Ethan from Pray.com (Podcast Host) (4:27)

Hello everyone, and welcome to another Christmas episode of the Jesus Podcast. Hi, I'm Ethan from Pray.com Today's episode is a dramatization of Mary and Joseph's marriage. What a strange and beautiful event that must have been. The circumstances surrounding their union were far from ordinary. The customs back then were set in stone, and nobody deviated from them. It was not the path Mary and Joseph imagined for themselves. But I suppose that's how life is. Sometimes we expect life to follow a predictable course, but unexpected twists and turns force us to adapt. The Bible shows us that a life truly lived in obedience to God is rarely predictable. I'm reminded of James, chapter 4, verses 13 through 15, where it talks about making plans. It says, now listen, you who say today or tomorrow will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, if it's the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that. James is communicating an important life lesson for all of us. Life takes unexpected turns. Life takes unexpected turns, and we must look for God's will in all of it. Proverbs 16:9 says, A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. We don't rely on our plans or schedules to get through life. Instead, we rely on the Lord's direction and strength to overcome the unknowns. The Christmas story was filled with unknowns. As this series continues, the plot will thicken and become more dramatic. In all of the turmoil, danger, and mystery, Mary and Joseph must rely on each other for support and on God for guidance. In a sense, that is what Christmas means for all of us. This season is about immersing ourselves in the loving embrace of family and and in the majesty of our God. Let's continue down the road with Joseph as he seeks out Mary. The Lord has given him a dream confirming that Mary is pregnant with God's son. Joseph, determined to do right by Mary, finds her and takes her as his wife. Let's listen now. Join me afterwards so we can unpack Christmas truths and applications to strengthen our faith.

Commercial Announcer (7:19)

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

Ryan Seacrest (7:47)

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It is hot out there this summer, right? But don't sweat it. We got tons of ways to save on your family's favorite personal care items to keep yourself feeling cool and smelling good now through September 9th, earn four times points when you shop for items from your favorite brands like Right Guard, Raw Sugar, Dove Soft Soap and Olay. Then use your points for discounts on groceries or gas on future purchases. Offer end September 9th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

Washable Sofas Advertiser (8:20)

Let's be real Life happens. Kids spill, pets, shed and accidents are inevitable. Find a sofa that can keep up@washablesofas.com Starting at just $699, our sofas are fully machine washable inside and out so you can say goodbye to stains and hello to worry free living. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, they're kid proof, pet friendly and built for everyday life. Plus, changeable fabric covers let you refresh your sofa whenever you want. Need flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa anytime to fit your space, whether it's a growing family room or a cozy apartment. Plus, they're earth friendly and trusted by over 200,000 happy customers. It's time to upgrade to a stress free, mess proof sofa. Visit washablesofas.com today and save that's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

Storyteller/Narrator (Joseph and Mary story) (9:19)

Joseph ran down the hill back to Nazareth with love in his heart and courage in his bones. His dream had provided clarity and purpose. He and Mary were chosen to raise God's son, the chosen Messiah and Savior Israel had been waiting for. Joseph ran to Mary's house, the angel's words still ringing in his ears. His feet barely touched the ground as he rushed to tell her of his divine revelation. He found her in the garden outside her home. She was kneeling, her soft hands delicately tending to the flowers. She had such a grace and elegance. Her beauty, especially now, enraptured Joseph. A flood of memories from the childhood came rushing back to him. Even as a boy, he had always known that she was the one for him. Mary, joseph said softly. She looked up. Her eyes were still tinged with the sadness of their last meeting. Joseph approached slowly and knelt beside her. He took her hand in his, then placed another on her belly and smiled. His name be Jesus. Mary's eyes widened with amazement and relief. Her lips pursed together, holding back tears. Joseph embraced her and allowed her to sob in his arms. He stroked the back of her head and whispered, the angel told me everything I need to know. He pulled back and held her face. He wiped tears from her eyes with his thumbs and smiled. We will struggle, Mary. The people, they will not understand. But I am with you. I will marry you. We will raise this child together as husband and wife. Whatever comes our way, we know the Lord will be on our side. Joseph's words were a healing balm to Mary's soul. She no longer had to carry this burden and blessing on her own. She would have someone by her side to walk the peaks and valleys of God's divine path. She gently touched Joseph's face and said something she had said before, but never with the same weight and meaning.

Commercial Announcer (11:21)

I love you, Joseph.

Storyteller/Narrator (Joseph and Mary story) (11:23)

And those words, spoken honestly and without prompting, were exactly what Joseph needed. Joseph wanted to hold, kiss, and marry her right there in the garden. But he knew he had to show restraint. They had to tread lightly, for the entire village thought Mary had been unfaithful. It would only be a matter of time before they speculated. Joseph was the father, and they had both broken tradition. Mary rose to her feet, sensing the thoughts racing through Joseph's mind.

Commercial Announcer (11:50)

We will have to tell my parents. We will have to tell everyone.

Storyteller/Narrator (Joseph and Mary story) (11:54)

Joseph nodded. Don't worry, he said. Leave it to me, Mary. I will not let anyone dishonor you.

Commercial Announcer (12:00)

We can't keep others from judging us, Mary said. All we can do is obey the Lord and trusts that he will go before us.

Storyteller/Narrator (Joseph and Mary story) (12:08)

The two of them left the garden and ventured to Mary's home. There they sat together and explained everything to her parents. Mary's father listened skeptically, the cultural traditions and judgments weighing heavily on his mind. He did not reject Joseph's words outright, but wore an expression of deep concern. The villagers and extended family, too, were unreceptive whispers of scandal and disbelief circulating like a bitter wind. Even so, Joseph and Mary were determined to be wed. They planned a modest wedding, simple but filled with the profound joy of their unique bond. Mary underwent all the cleansing rituals, and Joseph gathered a few faithful men to blow shofars. They held the ceremony in the olive grove just before sunset. As the day's last rays trickled through the trees, Joseph saw his bride approach. His heart fluttered at the sight of her. Although their union was under strange circumstances, he found himself hopeful that his future with Mary would be filled with quiet joy, surrounded by only a few who accepted them. They exchanged vows and gifts. Their eyes met, and in that sacred moment they saw each other and the incredible journey ahead. The excitement for their new life, the child they would raise and the love they would share was captured in that single, timeless glance. That night in the Harper, they did not consummate their marriage. Joseph knew something sacred was at work within Mary. He would not know her intimately until after the birth of Jesus. Instead, he tucked Mary into her bed and laid at her feet. He had a tenderness towards his wife, but it was not a weak devotion. His love was protective and a testament to the strength of his character. By the warm flickering of candlelight, they spoke of their flight, their hopes, their dreams and their fears, but always with faith in each other and in the divine plan that had brought them together. The world might doubt and scorn, but Joseph and Mary knew they were a part of something greater, something beautiful, something eternal. They were not alone. They were guided, protected and loved by the Creator of all things. And that was all they needed.

Commercial Announcer (14:19)

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com foreign.

Ryan Seacrest (14:47)

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Feel good and look good this summer with savings on your personal care favorites and earn four times points now through September 9th. Shop in store or online for items like Dollar Shave Club razors, hydro Silk Razors and Edge Shave Gel. Plus some favorite brands like Tampax, Pearl, Depend and Poise to earn four times points to use for later discounts on groceries or gas. Hurry in before these deals are gone. Offer end September 9th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

Washable Sofas Advertiser (15:19)

Life's messy we're talking spills, stains, pets and kids. But with Annabe, you never have to stress about messes again. @washablesofas.com Discover Annabe sofas the only fully machine washable sofas inside and out starting at just $699. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, that means fewer stains and more peace of mind. Designed for real life, our sofas feature changeable fabric covers allowing you to refresh your style anytime. Need flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa effortlessly. Perfect for cozy apartments or spacious homes. Plus, they're earth friendly and built to last. That's why over 200,000 happy customers have made the switch. Upgrade your space to visit washablesofas.com now and bring home a sofa made for life. That's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply in deciding.

