December 8, 2025 • 14 mins
For thousands of years, God followed his people and spoke mightily through heroes, kings, poets, and prophets… But for 400 years, there was silence… What happened in those silent years?
Today's Bible verse is Philippians 2:5-7, from the King James Version.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Have this in mind, which was also in Christ. Jesus,
who existing in the form of God, didn't consider equality
with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself
taking the form of a servant. Being made in the
likeness of men and being found in human form, he
(00:22):
humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, Yes,
the death of the Cross Philippians two five through eight.
Dear Lord, we are in awe of the gift of
you who left the splendor of heaven to be borne
in a humble manger. May your selfless love and humility
(00:46):
inspire us to live lives of compassion, kindness, and self sacrifice.
As we celebrate your birth, our Savior, help us to
embrace the spirit of giving, not just in presence, but
in presence, offering our time, love and empathy to those
(01:08):
around us. May the miracle of Christmas fill our hearts
with gratitude and joy, and may we strive to walk
in your footsteps of sharing your love with a world
in need. In your precious name, we pray, Amen, the.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Entire world resided in the shadow of Rome, Julius Caesar,
Emperor and Genius, reached out his hand and seized power
wherever he could. His authority went unquestioned, and his sword
found the necks of many foes. It was an era
steeped in strife and unrest, when men forged their destinies
(02:00):
amidst the anvil of war and the hammer of politics.
As the glory of Rome was about to blossom under
Julius Caesar, a child was born into the world. Little
did anyone know this child would one day be worshiped
as a god. He would amass followers from nations around
the ancient word, rallying them under his name. This child
(02:25):
was born in the zenith of Roman potential. His name
was Octavian. Hello.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
I'm Jack Graham with today's episode of the Bible in
a Year podcast. But before we began, I want to
let you know about a unique ebook that's yours to
download absolutely free today, is called Breaking Free from Stress,
and my prayer is that it will help you conquer
the daily task and pressures and burdens that bring stress
(02:55):
in your life. Download your free copy of Breaking Free
from Stress today by visiting Jack Graham dot org slash stress.
That's Jack Graham dot org slash stress. We're taking time
from now until Christmas to explore the rich and powerful
story of the Nativity. If the Jesus Podcast has blessed,
(03:17):
you considered following and subscribing to the podcast so you
never miss an episode. So far, we've surveyed some of
the prophecies heralding the coming of Jesus. We saw how
the Messiah's coming was foretold from the beginning, the hope
and longing for a redeemer endured throughout the generations. Before
we're introduced to our classic Christmas heroes like Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary,
(03:41):
and Joseph. We're going back into the and nows of history.
Jesus was born into a unique time in history where
the boot of Rome was pressing against the throat of Israel.
The cruel rule of Caesar Augustus spread across the ancient world.
Let's tune in now to this cinematic retelling of Caesar's
rise to power. We will explore why this story is
(04:04):
paramount to the Christmas message.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Octavian was born under the lineage of Caesar. He was
the adored son of the Roman Empire Julius Caesar. His
illustrious uncle was considered a titan among mortals. He claimed
swaths of land for the Roman Empire with brutality and force.
But were power and conquest bloom, so did the fauns
(04:29):
of treachery. Julius Caesar fell beneath a blade wielded by
his kin, leaving an empire fractured and trembling on the
brink of chaos. Rome was vulnerable and in disarray. Young
Octavian was ready to rise in his uncle's place, determined
to lift Rome and carry its glory on his shoulders.
As Octavian strode for power, he was flagged by Marc,
(04:51):
Anthony and Lepidus, generals in the armies of Caesar. The
three men all claimed Rome as theirs, but only one
could be emperor. Their class was Titanic, splitting the empire
into three realms. Each leader had command over his dominion,
but Octavian would not be denied the throne. Anthony and
Octavian stood as adversaries on the battlefield. Anthony's rage boiled
(05:15):
against Octavian. If the East is to be mine, Anthony
declared his eyes hard with resolve. Then let it be
known that I will not bow to you, Octavian, not
in this lifetime. So the dance began, with each ruler
amassing legions of loyal warriors, their eyes alight with the
fire of the one true king they believed in the
(05:37):
War was brutal, and the once united Rome risked consuming.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
Itself within mark.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Anthony and Queen Cleopatra of egypt A massed in army
they believed to be unwrithed. The blood soaked the sand
as swords and shields clasped. Although their troops were fierce,
Octavian was undeterred by the staggering might of Anthony and Cleopatra.
He mighty, marshaled his men and slaughtered the armies of Anthony.
(06:04):
Lepidus was next, and his troops were subdued and banished
to the far north. On a battlefield now hollowed by
the blood and honor of countless men, Octavia the victor
stood surveying the horizon. He was alone, the last man
standing amidst the ruins of a rivalry that had swallowed
all hope. He stood over the battlefield and marched towards
(06:26):
the summit, overlooking the carnage. His rivals had been defeated,
and no one was left to stand in his way.
His breath misted the cool air as he whispered I.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
Am no longer Octavia.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
I am Caesar Augustus. War wounds ravaged the Roman Empire,
and its people desperately sought peace. With the mantle of
power secure on his shoulders, