 00:00:08,960 Speaker 1: oppression or anguish, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or 3 00:00:09,039 --> 00:00:15,640 Speaker 1: peril or sword Romans eight thirty five. Dear Heavenly Father, 4 00:00:16,720 --> 00:00:20,319 Speaker 1: in the midst of festive lights, shared laughter and the 5 00:00:20,440 --> 00:00:25,160 Speaker 1: joy of giving, we remember the unparalleled gift of your 6 00:00:25,200 --> 00:00:30,600 Speaker 1: son Jesus. His birth was the beginning of a promise, 7 00:00:31,600 --> 00:00:35,960 Speaker 1: a promise that no circumstance or challenge can ever sever 8 00:00:36,280 --> 00:00:40,720 Speaker 1: the bond of love. He offers. As carols fill the 9 00:00:40,760 --> 00:00:43,800 Speaker 1: air and we gather with loved ones, let us be 10 00:00:43,960 --> 00:00:48,440 Speaker 1: reminded of the unbreakable love of Christ, a love that 11 00:00:48,640 --> 00:00:53,040 Speaker 1: chose a humble manger, a love that endured the Cross, 12 00:00:53,440 --> 00:00:59,360 Speaker 1: and a love that overcomes every obstacle. May the warmth 13 00:00:59,400 --> 00:01:03,040 Speaker 1: of the seas, the joy of Christ's birth, and the 14 00:01:03,080 --> 00:01:06,720 Speaker 1: depth of your love remind us that we are never 15 00:01:06,920 --> 00:01:11,839 Speaker 1: alone and nothing can truly separate us from the embrace 16 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:16,080 Speaker 1: of Jesus. Thank you, Father for the gift of your 17 00:01:16,120 --> 00:01:21,880 Speaker 1: love made manifest in the birth of our Savior. May 18 00:01:21,880 --> 00:01:26,440 Speaker 1: our Christmas celebrations be filled with gratitude, joy, and the 19 00:01:26,480 --> 00:01:31,520 Speaker 1: everlasting hope found in Christ. In the loving name of Jesus, 20 00:01:31,560 --> 00:01:33,840 Speaker 1: we pray amen. 21 00:01:35,720 --> 00:01:40,360 Speaker 2: Ee. By order of Caesar Augustus, all men in their 22 00:01:40,400 --> 00:01:43,240 Speaker 2: families are to be registered for a sensus in the 23 00:01:43,280 --> 00:01:47,600 Speaker 2: city of their family lineage. Failure to register will result 24 00:01:47,640 --> 00:01:51,080 Speaker 2: in punishment. This is the will of Rome. 25 00:01:51,960 --> 00:01:55,760 Speaker 3: His voice, steely and unemotional, echoed through the streets and alleys, 26 00:01:56,520 --> 00:01:58,920 Speaker 3: leaving a chill in the hearts of those who heard it. 27 00:01:59,400 --> 00:02:02,920 Speaker 3: His soul's nailed the decree onto the doorpost of every home. 28 00:02:03,520 --> 00:02:07,440 Speaker 3: Pyrineus's voice shouted through the city streets of Nazareth, where 29 00:02:07,520 --> 00:02:11,040 Speaker 3: Joseph was buying supplies for his workshop. The proclamation threw 30 00:02:11,120 --> 00:02:14,240 Speaker 3: him into a storm of uncertainty and worry. The house 31 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:20,919 Speaker 3: of David, Joseph's lineage was traced back to Bethlehem. 32 00:02:21,000 --> 00:02:24,080 Speaker 4: Hello, I'm Pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the 33 00:02:24,120 --> 00:02:28,440 Speaker 4: Bible and a Year podcast. Today's episode is a narrative 34 00:02:28,480 --> 00:02:33,400 Speaker 4: based on Luke Chapter two, verses one through five. Although 35 00:02:33,400 --> 00:02:36,680 Speaker 4: the Bible doesn't describe the long journey Mary and Joseph 36 00:02:36,680 --> 00:02:40,160 Speaker 4: took from Nazareth to Bethlehem, we know that it must 37 00:02:40,200 --> 00:02:43,280 Speaker 4: have been wrought with challenges that tested their young marriage. 