1
00:00:00,520 --> 00:00:03,880
Speaker 1: Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he

2
00:00:03,960 --> 00:00:08,119
Speaker 1: became poor, so that by his poverty he could make

3
00:00:08,160 --> 00:00:15,080
Speaker 1: you rich. Second Corinthians eight nine. Dear Lord Jesus, you

4
00:00:15,240 --> 00:00:19,639
Speaker 1: displayed ultimate humility by leaving the glory of heaven to

5
00:00:19,720 --> 00:00:25,360
Speaker 1: dwell among us. Although all power, glory, and praise was

6
00:00:25,480 --> 00:00:29,600
Speaker 1: due to you, you humbled yourself and died on a

7
00:00:29,640 --> 00:00:34,760
Speaker 1: cross so that we might experience freedom and the riches

8
00:00:35,120 --> 00:00:40,959
Speaker 1: of your glorious grace. During this Christmas season, when gifts

9
00:00:40,960 --> 00:00:45,640
Speaker 1: and glamor are on full display, inspire us to walk

10
00:00:46,400 --> 00:00:53,239
Speaker 1: in humility. May we model your mindset of unconditional love, sacrifice,

11
00:00:53,680 --> 00:00:59,080
Speaker 1: and lowliness for the sake of others. When pride seeks

12
00:00:59,080 --> 00:01:02,520
Speaker 1: to grip our hearts and drag us down, correct us

13
00:01:02,560 --> 00:01:08,520
Speaker 1: with your spirit, and push us forward toward righteousness. We

14
00:01:08,640 --> 00:01:12,280
Speaker 1: pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

15
00:01:12,959 --> 00:01:16,280
Speaker 2: The city of Bethlehem lay just ahead, its walls glowing

16
00:01:16,319 --> 00:01:19,560
Speaker 2: with the amber hue of a thousand lanterns. Mary and

17
00:01:19,640 --> 00:01:24,520
Speaker 2: Joseph felt both relief and a growing tension. With each step,

18
00:01:24,760 --> 00:01:28,759
Speaker 2: A new sensation grew within Mary, a tightening, a quickening

19
00:01:28,959 --> 00:01:33,360
Speaker 2: that told her time was of the essence Joseph. She whispered,

20
00:01:33,600 --> 00:01:37,919
Speaker 2: her voice catching with both wonder and fear. He's coming.

21
00:01:38,360 --> 00:01:42,160
Speaker 2: Joseph's face lost its color, his gaze met hers were

22
00:01:42,240 --> 00:01:45,280
Speaker 2: almost there. He gripped the reins of the donkey and

23
00:01:45,400 --> 00:01:48,320
Speaker 2: led them down the final switchbacks leading down to the

24
00:01:48,360 --> 00:01:52,559
Speaker 2: city gates. Campsites laced the vacant area surrounding the city.

25
00:01:53,160 --> 00:01:57,800
Speaker 2: The senses had uprooted everyone. Roman soldiers marched in and

26
00:01:57,840 --> 00:02:00,960
Speaker 2: out of the gates in groups of ten twenty. It

27
00:02:01,120 --> 00:02:05,840
Speaker 2: seemed like they were searching for something or someone. Their

28
00:02:05,880 --> 00:02:08,520
Speaker 2: prisons made Joseph nervous.

29
00:02:09,919 --> 00:02:13,000
Speaker 3: Hello, I'm Pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the

30
00:02:13,040 --> 00:02:17,320
Speaker 3: Bible and a Year podcast. It's Christmas Eve and our

31
00:02:17,400 --> 00:02:21,080
Speaker 3: Nativity story is ramping up to the glorious arrival of Christ.

