Christmas Spectacular: 2024

Transcript

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Hello everybody and welcome to a very special episode of Renewed Mindsets.

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I'm Rick, and joining me today is my wonderful co-host, lauren.

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Hey everyone, and Merry Christmas.

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We are so excited to celebrate this joyous season with you, as we gather around to reflect on the birth of our Savior, jesus Christ.

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We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have been with us throughout this incredible year.

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That's right, lauren.

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Your support, your messages and your encouragement have meant the world to us.

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We've been truly blessed to share this journey of renewing our minds and growing in God's wisdom together with each and every one of you.

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And as we celebrate the birth of Christ, let's remember the true meaning of this season.

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It's a time of love, joy, peace and hope.

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It's about God's greatest gift to us His Son Jesus.

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So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of the Renewed Mindsets family.

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We look forward to continuing this journey with you in the coming year.

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Let's dive in today's special episode, celebrating the reason for the season and reflecting on the blessings of this past year.

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And may your hearts be filled with the peace and joy that comes from knowing our Savior.

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Merry Christmas.

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I said Merry Christmas at the beginning, bye.

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Introducing the newest thing in snacking Doc Brown's Nuclear Popcorn Popper, the popcorn popper that never leaves a kernel unpopped.

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This baby is nuclear.

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Doc Brown's Nuclear Popcorn Popper, it's good.

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The following program is brought to you in living color on NBC.

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From the frigid shores of Lake Smith in central Alabama.

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It's the Renewed Mindsets Christmas Spectacular, starring Bob Hope and John Denver, with special guests Dean Martin and Bing Crosby.

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Featuring appearances by TB's Benji, the man of a thousand voices, rich Little From TB's the Brady Bunch, it's the Brady Kids, music by GE Smith and the Saturday Night Live band, and a very special appearance from Charo and now your host of the show, rick Juhasz.

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Thank you, thank you.

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You're so kind, you're so kind.

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Welcome to the 2023 Renewed Mindsets Christmas Spectacular.

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We've got a lot of fun and surprises for you today.

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So why do I hear a wall phone from my grandmother's house?

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Hey, is somebody gonna get that?

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Hello, somebody.

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Would you all please excuse me?

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I need to answer this phone.

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It doesn't look like anybody else is around here.

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Merry Christmas, renewed mindsets.

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Oh, hey.

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Uh-huh.

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Uh-huh.

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Uh-huh.

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I see, yeah, uh-huh.

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Well, okay, then have a Merry.

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Christmas.

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Well folks, bad news, sorry folks park's closed.

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The Moose out front should have told you.

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It looks like the Brady kids decided to have their own Christmas special and the bus with all our guests won't be coming Now now.

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Now, everybody, calm down, calm down, it's gonna be okay.

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I've always got a plan B.

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Let's go, boys.

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Hey, welcome to the Renewed Mindset's Christmas Spectacular.

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In this special episode, we will unravel the true essence of Christmas.

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My first surprise of this show is I have a co-host, jelena McClellan.

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She's here to keep me on track as well as provide a different perspective on Christmas from an international point of view.

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Say hey to everyone, jelena.

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Hey everyone, Trying to keep you on track is going to be a job, but I will do my best.

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Yes, so I grew up in Germany and Christmas was quite different than what I'm used to here in the United States.

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We have a lot of different traditions and I'd love to share some of those with you guys.

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Well, I know.

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I'm looking forward to hearing some of those To understand what Christmas is really about.

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Let's begin by going back over 2,000 years ago.

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Our story begins in a humble manger in Bethlehem.

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Ah, Bethlehem.

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So, Rick, did you know that Germany introduced Advent calendars?

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You don't say you know those cute little sometimes it's pictures.

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I like the chocolate version actually, but anyway they were used by German Protestants during the early 19th century as a way to eagerly anticipate the arrival of Christmas, and it became a really nice tradition that I'm pretty sure is spread quite far across the globe by now.

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I did not know that, and, man, that was random.

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I do like the ones with chocolate inside, though we don't need a calendar to remember why we celebrate this awesome holiday.

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It all started when an angel visited Mary with incredible news.

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As Mary listened intently.

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You mean, I'm going to have a baby intently, you mean, I'm going to have a baby and thus began a journey that would change the course of history forever, and we present to you tonight the Road to Bethlehem.

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Joseph, Joseph, it's time for a rest.

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Yes, a rest.

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Can you go a bit more?

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How much further, all the way to Bethlehem?

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Perhaps it's time for a rest.

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Very well, joseph ties up the mules.

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Mary finds a rock to sit on.

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You're quiet, joseph, am I?

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Yes, are you angry?

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You get quiet when you're angry.

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I'm not angry.

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Tired.

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Yes, you wish we were making better time.

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It's a long time to be on this road.

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The sooner we get to Bethlehem, the better.

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I'm sorry I'm slowing us down.

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I could try riding again for a little bit.

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No, don't rush.

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Don't mistake me, I want to get to Bethlehem for your sake, so that you can rest, but we'll go at your pace.

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Of course, I got no wish to rush you or rush him, definitely not.

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Mary and Joseph sit together in silence.

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It has been a long road to get here.

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From Nazareth.

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Not the actual road, joseph, I mean these long nine months To bring us here, just outside of Bethlehem and ready to Don't even say it.

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You gotta hold off until we at least get into town.

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Ugh, the thought of giving birth in a dirty inn troubles me.

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It is no place for labor.

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I'd rather be home.

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What?

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Nothing.

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You had that look on your face.

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What are you not telling me?

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It's nothing.

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You need to worry, joseph.

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Tell me the census.

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It's bringing a lot of people to Bethlehem and probably maybe we won't get a room.

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Is that what you're telling me?

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I don't have any way of knowing, but the sooner so what Shall I give birth?

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in the street, or on the back of that mule?

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God will provide something.

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If not a room, then Perhaps a pigsty?

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Yes, wouldn't that be perfect, mary.

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I can see why you didn't want to tell me.

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You do get worked up from time to time.

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Can you blame me?

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Blame, no, it's one of the things I love about you.

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Oh, is that right.

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You have spirit, you have heart.

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Few women could handle this the way you have.

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I must admit, it has not been easy.

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Hey, tell me about the angel again.

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Gabriel, yes, I have told you that many times.

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Well, I want to hear it again.

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You're like a child, joseph.

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Fine, I was in my father's house getting things ready for dinner.

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Through the power of technology, we're going to transport you back to that time, and now we present Story of a Messenger.

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It summarizes an angel's involvement in the biblical narrative of Christmas.

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For thousands of years I have delivered God's messages to earth.

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At times his voice is gentle like the whispering wind, personal and sacred.

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Gentle like the whispering wind, personal and sacred.

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Other times he thunders, mighty and strong, to be heard far and wide by anyone who would choose to listen and change.

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Every time his words are exact, true, perfect life itself, from the very source.

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When the maker of heaven and earth takes his moment to speak, the very ground and sky, every plant and beast stops to breathe in and cry of their creator.

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It is more wonderful, more beautiful than anything or anyone could possibly express.

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And this is my purpose to humbly proclaim the messages of the King, with joy and honor of high heaven, to a world waiting, longing for his word.

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Over time, he has chosen a specific group of people to speak to.

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Israel is his loveth among all nations and the storyteller of his plan on earth.

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Beginning with Abraham, isaac and Jacob, continuing through judges and prophets, priests and kings, the whisper of a bigger promise is spoken and heard, remembered and kept Down through time, through a young girl in a little village of Nazareth, mary.

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Mary is her name, chosen among women favored by God and oh so very blessed.

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The message God intended for her was the message of his heart, not only for Mary but for every person for all of eternity.

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This one message birthed messages to shepherds and wise men, men and women of every age and tribe and tongue for centuries to come.

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This message is what heralds every other I have ever delivered God wearing the flesh of humanity as a child Messiah, born to save the world.

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This portion of our program is brought to you by Oxygen.

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Remember, four out of five doctors recommend Oxygen to their patients who enjoy breathing Oxygen.

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It's good.

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And now we pick up where we left off on the road to Bethlehem.

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I saw a bright flash, like a roaring fire, with this radiating heat which seemed to burn my face.

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Suddenly I was in the presence of an angel.

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He said Greetings you, who are highly favored.

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The Lord is with you, which was troubling.

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What kind of greeting was that?

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But Gabriel the angel was very perceptive and he told me not to be afraid.

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He said that I'd found favor with God.

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You will conceive and give birth to a son and you are to call him Jesus, he said.

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He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, the Lord.

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God will give him the throne of his father, David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever.

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His kingdom will never end.

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And you asked how could this be, since you're a virgin?

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I thought you asked me to tell the story.

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Sorry, but yes, that's what I asked.

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And the angel said the Holy Spirit will come on you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, so the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.

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Then he spoke about my cousin, Elizabeth and her child.

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He said that no word from God will ever fail.

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I love that part.

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No word of God will ever fail.

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And you answered.

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What could I answer?

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God saw fit to send me an angel me.

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I said I am the Lord's servant.

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May your word to me be fulfilled.

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And then he left.

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Then he left.

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Sometimes I wish God would have sent angels to our families.

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It would have made things easier.

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Easier, not easy.

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You know, I didn't ask to be put in this situation.

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I didn't either.

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We were chosen, joseph, chosen by God for this.

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Chosen.

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What did he choose?

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A simple carpenter, a girl, a couple of kids, with no money, no resources.

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It's God's plan, joseph, and it's a good thing too.

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If it were anyone else's, I should think this whole situation to be utterly hopeless, joseph.

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I mean it Hopeless.

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You question God's plan.

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I'm just saying I don't see it.

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We got very little money, we're traveling by ourselves.

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God chose us for a reason, joseph, okay, but why?

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Why us?

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Did you ever think about that, Mary?

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Why did he choose us specifically?

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What do you mean?

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I mean, why couldn't it have been somebody else, Somebody more properly equipped for this sort of thing?

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Why now?

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Why in the middle of this census?

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Listen to you.

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Do you think we're the first to ask that question?

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Do you think Moses felt that he was the best equipped to lead our people from slavery?

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Do you think Elijah felt like he was the best person to prophesy against the idols of Baal, or that David was the best warrior to face Goliath?

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God chooses who he chooses.

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Now those men are heroes of our people.

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Who else could have done those things but them?

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Only in hindsight, Joseph.

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Only after the fact is obvious why God chose those men.

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And so what are we supposed to?

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do Hope Hope in God, hope in his wisdom and his plan, hope that God is with us.

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You know, that's what the angels said they would call him Emmanuel.

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God with us.

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No word of God will ever fail.

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Yep, it's almost too fantastic to believe this little guy.

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Is God with us, just us, little Joseph and Mary of Nazareth.

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And that, my husband, is why God chose us.

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Well, come on, dear wife, We've hung out here long enough.

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Joseph helps her up from the rock.

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Perhaps there's room yet left in Bethlehem.

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Yeah, perhaps it does seem strange though, doesn't it?

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What's that?

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The Son of God is going to be born sometime soon, maybe tonight, and we'll be in the sleepy little town of Bethlehem.

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How in the world would anybody know he was even born?

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You know, they really had to love each other and it shows.

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Aw love during Christmas.

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It's just like all those heartwarming romantic comedies on the Hallmark Channel.

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But did you know that the true love lies at the heart of the celebration?

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Absolutely.

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The Bible teaches us that God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son.

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That whoever believes in him shall not die but have everlasting life.

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Well, that's later on in his life.

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Right now, Christmas surprises Woohoo.

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I can't wait for presents and unwrapping them.

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But in today's consumer-driven world it's easy to get caught up in materialism during Christmas.

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But the true spirit of giving lies in love and generosity, knowing that God gave us the greatest gift of all.

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You know, in today's materialistic world it's far too easy to lose sight of the true spirit of Christmas.

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Yet at its core, gift-giving is all about expressing love and generosity.

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And it should remind us of the gifts brought by the Magi.

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By the way, we call them the three kings in Germany, just so you know A little bit more tradition here To give the newborn king of kings gold, myrrh and frankincense.

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You mean fronkincense.

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I was waiting on that.

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Whatever you and your movie quotes, did you know that Christmas itself is a surprising twist in history?

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How's that?

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Well, think about it.

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Mary and Joseph were probably not expecting an angelic visitation or a miraculous birth in Bethlehem, but it happened anyway A surprise package called Jesus.

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Little did they know that the ultimate gift would be cherished by generations.

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The act of giving became an enduring symbol, reminding us to appreciate life's blessings while selflessly helping those in need.

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And now we're proud to present the story of a seeker helping those in need.

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And now we're proud to present the story of a seeker.

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It places the wise man in the biblical narrative prior to the discovery of Jesus in Bethlehem.

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Some people spend their lives searching for wealth or recognition or achievement.

00:19:27.482 --> 00:19:28.846
Others search for beauty or meaning or love.

00:19:28.846 --> 00:19:38.403
I have spent mine searching the scriptures for whispered of the promised Jewish Messiah and the skies for the new star that will herald his birth.

00:19:38.403 --> 00:19:45.083
The more I learn, the more I am consumed with the pursuit of this king.

00:19:45.083 --> 00:19:55.156
There is no doubt he will be great, carrying on the dynasty of his father, david and the wonderful counselor to his people.

00:19:55.156 --> 00:20:10.854
Father David and the wonderful counselor to his people, he is to be a savior and redeemer of Israel, the manifestation of God himself with us in humanity, a promise of light that extends even to the heart of the Gentile.

00:20:10.854 --> 00:20:17.065
But for all I know, there is still so much that perplexes me.

00:20:17.065 --> 00:20:35.220
If the scriptures are correct, it appears he will endure much hardship the betrayal of a friend, the unexplained hatred of his peers, beaten and stripped for the very people he loves.

00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:44.541
Prophecy for prophecy, it seems his calling will cost him his very life.

00:20:44.541 --> 00:20:53.778
How is it he will be both exalted and persecuted, loved and rejected.

00:20:53.778 --> 00:21:00.101
What kind of child, what kind of Messiah is this that we are waiting for?

00:21:00.101 --> 00:21:07.731
The answer may come more quickly than I know.

00:21:07.731 --> 00:21:24.838
There has been some movement in the heavens, a star that must signal his coming, and so there are some making plans, getting themselves ready, preparing gifts with hope that they will be presented to this long-awaited child king.

00:21:24.838 --> 00:21:29.820
I too will be on this journey to Jerusalem.

00:21:29.820 --> 00:21:45.796
I don't know what answers might be found in him, still so tender in his mother's care, but I must go, if only to see him with my eyes and bow my knee in worship.

00:21:45.796 --> 00:21:52.046
This is my life, this is my prayer.

00:21:53.431 --> 00:22:00.015
Preya, you've heard of soap on a rope.

00:22:00.015 --> 00:22:04.438
Well, now, from the makers of Liquid Drain Buster, it's pizza on a string.

00:22:04.438 --> 00:22:09.080
Yes, now you can enjoy a delicious meal of hot pizza even when you take a shower.

00:22:09.080 --> 00:22:13.482
Pizza on a string is definitely not waterproof, but it tastes great.

00:22:13.482 --> 00:22:20.827
Go buy your own pizza on a string today and be on the lookout for our newest product spaghetti shoelaces Pizza on a string.

00:22:20.827 --> 00:22:32.021
It's good.

00:22:32.021 --> 00:22:35.385
Talk about an unexpected delivery service straight from heaven.

00:22:35.385 --> 00:22:40.459
It's just so magnificent.

00:22:40.459 --> 00:22:43.617
I mean, the world was in darkness.

00:22:43.617 --> 00:22:52.259
And then Jesus was born and he is the light of the world, and now we can all see.

00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:58.621
Darkness gave way as joyous tidings spread throughout Bethlehem.

00:22:59.569 --> 00:23:04.182
Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, good will toward men.

00:23:07.632 --> 00:23:11.362
And now we present the story of an outcast.

00:23:11.362 --> 00:23:22.436
This story is about a shepherd that has spent his lifetime in the shadows of Jewish culture, living and learning from afar.

00:23:22.436 --> 00:23:29.800
A spiritual hunger drives him to read the scriptures and discovers a lengthy record of shepherds just like him.

00:23:29.800 --> 00:23:40.941
After the angelic visitation and visiting Jesus in the manger, he is sure the good news is for everyone, even outcasts like shepherds.

00:23:40.941 --> 00:23:54.465
All my life I've been invisible, as my father has been, and my grandfather and his father before that.

00:23:54.465 --> 00:24:06.201
We are shepherds, nameless, faceless, would-be thieves to our countrymen and avoided at any and all costs.

00:24:06.201 --> 00:24:28.138
It is true I've met with my share of shepherds who live up to the underwhelming expectations of my people, but to say we are all despicable and untrustworthy is as ridiculous as saying every priest is hypocritical and power-hungry, although at times I do wonder.

00:24:28.138 --> 00:24:37.298
I may not be allowed into the synagogue and God himself helped me if I stepped foot inside the temple.

00:24:37.298 --> 00:24:41.333
But I have read the scriptures for myself.

00:24:42.734 --> 00:24:45.721
Many of my friends don't want anything to do with God.

00:24:45.721 --> 00:24:58.746
I can't blame them for the way his people treat him, but I've always felt it was my unquestioned duty to rebel against the system, if even in such a tiny, private way.

00:24:58.746 --> 00:25:02.738
This is what I have discovered.

00:25:02.738 --> 00:25:07.558
I don't think God is like any of them.

00:25:07.558 --> 00:25:21.374
Over and over again he uses shepherds for his work Abraham Isaac, jacob, moses, king David, the prophet Amos.

00:25:21.374 --> 00:25:25.637
He even likens himself to a shepherd.

00:25:25.637 --> 00:25:31.240
God says there is something inside of me that's like him.

00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:43.001
The thought is so radical even I have a hard time believing it, but it's there, plain as day, spread throughout the scriptures.

00:25:43.001 --> 00:25:48.301
I've come to wonder if my people secretly cut these passages out.

00:25:48.301 --> 00:25:50.733
It must make them so angry.

00:25:50.733 --> 00:25:55.083
But these are the parts that make me smile.

00:26:01.529 --> 00:26:03.777
The events of last night make me certain my suspicions about God are correct.

00:26:03.777 --> 00:26:15.323
An angel appeared to us late in the fields, singing about good news from God His son's been born to a young girl and a carpenter in Bethlehem.

00:26:15.323 --> 00:26:20.142
He's wrapped up in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.

00:26:20.142 --> 00:26:26.823
The Messiah is here and we have seen him.

00:26:26.823 --> 00:26:37.760
The birth of Jesus brought hope and jubilation.

00:26:37.760 --> 00:26:48.898
Light-filled celebrations became a significant part of Christmas traditions, as people illuminated their homes and streets, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

00:26:48.898 --> 00:27:03.574
And even today, christmas lights brighten the streets of cities and towns all across this great nation and the world, all because the shepherds saw the great light, the star in the sky.

00:27:03.574 --> 00:27:09.406
Hey, yelena, you want to help plug in Christmas lights?

00:27:09.406 --> 00:27:11.721
I'll put on some more music.

00:27:11.721 --> 00:27:16.185
Nothing sets the mood for Christmas better than music and lights.

00:27:16.185 --> 00:27:20.782
Maybe we don't need any lights.

00:27:23.096 --> 00:27:25.884
There's a biblical significance of lights during the Christmas season too.

00:27:27.756 --> 00:27:31.384
Ah yes, sparkly lights everywhere.

00:27:31.384 --> 00:27:36.140
I love the blinky ones, the ones that flash in time with music.

00:27:37.823 --> 00:27:39.445
Okay, blinky lights for you it is.

00:27:39.445 --> 00:27:46.468
But beyond the twinkling decorations, Christmas represents the birth of Jesus as the light of the world.

00:27:47.476 --> 00:27:50.786
So we're not just talking about fancy LED displays.

00:27:52.195 --> 00:28:00.246
It's about recognizing that Jesus brings spiritual illumination to our lives, guiding us through darkness and showing us a path towards hope and salvation.

00:28:04.296 --> 00:28:07.082
Hey, here's one, I found one.

00:28:07.082 --> 00:28:10.449
Here's one that can connect people across borders.

00:28:10.449 --> 00:28:21.442
And, speaking of lights, I got to get these things hooked up, not again.

00:28:26.977 --> 00:28:29.404
So here's one that is dating back centuries.

00:28:29.404 --> 00:28:31.550
It's a tradition is dating back centuries.

00:28:31.550 --> 00:28:35.172
It's a tradition with roots in Germany.

00:28:35.172 --> 00:28:39.685
Before electricity became wildly accessible, candles served as an essential source of light during the dark winter months.

00:28:39.685 --> 00:28:46.866
Right People would place small flickering candles in the windows or lanterns to guide travelers home safely during snowy nights.

00:28:46.866 --> 00:28:58.078
So besides the fact that I love flickering little candles, beyond their practical use for illumination, these lights hold deep symbolic meaning during the holiday season.

00:28:58.078 --> 00:29:07.237
They represent the hope and warmth amidst cold winter days, while also symbolizing guidance for those seeking spiritual enlightenment or searching their way back home.

00:29:07.237 --> 00:29:17.775
Physically or metaphorically speaking, the gentle glow emanating from these lights imparts a sense of comfort and tranquility that resonates with people even today.

00:29:18.435 --> 00:29:21.585
Yeah, I like the blinky ones.

00:29:21.585 --> 00:29:24.964
My goodness, is she ever going to stop talking?

00:29:24.964 --> 00:29:28.044
Did I say that out loud?

00:29:28.044 --> 00:29:31.661
Can I do that?

00:29:33.836 --> 00:29:35.162
Again with the blinky lights.

00:29:35.162 --> 00:29:46.463
Another beloved German custom involving lights is showcased through intricately crafted wooden objects called Weihnachtspyramide or Christmas Pyramids.

00:29:46.463 --> 00:29:54.625
These structures consist of several tiers adorned with figurines depicting traditional nativity scenes or festive motives.

00:29:54.625 --> 00:30:01.762
As the tiers rotate, powered by the heat generated from candles placed at its bottom, the mesmerizing display comes to life.

00:30:01.762 --> 00:30:07.223
The pyramids not only add beauty and elegance to homes, but also serve as a reminder of Christ's birth.

00:30:07.223 --> 00:30:15.605
And just for you, I broke my aunt's Christmas Pyramide every single year trying to put the little wooden pieces together.

00:30:15.605 --> 00:30:16.960
It was fun to play with, though.

00:30:17.757 --> 00:30:19.666
I just broke my tongue trying to say it.

00:30:20.654 --> 00:30:21.800
Weihnacht Pyramide.

00:30:24.035 --> 00:30:26.121
Weihnacht Pyramide.

00:30:27.785 --> 00:30:28.366
Moving on.

00:30:28.366 --> 00:30:36.664
A fascinating aspect of this tradition is found in the Schöpagens, commonly displayed in windows during Advent and Christmas time.

00:30:36.664 --> 00:30:40.506
It's a decorated wooden arch illuminated by candles or electric lights.

00:30:40.506 --> 00:30:53.086
It comes from Germany's Erzgebirge region, and these arches often depict intricate scenes from everyday life or religious imagery, providing a warm and inviting glow that welcomes family and friends in their homes.

00:30:53.086 --> 00:30:57.978
You know what I actually now remember that my aunt also had one of those, but she didn't call it a Schwabogen.

00:30:58.337 --> 00:30:59.099
What does she call it?

00:30:59.299 --> 00:30:59.980
I have no idea.

00:31:01.163 --> 00:31:02.625
Candles Schwabogen.

00:31:04.188 --> 00:31:04.568
Candles?

00:31:04.568 --> 00:31:06.480
I don't know, but she did have one of those.

00:31:12.785 --> 00:31:14.474
Well, you Germans really know how to infuse warmth and light into winter.

00:31:14.474 --> 00:31:19.205
But with all these festive decorations and presents, let's not forget why we exchange gifts on this special day.

00:31:19.205 --> 00:31:26.826
It's not about material possessions, but rather about sharing love and bringing joy to our loved ones' lives.

00:31:26.826 --> 00:31:31.965
Nothing sets the atmosphere for Christmas better than music and lights.

00:31:31.965 --> 00:31:34.159
I love this song.

00:31:34.159 --> 00:31:37.220
It is my favorite Silent Night.

00:31:38.154 --> 00:31:38.856
Well, did you know?

00:31:38.856 --> 00:31:42.207
The Germans also introduced several beloved carols into the festive season.

00:31:42.207 --> 00:31:51.401
One of them is Stille Nacht, or as you call it, Silent Night, which was composed by Franz Gruber near Salzburg, Austria, which is pretty close to Germany.

00:31:52.596 --> 00:32:01.095
Uh, correct me if I'm wrong here, but I thought Franz Gruber took hostages and robbed Nakatomi Tower in Christmas 1988.

00:32:02.076 --> 00:32:07.942
I didn't say Franz Gruber, I said Hans Gruber, and that's from the movie Die Hard, du Volltrottel.

00:32:09.676 --> 00:32:11.624
I am not a weirdo, didn't call you that.

00:32:11.624 --> 00:32:14.402
I don't know what you called me.

00:32:14.402 --> 00:32:15.659
I don't speak.

00:32:15.659 --> 00:32:34.085
Schwabagen and Die Hard is my favorite Christmas movie Now I have a machine gun, ho ho ho and well, Silent Night is a great choice.

00:32:34.085 --> 00:32:42.144
Now let's explore the humble setting of Christmas Cue the nativity scenes and cozy barns.

00:32:42.915 --> 00:32:45.605
I love those little figurines with their adorable clothes and the sheep.

00:32:45.605 --> 00:32:48.604
We actually use a manger instead of a tree to celebrate Christmas.

00:32:49.255 --> 00:32:53.942
You know a lot of people are doing that these days, especially around central Alabama.

00:32:53.942 --> 00:32:55.286
I love it.

00:32:55.286 --> 00:33:00.227
It helps us not to forget that Jesus wasn't born in a five-star hotel.

00:33:00.227 --> 00:33:04.425
It was more like a barnyard bed and breakfast situation.

00:33:07.257 --> 00:33:12.875
I can picture it now Jesus wrapped them in swaddling clothes, while the farm animals curiously watched from their stalls.

00:33:13.758 --> 00:33:23.807
And it teaches us an essential lesson that God chose to enter our world humbly, embracing all people, regardless of social status or wealth.

00:33:24.419 --> 00:33:26.795
Jesus came for all people everywhere.

00:33:28.259 --> 00:33:35.224
You know, beyond all the glitz and glamour, Christmas is a time for reflection on the importance of unity and peace.

00:33:36.667 --> 00:33:37.736
Absolutely so.

00:33:37.736 --> 00:33:40.464
This is one of my favorite things and I really miss this about Germany.

00:33:40.464 --> 00:33:42.823
People come together at the Christkindlesmarkt.

00:33:42.823 --> 00:33:46.019
You want to break your tongue again trying that one Christkindlesmarkt Eh no.

00:33:46.038 --> 00:33:48.723
A delightful Christmas market filled with music and food and crafts in that one, chris Kendall's market Eh nine.

00:33:49.605 --> 00:33:59.145
A delightful Christmas market filled with music and food and crafts and funny banter between co-hosts Rick.

00:33:59.145 --> 00:34:05.166
It creates an atmosphere where laughter intertwines with merriment as friends.

00:34:05.616 --> 00:34:11.239
I would just love to watch families enjoy each other's company when they're looking at beautiful handmade crafts.

00:34:11.239 --> 00:34:22.867
As people from all walks of life celebrated joy to the world.

00:34:22.867 --> 00:34:35.222
The message reverberated through generations Love your neighbor as yourself.

00:34:35.222 --> 00:34:44.309
It's a reminder that during this festive season, we should embrace unity, spreading kindness and joy to those around us.

00:34:44.309 --> 00:34:48.161
And there you have it.

00:34:48.161 --> 00:34:55.543
And there you have it the true meaning of Christmas, unraveled through history, faith, traditions and even a little bit of fun.

00:34:55.543 --> 00:35:03.621
It's about celebrating the birth of Christ With love and generosity, while embracing joyous traditions that bring us closer together.

00:35:03.621 --> 00:35:31.342
And who can forget those marvelous German contributions, from advent calendars to beautiful Christmas carols, festive markets filled with laughter, weinoctus, pyramids, schwabogens, stille Nacht or Silent Night, christkindlesmarkt, christkindlesmarkt, christkindlesmarkt.

00:35:31.342 --> 00:35:33.027
I'll never get it.

00:35:33.027 --> 00:35:44.163
We didn't have German in school, we took Spanish Nocho de paz, nocho de amor.

00:35:44.163 --> 00:35:45.206
That's all I remember.

00:35:45.206 --> 00:35:52.068
The darkness was soon illuminated as joyous tidings spread throughout Bethlehem.

00:35:52.068 --> 00:35:55.322
Glory to God in the highest.

00:35:55.322 --> 00:36:01.146
The birth of Jesus brought hope and jubilation.

00:36:01.146 --> 00:36:19.568
And now a reading of the Christmas story from the Gospels of Matthew, chapter 2, and Luke, chapter 2.

00:36:21.679 --> 00:36:27.744
In those days, caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

00:36:27.744 --> 00:36:37.525
This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria and everyone went to their own town to register.

00:36:37.525 --> 00:36:49.664
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house in line of David.

00:36:49.664 --> 00:36:57.456
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

00:36:57.456 --> 00:37:05.358

Christmas Spectacular: 2024

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