Before the Birth of Jesus: Untangling the Nativity Story

We all know the Christmas story…or do we? Join hosts Sandy Laws and Jeremiah as we peel back the layers of cultural nostalgia to rediscover the rich, messy, and profound truth of Jesus’ birth.

In this kickoff episode of Journey to Bethlehem, we explore the ancient prophecies, the waiting, and the wonder of God’s perfect timing.

Together, we’ll look beyond the tinsel and traditions to find the story of a Savior who meets us in our humanity. If you’ve ever felt the tug to make Christmas about something deeper, this is where the journey begins.

What to Expect
Introduction: Insights into the Nativity Story’s modern-day significance, led by Sandy and Jeremiah God’s Timing in 1st Century Israel: An exploration of the historical and cultural significance of the era and place of Jesus’s birth The Role of Prophets: A closer look at the prophecies predicting Jesus’s arrival and their lasting impact Synthesizing the Story: Gaining a clearer understanding of how the Nativity fits into the broader Christian theology

Why Listen?
Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, political, and spiritual environment in 1st century Israel, enriching your appreciation of the Nativity story Learn how ancient prophecies laid the groundwork for the arrival of Jesus, offering fresh insights into the divine timing and significance of the events leading up to His birth

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s one way we can shift our focus to Jesus during the Christmas season?
2. How does understanding Israel’s story shape our view of Jesus’ birth?
3. In what ways can the prophets’ anticipation mirror our own longing for God?
4. What Christmas traditions could you reframe to connect more deeply with Jesus?
5. How does this story challenge the way we celebrate Christmas today?