Ethan from Pray.com (Podcast Host) (16:20)

To marry Mary, Joseph demonstrated his obedience to God's directive and his willingness to face potential societal backlash. Even though the rest of the world might not understand Mary and Joseph's predicament, they had each other and that's all they needed. Their decision to get married and remain devoted to each other reflects the strength of the marriage covenant. Marriage is not just a physical bond, nor is it a mere government contract, as some would lead you to believe. Many see marriage as a recognition of two people's love for each other, like being recognized in marriage is a validation of your identity. But marriage is so much more than that. Marriage is a covenant before God, a sacred commitment, and a sanctuary of support, love and strength. Marriage is not just about the world validating your love. If it were, then Joseph and Mary wouldn't have been married since nobody approved of what was happening. No. Marriage is a bond designed to endure trials and the unexpected turns of life, and ultimately, marriage is a reflection of Christ's love for us. In Ephesians, chapter 5, Paul describes marriage as a mysterious and profound image of the love and devotion Christ has for the church and the church has for Christ. Joseph's willingness to proceed with the marriage despite the appearance of scandal highlights marriage as a partnership designed to weather storms. He and Mary must have drawn strength from each other throughout their challenging yet divinely appointed journey. This act is an encouragement for all married couples, a call to stand by each other in the face of adversity, providing mutual support, understanding and love. Marriage is a steady pillar when the world around us begins to crumble. We know that Mary and Joseph must have had that to endure what they did. In the coming episodes, we will see their relationship put to the test as they brave a harrowing journey to Joseph's homeland. Another theme explored in this episode is surrendering expectations. Mary and Joseph both had to surrender their expectations of traditional marriage life. They had to embrace God's extraordinary plan, which involved potential ridicule and misunderstanding from their community. This surrendering of expectations is a central theme of the Christmas narrative. It points to the idea that God's plans often defy human expectations and require our obedience and trust. Yet there seemed to be a misunderstanding many Jews of the time had about the Messiah. They expected some sort of political liberator and king to come and deliver them from Roman oppression. Instead, the Messiah came humbly, feeding the poor and fishing with all the commoners, God's greatest gift to humanity. Jesus arrived in a way that defied all human expectations. Not in a palace, but in a humble stage. Not to a queen, but from a virgin in Nazareth. The willingness of Mary and Joseph to change their expectations and to obediently align with God's plan allowed for the first Christmas and the arrival of our Savior. As we reflect on the Christmas story, we can draw inspiration from Mary and Joseph's experiences. Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but it's also a time to reflect on our own willingness to trust God and when his plans for us defy our expectations. This season, let us remember the strength of the marriage bond as exhibited by Mary and Joseph. Let us also embrace the humility and obedience they showed even when God's plans were beyond their understanding. This Christmas, let us welcome Jesus into our hearts, homes and lives, willing to surrender our expectations and in favor of God's divine plan. Maybe your traditions will be shaken up this year. Maybe dreams will fall through. But you know what? That's okay because the one constant of Christmas is Christ. And that will surely never change. And that will certainly never change. Thank you for joining me today on our journey through the Nativity. Be sure to tune in next time. And as the plot thickens and Mary and Joseph are forced to leave Nazareth because of a decree made by Caesar.

Ryan Seacrest (21:15)

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It is hot out there this summer, right? But don't sweat it. We got tons of ways to save on your family's favorite personal care items to keep yourself feeling cool and smelling good. Now through September 9th, earn four times points when you shop for items from your favorite brands like Right Guard Raw Sugar, Dove Soft Soap and Olay. Then use your points for discounts on groceries or gas on future Purchases offer end September 9th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

Commercial Announcer (21:46)

Gatorade Zero the number one proven electrolyte blend made with zero sugar, designed to hydrate better than water so you can lose more sweat and push more limits. Gatorade Zero is it in you?

Narrator/Promotional Announcer (22:01)

The Disney Plus Hulu HBO Max bundle plan starting at just 16.99amonth.

Ethan from Pray.com (Podcast Host) (22:06)

No one will ever break us apart.

Narrator/Promotional Announcer (22:07)

Catch Marvel Studios Thunderbolts the New Avengers on Disney plus.

Commercial Announcer (22:11)

You can't escape the past.

Narrator/Promotional Announcer (22:12)

Alien Earth on Hulu. This ship Collected Monsters and Final Destination Bloodlines on HBO Max.

Commercial Announcer (22:20)

Death is coming for our family.

Narrator/Promotional Announcer (22:22)

The Disney Plus Hulu HBO Max bundle plans starting at 6.16.99amonth. All these and more streaming soon. Visit Disney Plus Hulu HBOMaxBundle.com for details.

Commercial Announcer (22:31)

This is an iHeart podcast.