38 00:02:44,560 --> 00:02:48,079 Speaker 4: Romans Chapter eight, verses thirty eight and thirty nine says, 39 00:02:48,840 --> 00:02:51,760 Speaker 4: who shall separate us from the love of Christ shall 40 00:02:51,800 --> 00:02:56,400 Speaker 4: tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine or nakedness or 41 00:02:56,520 --> 00:03:01,360 Speaker 4: danger or sword. Every episode from now until the end 42 00:03:01,440 --> 00:03:05,960 Speaker 4: of our series will showcase a new struggle. Mary and 43 00:03:06,040 --> 00:03:12,080 Speaker 4: Joseph must endure robberies, storms, rejection, and conspiracies. Yet God's 44 00:03:12,120 --> 00:03:15,560 Speaker 4: love and divine plan will cut through the tragedy and 45 00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:20,239 Speaker 4: turn it all into triumph. The Journey to Bethlehem is 46 00:03:20,280 --> 00:03:24,720 Speaker 4: a poignant reminder of God's powerful love, a love willing 47 00:03:24,720 --> 00:03:29,880 Speaker 4: to journey through hardship, risk, uncertainty, and the darkest valleys 48 00:03:29,960 --> 00:03:34,200 Speaker 4: to obey God's will. We can imagine their challenges the 49 00:03:34,200 --> 00:03:37,920 Speaker 4: physical strain of the journey, societal judgment due to Mary's 50 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:41,880 Speaker 4: mysterious pregnancy, and the anxiety of a young couple about 51 00:03:41,920 --> 00:03:45,480 Speaker 4: to become parents. On top of that, there's the mounting 52 00:03:45,520 --> 00:03:52,720 Speaker 4: pressure of knowing their child was the promised Messiah. This 53 00:03:52,800 --> 00:03:55,720 Speaker 4: episode will feature a new type of challenge for Mary 54 00:03:55,760 --> 00:04:00,840 Speaker 4: and Joseph. Trials, challenges, and hardships can tear our relationship 55 00:04:00,880 --> 00:04:05,480 Speaker 4: apart or strengthen it. Will this journey solidify Mary and 56 00:04:05,600 --> 00:04:09,600 Speaker 4: Joseph's pond or tear them apart. I'd like to promise 57 00:04:09,600 --> 00:04:12,760 Speaker 4: you this episode has a happy ending, but it doesn't. 58 00:04:13,880 --> 00:04:17,560 Speaker 4: Just like Mary and Joseph, we must endure momentary trials 59 00:04:17,600 --> 00:04:24,000 Speaker 4: before stepping into triumph. We must endure momentary trials before 60 00:04:24,040 --> 00:04:28,359 Speaker 4: stepping into triumph. Let's immerse ourselves now in the story. 61 00:04:29,040 --> 00:04:32,679 Speaker 4: In the end, we'll unpack Christmas themes to strengthen our faith. 62 00:04:35,480 --> 00:04:39,159 Speaker 3: The streets of Nazareth, usually a buzz with laughter and trade, 63 00:04:39,279 --> 00:04:44,080 Speaker 3: grew anxious and frantic. Families huddled in corners to discuss 64 00:04:44,120 --> 00:04:48,440 Speaker 3: the journey ahead. Rumors and tales of treacherous roads rife 65 00:04:48,440 --> 00:04:53,080 Speaker 3: with robbers, grew more terrifying by the day. Amidst the chaos, 66 00:04:53,720 --> 00:04:57,120 Speaker 3: Joseph waded through the marketplace, gathering the last of their 67 00:04:57,160 --> 00:05:00,359 Speaker 3: supplies for the journey ahead. He was no stra injured 68 00:05:00,360 --> 00:05:03,880 Speaker 3: to the dangers of travel. As a stonemason, he often 69 00:05:03,920 --> 00:05:07,360 Speaker 3: needed to do business outside of Nazareth, but with Mary 70 00:05:07,360 --> 00:05:10,520 Speaker 3: in her delicate condition, the journey was a heavy burden 71 00:05:10,600 --> 00:05:14,400 Speaker 3: on his heart. They'd heard dark tales of bandits lurking 72 00:05:14,440 --> 00:05:18,960 Speaker 3: in the desert shadows, striking unsuspecting travelers and leaving them 73 00:05:18,960 --> 00:05:22,680 Speaker 3: with nothing. Joseph felt the weight of his responsibility to 74 00:05:22,760 --> 00:05:27,000 Speaker 3: protect his wife and the unborn child. Night after night, 75 00:05:27,279 --> 00:05:30,320 Speaker 3: as they prepared for the journey, Joseph would glance at 76 00:05:30,360 --> 00:05:34,520 Speaker 3: the horizon as if trying to discern what lay in wait. Mary, 77 00:05:34,680 --> 00:05:37,440 Speaker 3: watching him from their doorway, could see the furrows of 78 00:05:37,520 --> 00:05:40,800 Speaker 3: worry deepen on his brow. She was relieved that her 79 00:05:40,880 --> 00:05:44,480 Speaker 3: husband was strong and capable, but Mary bore a strength 80 00:05:44,640 --> 00:05:49,480 Speaker 3: Joseph lacked. She didn't share Joseph's fear. Instead, she had 81 00:05:49,480 --> 00:05:52,960 Speaker 3: a peace that God would provide. She was not naive 82 00:05:53,080 --> 00:05:56,640 Speaker 3: to think tragedy wasn't possible, but she also knew God 83 00:05:56,680 --> 00:05:59,159 Speaker 3: wouldn't begin this work if he did not intend on 84 00:05:59,279 --> 00:06:02,880 Speaker 3: completing it. One evening, as twilight painted the horizon with 85 00:06:03,000 --> 00:06:06,520 Speaker 3: hues of gold and red, Mary approached her husband. He 86 00:06:06,600 --> 00:06:09,560 Speaker 3: was lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the distant roads. 87 00:06:10,080 --> 00:06:12,840 Speaker 3: His face was painted with a familiar look of worry. 88 00:06:13,240 --> 00:06:15,839 Speaker 3: Mary gently touched his shoulder and spoke softly. 89 00:06:16,240 --> 00:06:17,720 Speaker 5: What are you thinking about, she. 90 00:06:17,760 --> 00:06:22,760 Speaker 3: Asked, already knowing the answer about tomorrow's journey. Joseph replied, 91 00:06:23,240 --> 00:06:25,320 Speaker 3: going through the list in my head to make sure 92 00:06:25,360 --> 00:06:28,479 Speaker 3: we have everything we need. His face betrayed his words 93 00:06:29,000 --> 00:06:32,520 Speaker 3: Joseph was consumed with doubt, not in God, but in 94 00:06:32,600 --> 00:06:36,080 Speaker 3: his own ability to carry out his duty. Mary resisted 95 00:06:36,080 --> 00:06:38,400 Speaker 3: the urge to remind him that he didn't need to worry. 96 00:06:38,760 --> 00:06:41,520 Speaker 3: Telling somebody who was anxious to stop worrying was about 97 00:06:41,560 --> 00:06:43,520 Speaker 3: as useful as telling a dog not to eat from 98 00:06:43,520 --> 00:06:47,000 Speaker 3: the ball while it was eating. Instead, she leaned against 99 00:06:47,040 --> 00:06:50,559 Speaker 3: his shoulder and looked quietly at the horizon. Joseph leaned 100 00:06:50,560 --> 00:06:53,640 Speaker 3: his cheek closer to her head and sighed, I know 101 00:06:53,720 --> 00:06:57,480 Speaker 3: I shouldn't worry, but it's hard not to, especially with 102 00:06:57,520 --> 00:07:00,919 Speaker 3: what's at stake. She smiled the kind of smile that 103 00:07:01,000 --> 00:07:02,240 Speaker 3: made Joseph's heart melt. 104 00:07:03,360 --> 00:07:08,120 Speaker 5: You have a protector's heart, Joseph. I love that about you. Together, 105 00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:11,320 Speaker 5: we can face anything, I am sure of it. 106 00:07:11,760 --> 00:07:14,600 Speaker 3: Her words were reassuring at the moment, but Joseph still 107 00:07:14,640 --> 00:07:18,360 Speaker 3: felt a weight on his shoulders growing heavier. They embarked 108 00:07:18,360 --> 00:07:22,240 Speaker 3: early the following day. Joseph packed the donkey tightly and 109 00:07:22,360 --> 00:07:25,520 Speaker 3: hoisted Mary on top. She smiled down at him, and 110 00:07:25,600 --> 00:07:29,520 Speaker 3: they left. Families old and young streamed down the pass 111 00:07:29,600 --> 00:07:32,960 Speaker 3: out of Nazareth, each one burdened by the edict of Caesar. 