Podcasts about Bethlehem

Big things really can come in small packages. Dr. Tony Evans explores the birth of the baby Jesus and explains how the Child born in Bethlehem came not only to save—but to rule as King.

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart Day Five Receiving My Identity from the Father Scripture “This is my beloved Son,with whom I am well pleased.”Matthew 3:17 Reflection Epiphany continues beyond Bethlehem. The child who was revealed to the nations now steps into public life. At the Jordan River, Christ stands among the people who ... Read more The post Day 5 – Receiving My Identity from the Father – An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Today’s Topics: 1) From Nazareth to Bethlehem: The trying journey of Mary and Joseph https://aleteia.org/2021/12/18/from-nazareth-to-bethlehem-the-trying-journey-of-mary-and-joseph/# 2, 3, 4) Who are the Globalists and what do they want? What does the name Bilderberg mean? https://5ocietyx.wordpress.com/2012/05/31/meaning-of-the-word-bilderberg/#:~:text=Bil%20or%20Bel%20was%20also%20the%20Sun%20God,of%20the%20rock%E2%80%99%20or%20%E2%80%98Bel%20of%20the%20mountain%E2%80%99

Big things really can come in small packages. Dr. Tony Evans explores the birth of the baby Jesus and explains how the Child born in Bethlehem came not only to save—but to rule as King.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251230dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew 2:14-15 Out of Egypt The words in our Bible reading today show that even as a baby, Jesus was already fulfilling prophecy and establishing his credentials as the promised Savior. When King Herod sought to murder the Christ child, God sent the holy family fleeing to Egypt. Seven hundred years earlier, Hosea had foretold that God’s Son would go there and return—and now Jesus, cradled in his mother’s arms, was living out that prophecy. To understand this fulfillment, though, we must recall Israel’s story. Over three thousand years ago, God adopted a nation of slaves and called them his son. He brought Israel out of Egypt, led them through the wilderness, and gave them a new home in Canaan. But Israel did not always return their Father’s love. The people he rescued turned to false gods and sacrificed to idols. Through prophets like Hosea, God warned his disobedient children what would happen if they refused to repent. They deserved punishment for their idolatry. Yet God could not stop loving his son. That is the backdrop for Matthew’s quotation. Jesus is the perfectly obedient Son of God—so fully identifying with God’s people that his life mirrors theirs. As Israel once went down to Egypt, so he went down to Egypt. As Israel was called out, so he was called out. Where Israel failed, Jesus succeeded; where Israel rebelled, Jesus obeyed. And he obeyed for you! When the time had fully come, God sent his beloved Son to be born in Bethlehem, to live as the obedient child you were meant to be, to die on the cross, and to rise again so you could be brought into God’s family. He loved you so much that he poured out his Spirit into your heart so you can cry, “Father!” and know that the Almighty delights to hear you, protect you, bless you, and save you. Even though you have been a rebellious child, God’s grace is greater than your guilt. His love at the manger and the cross is more than enough to bring peace on earth and good will to men. Prayer: Father, thank you for fulfilling your Word by calling your Son out of Egypt, so that I am your own dear child. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

SCRIPTURE- 1 John 2:5-6"But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to live [just] as he lived.”REFLECTION- PeggyMUSIC- "O Little Town of Bethlehem" by Jeremiah Chambers & Matt Martin- "Hark! The Herald" by Mathew VirayNOTES-

It's Monday, December 29th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes written by yours truly and heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. Filling in for Adam McManus, I'm Ean Leppin. (Contact@eanvoiceit.com) Trump Orders Airstrike Against ISIS Militants in Nigeria President Donald Trump ordered an airstrike against ISIS-affiliated militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day!  Persecution.org reports that Christians in Nigeria have faced ongoing attacks with minimal support from the international community until recently.  In the first 7 months of this year alone, more than 7000 Christians have been killed, an average of 35 per day.  President Trump said in a post on Truth Social that the ISIS militants have been, ‘viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.'  Christmas Celebrations Return to Bethlehem and Nazareth FOX News reports that Christmas celebrations returned this year to both Bethlehem and Nazareth.  In Nazareth, where Jesus grew up, festivities were rooted in a growing Christian presence.  In Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, celebrations took place after more than two years of disruption.  Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics reports that over 184,000 Christians live in Israel as of Christmas Eve of 2024 a growth of 0.7%.  This makes Israel one of the few countries in the Middle East where the Christian community continues to grow. This is good news!  However, Heather Johnston, founder and CEO of the US Israel Education Association said, ‘At Christmas, the contrast between Nazareth and Bethlehem tells a larger story.  Christians are flourishing in Nazareth under Israeli rule, while in Bethlehem, under Palestinian Authority, the Christian population has been shrinking for years.' In fact there were reports for multiple incidents targeting Christians in the week leading up to Christmas for those living under Palestinian Authority areas, like Bethlehem.  Israel's Foreign Ministry responded by warning of, ‘growing hostility toward Christians'. Continue to pray for believers in Israel. James 1:2-4 says Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Massive Financial Waste in the US News of massive financial waste has surfaced from The Office of Audit Services.  The watchdog report was released last week.  It showed that over $207.5 million was issued in managed care payments on behalf of deceased enrollees between July 2021 to July 2022.  American Family News reports that a new provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill will require states to audit their Medicaid beneficiary lists to help reduce these payments in the future.  In fact by 2027 it will be required that Medicaid agencies practice quarterly audits of their beneficiary lists. Barna Releases List of Top Trends in 2025 Barna Research released their list of the top 10 trends, or most read, reports of 2025.  Here are the top 3.   3)  Women and Men Experience Church Attendance Differently. A report released in October.  The conclusion of the report shows that of 2025, 43 percent of men and 36 percent of women report attending church regularly, based on reported weekly attendance.  In 5 of the last 6 years, men have outpaced women in this key measure of religious engagement and the 2025 gap is the largest measured.   2) Young Adults Are Leading a Resurgence in Church Attendance. A report released in September.  This report shows that Millennial and Gen Z Christians are attending church more frequently than before and more often than older generations.  The typical Gen Z churchgoer now attends 1.9 weekends per month, while Millennial churchgoers average 1.8 times, representing the highest attendance levels among young Christians since Barna began tracking them. 1) Belief in Jesus Is Rising - Especially Among Younger Adults A report released back in April.  The study reveals that 66 percent of all US adults say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life today.  That marks a 12 percentage point increase since 2021. We celebrate a growing number of people following the Lord with Psalm 100:1-3:  "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture." YouVersion Bible App Reaches One Billion Downloads And finally, CBN.com reports that it has been a big year for the YouVersion Bible App in 2025.  The app hit a huge milestone of having one billion downloads!  YouVersion has seen a 27 percent increase in daily use in Sub-Saharan Africa and a 33 percent increase in daily Bible engagement in North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.  It also reported a 14 percent increase in North America.  So what was the most read verse of 2025?  It was Isaiah 41:10 that says, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. The year marks the fourth time in six years that Isaiah 41:10 has claimed the top spot. CEO Bobby Gruenewald says, ‘In a world full of anxiety and uncertainty, people are drawn to God's promise to be with us, to strengthen us, and to help us.  That message never gets old because the need for it is universal and timeless.'   Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, December 29th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. Filling in for Adam McManus I'm Ean Leppin (Contact@eanvoiceit.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

See Matthew ch. 2. Their number is sometimes put at fourteen thousand.   In our own day, the icon of "Rachel weeping for her children" (Matthew 2:18) has come to commemorate also the tens of millions of children who have died through abortion.

Friends of the Rosary,Today, December 29, the fifth day of Christmas, the Church commemorates the Massacre of the Innocents by King Herod, the male children under two years old who were executed in Bethlehem as told in Matthew 2:16.Upon hearing of the birth of the King of the Jews, a threat to his murderous rule and the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy, Herod, King of Judea, ordered the execution of all the male children in Bethlehem.These children are considered martyrs, Saints of God, by the Church.The feast has been celebrated since before the end of the fifth century.And as we continue Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ and yet acknowledge the great suffering that surrounded His earthly life. The devil, his fallen angels, and minions (King Herod, Roman Emperor... and many of today's leaders) did (and continue doing) everything they could to try to destroy God's perfect plan of salvation.They stirred up hatred, jealousy, paranoia, and every other vile sin imaginable in an attempt to destroy our Lord's mission. Their attack began at the time of Jesus' birth and continued during his public ministry.In the end, Jesus' apparent defeat turned into His glorious triumph. So also with these innocent children. God has transformed their cruel and tragic deaths, and they will forever be honored in Heaven.Today, it's also the Optional Memorial of St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170), the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in his Cathedral by agents of King Henry II of England.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠December 29, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

In this episode of Words of Grace, Benjamin Winslett continues and concludes his December study of Old Testament prophecies concerning the incarnation of Jesus Christ, turning the focus to Micah 5:2 and the significance of little Bethlehem. Though small and overlooked, Bethlehem was chosen by God as the birthplace of One whose goings forth have … Continue reading "Little Bethlehem"

As we have learned throughout this series, Christmas doesn't begin in Bethlehem—it begins in covenant. In this sermon, we trace the Davidic Covenant as the final “Adam reboot,” showing why David's throne had to fail so that the true Son of David could reign forever. This is Advent as royal history, covenant fulfillment, and the coronation of Christ the King.

Have you ever wondered if the impossible could become possible? Just as technology transformed from science fiction to daily reality, the Christmas story reveals how God fulfilled hundreds of detailed prophecies through Jesus' birth - from His birthplace in Bethlehem to His virgin birth to His royal lineage. But this wasn't just about predictions coming true. Pastor Jeff shows how these fulfilled prophecies validate Jesus as God in flesh, who came to do what we never could - bridge the gap between us and God through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection. Want to discover how this ancient story changes everything about your life today? Listen to this hope-filled message that unpacks why nothing is impossible with God. Watch now! Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Friends of the Rosary,Today, Sunday, December 28, the Fourth Day within the Octave of Christmas, is the Feast of the Holy Family, an invitation to every Christian family to live in harmony and in prayer, which are the pledges of joy and union.At the end of the past century, Pope Leo XIII promoted this feast to present the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as the model of all Christian families.Although they were the holiest family that ever lived, or ever will live, on earth, as they were God's closest friends, they had more than their share of this world's troubles. Today's Gospel from Matthew 2:13-15; 19-23 tells us of some of these earthly woes and sufferings.They had just settled in Bethlehem, and the Baby Jesus was only a few months old when, to avoid his murder at the hands of Herod, they had to flee from Bethlehem and become displaced persons in a foreign and pagan land.This story is a message of encouragement and consolation for every one of us. If the Holy Family suffered such trials and hardships, we should be ready to bear the trials that God sends us for our own eternal welfare.The devotion to the Holy Family was born in Bethlehem, together with the Baby Jesus. The shepherds went to adore the Child and, at the same time, to honor His family. Later, in a similar way, the three wise men came from the East to adore and give honor to the newborn King with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that His family would safeguard.Christ Himself showed His devotion to His mother and foster father by submitting Himself, with infinite humility, to the duty of filial obedience towards them.Today's celebration demonstrates Christ's humility and obedience regarding the fourth commandment, whilst also highlighting the loving care that His parents exercised in keeping Him.Let us imitate the Holy Family in our Christian families, and our families will be a prefiguration of the heavenly family. We say a prayer dedicating your family to the Holy Family. Also, we pray for all families to uphold the sanctity of the marriage bond, today under attack.Traditionally, the Feast of the Holy Innocents is celebrated on December 28th. Still, since that falls on a Sunday this year, many Western churches, like those in the Archdiocese of NY, observe it on Monday, December 29, 2025, to commemorate the baby boys killed by King Herod, honoring them as the first martyrs for Christ.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkNew Upgrade! Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• December 28, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is Judges 19:1-3. This isn't just another story—it's a wake-up call. The Levite's failure reminds us how quickly spiritual leaders can drift from conviction to compromise. God is looking for men and women who will not only know His Word but live it, defend it, and pass it on with courage. In those days, when there was no king in Israel, a certain Levite was sojourning in the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim, who took to himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. And his concubine was unfaithful to him, and she went away from him to her father's house at Bethlehem in Judah, and was there some four months. Then her husband arose and went after her, to speak kindly to her and bring her back. He had with him his servant and a couple of donkeys. And she brought him into her father's house. And when the girl's father saw him, he came with joy to meet him. — Judges 19:1-3 By the time we reach Judges 19, Israel has plunged to its lowest point. Even the Levites—men once set apart to teach and guard God's law—no longer remember it. The opening line says it all: "There was no king in Israel." In other words, there was no authority, no truth, no standard—only self-rule. Here stands a Levite, a man supposed to model holiness. Instead, he takes a concubine—a live-in girlfriend with marital benefits but no covenant commitment. She betrays him, runs home, and after months apart, he decides he wants her back. The relationship is dysfunctional from every direction. But the greater tragedy is this: a priest who should lead God's people can't even lead himself. That's the climate of moral collapse—when spiritual leaders trade holiness for cultural conventions, then the nation no longer knows what righteousness looks like. We live in the same era of moral relativism—everyone doing what seems right in their own eyes. Churches ordain what God calls sin. Pulpits preach self-esteem instead of repentance. Pastors chase applause over truth. But notice they still wear the robes, carry the titles, build buildings, and quote a few verses—but like this Levite, they've abandoned the covenant. And the result? Confused believers. Compromised faith. A generation that can no longer tell the difference between God's truth and cultural tolerance. We've come a long way from Joshua's bold declaration—"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Now we say, "As for me and the truth, we'll do what feels right." When leaders forget the Word, the people follow their feelings. And when that happens, nations collapse from the inside long before enemies ever invade. The Levite's story isn't just a scandal—it's a warning shot and a challenge. When God's people drift from His Word, it's not enough to simply shake our heads—we must act. Step up where he stepped back. Lead where he lacked courage. Recommit to Scripture in your home, your marriage, your circle of influence. Because when we return to God's Word, broken relationships can be healed, leadership restored, and love redeemed. ASK THIS: Where have you seen "moral relativism" creep into the church? Have you traded biblical truth for cultural comfort in any area of life? What voices in your life hold you accountable to Scripture? How can you encourage your pastor—or yourself—to stand firm on truth this week? DO THIS: Pray daily for pastors and leaders to preach truth with courage and clarity. Recommit to reading Scripture before social media or news; make God's Word your authority again. PRAY THIS: Lord, reignite conviction in Your people. Make us builders of truth and defenders of faith. Give us courage to lead boldly where others have drifted, and help us restore what weak leadership has lost. Commission us to act—not just believe—so that Your Word defines every choice we make. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Come to the Altar."

