In order to really get a hold of the complete Christmas message, we’ll need to look beyond the birth of Jesus and the manger scene. The entrance of God into this world as a human being was a prelude to something much bigger than turning water into wine, multiplying fish sandwiches and even raising dead bodies which had been placed into the grave.
God sent Jesus to provide the world with something so massive, magnificent and monumental … that it exceedingly surpasses beyond all that we could ask or think.
After another year of talking about God’s goodness and grace, Christmas gives us a week to reflect upon the birth of Jesus and the miracle of His birth. But on this week’s program, we also discuss his human boyhood and how He grew in wisdom and stature. Other topics this week include The Three Stooges, Adam’s age when he was first created… also the wise men and how tradition has “photoshopped” them into the manger scene.
We're looking forward to returning in the new year with a whole bunch of brand new Growing in Grace podcast episodes, talking about the Good News of Jesus! We're taking a short break from recording next week, but do come back here to GrowingInGrace.org, as Mike and Joel will reflect on 2018 by sharing a few of their favorite episodes from the past year.
Our discussion this week leads us to the birth of Christ and a look at some things that seem to rarely be a part of the conversation. Galatians 4:4-5 states..."God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." All of the ceremonial requirements from the Mosaic law had to be followed and applied after the birth of Jesus in order for his ministry to be valid under the Old Covenant. And what about the traditional view of those wise men from the manger scene? Merry Christmas!