112 00:07:33,560 --> 00:07:36,840 Speaker 3: They all began in the same direction, but eventually split 113 00:07:36,880 --> 00:07:39,800 Speaker 3: down many roads to register in the city of their heritage. 114 00:07:40,200 --> 00:07:43,600 Speaker 3: The town of Nazareth slowly receded into the distance, its 115 00:07:43,640 --> 00:07:46,840 Speaker 3: familiar sights and sounds replaced by the vastness of the road. 116 00:07:47,360 --> 00:07:50,360 Speaker 3: As the days wore on and the sun deceased, Mary 117 00:07:50,360 --> 00:07:52,720 Speaker 3: and Joseph set out camp under the vast canopy of 118 00:07:52,720 --> 00:07:56,000 Speaker 3: the stars. The heavens seemed to wink down at them, 119 00:07:56,160 --> 00:07:59,920 Speaker 3: casting a silvery glow over the landscape. While Mary rested, 120 00:08:00,440 --> 00:08:03,840 Speaker 3: Joseph remained awake, his eyes scanning the horizon for any 121 00:08:03,880 --> 00:08:07,560 Speaker 3: sign of danger. The weight of potential threats kept him vigilant. 122 00:08:07,840 --> 00:08:11,240 Speaker 3: He refused to sleep. Instead, he leaned back on a 123 00:08:11,280 --> 00:08:14,520 Speaker 3: stone with his hands firmly placed on his dagger. He 124 00:08:14,560 --> 00:08:16,680 Speaker 3: refused to let anything harm Merry. 125 00:08:16,800 --> 00:08:17,480 Speaker 1: Or the child. 126 00:08:17,800 --> 00:08:21,040 Speaker 3: I can't let them down, Joseph sighed. He peered down 127 00:08:21,080 --> 00:08:24,440 Speaker 3: at his bride. She shivered from the cold, so Joseph 128 00:08:24,440 --> 00:08:27,320 Speaker 3: removed his coat and placed it on her. I love you, 129 00:08:27,640 --> 00:08:31,920 Speaker 3: he whispered, softly, stroking her dark curls. The days melted 130 00:08:31,920 --> 00:08:35,840 Speaker 3: into one another, a blur of sunrises and sunsets. The 131 00:08:35,920 --> 00:08:39,160 Speaker 3: vastness of the desert stretched before them, its ever changing 132 00:08:39,200 --> 00:08:44,240 Speaker 3: peaks and valleys, seeming both majestic and menacing. With every step, 133 00:08:44,440 --> 00:08:47,199 Speaker 3: the weight of their journey grew not in their bags, 134 00:08:47,280 --> 00:08:50,600 Speaker 3: but in their hearts. By day, the sun bore down 135 00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:55,280 Speaker 3: on them, its rays unrelenting. Mary's pregnancy sapped her of strength, 136 00:08:55,440 --> 00:08:58,240 Speaker 3: but not of her hope. As they walked, she would 137 00:08:58,280 --> 00:09:01,720 Speaker 3: wax poetry about the Lord's blessing them. Her relentless hope 138 00:09:01,760 --> 00:09:04,800 Speaker 3: gave Joseph enough to keep walking beside her and the donkey. 139 00:09:05,480 --> 00:09:08,600 Speaker 3: By night, the desert came alive with its secrets, the 140 00:09:08,679 --> 00:09:11,240 Speaker 3: sounds of wolves in the distance, and the whispers of 141 00:09:11,240 --> 00:09:15,080 Speaker 3: the wind. Joseph, determined and ever watchful, grew wearier with 142 00:09:15,200 --> 00:09:19,000 Speaker 3: each passing day. The shadows of rumored bandits played tricks 143 00:09:19,040 --> 00:09:22,560 Speaker 3: on his mind, making every rustling bush or distant noise 144 00:09:22,600 --> 00:09:25,920 Speaker 3: a potential threat. On the fourth evening, as the sapphire 145 00:09:25,920 --> 00:09:29,360 Speaker 3: sky turned deep indigo, Mary took his hand and saw 146 00:09:29,400 --> 00:09:31,079 Speaker 3: the exhaustion on Joseph's face. 147 00:09:31,400 --> 00:09:33,920 Speaker 5: You've borne the weight of our journey for so long. 148 00:09:34,200 --> 00:09:35,040 Speaker 3: She said, gently. 