32
00:02:23,160 --> 00:02:27,440
Speaker 3: Mary and Joseph have endured ridicule, robbery, and storms to

33
00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:32,079
Speaker 3: arrive at Bethlehem. Now, just as the city comes into view,

34
00:02:32,680 --> 00:02:37,720
Speaker 3: Mary's experiencing the pangs of childbirth. Joseph and Mary require

35
00:02:37,760 --> 00:02:43,600
Speaker 3: some hospitality. Will they find it? This episode will explore

36
00:02:43,639 --> 00:02:48,840
Speaker 3: themes of hospitality and compassion for those in need. Mary

37
00:02:48,880 --> 00:02:51,680
Speaker 3: and Joseph are vulnerable and at the mercy of the

38
00:02:51,720 --> 00:02:56,600
Speaker 3: people around them. If they don't find shelter soon, Mary

39
00:02:56,639 --> 00:03:01,240
Speaker 3: will have to give birth on the streets. Hospitality and

40
00:03:01,320 --> 00:03:06,799
Speaker 3: compassion reflect the character of Christ. Our faith is shown

41
00:03:06,840 --> 00:03:09,480
Speaker 3: in how we treat people who are vulnerable and in need.

42
00:03:11,600 --> 00:03:15,519
Speaker 3: The Nativity story illustrates that God's providence will always come

43
00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:19,720
Speaker 3: through even when we feel lost and without help. His

44
00:03:19,880 --> 00:03:23,760
Speaker 3: providence doesn't always look like parted seas or fire from heaven.

45
00:03:24,280 --> 00:03:29,000
Speaker 3: Sometimes it's a small act of generosity from a stranger. Afterward,

46
00:03:29,080 --> 00:03:32,480
Speaker 3: will come together to unpack these timeless Christmas themes.

47
00:03:35,080 --> 00:03:39,480
Speaker 2: The streets of Bethlehem were a chaotic smattering of voices, noises,

48
00:03:39,520 --> 00:03:43,760
Speaker 2: and scents. The city was alive everywhere they looked. With

49
00:03:43,880 --> 00:03:47,840
Speaker 2: travelers and traders gathered for the senses, it became apparent

50
00:03:47,960 --> 00:03:50,280
Speaker 2: that finding a quiet space in the city would be

51
00:03:50,320 --> 00:03:55,320
Speaker 2: a nearly impossible task. Mary Winston pain her breaths becoming

52
00:03:55,400 --> 00:03:56,160
Speaker 2: more labored.

53
00:03:56,440 --> 00:03:59,120
Speaker 4: Joseph, how we need to find somewhere to rest. I

54
00:03:59,120 --> 00:04:00,280
Speaker 4: think he's coming so soon.

55
00:04:01,000 --> 00:04:04,800
Speaker 2: I have distant relatives here, Joseph said, trying to hold

56
00:04:04,880 --> 00:04:08,520
Speaker 2: back his panic. This way, they quickened their pace towards

57
00:04:08,560 --> 00:04:11,440
Speaker 2: the group of homes tucked away on the city's outskirts.

58
00:04:12,040 --> 00:04:15,480
Speaker 2: A vast and open pasture was behind the property, the

59
00:04:15,680 --> 00:04:19,240
Speaker 2: very same hills where David once strummed his harp beside

60
00:04:19,279 --> 00:04:24,360
Speaker 2: his grazing sheep. Joseph knocked on the door. Jepter, he said, frantically,

61
00:04:24,600 --> 00:04:29,400
Speaker 2: it's Joseph, Please open the door. An older, portly man

62
00:04:29,480 --> 00:04:32,960
Speaker 2: opened the door. Behind him were dozens of Joseph's distant

63
00:04:32,960 --> 00:04:37,200
Speaker 2: relatives from far and wide. Er Joseph, he said, with

64
00:04:37,320 --> 00:04:40,479
Speaker 2: a furrowed brow, I was wondering if i'd see you here.

65
00:04:41,040 --> 00:04:44,599
Speaker 2: There's no room for you, Jepifter. Please my wife she

66
00:04:44,720 --> 00:04:47,920
Speaker 2: is with child. I know your wife is pregnant. Joseph.

