The Briefing with Albert Mohler – Episode Summary
Title: The Briefing with Albert Mohler
Host: R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Episode Date: Friday, December 20, 2024
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Description: Cultural Commentary from a Biblical Perspective
1. Introduction: The Significance of Christmas
Albert Mohler opens the episode by acknowledging December 20, 2024, as a pivotal day before the secular holidays, highlighting the upcoming pause in regular business activities due to what Christians celebrate as Christmas. He emphasizes the importance of understanding Christmas from a Christian viewpoint, noting the prevalent hypocrisy and confusion surrounding the holiday in secular culture.
"There is an awful lot of hypocrisy and confusion about Christmas in the secular culture." [00:00]
2. Historical Perspectives on Christmas Observance
Mohler delves into the controversial history of Christmas within Christian traditions, particularly among the Puritans. He explains that Puritans were wary of Christmas celebrations, associating them with Roman Catholic festivals and pagan traditions, fearing theological errors and spiritual missteps.
"The Puritans on both sides of the Atlantic were quite concerned about worldly amusements and worldly pleasures." [00:01]
He contrasts this with the broader Protestant Reformation, which had varied stances on Christmas, with some factions maintaining the church calendar and celebrating saints' days.
3. The Reformation’s Influence on Christmas Traditions
Focusing on Martin Luther’s role, Mohler highlights how Lutheran reforms in Germany preserved many elements of the traditional church calendar, including saints' days and certain festive practices. Unlike more radical Protestants, Luther acknowledged the significance of Christmas, contributing to the development of traditions like the Christmas tree.
"Martin Luther maintained much of the church calendar. Luther even allowed for the observation of saints days." [00:10]
4. Prince Albert and the Popularization of the Christmas Tree
Mohler narrates the transformation of Christmas traditions through Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, husband to Queen Victoria. He credits Prince Albert with introducing the Christmas tree to Great Britain, a practice that gained widespread acceptance after an influential illustration of the royal family celebrating with a decorated tree was published.
"Prince Albert arranged for an illustrator to draw Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their children celebrating Christmas. That was earth shaking." [00:20]
This cultural shift helped legitimize the Christmas tree, making it a staple in both British and American homes, despite its German origins.
5. Martin Luther’s Theology and the Incarnation
Mohler praises Martin Luther’s theological contributions, particularly his understanding of Christmas and the Incarnation. He underscores Luther’s emphasis on the incarnation as the Word becoming flesh for humanity’s salvation, highlighting the importance of affirming all aspects of Christ’s life, including the virgin birth and bodily resurrection.
"He wrote widely on the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ... it is the word become flesh for our salvation." [00:30]
Mohler urges listeners to embrace traditional hymns that reflect these theological truths, advocating for their continued use in worship.
6. Listener Questions and Answers
a. Dual Fulfillment of Prophecies (Matthew and Hosea)
A listener from Portland, Oregon, asks about Matthew 2:15 and its fulfillment of Hosea 11:1, questioning whether Hosea foresaw this future event or if Matthew interpreted it through a new lens. Mohler explains the concept of dual fulfillment in Scripture, where prophecies have both immediate and ultimate fulfillments, guided by the Holy Spirit.
"This just points to the wonder and the power of God's prophecy." [00:45]
b. Fulfillment of the Law and the Law of Moses
Another question addresses the belief that Jesus came to fulfill the Law of Moses and whether believers should continue to uphold it. Mohler clarifies that while Jesus fulfilled the Mosaic Law, Christians are now under the law of Christ, which emphasizes internal obedience over external adherence.
"We are now under no law. We are not under the law of Moses." [01:00]
c. Singing Christmas Music Year-Round
A young listener inquires why Christmas music isn't sung throughout the year, similar to Resurrection songs. Mohler agrees, advocating for the continual praise of God's incarnation and the significance of traditional hymns that encapsulate the birth and work of Christ.
"There is no reason that Christmas music should be restricted to Christmas tide." [01:15]
d. Christ’s Humanity and Sinlessness as a Baby
A question from a child wonders if Jesus, being holy and perfect, ever fussed as a baby and if such behavior is sinful. Mohler reassures that as Jesus became man, he exhibited human behaviors without sin, distinguishing between normal infant distress and sinful actions.
"A baby being a baby, registering hunger... is not at all necessarily sinning." [01:25]
e. Pagan Origins of Christmas Trees and Separation from Paganism
A student from Boyce College asks about the pagan origins of Christmas trees and the responsibility to separate Christmas traditions from paganism. Mohler acknowledges the pagan roots but emphasizes that the contemporary use of Christmas trees lacks their original pagan significance, urging believers to focus on the Christian meanings.
"If a tree represents paganism to you, do not put it in your house." [01:35]
7. Conclusion: Embracing a Christ-Centered Christmas
As the episode wraps up, Mohler offers a prayer and encourages listeners to celebrate a Christ-centered Christmas filled with the joy of the Gospel. He expresses hope that the cultural understanding of Christmas will deepen, leading more people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
"My prayer and hope for every single one of you... is that you will have a glorious Christ honoring Christmas." [01:50]
Mohler also reminds listeners of the upcoming Christmas break and anticipates returning with new content in January.
"Lord willing, I'll meet you again on January 6th, 2025." [02:00]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- "There is an awful lot of hypocrisy and confusion about Christmas in the secular culture." [00:00]
- "The Puritans on both sides of the Atlantic were quite concerned about worldly amusements and worldly pleasures." [00:01]
- "Martin Luther maintained much of the church calendar. Luther even allowed for the observation of saints days." [00:10]
- "Prince Albert arranged for an illustrator to draw Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their children celebrating Christmas. That was earth shaking." [00:20]
- "He wrote widely on the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ... it is the word become flesh for our salvation." [00:30]
- "This just points to the wonder and the power of God's prophecy." [00:45]
- "We are now under no law. We are not under the law of Moses." [01:00]
- "There is no reason that Christmas music should be restricted to Christmas tide." [01:15]
- "A baby being a baby, registering hunger... is not at all necessarily sinning." [01:25]
- "If a tree represents paganism to you, do not put it in your house." [01:35]
- "My prayer and hope for every single one of you... is that you will have a glorious Christ honoring Christmas." [01:50]
- "Lord willing, I'll meet you again on January 6th, 2025." [02:00]
Final Thoughts
Albert Mohler's December 20, 2024 episode of The Briefing offers a comprehensive and theologically rich exploration of Christmas from a Christian perspective. By intertwining historical context, theological insights, and practical guidance, Mohler addresses contemporary questions and challenges, encouraging believers to embrace a meaningful and Christ-centered celebration of Christmas.