149 00:09:35,440 --> 00:09:37,559 Speaker 5: Rest now, let me keep watch. 150 00:09:37,920 --> 00:09:41,160 Speaker 3: There was a silent battle in Joseph's eye. The protective 151 00:09:41,320 --> 00:09:45,480 Speaker 3: husband against the weary traveler, but in the end fatigue won. 152 00:09:46,000 --> 00:09:49,760 Speaker 3: He nodded, his eyelids heavy and lay down, wrapping himself 153 00:09:49,760 --> 00:09:53,200 Speaker 3: in a blanket. Wake me if you sense any danger, 154 00:09:53,480 --> 00:09:57,199 Speaker 3: he murmured, his voice a tired whisper. Mary nodded, her 155 00:09:57,200 --> 00:10:00,480 Speaker 3: gaze fixed on the horizon, ears a tune to every sound. 156 00:10:01,200 --> 00:10:04,520 Speaker 3: She hummed softly, a lullaby she had once heard long ago, 157 00:10:05,160 --> 00:10:09,280 Speaker 3: letting its gentle cadence soothe Joseph into a deep sleep. 158 00:10:09,480 --> 00:10:12,280 Speaker 3: But the road, with its myriad of mysteries, had its 159 00:10:12,320 --> 00:10:16,720 Speaker 3: own plans. As the night deepened, two shadowy figures approached 160 00:10:16,720 --> 00:10:20,520 Speaker 3: their campsite. Drawn by the soft glow of the dying campfire, 161 00:10:20,840 --> 00:10:25,160 Speaker 3: they moved stealthily, their intentions clear, they began to pilfer 162 00:10:25,240 --> 00:10:28,680 Speaker 3: through Mary and Joseph's belongings in search of money and food. 163 00:10:29,360 --> 00:10:32,800 Speaker 3: Engrossed in her thoughts and nodding off from exhaustion, Mary 164 00:10:32,840 --> 00:10:36,240 Speaker 3: didn't notice them until it was too late. She turned 165 00:10:36,280 --> 00:10:39,520 Speaker 3: to see them and held back panic. Mary wasn't foolish 166 00:10:39,600 --> 00:10:42,480 Speaker 3: enough to scream. She knew that if she shouted for Joseph, 167 00:10:42,679 --> 00:10:45,120 Speaker 3: they would kill him before he could even reach his feet. 168 00:10:45,520 --> 00:10:51,199 Speaker 3: Mary remained still pretending to sleep, occasionally looking over her 169 00:10:51,240 --> 00:10:55,800 Speaker 3: heart was pounding. She was paralyzed in an unwinnable situation 170 00:10:56,080 --> 00:10:58,280 Speaker 3: as she watched the robbers take the donkey with them. 171 00:10:58,840 --> 00:11:02,400 Speaker 3: That is when Mary found out he chose to speak Joseph. 172 00:11:02,440 --> 00:11:04,559 Speaker 3: She whispered in an intense tone. 173 00:11:04,760 --> 00:11:06,880 Speaker 5: Two men have taken everything. 174 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:10,480 Speaker 3: Joseph rose frantically and unsheathed his dagger. Hearing Joseph, the 175 00:11:10,559 --> 00:11:12,680 Speaker 3: robbers quickened and ran into the thick of the night. 176 00:11:13,280 --> 00:11:16,240 Speaker 3: Joseph began to run after them, mind racing with rage 177 00:11:16,240 --> 00:11:20,000 Speaker 3: and weariness. However, just as he was beginning to gain 178 00:11:20,080 --> 00:11:21,959 Speaker 3: on the thieves, he heard Mary's voice. 179 00:11:22,400 --> 00:11:23,840 Speaker 5: Joseph, where are you? 180 00:11:24,360 --> 00:11:28,000 Speaker 3: Joseph stopped. If he continued, something might happen to Mary. 181 00:11:28,360 --> 00:11:31,400 Speaker 3: He watched the dim figures disappear into the night. Joseph 182 00:11:31,400 --> 00:11:35,480 Speaker 3: turned back to camp. We've lost everything, he shouted, his 183 00:11:35,600 --> 00:11:40,439 Speaker 3: voice trembling with anger and regret. Mary said nothing. Silent 184 00:11:40,559 --> 00:11:44,520 Speaker 3: stretched between them, Heavy and thick, words unspoken, hung in 185 00:11:44,559 --> 00:11:47,480 Speaker 3: the air. As Joseph buried his face in his hands. 186 00:11:48,120 --> 00:11:52,160 Speaker 3: He was frustrated and boiling over with regret. Mary, trying 187 00:11:52,160 --> 00:11:54,720 Speaker 3: to bridge the gap between them, reached out a hand, 188 00:11:55,120 --> 00:11:59,559 Speaker 3: but Joseph pulled away, consumed by his internal turmoil. How 189 00:11:59,600 --> 00:12:02,160 Speaker 3: are we going to survive without any food? On money? 190 00:12:02,800 --> 00:12:05,760 Speaker 3: How are you going to finish the journey without the donkey? 191 00:12:06,320 --> 00:12:08,959 Speaker 3: Joseph had sold all his tools to pay for these 192 00:12:08,960 --> 00:12:12,520 Speaker 3: supplies and the donkey. He had sacrificed so much, and 193 00:12:12,640 --> 00:12:16,760 Speaker 3: now it was all gone. He seethed in anger and disappointment. 194 00:12:17,400 --> 00:12:21,040 Speaker 3: Mary thought of defending herself, but chose to remain silent instead. 195 00:12:21,480 --> 00:12:24,240 Speaker 3: If Mary was good at anything, it was pondering things 196 00:12:24,240 --> 00:12:27,479 Speaker 3: in her heart and allowing deep emotions to be fully processed. 197 00:12:27,920 --> 00:12:31,880 Speaker 3: Joseph was uncharacteristically upset, so she gave him space and 198 00:12:31,960 --> 00:12:35,199 Speaker 3: returned to her blanket. Neither of them slept that night. 199 00:12:35,760 --> 00:12:38,320 Speaker 3: Joseph spent the rest of the night replaying the events 200 00:12:38,320 --> 00:12:42,319 Speaker 3: in his mind. The following day wore on in oppressive silence, 201 00:12:42,960 --> 00:12:46,960 Speaker 3: Joseph grappling with his guilt turned inward, while Mary, battling 202 00:12:46,960 --> 00:12:50,480 Speaker 3: her own regret, longed for the comforting embrace of her husband. 203 00:12:50,800 --> 00:12:53,520 Speaker 3: She wanted to hear him forgive her. She wanted them 204 00:12:53,559 --> 00:12:56,520 Speaker 3: to talk and embrace the trial as a team, but 205 00:12:56,640 --> 00:13:00,720 Speaker 3: instead they walked in silence, the desert around them. Seemed 206 00:13:00,760 --> 00:13:04,520 Speaker 3: to mirror their emotional state. Its vastness was a reflection 207 00:13:04,679 --> 00:13:08,040 Speaker 3: of the growing chasm between them. Their journey, which had 208 00:13:08,080 --> 00:13:11,679 Speaker 3: started with pope and faith, now felt heavy with despair 209 00:13:11,800 --> 00:13:15,440 Speaker 3: and doubt. But as with all nights, these too would pass, 210 00:13:15,880 --> 00:13:19,280 Speaker 3: giving way to a new dawn and the promise of redemption. 211 00:13:21,200 --> 00:13:24,320 Speaker 4: During a wedding ceremony, couples vow to stick by each 212 00:13:24,360 --> 00:13:28,160 Speaker 4: other through thick and thin. Before God and witnesses. They 213 00:13:28,200 --> 00:13:31,120 Speaker 4: stare into each other's eyes and promise to love each 214 00:13:31,120 --> 00:13:34,200 Speaker 4: other for better or worse, richer or poorer, and in 215 00:13:34,280 --> 00:13:39,520 Speaker 4: sickness or health. During the euphoria and bliss of a wedding, 216 00:13:39,920 --> 00:13:44,440 Speaker 4: it's easy to make those vows, but when hardships arise, 217 00:13:44,920 --> 00:13:48,880 Speaker 4: the foundation of a marriage is tested. Just as gold 218 00:13:49,000 --> 00:13:53,439 Speaker 4: is refined by fire, removing impurities the trials faced and 219 00:13:53,520 --> 00:13:57,440 Speaker 4: a marriage can purify and strengthen the bond between spouses. 