67
00:04:48,040 --> 00:04:51,360
Speaker 2: We all know the man sneered. We all heard about

68
00:04:51,400 --> 00:04:54,400
Speaker 2: the woman you married. It's a disgrace to your father,

69
00:04:54,520 --> 00:04:57,360
Speaker 2: my cousin. I won't condorn it by letting you remain

70
00:04:57,400 --> 00:05:01,039
Speaker 2: here another minute. With those final insults, he slammed the

71
00:05:01,080 --> 00:05:05,120
Speaker 2: door in Joseph's face. Joseph paused for a long while,

72
00:05:05,480 --> 00:05:09,359
Speaker 2: words of anger and frustration dangling on his lips. He

73
00:05:09,440 --> 00:05:13,039
Speaker 2: looked back at Mary. She was in pain, straining for

74
00:05:13,080 --> 00:05:18,039
Speaker 2: each breath. They needed a safe place now. Time was

75
00:05:18,080 --> 00:05:22,520
Speaker 2: slipping through their fingers like grains of sand. Mary's contractions

76
00:05:22,560 --> 00:05:28,240
Speaker 2: grew more insistent, her pain constant reminder of their urgent need. Joseph,

77
00:05:28,440 --> 00:05:31,839
Speaker 2: driven by a blend of fear and determination, knocked on

78
00:05:32,120 --> 00:05:36,600
Speaker 2: door after door. Can anybody help us, he shouted, Please,

79
00:05:36,920 --> 00:05:39,440
Speaker 2: My wife is in labor. His pleas were met with

80
00:05:39,560 --> 00:05:44,160
Speaker 2: nothing but awkward apologies or cold rejections. The night grew darker,

81
00:05:44,440 --> 00:05:48,640
Speaker 2: and their hope waned a flickering candle in the relentless wind.

82
00:05:48,960 --> 00:05:52,680
Speaker 2: But then, as if guided by a hand unseen, they

83
00:05:52,720 --> 00:05:56,320
Speaker 2: found themselves before an inn, its warm glow a beacon

84
00:05:56,440 --> 00:05:59,880
Speaker 2: in the dark night. Joseph urgently picked Mary up and

85
00:06:00,200 --> 00:06:05,320
Speaker 2: hurried down the lane to the inn. Please help us, someone, Please,

86
00:06:05,880 --> 00:06:10,160
Speaker 2: we beg for mercy, he shouted, his voice cracking with desperation.

87
00:06:10,760 --> 00:06:13,599
Speaker 2: Joseph's forehead met the heavy wooden door of the inn

88
00:06:13,720 --> 00:06:17,080
Speaker 2: with a thud, all the while keeping Mary secure in

89
00:06:17,160 --> 00:06:21,480
Speaker 2: his embrace. No response came. Laughter and the clinking of

90
00:06:21,560 --> 00:06:27,400
Speaker 2: glasses echoed from within. He raised his voice, bellowing, please, anyone.

91
00:06:28,240 --> 00:06:32,120
Speaker 2: Silence was the only reply. With Mary tenderly held in

92
00:06:32,160 --> 00:06:35,880
Speaker 2: his arms, Joseph reeled back and delivered a powerful kick

93
00:06:35,920 --> 00:06:39,359
Speaker 2: to the door. It burst open, yet still failed to

94
00:06:39,400 --> 00:06:43,039
Speaker 2: catch the attention of anyone inside. Only then did he

95
00:06:43,160 --> 00:06:47,280
Speaker 2: understand why his call had gone unanswered. The inn was

96
00:06:47,360 --> 00:06:51,360
Speaker 2: overflowing with patrons, so parked that there was hardly room

97
00:06:51,440 --> 00:06:55,400
Speaker 2: to move, let alone notice a cry from outside. Joseph's

98
00:06:55,400 --> 00:06:59,240
Speaker 2: eyes found the innkeeper busy clearing cups in a corner. Innkeeper,

99
00:07:00,000 --> 00:07:04,120
Speaker 2: Hey keeper, he yelled, finally catching his attention. The innkeeper

100
00:07:04,240 --> 00:07:08,239
Speaker 2: was a disheveled man, his gray hair unkempt, his round

101
00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:10,000
Speaker 2: face flushed from the heat.

102
00:07:10,520 --> 00:07:14,600
Speaker 4: Oh or filled to capacity, Sir, as you can plainly see.

103
00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:17,480
Speaker 2: His voice trailed off as his eyes met the tear

104
00:07:17,560 --> 00:07:19,360
Speaker 2: streaked face of the pregnant Mary.

105
00:07:19,640 --> 00:07:21,040
Speaker 4: Show compassion upon us.

106
00:07:21,200 --> 00:07:25,080
Speaker 2: Mary exhaled, my baby is coming soon. The innkeeper's face

107
00:07:25,200 --> 00:07:28,200
Speaker 2: creased with worry as he ran his fingers through his beard.

108
00:07:28,880 --> 00:07:32,280
Speaker 4: My own room is taken. Even my wife and I

109
00:07:32,400 --> 00:07:34,200
Speaker 4: have nowhere to lay our own heads.

110
00:07:34,400 --> 00:07:37,160
Speaker 2: Now you see his voice filled with sorrow.

111
00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:41,000
Speaker 4: I wish I had more to offer, but we have

112
00:07:41,120 --> 00:07:46,040
Speaker 4: no space. Certainly not a proper place for your particular needs.

113
00:07:46,520 --> 00:07:48,880
Speaker 2: His eyes flickered down the hill behind the inn.

114
00:07:49,960 --> 00:07:52,880
Speaker 4: But there might be a spot I can show you.

115
00:07:53,640 --> 00:07:57,200
Speaker 2: Hurry, follow me, Joseph helped Mary on to the donkey,

116
00:07:57,400 --> 00:08:00,400
Speaker 2: and they found the innkeeper down a narrow, twisting path

117
00:08:00,480 --> 00:08:03,400
Speaker 2: to a cave like enclosure in the hillside where the

118
00:08:03,440 --> 00:08:08,640
Speaker 2: animals were kept. The sun was sinking, and Mary's agony intensified.

119
00:08:09,280 --> 00:08:12,960
Speaker 2: The innkeeper hung a lantern, casting a soft glow over

120
00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:16,880
Speaker 2: the stable. Mary's cries grew louder, her pain more acute,

121
00:08:17,440 --> 00:08:18,680
Speaker 2: the birth drawing near.

122
00:08:19,520 --> 00:08:22,120
Speaker 4: I regret that this is all I can provide.

123
00:08:22,000 --> 00:08:26,679
Speaker 2: The innkeeper said, his voice low. Joseph simply nodded his thanks,

124
00:08:26,800 --> 00:08:30,680
Speaker 2: his focus solely on Mary. Mary looked around. After the

125
00:08:30,720 --> 00:08:33,480
Speaker 2: journey she had just endured, she was about to give

126
00:08:33,559 --> 00:08:36,960
Speaker 2: birth in a stable carved from a hill. This was

127
00:08:37,040 --> 00:08:41,160
Speaker 2: the stage for a moment of divine significance. Amidst the

128
00:08:41,200 --> 00:08:45,280
Speaker 2: hay and the gentle lowing of animals, Mary prepared herself.

129
00:08:45,720 --> 00:08:49,079
Speaker 2: In the cool evening air, she whispered softly.

130
00:08:48,720 --> 00:08:51,000
Speaker 4: To the Lord, I am your servant.

131
00:08:51,440 --> 00:08:54,320
Speaker 2: In that moment, the veil between the worldly and the

132
00:08:54,400 --> 00:08:59,720
Speaker 2: divine was paper thin. Outside, the world continued its restless dance,

133
00:09:00,160 --> 00:09:04,440
Speaker 2: but time seemed to pause within the stable's walls. Above

134
00:09:04,480 --> 00:09:08,400
Speaker 2: the stable, unnoticed by the city's throng a star shone

135
00:09:08,440 --> 00:09:11,480
Speaker 2: with a brilliance that seemed to pierce the very fabric

136
00:09:11,520 --> 00:09:14,760
Speaker 2: of the night. Its light, a herald of a new era,

137
00:09:15,200 --> 00:09:18,280
Speaker 2: cast a gentle glow over the stable where the Child

138
00:09:18,280 --> 00:09:20,080
Speaker 2: of Promise was about to be born.

139
00:09:23,240 --> 00:09:27,079
Speaker 3: Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem was filled with obstacles.

140
00:09:27,679 --> 00:09:30,680
Speaker 3: You'd think that arriving in Bethlehem would be the easiest part,

141
00:09:31,440 --> 00:09:36,080
Speaker 3: but just as they reached their destination, tension rows doors

142
00:09:36,080 --> 00:09:40,080
Speaker 3: were shutting their faces around every corner. Even Joseph's family

143
00:09:40,120 --> 00:09:45,600
Speaker 3: rejected him. There's a theological precedent for including Joseph's family

144
00:09:45,640 --> 00:09:49,520
Speaker 3: in this story. Luke chapter two tells us simply that

145
00:09:49,760 --> 00:09:52,800
Speaker 3: there was no room in the inn, but that could

146
00:09:52,800 --> 00:09:56,280
Speaker 3: be taken to mean several things. Some scholars believe it

147
00:09:56,320 --> 00:10:01,320
Speaker 3: was an all encompassing term. They were refused hospitality. In

148
00:10:01,400 --> 00:10:05,360
Speaker 3: Christ's day, hospitality to visitors among the Jews was essential

149
00:10:05,720 --> 00:10:10,240
Speaker 3: based on biblical examples and law. In Deuteronomy chapter ten,

150
00:10:10,400 --> 00:10:15,600
Speaker 3: verse nineteen, God told Israel to love the stranger, and

151
00:10:15,720 --> 00:10:20,040
Speaker 3: Leviticus chapter nineteen, verse thirty three states if a stranger

152
00:10:20,120 --> 00:10:23,079
Speaker 3: dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him.

153
00:10:23,400 --> 00:10:27,359
Speaker 3: Denial of hospitality was shown throughout scripture as an outrage

154
00:10:27,880 --> 00:10:30,640
Speaker 3: unless it was established as a sign of disowning that

155
00:10:30,679 --> 00:10:34,360
Speaker 3: family member. Even from the very start of his life,

156
00:10:34,600 --> 00:10:38,480
Speaker 3: Jesus had nowhere to lay his head. This situation was

157
00:10:38,559 --> 00:10:42,760
Speaker 3: not by chance, but rather a symbolic representation of his

158
00:10:43,080 --> 00:10:49,160
Speaker 3: complete identification with the oppressed, vulnerable, the rejected, underprivileged, and

159
00:10:49,200 --> 00:10:53,360
Speaker 3: the poor. When God took human form, he sought none

160
00:10:53,440 --> 00:10:57,360
Speaker 3: of the worldly comforts, luxuries, or protections many hold. Dear

161
00:10:58,880 --> 00:11:02,520
Speaker 3: God knew that throughout the time, lonely and homeless people

162
00:11:02,559 --> 00:11:05,560
Speaker 3: from all corners of the globe would gaze at the stars,

163
00:11:05,800 --> 00:11:09,440
Speaker 3: shivering in the cold, and cry, God, you can't possibly

164
00:11:09,520 --> 00:11:13,920
Speaker 3: understand what I'm experiencing. To this, Jesus can respond with

165
00:11:14,080 --> 00:11:19,800
Speaker 3: truth and compassion. Actually, I know exactly what you're enduring.

166
00:11:22,640 --> 00:11:25,560
Speaker 3: The rejection by the people of Bethlehem serves as a

167
00:11:25,600 --> 00:11:29,400
Speaker 3: painful reminder that judgment and scorn can cause us to

168
00:11:29,480 --> 00:11:34,040
Speaker 3: close our doors to those in desperate meaed May we

169
00:11:34,160 --> 00:11:38,720
Speaker 3: never fall into the same trap. Hebrews chapter thirteen, verse

170
00:11:38,760 --> 00:11:42,040
Speaker 3: two tells us not to forget to show hospitality to strangers,

171
00:11:42,200 --> 00:11:46,560
Speaker 3: for some have unwittingly hosted angels. God is at work

172
00:11:46,600 --> 00:11:51,840
Speaker 3: in the margins of compassion and generosity. There is no

173
00:11:51,960 --> 00:11:56,880
Speaker 3: way to predict the ripple effects of your kindness. For

174
00:11:57,040 --> 00:11:59,880
Speaker 3: Mary and Joseph, one act of kindness is all that

175
00:11:59,880 --> 00:12:03,120
Speaker 3: they needed to usher in the Son of God. The

176
00:12:03,160 --> 00:12:06,920
Speaker 3: compassionate innkeeper shines a light on the loving character of Christ.

177
00:12:08,200 --> 00:12:10,439
Speaker 3: Though he had no room, he did what he could

178
00:12:10,440 --> 00:12:12,559
Speaker 3: to provide a place for the Savior to be born.

179
00:12:13,760 --> 00:12:17,640
Speaker 3: His actions reflect Christ's teaching in Matthew chapter twenty five,

180
00:12:17,840 --> 00:12:22,800
Speaker 3: verses thirty five through forty, where Jesus says, I was

181
00:12:22,840 --> 00:12:28,679
Speaker 3: a stranger, and you welcomed me. Despite their dire circumstances,

182
00:12:28,760 --> 00:12:33,240
Speaker 3: God's hand was evident throughout their journey. The stable, humble

183
00:12:33,320 --> 00:12:38,440
Speaker 3: though it was, became a holy place. Here Jesus Christ,

184
00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:42,760
Speaker 3: the King of Kings, was born in simplicity and humility.

185
00:12:44,280 --> 00:12:47,800
Speaker 3: Tomorrow's Christmas, and no doubt many of you will reflect

186
00:12:47,880 --> 00:12:51,880
Speaker 3: on why Jesus came in the way he did. Why

187
00:12:52,000 --> 00:12:55,000
Speaker 3: was he born in a stable? Why was he born

188
00:12:55,000 --> 00:12:59,400
Speaker 3: into a family with little resources and status. It's simple.

189
00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:03,600
Speaker 3: God chose the path of humility so we might have

190
00:13:03,679 --> 00:13:11,480
Speaker 3: hope in any circumstance. We do not have a God

191
00:13:11,520 --> 00:13:15,280
Speaker 3: that doesn't sympathize with our struggles and needs, as it

192
00:13:15,320 --> 00:13:18,839
Speaker 3: says in Hebrews four, verse fifteen, For we do not

193
00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:21,760
Speaker 3: have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with

194
00:13:21,800 --> 00:13:26,920
Speaker 3: our weaknesses, but one who, in every respect has been

195
00:13:26,960 --> 00:13:32,520
Speaker 3: tempted as we are. Yet without sin, Jesus knew what

196
00:13:32,559 --> 00:13:36,079
Speaker 3: it was like to come from nothing, to suffer to work.

197
00:13:37,280 --> 00:13:42,000
Speaker 3: Some of you may feel alone, rejected, and misunderstood, like

198
00:13:42,120 --> 00:13:47,120
Speaker 3: Mary and Joseph, Know that Jesus understands you. He loves you,

199
00:13:47,360 --> 00:13:50,240
Speaker 3: and He's provided a place for you to call home,

200
00:13:51,240 --> 00:13:56,240
Speaker 3: the Kingdom of God. Join us for our next episode.

201
00:13:56,280 --> 00:14:00,480
Speaker 3: As we behold the glory of Christ's birth, the most

202
00:14:00,640 --> 00:14:03,480
Speaker 3: humble of circumstances, the Son of God will be born.

203
00:14:04,520 --> 00:14:08,080
Speaker 3: I'm excited to unwrap the glorious gift of Christmas with you.

204
00:14:09,200 --> 00:14:12,400
Speaker 3: Thanks for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast.

205
00:14:12,920 --> 00:14:16,800
Speaker 3: I'm Pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Download Theprey dot

206
00:14:16,840 --> 00:14:19,640
Speaker 3: com at and make prayer a priority in your life.

207
00:14:19,960 --> 00:14:23,040
Speaker 3: If you enjoy this podcast, share it with someone you love.

208
00:14:23,360 --> 00:14:26,080
Speaker 3: By sharing this podcast, you can make a difference in

209
00:14:26,120 --> 00:14:29,480
Speaker 3: someone's life. And if you want more, resources on how

210
00:14:29,520 --> 00:14:33,480
Speaker 3: to tap into God's power for successful Christian living, be

211
00:14:33,560 --> 00:14:38,479
Speaker 3: sure to visit Jagraham dot org. God bless you,