Chapter 3: God With Us
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For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2.11 He is here, Christ the Lord, the King of the Jews. The Savior of the world is born today. Glory! Hallelujah! What a glorious revelation! Praise you, my sweet Lord of light and love! What a thrilling announcement to know that the prophecies of old have come to fulfillment.

The cloud of darkness is about to be defeated by the kingdom of love, and justice is growing on the earth. The Word is made flesh this day in the city of David, where prophecy meets destiny. Glory, hallelujah! This is the day the Lord has made, and I will be glad and rejoice in it.

This is the day you came into the world wrapped in the flesh of a human baby, just like me and all the other children of the spiritual seed of Abraham. You were the Savior whom God provided and appointed and had long promised from the beginning of the world. You are the great King, being both God and man, who is the only one able to work out salvation for all sinners.

It is you, Jesus, who saved me from sin, Satan, and the law of bondage to the world, death and hell, and every enemy that wanted to destroy me. Thank you, Father, for this powerful gift of your Son, Jesus, who is the reason for this season. I will rejoice and be glad. In Jesus' name, amen.

Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told from Pray.com's podcast, Heroes in the Bible.

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If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please share it with your family and friends so they can know Jesus in a personal way, because knowing Jesus is the key to understanding the Bible. Welcome to The Greatest Story Ever Told. It is the story of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, a father's love for his children, and a hero's triumph over death and darkness.

This is a story that continues to shape and mold the world around us, bringing the divine heart of God right into the hearts of you and me. In this episode, we meet our long-awaited hero. His arrival has been prophesied since the beginning of time, but he comes in an unconventional way. He doesn't fall from a star or form a volcano. He comes humbly as a newborn baby surrounded by livestock, tucked into a cave behind an inn.

What is the purpose behind his humble birth and what does it communicate to us? The way God came and lived among us reveals what he values most. He doesn't value opulent processions, decadent feasts, and displays of riches. God values humble and determined hearts that love at all costs. In this episode, we will follow Mary and Joseph to the small town of David, Bethlehem.

Pay attention to the way they love and serve each other. It is a revelation into the servant heart of Christ. We will begin this episode with a prelude. Only this prelude is not from another passage in Scripture. We will take a look at history and the context surrounding the census. The rise of Caesar Augustus is a well-known story, but we rarely associate it with the birth of Christ.

However, it was the rise of this emperor that set the stage for Christ to come. Pay attention to the contrast between the birth of Jesus and the rise of Caesar. These two kings are linked by destiny, but couldn't be more different. One came with an iron fist, the other came with a gentle hand. One came with an army, the other came as a baby. I can't wait to share this story with you. Without further ado...

Here's episode three, God With Us. Are you ready to have your bacon-loving mind blown? Well, here it is. Oscar Mayer takes 12 hours to smoke some delicious thick-cut bacon. Most other bacon out there is smoked for four to six hours.

But Oscar Mayer doubles that time. Let's put that into perspective. You could drive from Detroit to Omaha and Oscar Mayer thick cut bacon wouldn't be finished smoking. You could spend the morning and all afternoon watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy in full. You could even go to bed, get a full night's sleep, wake up, show up,

shower, have breakfast, including some delicious Oscar Mayer bacon, and then drive to work and to think that the bacon would still be smoking. The point is, all of these take at least half a day to complete, and Oscar Mayer takes the best cuts and smokes them over real hardwood chips for a really long time until it tastes really good. So buy some Oscar Mayer thick-cut bacon now and enjoy.

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In Orlando, anything is possible if you can imagine it. Plan your escape today and save at visitorlando.com. That's visitorlando.com for everything you need for an amazing getaway. Prelude to Chapter 3. He was born with the name Octavian. Nephew to Julius Caesar, Octavian quickly became the favored son of the Roman Empire. The great Julius Caesar had conquered much, but not without making enemies.

He was brutally murdered, and Octavian, along with two others, Mark Antony and Lepidus, split the empire three ways. For decades, the entire land in the east was brutalized by rivalry, war, and political unrest. Octavian and Antony became rivals, and for years they threw hundreds of thousands of men at one another for the right to be sole ruler of the empire.

Although he was outnumbered, Octavian mobilized his men brilliantly and defeated the combined forces of Antony and Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. Octavian stood over mounds of sacrificed soldiers, looking at the horizon. After many long years, he was finally sole ruler of Rome, Caesar Augustus.