220 00:13:59,080 --> 00:14:05,800 Speaker 4: This requires intentional dedication, faith, mutual support forgiveness, and most 221 00:14:05,800 --> 00:14:11,320 Speaker 4: importantly of all, love. Today's episode brought new struggles for 222 00:14:11,400 --> 00:14:14,839 Speaker 4: Mary and Joseph. As if the journey wasn't hard enough, 223 00:14:15,200 --> 00:14:18,079 Speaker 4: they lost everything they had for the rest of their journey, 224 00:14:19,680 --> 00:14:23,040 Speaker 4: and we get the sense that Joseph blames Mary for it. 225 00:14:23,800 --> 00:14:26,400 Speaker 4: Yet we hold on to hope that Mary and Joseph's 226 00:14:26,440 --> 00:14:33,040 Speaker 4: relationship will be strengthened in the coming days. Our relationship 227 00:14:33,080 --> 00:14:37,040 Speaker 4: with God can be solidified and deepened in the hardest trials. 228 00:14:38,360 --> 00:14:43,440 Speaker 4: Our faith is tested when everything seems uncertain, chaotic, or challenging. 229 00:14:44,760 --> 00:14:48,040 Speaker 4: When we trust in God's promises and love, we find 230 00:14:48,080 --> 00:14:52,880 Speaker 4: hope that endures and love that strengthens us. Hope in 231 00:14:52,960 --> 00:14:56,560 Speaker 4: difficult circumstances is a theme that resonates deeply with all 232 00:14:56,600 --> 00:15:01,520 Speaker 4: of us. Life can be challenging, it can be unpredictable, 233 00:15:02,120 --> 00:15:05,400 Speaker 4: But amidst the storms, there's a beacon of hope we 234 00:15:05,440 --> 00:15:10,280 Speaker 4: can cling to. That hope is Jesus the Savior, born 235 00:15:10,320 --> 00:15:14,440 Speaker 4: in the manger in a little town called Bethlehem, after 236 00:15:14,520 --> 00:15:21,119 Speaker 4: a challenging journey by two faithful servants. In your own life, 237 00:15:21,160 --> 00:15:25,360 Speaker 4: you might be facing a difficult road right now. Remember 238 00:15:25,440 --> 00:15:29,920 Speaker 4: that God's promises stand firm. Just as he was with 239 00:15:30,080 --> 00:15:34,880 Speaker 4: Mary and Joseph guiding them, He's with you. Cling to him, 240 00:15:35,280 --> 00:15:39,600 Speaker 4: Trust in his promises, and let his enduring hope shine 241 00:15:39,640 --> 00:15:44,480 Speaker 4: in your circumstances. Remember that our God is greater than 242 00:15:44,560 --> 00:15:48,800 Speaker 4: any challenge we might face. The God who guided Mary 243 00:15:48,880 --> 00:15:52,480 Speaker 4: and Joseph to Bethlehem and raise Jesus from the dead 244 00:15:52,960 --> 00:15:56,120 Speaker 4: is the same God with you today. Let's trust him, 245 00:15:56,360 --> 00:16:00,280 Speaker 4: Let's rely on his promises. Let's allow his love to 246 00:16:00,320 --> 00:16:06,040 Speaker 4: be the anchor of our hope in any circumstance. In 247 00:16:06,080 --> 00:16:09,280 Speaker 4: our next story, Joseph and Mary will desperately search for 248 00:16:09,360 --> 00:16:13,800 Speaker 4: supplies as they venture into a nearby city. Joseph's dedication 249 00:16:13,920 --> 00:16:16,880 Speaker 4: to Mary will require him to take even more risks. 250 00:16:17,600 --> 00:16:20,640 Speaker 4: Join us for our next episode, The Road to Bethlehem, 251 00:16:20,840 --> 00:16:24,720 Speaker 4: Part two. Thanks for listening to today's Bible in a 252 00:16:24,840 --> 00:16:29,800 Speaker 4: Year podcast. I'm pastor Jagraham from Dallas, Texas. Download Theprey 253 00:16:29,840 --> 00:16:32,920 Speaker 4: dot com app and make prayer a priority in your life. 254 00:16:33,240 --> 00:16:36,320 Speaker 4: If you enjoy this podcast, share it with someone you love. 255 00:16:36,640 --> 00:16:39,360 Speaker 4: By sharing this podcast, you can make a difference in 256 00:16:39,400 --> 00:16:42,760 Speaker 4: someone's life. And if you want more resources on how 257 00:16:42,760 --> 00:16:46,760 Speaker 4: to tap into God's power for successful Christian living, be 258 00:16:46,840 --> 00:16:51,840 Speaker 4: sure to visit Jagraham dot org. God bless you.