Christmas Eve – December 24, 2025; May God's words be spoken, may God's words be heard.  Amen. This is the most wonderful time of the year, or so we are told by Johnny Mathis and others.  It really is though, even if the turkey didn't thaw out in time, the kids are hyped up on sugar and dreams of Santa Claus, and the in-laws are about to send you to a therapist's couch.  Yet sometimes when we think about Christmas, we get caught up in the Hallmark version of it – the lights, the carols, the cookies, and the gifts, that when we hear the story of that first Christmas, whether here at church or from Linus in A Charlie Brown Christmas, it seems so far away from who we are that we lose sight of what it means for us.  But the thing is, this story isn't as foreign to our lived reality as we sometimes make it – and that knowledge helps us to see something we need to know now.  The author of Luke, from where Linus and we get the birth story we usually hear on Christmas Eve, sets the scene for us in the midst of human history – it was when a certain ruler was in charge and had commanded a census of “all the world.” Now, just for context, things were difficult in those days – they were indeed a people who walked in darkness (though the prophet Isaiah was speaking about an earlier time).  The empire's taxes were hard, and most labored for their own food.  Poverty was crushing most of the people, while a small elite profited off of them and lived lavishly.  And there was political unrest caused by an appointed ruler, Herod, a larger than life sort, who the people  viewed with suspicion because of his ties to the empire.  This is the setting into which God chooses to enter, and there is a lot we can all resonate with in it to be sure – but more on that later. Back to the story itself – this census moves Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a journey of nearly 100 miles (with no trains, planes, or automobiles to get them there).  It also likely meant a lot of others were making similar journeys, so as the song goes – there may be No Place Like Home for the holidays, but the traffic really is terrific!  And then there is the problem of trying to find places to stay along the way.  I have to wonder if Joseph and Mary made their place in Nazareth an Air B&B, given all the folks traveling in the opposite direction. At any rate, all that travel must sound familiar to a lot of folks today who stood in long TSA lines, navigated bumper to bumper traffic, or was trying to figure out where to put everybody who made it home for the holidays.  Add to all of that is the fact that Mary is very pregnant!  Lordy – that's gotta be a tough trip. So, back to our Holy Family – they get to Bethlehem, and there is “no room for them in the inn.” Now, that may mean Joe forgot to make reservations (you know that meant a big argument later – right?).  But it wasn't like they had to go to a barn somewhere on the property.  Likely, because other guests already took over the host family's guest rooms, it was sort of like telling them they had to sleep on the old lumpy sofa in the unfinished basement. Homes in those days had a lower level where animals were brought in for the night and in cold weather.  That is where the host family had to send Mary and Joseph.  If you can imagine that for a moment – it means the house was filled with people – all there for the census taking one supposes.  That is a made for  Hallmark crazy time moment for sure, that many of you here likely know far too well.  And for this couple, who already had a lot going on, sleeping among the animals may have been the most peaceful part of their days – a respite from upstairs where perhaps Joe's crazy Uncle Roy was getting into it with Grandma Lucy, who had a bit too much eggnog.  At least the animals aren't likely to break out into a fight over politics.  From the animals point of view though, this was a nightmare. I mean, first this couple comes down, takes over two of their beds of hay, and dang it – then they have a baby (what a noisy mess) and worse – they put that little human on their food in their manger – yuk!  The animals were probably like – What the heck!  And as for the birth, you know that was crazy time at the OK Corral.  Women upstairs likely came down to help, making things a bit crowded; and birth scenes, even for the virtuous like Mary, are typically not quiet events, despite what the hymn says.  Giving birth then, and even today is joyous and noisy.  Sadly, it is also dangerous – for both the mother and the child.  And after all that – shepherds arrive to tell them that angels appeared in the sky and confirming what the angel had said to Mary at the beginning of this journey.  No wonder she pondered it all in her heart – before nodding off for a much needed nap. What a wild family story this probably became over the years, right?  I mean, can you imagine on the 10th Christmas, somebody saying – Hey Joe and Mary, remember that crazy year of the census?  And them saying back “Lordy what a time that was” as Joe grabs another eggnog and Mary chases Jesus and his siblings away from the presents. Seriously though – that was the Luke story.  Filled with very human stress, joy, and a bit of craziness – and all wrapped up in love.  The Matthew story was much less chaotic, but far more dangerous.  Mary was pregnant, but she and Joseph were engaged, not married – which in those days, and in some parts of the world today – means danger for Mary and her unborn child.  In a dream, Joseph is told by an angel not to discard her, but to marry her as planned.  After the baby is born, a few wise people from the East come to their house (with very impractical and odd gifts).  Then, Joseph has another dream where an angel tells him that King Herod is out to kill Jesus.  So ,the Holy Family become refugees.  They flee the danger in their homeland, cross over the border into Egypt, and stay there until Herod dies.  Thankfully for most, this story in Matthew is not as familiar to their Christmas gatherings as the one in the Gospel of Luke.  But it is to many in this country now, who fled from danger in their home countries, often with children and just the clothes on their backs, to come here for safety.  To them, this flight to Egypt is very familiar. So, if we really take in the story we celebrate tonight we may just find a place for ourselves in its familiarity.  Sure, we don't ride donkeys generally (although how cool would that be – well, except not from the donkey's perspective, I suppose).  We don't trudge for miles on all dirt roads (even if in NJ it feels that way), have farm animals on the first floor of our house, or have to travel for our government census (they kinda frown on that). And we don't typically see choirs of angels singing, have shepherds coming over with strange news, people bearing odd gifts knocking on our door, or an awe inspiring astrological phenomenon shining in the sky above (which I can guarantee meant that it was cloudy over New Jersey that first Christmas night, as it always is when there is something cool to see).   No, we don't have any of that on our Christmas to do or see list, but then again, it is not those things that matter anyway.  What makes this birth we celebrate so important to remember is the rest of it.  God chose to enter into the world through relationships of love – the love of parents for their newborn child, of a young couple starting their life together, of family, friends, and neighbors gathering in likely too small a space but somehow making it work.  This birth, that changed the world forever, begins among family relationships that are messy and wonderful all at the same time, and amid moments when we feel exhausted or lonely even in a crowd (as it must have felt for Mary, Joseph, or the shepherds sometimes). It is in the mundane, the mess, the fear, the joy, the hurt, and the longing – the ever day ordinariness and sometimes craziness of human existence – that God comes – choosing to connect heaven and earth in the form of a vulnerable baby, born to world weary parents, in a humble setting, amid a chaotic family gathering, to a people who walked in darkness.  Today we too are a people who walk in darkness – the deep night of bigotry and hate, oppressive governmental leaders, marginalized people, poverty and loneliness, violence and war. And here's the thing, we who live in a land of deep darkness, need to remember most of all this night – Jesus is being born now too, and we have a part to play in that birth.  Long ago, God chose Mary because God knew she had the courage to say Yes to that call, the faith to trust the Holy Spirit even when things got crazy, and the will to bring Jesus into a world in need.  And God chooses us to do the same now.  You, and you, and you, all you-all, are not spectators this night.  You are a part of the story.  The story that is happening now. You are the one God now calls to bring the light of Christ's love into the darkness.  You are the one that needs to trust the Holy Spirit amid the insanity of this time and place. You may not see angels flying around in the sky, or shepherds knocking at your door in the middle of the night, but you are meant to be a part of this story nonetheless.  You are meant to be Mary – bearers of Christ to those who walk in darkness. We all are. And perhaps Mary's need to ponder all of it in her heart makes a lot more sense to us now.  It is a lot to think about – more than whether the tie you got for your dad was a good idea or not.  Because while the gifts we give at Christmas will someday be put away and forgotten, this gift – to be Mary – to carry Christ's light within us, give birth to his love for the sake of others, nurture him in the world – it is the gift of a lifetime – and the call we all have.  And perhaps like her, we may be wondering: Why me? Why would God come into this crazy world at this time and place? Will I be able to do what God is asking me to do, and will it really matter? And when you need to ponder that, come here among your parish family, where you will be given what you need for your life journey, just as Mary was so long ago.  Remember that when she became pregnant as the Archangel Gabriel told her, she traveled to her cousin Elizabeth, who affirmed her call.  Here is where you too can take a moment from the busy-ness of the world to come among family and be affirmed about your life and in your call. The story of Christmas – of the birth of Jesus – is our story – of God active in our lives and in the world.  It reminds us that mystery and wonder abounds even in chaos, that healing and restoration come with humility and grace, that God's great love appears in the most unexpected ways, and bursts into our ordinary lives to bring freedom and justice for the oppressed, and to proclaim for all to hear that everyone is a beloved child of God – no exceptions.  And perhaps most especially, that God chooses us to help bring this all about. God chooses us to be Mary – bearers of Christ into the world. So let us all have a Mary Christmas!  M-A-R-Y and the other kind too. For then we may one day truly see peace on earth, and good will for all.  Merry Christmas Everyone! For the audio, click below, or subscribe to our iTunes Sermon Podcast by clicking here (also available on Audible): Sermon Podcast https://christchurchepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rec-001-Sermon-Christmas_Eve-11pm.m4a The Rev. Diana L. Wilcox Christ Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge December 24, 2025 Christmas Eve 1st Reading – Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 2nd Reading – Titus 2:11-14 Gospel – Luke 2:1-20     The post “Ponder This” appeared first on Christ Episcopal Church.

On Christmas Eve, we were reminded that God always keeps His promises—if He said it, He will do it. In a world full of temporary fixes and unmet longings, we looked again to the truth that only Jesus can truly satisfy the soul. Scriptures: Matthew 2:4-6, John 6:35

13 And after they were departed, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: Arise, and take the child and his mother, and fly into Egypt: and be there until I shall tell thee. For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the child to destroy him.Qui cum recessissent, ecce angelus Domini apparuit in somnis Joseph, dicens : Surge, et accipe puerum, et matrem ejus, et fuge in Aegyptum, et esto ibi usque dum dicam tibi. Futurum est enim ut Herodes quaerat puerum ad perdendum eum. 14 Who arose, and took the child and his mother by night, and retired into Egypt: and he was there until the death of Herod:Qui consurgens accepit puerum et matrem ejus nocte, et secessit in Aegyptum : et erat ibi usque ad obitum Herodis : 15 That it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Out of Egypt have I called my son.Ut adimpleretur quod dictum est a Domino per prophetam dicentem : Ex Aegypto vocavi filium meum. 16 Then Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry; and sending killed all the men children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.Tunc Herodes videns quoniam illusus esset a magis, iratus est valde, et mittens occidit omnes pueros, qui erant in Bethlehem, et in omnibus finibus ejus, a bimatu et infra secundum tempus, quod exquisierat a magis. 17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying:Tunc adimpletum est quod dictum est per Jeremiam prophetam dicentem : 18 A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.Vox in Rama audita est ploratus, et ululatus multus : Rachel plorans filios suos, et noluit consolari, quia non sunt.

December 28, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 2:13-18Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 52:13-54:10; Matthew 2:13-23“Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted for they are no more.'” (Matthew 2:17-18)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Christmas is war. That may sound jarring in our ears, but we cannot forget that truth. Yes, the incarnation of our Lord has raised up the sons of Adam out of the sinful curse of thorns and thistles, dust and ashes. Yes, the birth of our Lord proclaims that we now live in Anno Domini (A.D.), salvation is ours, and eternal glory with God is ours by Christ as a free gift. But Rachel, who was buried in Bethlehem, becomes the embodiment of every Mother in Bethlehem whose son was murdered by Herod. And she weeps, mourns, and wails because Christmas is war, and war has spilled upon the innocent. The birth of the Savior is the first blow against the gates of Hell. It is terror unto demons and those who have allowed themselves to be twisted in wickedness, like King Herod. Herod understood that his wicked act was not merely of the earthly sort. He heard the Magi, he sought the scribes, he listened to the prophecy; Herod sought to fight against God. And this was a fight He'd never win. Today we remember these innocents, who died in the place of Christ, but we do not only remember in bitter tears, but with quiet hope because eventually Christ would die for them. We remember the promise that “precious/costly in the sight of the LORD, are the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15) What was lost and stolen from them has already been restored by His innocent death and glorious resurrection. And He will restore fully at His final Advent. And on that day, we will stand in the fullness of God's glory along with these blessed children, along with Rachel, and we will be comforted; our sorrow transformed by the radiant splendor of our God and King. Until then, Christmas remains a war, but a war that has been won by Christ. So do not grow weary; let the demons tremble, let the wicked repent and return to their gracious King Jesus, and let the redeemed stand tall in the splendor of the Gospel.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.All praise for infant martyrs, Whom Your mysterious love Called early from their warfare To share Your home above. O Rachel, cease your weeping; They rest from earthly cares! Lord, grant us crowns as brilliant And faith as sure as theirs. (LSB 517:9)Author: Rev. Matthew Synnott, associate pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Peoria, Illinois.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

Read OnlineWhen the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. Matthew 2:13–14Today we honor and ponder the family life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The love within their home exceeded that of any other household, and the love within their family poured forth upon their extended family and wider community. Scripture gives us limited details about the life of the Holy Family. What we do know is that from the very beginning, they suffered through enormous challenges.Mary's pregnancy was the first challenge they faced. She conceived the Christ Child before she and Joseph lived together. Though she knew how she conceived the Son of God, Joseph did not understand until the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. We can imagine that relatives and members of the community expressed their disapproval, given that the angel of the Lord did not reveal the truth to everyone.Jesus was born far away from their home, in the little town of Bethlehem, in a cave, where animals dwelt. Humble shepherds were their first guests, and the magi from the East soon followed. Within a year or two after Jesus' birth, this family had to uproot from their home and flee to Egypt, find accommodations, and earn a living because Herod sought to kill the child Jesus.After Herod's death, Joseph was instructed in two subsequent dreams that he could return to Israel and was to move his family to the small and unremarkable village of Nazareth. Though Nazareth was not held in high esteem, it was within this simple setting that Jesus was raised and learned the virtues of hard work, obedience, and humility. Nazareth, though overlooked by the world, became the sacred ground where the Savior of the world was prepared for His mission. Finally, given that Saint Joseph is not mentioned during the time that Jesus exercised His public ministry, it is commonly believed that Jesus and His mother experienced the human sorrow of Joseph's earthly death.Despite the hardships the Holy Family endured, the love in their home overshadowed every challenge, making their family life a source of the utmost consolation and joy. Amidst the trials they faced, the Holy Family found joy, not in worldly comforts, but in their deep union with God and with each other. Their home was a sanctuary of love, prayer, and mutual support, where God's presence was always felt. How fascinating it will be one day, in Heaven, if God reveals to us the details about the earthly and hidden life of the Holy Family. Though the angels witnessed their lives as they unfolded in time, we can hope and imagine that God, in His goodness, will share these mysteries with the saints, revealing the true beauty of the Holy Family's earthly life together. Their conversations, interactions, charity, prayer, fun, work, and all that made up their family life will be a source of eternal admiration and gratitude.Reflect today on the Holy Family. Ask God to give you insight into their lives together. As you do, use any insights as a source of inspiration for your own life and relationships with those closest to you. Though we will all fall short of the charity that permeated the home of the Holy Family, we can work to imitate them by allowing God to increase our charity toward one another. Through daily prayer, acts of sacrifice, and a commitment to love one another, we can create a family life that reflects the holiness and unity of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Your family life was holy beyond imagination. In your daily interactions, Your love was manifest and inspiring to each other and to Your relatives and friends. Please draw me into Your family life and teach me to love those in my family so that we will become a stronger community of love. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Angelica Kauffmann, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this Child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. … And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:15-18, 20)

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. . . . If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43–48 NLT) Who was on your Christmas gift list this year? Usually, we give gifts to family and friends. We want to buy gifts for people we love and people we care about. We tend to give gifts to those who treat us well, people who are kind and considerate to us. And often we will give gifts in return for gifts that we have received. Some of us will even buy gifts for our pets. However, we generally don’t buy gifts for our enemies, do we? We don’t give a gift to the person who has slandered us in the past year. We don’t give a gift to the irate neighbor who never has a kind word to say. We don’t give a gift to someone who has tried to run us out of business. Nor do we send a gift to the thief who broke into our car last month. Yet that’s the standard to which the Lord calls us. In Matthew 5:43–48, Jesus said, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. . . . If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (NLT). How can the Lord hold us to such high expectations? “We love each other because he loved us first” (1 John 4:19 NLT). When God sent Jesus Christ, His Son, and gave us the ultimate gift, He gave it to us while we were still His enemies. The Bible tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NKJV). We did nothing whatsoever to merit or deserve this gift. In fact, what we really deserve is judgment, because we all have sinned against God. We all have deliberately crossed that line. The amazing truth of Christmas is that, despite our sins, God sent His Son to save us. In that tiny manger in Bethlehem, He gave us a gift that we don’t deserve—but that we can be thankful for every day of our lives. Reflection question: This Christmas season, how can you show love to someone you don’t get along with? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary had an accepting heart, one that remained simple and uncomplicated. And she had a trusting heart, because she had obviously been well trained in the Word of God and knew its promises and prophecies. When this incredible message came to her from Gabriel that she would bear this miracle baby, she was prepared to trust because she knew God’s Word. Let’s look further at this story to get a better understanding of the heart of Mary. When the angel left her, she went to the one person with whom she could share the news, the one person she knew would understand, her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth was bearing a miracle baby, too—a child given to her in old age, beyond child-bearing years. It’s interesting to note how Zacharias, Elizabeth’s husband, reacted when the angel told him that his wife would have a special baby. He said: “How shall I know this for certain?” He focused on the facts as he saw them: his body was old, his wife’s body was old, and they could not have children. He doubted the angel’s message and asked for a further sign. Because of his lack of faith, he became speechless and remained that way until his son was born. I’m afraid Zacharias’ reaction is more like what mine would have been, how about you? He considers the circumstances and loses sight of the power of God to change circumstances, and he does a foolish thing—he fails to trust God. Let’s learn a lesson from Zacharias and set our hearts to trust God no matter what. Don’t look at the circumstances when God gives you a promise. God is never limited by any physical circumstances. Gabriel said it to Mary, very succinctly: For nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37). When Mary comes into Elizabeth’s presence, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and immediately recognized Mary’s news even before Mary could tell her. She calls Mary blessed, and Mary answers with one of the most beautiful passages in all of Scripture. It is commonly called The Magnificat, and I encourage you to read it anew this Christmas season, as found in Luke 1:46-55. It is beautiful poetry, but far beyond its literary beauty is its content. Remember, Mary was a young girl, with probably no formal education. But she had obviously been taught the Scriptures, for as she recites her praise to God, she draws from several Old Testament sources. Again, we get a look at the heart of Mary. It is an accepting heart, a trusting heart, and it is a heart of praise. Many women would have focused on the negatives of this situation. Many would have run into Elizabeth and said: “Oh, Elizabeth, what am I going to do? What will I tell people? Will you shelter me? What will Joseph say?  Help me, please Elizabeth.” But Mary had an eternal point of view and a total trust in God, so that she was able to see the real importance of her position and was able to thank and praise God for his eternal purposes, though her life on earth was very difficult. What a wonderful role model this simple lady is for us today. Do you have a heart of praise? That’s what you need to find favor with God, as Mary did. How much time do you spend each day simply praising him for who he is and what he has done for you? Have you ever analyzed your prayer time? How much is just sheer praising the Lord? Notice that Mary used Scripture to recite back to the Lord in praise. That’s a wonderful way to praise God, by reciting Scripture. You could use this wonderful Magnificat for your own personal praise time. I think we also have to take a look at Joseph. I’m sure he was chosen of God for his part in this, as much as Mary was. He could have easily refused to marry Mary. Most men would have done that, under the circumstances. By agreeing to marry her and support her through this birth, he took on a heavy responsibility. Can you picture that trip to Bethlehem? It's almost a hundred miles, so it took days. It must have been a tiring trip for a pregnant woman. We aren't told what manner of transportation they had—perhaps a donkey or a cart or they just walked. But any way you look at it, it's not a trip a very pregnant woman would want to take in those days. But Mary did it and Joseph gently and carefully took care of her. Joseph must have felt great frustration when he realized Mary was going to deliver there, away from home and friends and people to help with Mary and the baby. No doubt God provided for their needs, but it was a very humble birthplace—especially for the one and only one born as a King. But with Mary in hard labor, he finds a place where she can deliver. Of course, life doesn’t get any easier for Joseph. Soon he has to take his wife and this child and flee his country. He has to leave his home and his business and take her to Egypt. Never could he have thought that this would be required of him. But when the angel gives him these instructions, he obeys. Joseph had a very obedient heart and a non-complaining spirit. His love for the Lord and for Mary must have been enormous. And having delivered this little miracle baby, I’m sure he felt a very real sense of responsibility as well as privilege to be able to take care of this God-child for a few years. Mary must have thanked God for Joseph time and again. If you knew, as Mary did, that you were bearing the Son of God, how would you feel when you realized that your delivery room was to be so dismal? After all, Mary knew this child within her was of the Holy Spirit. Everyone else had to take it by faith, but Mary knew that she had never known a man, and yet here she was ready to give birth to a child. How could God allow his Son to be born in such a degrading manner? She must have been puzzled. And then, almost adding insult to injury, while they’re still in this terrible situation, just having given birth, in come these lowly shepherds to find this baby. We don’t know how many there were, but they invade Mary’s delivery room, and come in upon a weary mother and child. Not exactly what you would plan for the reception committee of the King of kings and Lord or lords, right? But Mary allows them in, and we are told she “pondered all these things in her heart.” Instead of questioning or rebelling, instead of being discouraged or disheartened, Mary pondered on everything that had happened, and treasured it up in her heart. In addition to an accepting heart and a praising heart, Mary had a meditative heart. She thought a lot more than she spoke. She remembered what God had said and what he had done, and she stored up the truths and treasures. We need to have hearts that treasure up God’s goodness and God’s promises to us, and hearts that meditate on those things. Then the day came when Jesus left his home and his mother to pursue the ministry God had planned for him, a brief ministry, ending in a crucifixion. He leaves her to become the Savior of the world, and indeed to become her Savior as well, for she was in need of redemption like everyone else. She watched him suffer and die. I can imagine that Mary must have found it difficult to believe at this point that she was “blessed above all women.” Here she is, probably a widow with her beloved Joseph gone, and her precious treasure, her miracle baby, gone as well. Crucified, of all things. If you ever think you’ve got it tough, think about Mary. How could she hold up under this incredible load of suffering and confusion and emotional pressures she endured? She was chosen for this because her heart was right: She had an accepting heart. She kept things very simple and didn’t ask “why’s” and “how’s.” She accepted and she trusted. She had a praising heart, that saw the positive and not the negative. And she praised God from a heart that had been filled with the Word of God. And she had a meditative heart, that treasured up God’s goodness and God’s promises. As we close our thoughts about Mary, the Mother of Jesus, I want to share a chapter from Max Lucado’s book God Came Near. Max does an incredible job of helping us see the incarnation of God becoming Man in new and marvelous ways. This chapter is entitled “Twenty-five Questions for Mary.” Imagine sitting with Mary and asking her: “What was it like watching him pray? How did he respond when he saw other kids giggling during the service at the synagogue? When he saw a rainbow, did he ever mention a flood? Did you ever feel awkward teaching him how he created the world? When he saw a lamb being led to the slaughter, did he act differently? Did you ever see him with a distant look on his face as if he were listening to someone you couldn’t hear? “How did he act at funerals? Did the thought ever occur to you that the God to whom you were praying was asleep under your own roof? Did you ever try to count the stars with him. . . and succeed? Did he ever come home with a black eye? How did he act when he got his first haircut? Did he have any friends by the name of Judas? “Did he do well in school? Did you ever scold him? Did he ever have to ask a question about Scripture? What do you think he thought when he saw a prostitute offering to the highest bidder the body he made? “Did he ever get angry when someone was dishonest with him? Did you ever catch him pensively looking at the flesh on his own arm while holding a clod of dirt? Did he ever wake up afraid? When someone referred to Satan, how did he act? “Who was his best friend? Did you ever accidentally call him Father? What did he and his cousin John talk about as kids? Did his other brothers and sisters understand what was happening? Did you ever think, ‘That’s God eating my soup’?” It is an incredible truth God became flesh and dwelt among us, and for his earthly mother, we can only imagine the joy and the amazement she knew as she watched this miracle baby grow, and the pain she knew because of his sufferings. It will be good in heaven someday to hear her answer some of these questions.

* Boulder, Colorado's Planetarium Show on Christ's Birth: For Christmas, we're enjoying this classic Real Science Radio broadcast about the University of Colorado's Fiske Planetarium presentation of a live program, The Astronomical Star of Bethlehem, by amateur astronomer Gil Buller. From the planetarium's website, "This exciting program examines the sky at the time of the birth of Christ to see which astronomical phenomenon may have been the Star of Bethlehem." * Orbital Mechanics Help Identify the Star of Bethlehem: Using computer-generated images of the night sky in ancient Israel, this planetarium program does in great style what Bob Enyart's DVD does using more modest computer simulation software. Click to get Bob's classic DVD, The Planets, Stars, and The Bible. * The Materialist's Star Problem: You may enjoy the bulleted list at our rsr.org/list-of-star-formation-problems broadcast show page. And whereas unbelievers say that young-earth creationists have a "starlight and time" problem, remember, materialists have: 1) a star problem 2) a light problem 3) a time problem, and 4) an everything problem.

Send us a textOne year at the Christmas Eve Children's Mass, I was walking the children through Luke's nativity. I had some cloth figures that I was using to illustrate the Gospel story. Mary and Joseph were making their way to Bethlehem. This particular set of characters included a donkey, so the donkey came with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Next, I brought out a manger, and then I placed the baby Jesus in the manger.I have Mass at St. Isidore on Sunday, December 28 @ 9:30/11:30 amI will have Mass at St. Andrew next Sunday, January 4 @ 5 pm.frjoedailey@gmail.com

Send us a textA nursery rhyme becomes a roadmap to redemption. We walk from Bethlehem's quiet fields to Jerusalem's crowded courts and finally to Revelation's blazing throne room, tracing how Mary's child is the Lamb who fulfills Israel's calendar with pinpoint precision and claims the title deed to history. Angels announce the news to shepherds tending Passover flocks. John the Baptist points with a single word—Behold. And the virgin birth steps out of sentiment and into necessity, establishing the sinless life required for a once‑for‑all sacrifice.Across the final week of Jesus' life, every step lands on ancient promises. On the tenth of Nisan, he is set apart as the true Passover Lamb. For five days, leaders probe and accuse, yet no fault is found. At the very hour lambs are prepared, he is lifted up; at the ninth hour when sacrifices are offered, he declares, “It is finished.” The temple's streams of blood and water echo from his pierced side, and not one bone is broken. Geography joins the testimony: Moriah—Abraham's mountain—becomes the place where substitution is perfected and debt is stamped paid.But the story doesn't end at the cross. John sees a small Lamb—slain, standing, sovereign—with seven horns and seven eyes, worthy to open the scroll and direct the course of human destiny. The Lamb's strength is not bluster; it is holy power. His knowledge is not rumor; it is perfect sight. From creation to Calvary to conquest, he alone is worthy. This is good news for everyone—Jews and Gentiles, women and men, the broken and the self‑assured—because the Lamb who was slain is also the Lamb who shares his victory.Listen to explore the thread that ties manger to altar and altar to throne, to hear how Scripture's symbols become history's schedule, and to consider what it means for a once‑for‑all sacrifice to carry your name. If this episode strengthened your faith or sparked new questions, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.Support the showhttps://www.jacksonfamilyministry.comhttps://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

In this Christmas message, Pastor Matthew explores Isaiah 9:1–7, the breathtaking prophecy that announced hope to a people surrounded by fear, war, and despair. Long before a manger in Bethlehem, God promised a Child who would shatter oppression, conquer death, and reign forever as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Step into the story behind the prophecy. Lean into the historical anguish of Isaiah's audience, the cosmic hope of the coming Messiah, and the personal assurance that Christ's light still breaks through every shadow today. When life feels dark, when fear, anxiety, or loss cloud your vision, remember: “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” That light has come. His name is Jesus.

The Thrill of Hope - Christmas EveDecember 24, 2025Teacher: Pastor Dave BrownJoy turns into rejoicing.Look, Charlie, let's face it. We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket. — Lucy van Pelt In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. — Luke 2:1-20 I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. — Luke 2:10 The good news is that the one true God has now taken charge of the world…The ancient sickness that had crippled the whole world, and humans with it, has been cured at last, so that new life can rise up in its place. Life has come to life and is pouring out like a mighty river into the world, in the form of a new power, the power of love. The good news was, and is, that all this has happened in and through Jesus; that one day it will happen, completely and utterly, to all creation; and that we humans, every single one of us, whoever we are, can be caught up in that transformation here and now. — N.T. Wright Joy turns into rejoicing. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. — Luke 2:20 Feelings are great liars. If Christians worshipped only when they felt like it, there would be precious little worship. We think that if we don't feel something there can be no authenticity in doing it. But the wisdom of God says something different: that we can act ourselves into a new way of feeling much quicker than we can feel ourselves into a new way of acting. Worship is an act that develops feelings for God, not a feeling for God that is expressed in an act of worship. — Eugene Peterson

Explore the profound prophecies surrounding Messiah's first coming. In this enlightening video, Christine Darg delves into the divine orchestration of scriptural locales all fulfilled in One Person. Join the journey through history and prophecy, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' birth and the sure hope of His Second Coming.

In June, Trump sent more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to occupy Los Angeles and terrorize the immigrant population. But by the end of July, almost all the Guard and the Marines were gone. Bill Gallegos explains how that happened and what other cities can learn from it.Also: From the archives: The Romans captured and killed Jesus because the revolutionary movement he launched challenged the most powerful empire the world had ever known: That's what Reza Aslan says – his New York Times bestselling book ZEALOT: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth shot to #1 on Amazon when a Fox News interviewer asked him 'why a Muslim would write a book about Jesus?' (originally broadcast July 2013)Plus: It's time to listen again to BOB DYLAN's 2009 Christmas album! Is this a joke — or a tragedy? Sean Wilentz explains. PLAYLIST: “Here Comes Santa Claus”; “I'll Be Home for Xmas”; “Must Be Santa,” “Winter Wonderland”; “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (originally broadcast November 11, 2009).

What does it mean when God seems silent in your life? Pastor Dorrell examines the four-hundred-year prophetic silence that preceded Jesus's birth, arguing that silence does not signify God's absence but rather His purposeful work behind the scenes. Through the Christmas narrative, he illuminates how the angelic announcement at Bethlehem shattered centuries of quiet with hope, joy, and the declaration that the Savior had arrived. Listeners are challenged to recognize that in their own seasons of darkness and waiting, God is actively working toward an eventual moment of praise, victory, and redemption.Eastland is a Place to BelongEastland Baptist Church is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We are a welcoming and close-knit family community that loves to care for each other through the Church. We strongly believe in loving and supporting each other and our neighbors. Our members don't just attend our Church; they feel a strong sense of belonging.Join Us Find service times and our location at https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/join. Connect with UsWebsite: https://www.eastlandbaptist.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastlandbaptisttulsaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastlandbaptistTo support the ministry of Eastland Baptist Church, tap here: https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/give.