The Roman Empire, far reaching towards the east, had been wrecked by war, destruction, and corruption. Its farms had been blighted by neglect. Its cities were raided to fund the civil war. Trade had declined, and with it, the wealth of the common people. No one was left unaffected. From the rich and influential to the commoner and beggar and longing for a savior. Caesar Augustus was eager to fill that role.

With his newfound power over the entire empire, Caesar Augustus sought to bring order to the chaos. He had diminished Rome's enemies, brought political stability, and restored the economy through his conquest of Egypt. Political unity was at hand. Finally, after years of suffering, the Roman people were beginning to feel at peace. However, not all were benefactors of Rome's success.

Caesar Augustus took Rome to new heights, but not without a price. He demanded absolute power and undivided devotion from his people. The Roman Senate was reduced to nothing, and Augustus rose above the title of emperor and was now revered as a god himself. Augustus exalted himself and demanded reverence, not just as a great leader, but as a deity.

His soldiers were no longer mere soldiers, but devoted followers. His governors were no longer distributors of order, but priests. All of them bowed down at the altar of a false lord. The people of Israel watched as their independence was slowly stripped away. More soldiers laced the city streets. The morally corrupt culture of Rome spilled through its homes like a rushing tide.

The people of God watched as their culture was watered down by the waves of Roman oppression. Every Jew who was brutalized by a Roman soldier or taxed beyond their limit pined for the days of King David. They longed for a time when Israel was secure, protected, and flourishing. They longed for the redemption that was to come.

And they clung to the promised Messiah, spoken of to David before his death, saying, When your days are over, and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my name.

and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. They longed for the champion of the people spoken of by Isaiah that said, The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned. They waited eagerly for that light. They desired a king of their own to restore peace, prosperity, and holiness to the people of God.

They desired a conquering emperor to rival Caesar and reclaim the promised land. They expected a political and economic revival to be ushered in by a gleaming hero with an army behind him. Yet no one expected what was about to come. Chapter 3, God With Us By decree of Lord Caesar Augustus, all must return, each man and his family, to the land of his forefathers to be registered and taxed.

This is the final word of our Lord. Neglecting to comply will be met with swift punishment by the law of Rome. After declaring these things in front of the entire village, the Roman centurion nailed the decree to a post in the center of Nazareth. Joseph watched from afar with worry on his face. But Mary is eight months pregnant, he thought to himself. Joseph and Mary were both descendants of David.

Their homeland was the birthplace of Israel's great king, Bethlehem. The road to Bethlehem from Nazareth was not for the faint of heart. At best, it was a week's journey, but Mary was well into the later stages of pregnancy. The roads were unpaved, and the forests were filled with lions, bears, and wild boar. And the roads will no doubt lure in robbers, Joseph thought.

He cringed at the thought of taking Mary over ninety miles through the wilderness in her condition. There was no doubt that in order to survive this journey, every day would have to be blessed by God. So Joseph gathered Mary and provisions for the trip, and the two were off for Bethlehem the next day. It was late, and the evening sky was painted with bright stars.

It had been a long week of traversing rough ground, and Mary was fast asleep. Joseph looked up at the expanse above him, listening to the evening winds whistling through the canyons far off. A sense of smallness came over him as he looked at the heavens above. He thought about his forefather, David, and how he must have felt trekking the wilderness under these very same stars. The heavens declare the glory of God.

and the skies proclaimed the work of his hands, Joseph whispered. Quoting a psalm of David, Joseph looked down at Mary sleeping beside him. He stroked her hair and covered her shoulder with the blanket. Who am I? Joseph thought to himself. Who am I that God would trust me with this? He sat up all night, determined to protect Mary and the unborn child. In just a day's time, they would be in Bethlehem.

He looked at his wife, filled with tender love for her and the baby living within. She would give birth any day now, and Joseph knew time was running out. The wool blanket covering Mary's face was damp from morning dew. The morning sun had peaked above the valley, kissing the horizon with a beautiful orange hue. Mary sat up and winced. Her hips were tender from a long night sleeping on her side.

At this point in her pregnancy, good sleep was hard to come by. She rubbed her eyes and saw Joseph already packing the donkey for the final stretch of their journey. She smiled as she watched her husband diligently preparing. He had sold half his tools to buy that donkey. A traveling animal of that size was worth a small fortune. But Joseph was always willing to sacrifice. He had the heart of a true man of God.

and she loved him for it. Mary saddled up and rode as Joseph walked beside them. Her constant discomfort made it a particularly long final day, and the pains of childbirth were beginning to slowly rise. As they approached Bethlehem, Joseph became increasingly more anxious. Everyone had already arrived for the census. Hundreds of thousands of people had returned to Bethlehem to register.

Mary sat near a well in the middle of the city as Joseph frantically knocked on every door he could find. Not only was every inn in town full, but all of Mary and Joseph's relatives that resided in Bethlehem had rejected them. Mary being pregnant with a child that was not Joseph's was scandalous. As Joseph knocked on every door, Mary's screams became louder and louder.

Joseph picked Mary up in his arms and ran down the road to the largest inn in town. "Help us, please! Somebody help us!" Joseph cried out. Joseph slammed his head against the large wooden door of the inn, keeping Mary firmly in his arms. There was no answer. Joseph could hear laughter coming from inside.

Joseph yelled even louder. Please, anybody! Still no answer. Only the white noise of people enjoying a hearty meal in good company. Joseph could no longer wait. With Mary still cradled in his arms, Joseph lifted his leg and kicked the door open. It slammed with dramatic force, but it was still not enough noise to grab anyone's attention. Joseph then saw why nobody had answered his calls for help.

The inn was filled to the brim with guests, and there was barely any room for people to spread their arms, let alone hear a sound from outside. Joseph spotted the innkeeper bussing empty cups in the corner. Joseph called out to him, "Innkeeper! Innkeeper!" It was enough to catch his attention.

The innkeeper was disheveled. His gray hair was ragged and messy, and his round face was red from the heat of the room. We are full, sir, as you can clearly... The innkeeper stopped mid-sentence as he saw the pregnant Mary crying in Joseph's arms. Have mercy on us, Joseph pleaded. My wife is about to give birth, and there is no one left to help us. The innkeeper stroked his beard.

Concern clearly seen on his face. "My wife and I have given even our own room up, you see," he said with regret. "We truly have no more room, especially no room for your wife to have her privacy." He scratched the back of his head and darted his eyes down the hill behind the inn. "Well, there may be one place I can give you," he said. "Follow me, quick!" Joseph put Mary back on the donkey, and the three of them made their way down a small winding path behind the inn.

Carved into the side of the hill was a cave-like structure that held the goats and donkeys. The sun was beginning its descent over the hills, and Mary's pain was reaching a new level. The innkeeper hung a lantern, illuminating the stable just enough for Mary and Joseph to see. At this point, Mary's pain became more frequent and more painful.

Her cries were louder, and it was clear the baby was on its way soon. I'm sorry that this is all I can do for you, the innkeeper said. Joseph nodded in thanks and attended to Mary. Mary's screams echoed through the cave-like stable. Sweat beat down her brow as her whole body tensed in pain. Joseph was beside Mary, unwavering in his devotion to her. For a few hours, Mary pushed.

For the joy set before her, Mary endured the agony. She willingly laid down her own comfort so that this child may experience life. Mary did not know it at the time, but the son she was about to birth would one day endure his own pain for the sake of others. Her cries continued as the sun finally set over the western hills. Then, as the stars began to sprinkle across the sky like fireflies...

Mary's wails were replaced with the whimpering of a newborn baby in a dusty stable surrounded by a host of farm animals. The promised child of God was born. Mary and Joseph cried as the newborn babe breathed in his first breaths on earth. There were no priests to sound trumpets or incense burned at his feet. Just two doting parents, a few donkeys and sheep, and silence.

It was a truly humble birth for such a long-awaited king. Yet this was the prophecy of Isaiah long before, that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son in the city of Bethlehem and call him Emmanuel, which means God with us. This was that moment, the moment God had promised since the fall of mankind. God himself, creator and the word of life, came down to dwell among mankind.

He did not do so with a procession of gold or a vast army. He did so by coming in the likeness of man, in the most humble of ways. A baby swaddled in a manger. Mary leaned over and kissed his nose. The Spirit of God was present and near. Joseph and Mary found themselves considering the words of Isaiah long ago, saying, For to us a child is born.

To us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. They could not begin to imagine what this child would grow up to do. For now, they held him, kissed him, listened to his cries, and attended to his every need.

For now, they were doting parents, humbly thanking God for the burden and blessing of caring for a king. Are you ready to have your bacon-loving mind blown?

Well, here it is. Oscar Mayer takes 12 hours to smoke some delicious thick-cut bacon. Most other bacon out there is smoked for four to six hours, but Oscar Mayer doubles that time. Let's put that into perspective. You could drive from Detroit to Omaha, and Oscar Mayer thick-cut bacon wouldn't be finished smoking. You could spend the morning and all afternoon watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy in full. You could even go to bed, get a full night's sleep, wake up, shower,

shower, have breakfast, including some delicious Oscar Mayer bacon, and then drive to work and to think that the bacon would still be smoking. The point is, all of these take at least half a day to complete, and Oscar Mayer takes the best cuts and smokes them over real hardwood chips for a really long time until it tastes really good. So buy some Oscar Mayer thick-cut bacon now and enjoy.

Any time, anytime.

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Not too far in the distance, a group of shepherds lay in the fields tending to their sheep. They gazed at the stars as the sheep settled for the night. Together, they pointed out constellations, told stories, and took sips from their wineskins. The valley was silent, and the tall grass swayed to the light breeze. They fixed their eyes on the skies with weary bodies ready for sleep.

As they began to tuck themselves in beside the fire, a gust of wind flew in from all directions. The shepherds leapt to their feet, watching the wind blow out the fire in an instant. An immediate darkness covered them, followed by a burst of light cutting through the horizon like a long blade. The light split in every direction, enveloping the shepherds like a whirlwind. Breaking through the light was the sound of heaven's hosts harmonizing to the light itself.

The shepherds cowered in awe and fear. Their legs trembled as they fell to the ground. Fear not, a voice cried out from the light. We have come with good tidings of great joy. In the town of Bethlehem lies a baby. This child is the Messiah, the Lord, the Savior of the world and redemption of mankind.

The shepherd's eyes widened, taking in the brilliance of the dancing lights around them. Hues of bright orange, pink, and white flurried like a swarm of doves. The angel spoke from the light, saying, Go, therefore, and see for yourself. You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. As he said this, he was immediately surrounded by a choir of more angels, singing,

Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and goodwill towards mankind. And like a vapor in the wind, the lights dissipated and vanished. The melodies of heaven were replaced with the slight breeze of the evening wind. The shepherds sat there quiet for a moment. They looked at one another, dismayed by what had just occurred. Their eyes made their way towards Bethlehem. A few torchlights were still flickering in the distance.

Resting above the city was a new star, unlike any they had seen before. The shepherds wasted no time. They left their things and ran towards Bethlehem to see the newborn king. They knew the child had been born in some sort of stable, since he was lying in a manger. So they searched high and low through every farmhouse and back property they could find. Shepherds were not beloved members of any city. They were typically outcasts and rejects.

It was for that exact reason they had to be careful where they searched. And it was for that exact reason they were all the more honored to see the newborn king. They searched the city for hours until they found the inn. They peered down a small hill towards the back. Below were a few lights illuminating a small stable carved into the hill. They approached quietly. There, in the coolness of the night, they saw him.

The baby was sleeping soundly in a manger, surrounded by straw and torn cloth. He was the most marvelous thing they had ever seen. He did not glow or speak. He did not cry in a strange tune or radiate flames. But the child was absolutely special. The shepherds knew without a shadow of a doubt that they were in the presence of the King of Israel, the Promised One, the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

Mary and Joseph watched as the men paid homage to their newborn king. Tears streamed down their rough faces. Since the fall of humanity, the earth has longed for its savior. Kings and kingdoms had risen and fallen due to greed and corruption. Mankind pined after the righteous king that would lead them into peace. The long-awaited king had come, and the first people who were able to fall at his feet

were lowly shepherds. The thought humbled them beyond words. They blessed Mary and Joseph, paid one last respect to the newborn king, and departed from the stable. Overjoyed, the shepherds proclaimed what they had seen all throughout Bethlehem. Their shouting woke up the town. The praises of the shepherds reached far beyond the limits of Bethlehem. Soon, more would catch wind that the promised king of the Jews had been born.

Jesus was eight days old, and as was custom, it was time for him to be circumcised and dedicated in the temple. The journey from Bethlehem to Jerusalem was not far, although it was difficult for Mary to venture too far outside the city. Joseph led Mary and Jesus to the temple gates. Its walls were vast and magnificent, arrayed with gold, ivory, and cedar. The descendants of David approached the temple.

It was a surreal moment. Sitting under the shadow of the temple gates was a man named Simeon. He sat there quietly every day, watching as newborn children were brought in to be dedicated. The thought of new life being raised in the love of the Lord enlivened him. Yet there was one child in particular he was waiting to see. For years, Simeon had waited to see the Messiah enter the temple gates.

The Lord had told him long ago that he would witness his coming. So he waited patiently. Age had fought against Simeon's will for quite some time, but he was determined to see God's promise fulfilled. He prayed in the shade of the temple walls until the Holy Spirit tugged on his heart. He opened his eyes and saw Mary and Joseph entering the temple courtyard with a small child. Simeon's old heart fluttered in his chest.

His bones ached as he stood to his feet, limping over. "Could this be?" he shouted toward Mary and Joseph. Tears fell down his cheeks as he hobbled over to the child. Startled, Mary stepped back and held Jesus close, but then she looked at the man's eyes. Joy, overwhelming and honest joy could be seen in his eyes.

Simeon extended his reach for the newborn Jesus. Instead of recoiling again, Mary rested him in Simeon's trembling arms. The old man held the baby, tears of joy streaming down his gray beard. He held the child like someone would a chest of gold. In Simeon's gaze was the look of someone who had found his life's purpose. He held the boy up and praised God. Oh my God, now...

I may rest in peace, for I have seen your salvation and held it in my arms. It is the radiance of your glorious grace. Simeon kissed Jesus' forehead and gently handed him back to his mother. Simeon then fixed his eyes on Mary. He held her shoulders, piercing her with his intense gaze. Be warned, my child.

This baby is destined to make many fall and rise. Nations will be built on his shoulders, and many will stumble because of him. He will expose the deep darkness of the heart and restore light to those who love him. However many will seek his life, and a sword will cut straight through your very soul at the sight of him.

After dedicating Jesus in the temple, Mary and Joseph departed back to Bethlehem. There they were able to buy a small home to stay in until they were ready to return to Nazareth. Yet for now, they enjoyed the quiet bliss of Bethlehem. Its green rolling hills and lush open fields were a nice contrast to Nazareth. Together, Mary and Joseph dedicated themselves to caring for Jesus. They tended to His needs and created a home of love

tenderness, and honor towards God. For over a year they remained there, awaiting God's next prompting. The desert sand danced to the evening winds as a caravan of camels walked in formation underneath the eastern stars. The camels were arrayed with the finest materials and ornaments. Riding on their backs were wise men, magi from the south.

Three of them rode in front of the rest: Melchior, Kaspar, and Balthazar. They were men of wealth, magic, and education. They were scholars, astronomers, and alchemists who tracked the stars closely for guidance. They were fascinated by prophecy of all kinds, particularly that of the Hebrew text. According to their estimation, the time of the Messiah was at hand.

And when they saw a new star fixed above the land of Israel, they wasted no time. They rode for weeks, traveling by night in order to follow the new formation of stars. Old scrolls and prophecies spoke of this star. This star was a sign, a sign of the new king of Israel, a sign of the Messiah. The men drew closer to Judea, inquiring about any new happenings in the past year.

As they traveled deeper into the region, whispers of a new king had emerged. According to rumors, a few lowly shepherds had been rambling about their encounter with a host of angels and witnessed the newborn Messiah. The wise men followed the star and bent their ear to any more rumors among the city folk. If there has been a new king born of the Jews, would not the current king know of his whereabouts?

Balthazar inquired. "Surely he should be the one we speak to first." So the men traveled to the palace of Herod, sitting governor and king over the Jewish province. Herod was a clever man, clever enough to remain in the good graces of the emperor while maintaining power over the Jewish people. Herod was a brilliant politician, shrewd as a viper in the grass.

He had a deep lust for power and taxed the people heavily to maintain his authority over them. His paranoia knew no bounds. Caesar Augustus himself claimed that it was better to be Herod's pig than his heir. He would stop at nothing to secure his throne, even murder his own sons. Word reached Herod that the Magi had made their way into the city.

Since they were men of wealth and influence, Herod saw this as an ample opportunity to curry favor with them. Herod had his servants prepare a decadent meal in their honor. He received them with a procession of music and fine wine. The Magi were men of means, therefore accustomed to such hospitality. However, there was a crookedness behind his smile.

and they were not fully trusting of Herod just yet. "My lords, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Herod asked cordially. "Where is the newborn king of the Jews?" the Magi asked. "We have followed the Messiah's star and have come to lavish him with gifts in favor." King Herod winced at their words. He had heard rumors from the shepherds about a newborn baby.

However, Herod was the king of the Jews, and he would not allow a child to cause any sort of disruption to his rule. Herod composed himself and took a sip of his wine. Hiding his silent rage, he beckoned for one of the palace priests. Priest, tell us where the Messiah is prophesied to be born. That would be Bethlehem, my lord, the birthplace of David, he responded. Herod twitched a smile.

He raised his glass to the wise men. There you have it, my lords. Perhaps the rumors are true. We may have a new king in our country. Glory to God! Herod sipped again from his glass. His eyes betrayed his smile. The magi could clearly see him wrestling hatred in his bones. Should you find the child in Bethlehem, I would very much like to know where he is. So that I might worship him, of course.

"Please, if these words are true, send word back to me." The three men bowed, thanking Herod for his hospitality. Herod watched them leave with a smile. As the doors closed, his smile turned quickly into a scowl. "Messiah or not," Herod whispered, "no man, woman, or child shall destroy what I have built." Herod's eyes reflected an ancient evil.

an evil once worn by the face of Pharaoh. He threw his cup against the wall and called for his guard. Bring me the head of every boy under the age of two. Spare no one, including those who would disobey my orders. He sat back on his throne, stewing in his own paranoia. I shall not be undone by an infant, Herod said to himself. Mary was tending to the baby while Joseph tended to the fire.

It was getting late, and the three of them were beginning to wind down for a good night's rest. The air was cool outside, but their home was filled with warmth. Joseph kissed Mary's forehead and then bent down to kiss Jesus' nose. The baby cooed, and the couple smiled down at him. Amidst the madness of raising a baby, there were these small moments of complete bliss.

They prayed to the Lord daily that he might grant them wisdom to protect and nurture this precious gift. As the family shared a moment of tenderness, they heard a pounding at the door. Joseph perked up. Who could be knocking at this hour? Joseph gestured for Mary to stand back while he slowly approached the door. The knocking grew louder and Joseph's heart began to beat faster.

He knew that it was only a matter of time before he was called to defend his bride and the child. Joseph grabbed his chisel and placed it securely behind his back. He opened the door slowly to find three men dressed in fine linens and adorned with jewels waiting behind it. "We have come to worship the newborn king." They bowed at one knee. Joseph couldn't believe his eyes. He looked back at Mary and gestured for her to come forward with the baby.

The wise men entered through the door. Their expensive robes and shining ornaments looked out of place in their humble home. However, when the three men saw Jesus, all status and wealth seemed to disappear. They fell on their faces and bowed before the child. It is an honor, our king, Caspar said. We have traveled far to see you and bow at your feet. Joseph and Mary exchanged looks of amazement.

It was one thing for shepherds to bow at the feet of Jesus, but these were men of royalty, kings in their own right. The Magi brought in a small chest. In it were three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Unbeknownst to the wise men, these gifts would represent the royalty, divinity, and death of Christ. In these offerings were hidden secrets to the life and death of God's chosen king.

The gold represented Christ's royalty and heavenly inheritance. The frankincense represented His divinity, as it was often offered up in temples. And the myrrh represented His death, for it was often used during burial. This interaction between Jesus and the Magi revealed more of who Jesus truly was. He was God Himself, humbled to the point of becoming a child.

After giving the gifts, the men said goodbye and returned to their home. As they were leaving, they considered sending word to Herod. However, God clearly gave them discernment against it, for they could see the jealousy pressed deep down in his heart, ready to overflow at a moment's notice. As the men departed, Joseph and Mary retreated to their bed. Joseph watched Jesus sleep in Mary's arms until his eyes grew heavy

and eventually fell into a deep slumber. "Run, Joseph!" the voice said. "Flee now to Egypt!" it yelled again. Joseph awoke in a sweat, looking around for the voice. Sweat dripped down his head and back. He was panting frantically. He looked around the room again, then at his wife beside him. The child was still resting in her arms. "Was it a dream?" he thought. Joseph got up from the bed and looked out the door.

The city in the distance was illuminated by flames, and Joseph could hear the faint cries of children and frantic mothers. Joseph knew in his bones something was wrong, and the voice he heard was warning him. This is what he was called to do. This is why God chose him, to protect Mary and protect the child. Joseph gathered up all their belongings and loaded them up onto the donkey. Then, gently...

Joseph picked up his wife and the infant in his arms. He rested them softly on the donkey and then led them through the city streets towards the countryside. Smoke was rising and getting closer. The sound of painful screams and wails grew louder. They were disturbing. Guards spread across the nearby cities in Judea, ripping babies out of their mothers' arms.

The streets ran red with infant blood. The Lord wept over Herod's cruelty. Mary held Jesus closely underneath her club so he would remain hidden, while Joseph led them through the streets with the donkey in one hand and chisel in another. Mary gasped as they turned the corner to find a guard dragging a child out of his home and throwing him into a sack. The mother lunged at the guard to save her child, only to meet the tip of the guard's sword

Joseph quickly changed course and took them down an alleyway past the well. The wilderness was in sight, so the three of them darted towards the woods. The three of them ran away to Egypt. There they found refuge until Herod met his bitter end. Eventually, they would return to Nazareth, where the boy Jesus would grow in stature and favor with people. He would increase in his awareness of who he was.

and take his place as the Redeemer and Chosen King. Are you ready to have your bacon-loving mind blown?

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In Orlando, anything is possible if you can imagine it. Plan your escape today and save at VisitOrlando.com. That's VisitOrlando.com for everything you need for an amazing getaway. Merry Christmas, everyone. Even if you are listening to this at a different time, you can't help but feel a little bit of that Christmas spirit while listening to this episode. Most people have heard this story. The Star, the Shepherds, the Manger, and the Magi.

We've experienced this story throughout several different mediums, but that doesn't mean we can't still extract fresh and impactful truths from it. The prelude is a good place to begin since it sets everything in motion for our story to occur.

The prelude highlighted the origin of Caesar Augustus. His rise to power was filled with drama, scandal, bloodshed, and glory. After consolidating power in Rome, Caesar transformed himself from a king to an emperor, then from an emperor to a god. He became the prevailing god of the age, worshipped by many.

Temples were erected to his glory and followers were incredibly devoted. This episode said it well. Let's listen. The Roman Senate was reduced to nothing, and Augustus rose from above the title of emperor and was now revered as a god himself. Augustus exalted himself and demanded reverence, not just as a great leader, but as a deity. His soldiers were no longer mere soldiers, but devoted followers.

His governors were no longer distributors of order, but priests. All of them bowed down at the altar of a false lord. Let's pause together for a moment and consider the contrast between the rise of Caesar and the rise of Christ.

The two stories are fundamentally different. While Caesar conquered, Christ served. While Caesar fought his way to prominence, Jesus arrived in humility. The contrast between Caesar and Christ highlights the difference between the kingdom of the world and the kingdom of heaven.

The kingdoms of the world are about status, power, and greed. The kingdom of heaven is about service, humility, and grace. This episode is not just a description about a hero with humble beginnings. It is a charge for us to consider true greatness in the eyes of God.

In Matthew 20, Jesus tells us about true greatness. He says, You know that the rulers of this world lord their power over the people, and the officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it must be different. Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Mary and Joseph were truly great in this episode. They embodied the essence of Matthew 20 by serving one another and sacrificing their comforts for the sake of Christ. The census could not have come at a worse time, since Mary was in the final weeks of her pregnancy. They were compelled to go by law and had to endure a treacherous journey. However, at the end of it all, Christ was born as it was prophesied, lying in a manger in the city of David.

The hand of God was moving in the midst of the struggle. You never know when inconvenient tasks or hard seasons of life are actually providential, so it is best to endure them with all joy. Mary and Joseph are wonderful examples of endurance and joy.

Since Joseph will not be mentioned much more in our story, let's give him some love here. Joseph was given a very daunting task. It was his responsibility to protect Mary and Jesus at all costs. And we see in this episode that he was constantly on high alert. He took his calling seriously, never demanding anything in return. We can all learn quite a bit from Joseph, who silently served his wife without any need for recognition.

There seemed to be a lot of things working against them in this episode. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was a struggle. The city was crowded and there was no help from their relatives. This is one of the hidden details that we can find in between the lines of Scripture. Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem where all of their kinsmen also had to travel. Yet somehow they were alone and without any help.

Perhaps the scandalous nature of marriage pregnancy made them outcasts among their own people. Later on in Jesus' life, some of the religious leaders mocked the mysterious nature of his birth, insinuating that he didn't know who his real father was.

Jesus wasn't just born into humble circumstances. He was born into scandalous circumstances. Sometimes people aren't going to understand you. They will make assumptions about the way you live or the choices you make. But in the end, what matters most is your relationship with God. Confidence in him will give you the strength to endure the rejection of others.

After a dramatic effort by Joseph to get Mary somewhere to rest, the couple is finally brought to a small cave etched into the side of a hill behind the inn. Most likely, the cave was home to sheep, goats, and possible donkeys. Mary labored for hours, enduring pain for the sake of her son's life.

For those of you who have experienced the joy and struggle of childbirth, you may understand on a greater level what I'm about to share. A woman's labor in childbirth is one of the greatest examples we have of the gospel. A woman endures an intense amount of pain and suffering so the child might be brought into life.

This is what Jesus did for us. He endured pain and suffering so we can experience being born again. The story teased this concept when it said, Mary willingly laid down her own comfort so that this child may experience life. Mary did not know at the time, but the son she was about to birth would one day endure all his own pain for the sake of others. After the birth of Christ, he was visited by shepherds.

If you listen to our series throughout the life of David, you will already have insight into the significance of shepherds in the Bible. God chose the lowly shepherds of the fields to be the first to worship God's Son. This is a foreshadowing of Christ's life, since he will be the good shepherd to tend to the flock of Israel. After the shepherds, the next person to interact with Jesus was Simeon. He foretold, prophesied over the child and gave a foreboding warning.

Be warned, my child. This baby is destined to make many fall and rise. Nations will be built on his shoulders and many will stumble because of him. He will expose the deep darkness of the heart and restore light to those who love him. However, many will seek his life and a sword will cut straight through your very soul at the sight of it.

Simeon's words are a foreshadowing of things to come. The influence of Jesus is felt more palpable today than it was back then. Many nations have risen because of him and many nations have fallen because of him. Many people have come to the light because of him and many people have scurried back into darkness because of him. We all feel the power of Jesus' name, whether we worship it or not.

Mary is also given a warning from Simeon. He warns her that a sword will cut straight through her soul. She would have to watch her baby boy be mocked and crucified.

The final people to see Jesus in this story are the wise men. Now, there is no possible way for us to know how many Magi there actually were. Most stories portray three because there were three gifts, but it could have been dozens. Later tellings of the story in church history identify the Magi by name and even identify their lands of origin. Maltroy hail from Persia, Gaspar from India, and Balthazar from Arabia.

There's speculation in these men, but the literary significance of the gifts is what is most important. The Magi gave three gifts to Jesus, who was most likely between the ages of one and two at this time, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The story gave us wonderful insight into the meaning behind these gifts. Unbeknownst to the wise men, these gifts would represent the royalty, divinity, and death of Christ.

and these offerings were hidden secrets to the life and death of God's chosen king. The gall represents Christ's royalty and heavenly inheritance. The frankincense represented his divinity, as it is often offered up in temples. And the myrrh represented his death, for it was often used during burial. This interaction between Jesus and the Magi revealed more of who Jesus truly was. He was God himself, humbled to the point of becoming a child.

The beginning of Christ's story foreshadows his entire life. He will rule as a king, bringing God's kingdom to earth. He will reveal himself to be God himself, creator and sustainer of life. He will die as a sacrificial lamb, taking away the sins of humanity. The beginning of Jesus' life showed us the entirety of his life.

Now we can look at the rest of his story through the lens of his royalty, divinity, and humility. In our next episode, Jesus's ministry begins. Join us for episode four. This is my son. Thank you for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers, and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to pray.com. Share this podcast with a family member or friend so they can know Jesus Christ in a personal way.

You never know how great of an impact the Bible and this podcast can have on someone's life. God bless. When the time comes to plan your next big getaway, know we got a destination idea for you. Orlando. Just think about it. The thrills at their 15 world-class theme parks, followed by awesome outdoor adventures, amazing food festivals, and top-notch dining spots. Orlando has all that and much more than you'd expect.

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Tackle these situations in stride and of course be annoyed when an unplanned expense comes up, but not let it be something that slows me down. Right. As I did with repairing my credit, you know, hiring somebody to do credit repair for me. That was a gift that I gave myself that allowed me to then, you know, get my first apartment. Right.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. State Farm, proud sponsor of My Cultura Podcast Network. Hey, who doesn't love bacon? And did you know Oscar Mayer smokes their delicious bacon for 12 hours over real hardwood? That's a really long time to perfect the smoky flavor and even longer than it takes to go on a long road trip from Chicago to Pittsburgh, stop for food along the way, and still get there while the bacon is smoking.

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