Christmas is meant to be full of peace, joy, and wonder, but for many of us, it's also complicated. Plans fall apart, expectations aren't met, and the season doesn't always look the way we hoped. The first Christmas was no different. Mary and Joseph faced long roads, heavy burdens, and inconvenient timing, yet God was still at work in every detail.This message reminds us that miracles don't always arrive wrapped in ease or comfort. Sometimes they come through detours, delays, and questions we don't yet understand. Bethlehem wasn't convenient, but it was God's chosen place. What felt like disruption was actually divine direction, guiding Mary and Joseph straight into the center of His will.As we walk through our own seasons of uncertainty, we're invited to trust the same faithful God. Life may not be about our plans or preferences, but about making room for Him. The miracle of Christmas isn't the lights or the gifts. It's Jesus. And even in the mess, He still comes, asking for a place in our hearts.Subscribe to Our Channel! New to LifeRock? Click here: liferockchurch.org/get-connectedTo support this ministry and help us reach people in our community. Click here: liferockchurch.org/giveDo you need someone to pray for you? We will pray for you. Click here: liferockchurch.org/online-prayerFollow: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeRockColumbiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LifeRockChurchX: https://www.x.com/LifeRockChurch

After all the joy of Christmas Day, the following day felt like a letdown. We’d stayed overnight with friends but hadn’t slept well. Then our car broke down as we were driving home. Then it started to snow. We had abandoned the car and taxied home in the snow and sleet feeling blah. We’re not the only ones who’ve felt low after Christmas Day. Whether it’s from excessive eating, the way carols suddenly disappear from the radio, or the fact that the gifts we bought last week are now on sale half price, the magic of Christmas Day can quickly dissipate! The Bible never tells us about the day after Jesus’ birth. But we can imagine that after walking to Bethlehem, scrambling for accommodation, enduring the pain of giving birth, and having shepherds drop by unannounced (Luke 2:4–18), Mary and Joseph were exhausted. Yet as Mary cradled her newborn, I can imagine her reflecting on her angelic visitation (1:30–33), Elizabeth’s blessing (vv. 42–45), and her own realization of her baby’s destiny (vv. 46–55). Mary “pondered” such things in her heart (2:19), which must’ve lightened the tiredness and physical pain of that day. We’ll all have “blah” days, perhaps even the day after Christmas. Like Mary, let’s face them by pondering the One who came into our world, forever brightening it with His presence.

Today we are doing a special sermon presentation on the podcast. Instead of one of our priests of the Society of Saint Pius X, we'll re-present a sermon by one of - if not the giant – of preaching in all of Christendom, St. Francis de Sales. And so it might help to know something about the preacher who gave it almost exactly 400 years ago today. St. Francis de Sales was one of the great bishops and spiritual teachers of the early seventeenth century, known not for fiery rhetoric, but for clarity, patience, and a deep pastoral charity. He believed that souls are won for God not by pressure or argument, but by gentleness and love. Even those who opposed him were often disarmed by the kindness and calm strength of his preaching. Saint Francis had a special devotion to the mystery of the Incarnation and to the feast of Christmas. He frequently returned in his sermons and writings to the humility of God made man, marveling that the eternal Word chose to come into the world as a helpless child. For him, Bethlehem was a school of confidence and simplicity, where the soul learns to trust God and to approach Him without fear. The sermon you are about to hear was preached at Midnight Mass on Christmas Day in 1622. The stillness of that hour held deep meaning for St. Francis. While the world slept, he saw heaven quietly at work, revealing a God who comes without spectacle, without force, and without demand, asking only to be welcomed. As you listen, allow these words to lead you to the crib at Bethlehem, and to encounter once again the Child who comes into the world tonight out of love for us. - - - - - - - We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - - Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ - - - - - What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  https://sspx.org

Today is a special teaching from host Dave Wager. He slows down the Christmas story and reads Luke 2:1–21, letting the details land, Caesar's decree, Joseph and Mary's trip to Bethlehem, the manger, the angel's announcement, the sky filled with praise, and the shepherds rushing in to see what God had made known. From there, Dave brings in reflections from V. Raymond Edmond's 1960 book Wiser Than They Thought, using imagined conversations and scenes to help us picture what it may have felt like for real people to be standing in the middle of something they could not fully explain. The shepherds are shown as working a routine night shift when heaven interrupts it, and Dave uses that to challenge listeners to stop assuming God only works in “big moments.” He can move in the middle of the normal day, if we're paying attention. As the program continues, Dave connects the shepherds' encounter to other “windows into eternity” in Scripture. He points to Luke 15, where Jesus says there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents, and he turns that into a simple, personal appeal: heaven is not bored, and your response to Christ matters. He also leans on Luke 16's account of Lazarus and the rich man to underline the seriousness of eternity and the hope of being carried home by God's provision, not by our own goodness. He returns again and again to the heart of Christmas: God does not need us, but He wants us, love invites a real choice, and salvation is a gift purchased by Jesus, the baby in the manger who became the man of the cross. The closing takeaway is clear, Christmas is not a seasonal story, it's a fact that changes life now, and it calls each listener to respond to Christ with faith and obedience.

In this special Christmas Eve edition of The Right Side, Doug Billings sets politics aside to tell the one story that actually matters.Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25? Was it stolen from pagans—or rooted in something far deeper? From ancient Church history to the manger in Bethlehem, this episode dismantles modern myths and reveals the profound theological beauty behind the birth of Christ.This is the story of the night heaven touched earth… and why it still changes everything.Subscribe to Doug's YouTube Channel: @TheRightSideDougBillingsSupport the show

The angels’ proclamation of Jesus’ birth still matters today because it announces lasting peace, living hope, and a Savior for all people. The Christmas story reminds us that God’s glory broke into ordinary life, calling us to see Jesus personally, share His good news boldly, and live in worshipful praise. Highlights The heavenly host announced Jesus’ birth with glory, joy, and peace for the world. God chose ordinary shepherds to first hear and respond to the greatest news in history. Seeing Jesus personally is essential—faith is not inherited, it’s encountered. The shepherds immediately shared what they had witnessed, spreading amazement and hope. Praise and worship naturally followed obedience and belief. The angels’ message continues to invite us into joy, proclamation, and worship today. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: What the Angels Proclaimed Still Matters By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’” - Luke 2:13-14 Northern Lights, comets, planets aligning in the sky… they all catch our attention, especially for stargazers. It’s a thrilling sight to see the night sky lit up with brilliant light. As Luke 2:9-12 describes, shepherds who were quietly minding their own business, guarding their sheep, watching over their flocks, were surprised, to say the least, at what happened to them one clear, starry night long ago: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” Although one shining angel is more than enough to catch their attention, God’s great joy and delight broke through from Heaven with a great heavenly host, praising God and lighting up the earth. Why the Angel’s Proclamation Still Matters Although thousands of years ago, what the angels proclaimed on that clear starry night still matters to us today. Here are three reasons why: We each need to see the Savior for ourselves. Just as the shepherds were told to go see Jesus for themselves, it remains a divine directive that each one of us needs to follow. As written in Luke 2:15-16, “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” We still need to spread the word of Jesus’ birth. Just as at His birth, there are many who do not know about Jesus unless we tell them about Him and where to find Him. As Luke 2:17-18 records, “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” We are called to glorify and praise God. The angels glorified and praised God in their proclamation, an example for us to follow in celebrating His coming to earth. As Luke 2:20 describes, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” As well, John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Christmas is a time for great celebration, as demonstrated by the angels and heavenly host. The angels inspire us to spread this good news - an announcement like no other in the history of the world. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Intersecting Faith & Life: The angels’ glorious proclamation, so many years ago, remains ageless and forever relevant in Heaven and on earth. Their message doesn’t fade away or lose its impact on the world. Because what the angels proclaimed still matters, we can see, spread, and praise God through it. Further Reading: A Prayer of Celebration for Jesus’ Birth Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover the profound connection between beloved Christmas movies and the universal longing for home, as explored through the lens of the first Christmas story. The theme of "going home" reflects our deep-seated desire for belonging and acceptance, which mirrors the journey of Mary, Joseph, and the wise men to Bethlehem, the "House of Bread." The true meaning of home dwells in Christ, where love, forgiveness, and eternal belonging await.Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.

We can't go back to that night in Bethlehem. Can we? The divine incursion into our world is history; it's past. We can re-enact it, but we can't actually see it happen again. Or can we? Each time a man or woman (or boy or girl) is born again, isn't that a divine incursion? Isn't that a "Bethlehem event" that we can observe? Here's Jim to conclude his message, The Witness. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS12262025_0.mp3Scripture References: John 1

Why does the Church place the martyrdom of Saint Stephen immediately after Christmas Day? Father Mark Baron, MIC explains that the tenderness of Bethlehem and the violence of Stephen's death belong to the same mystery: salvation. Christmas is not only the birth of a child; it is the coming of divine light into a darkened world — a light that saves, but also confronts.Salvation is more than a moment. It is participation in the very life of God through grace. Jesus enters the world as the Word made flesh, the Light of truth sent to reveal the Father and restore communion with Him. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn 1:5; NABRE). Yet when truth shines, darkness resists.Saint Stephen, filled with grace and power, lived a transformed life after Pentecost (Acts 6:8). His witness to Christ threatened those who clung to security without conversion. Unable to refute the truth, they attacked the messenger. Stephen, fixing his gaze on heaven, saw Christ standing at the right hand of the Father — the Savior welcoming His faithful witness home.Christmas teaches us that salvation must be endured, not assumed. Jesus Himself warns, “But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” (Mt 24:13). The Child in the manger is also the Light that exposes hearts, inviting repentance, perseverance, and real transformation.Saint Stephen reminds us that affection for Christmas is not enough. We are called to receive the truth Christ brings, even when it wounds, because within that pain is the healing God desires. To welcome the Light is to allow our lives to be changed. ★ Support this podcast ★

Join CODEPINK's Engagement Manager, Grace Siegelman as she is joined by Palestinian Christian Designer, Laila Grace Zayed, to discuss a Christmas celebration in Bethlehem for the first time since Oct 7 2023, as well as Laila's own contributions to the Palestinian Liberation Movement through industrial design, educational programming, Tatreez, photography, grassroots organizing in Chicago and so much more.

After two years of not celebrating because of the war in nearby Gaza, Christmas festivities have returned to Bethlehem. Election officials in Honduras have named the winner of the country's presidential election, after more than three weeks of counting the votes. And, in a year of record breaking immigration enforcement, deportations and detentions are separating families and in some cases that means the oldest children become the family breadwinner.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by James Hider, Didi Schanche, Eric Westervelt and Lisa Thomson.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. Our technical director is David Greenburg.And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.(00:00) Introduction(03:11) Christmas In Bethlehem(06:58) Honduras Election Result(10:40) Immigration CrackdownLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

US officials have uncovered a million more documents which could be connected to the dead sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Department of Justice said that given the volume of material, its full release may take a few weeks. Also: Israel's parliament approves the first reading of legislation for a politically controlled inquiry into the October 7th Hamas-led attacks, disappointing families of the victims; Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank celebrates Christmas for the first time since the war in Gaza began; Californians evacuate their homes as an intense storm approaches; we look back on a year of AI; and tracking Santa's sleigh, will he deliver all those presents on time? The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

The Magi weren't reading Daniel. They weren't studying the prophets. They were reading the sky.In our Members-Only Part 2 of our Christmas deep dive into the Star of Bethlehem, Caleb Jones returns to answer the question everyone's been asking: Why did the Magi know to come? What did they actually see in that chart that made them pack up and travel for months?Using ancient sources—Ptolemy, Manilius, Vettius Valens—Caleb reconstructs what an astrological reading of August 12, 3 BC would have looked like. The verdict? A heaven-blessed birth in Palestine. Incredible fortune. Warfare and a sword in his future. Someone who would overcome great danger through Jupiter and Venus.But this episode goes deeper than astronomy. Caleb traces how the Bible itself addresses astrology—not as fake, but as a rival way of knowing that God told Israel not to pursue because He would speak to them directly. When Israel rebelled and looked to the stars anyway, God wove their disobedience into His plan: He would use pagan astrologers to announce His Son and shame His people who should have known better.From Deuteronomy to Isaiah to Romans, the threads converge. The Magi weren't reading Daniel. They were reading the sky. And God met them there.The Christmas story is stranger than you thought. Not a member yet? Right now, we are running our biggest sale of the year with 20% OFF all memberships until the end of the year. Head over to https://blurrycreatures.com/pages/members to check it out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wednesday on the News Hour, Ukraine proposes demilitarized zones in Russian-occupied areas, the latest plan for ending the nearly four-year invasion. Judy Woodruff reports from a small New Hampshire town on how the answer to nationwide political divisions may begin within our own communities. Plus, Palestinian Christians make the journey to Bethlehem, navigating Israeli checkpoints along the way. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

State of emergency in California from intense rainfall; Search for a cause in deadly nursing home explosion; Christmas celebrations return to Bethlehem; and more on tonight's broadcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“What sweeter music can we bring / Than a carol for to sing / The birth of this our heavenly king.” The lines of this 17th century poem “What Sweeter Music” were reimagined by modern-day choral composer John Rutter to become an Advent season favorite. Its gentle melody describes a long, cold season of waiting that’s thawed by the springtime feeling of Jesus’ arrival. The singers bring Him a Christmas carol; the listeners are invited to bring their hearts. Rutter’s arrangement was commissioned to correspond with a church reading on the wise men who brought Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These mysterious magi traveled a great distance to meet baby Jesus with the express purpose of worshiping him (Matthew 2:1-2). God gave them wisdom to keep Jesus’ location a secret from wicked King Herod. When they finally found Him, they “were overjoyed” (v. 10). They bowed down in reverence. Then “they opened their treasures” to lay precious resources at His feet (v. 11). The Christmas season shouldn’t be focused on material goods—but it’s certainly about giving and receiving gifts. God gave His Son to heal a broken world. If we’ve never given Him our hearts, today’s a wonderful day to do so. If He already reigns there, let’s offer a carol of peace and joy as we think about His arrival all those years ago in Bethlehem—and wait for His return.

This Christmas, give yourself the gift of rest and reflection. In this episode, I'll share a gentle reminder to give yourself permission to rest and reconnect with what matters most. Hit play and let this be your permission slip to unplug, breathe, and look up.   Key takeaways to listen for A reality check on real estate hustle culture and the fear of missing out What Christmas really means for those who feel broken or behind How rest, joy, and purpose are connected in your personal and business life The Star of Bethlehem and why you need to look up more A reminder that you are someone's joy   Connect with LeighPlease subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Before we celebrate Christmas, it helps to revisit where it all began. Dr. Tony Evans takes us back to Bethlehem to uncover what was happening behind the scenes that holy night and how those truths can strengthen our walk with God today.

It's Christmas Eve. A holiday celebrated by 2.4 billion people around the world, which centers on a 2,000-year-old story about a Jewish man born in Bethlehem who became a rabbi, who the Romans would later execute in Jerusalem.  But what most people don't know is that the first people who believed in Jesus did not think they were starting a new religion. They were a small group of Jews who thought of themselves as history's last generation, with Jesus as their Messiah. Of course, as we all know now, they were not history's last generation. Instead, they became history's first Christians. How did that happen? When did Christ's followers begin to see themselves as distinct and separate from Judaism? Why did some Jews refuse to accept Christ as the Messiah? And how was that refusal, and the anti-Judaism of the early Christians, directly connected to the antisemitism burning across the globe today? These first few centuries are essential for understanding not just Christianity and Judaism, but the way ideas spread, and why many of the ideas of this period—good ones, and also some very bad ones—still persist in our world today. My guest today, Paula Fredriksen, has spent her career studying this period of history. She is one of the world's leading scholars of early Christianity and the author of many books including: When Christians Were Jews: The First Generation, Paul: The Pagans' Apostle, and Ancient Christianities: The First Five Hundred Years.  Paula was born in Rhode Island and now lives in Jerusalem, just 20 minutes from Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified.   This conversation is a Christmas special you won't want to miss. The Free Press earns a commission from any purchases made through all  book links in this article. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices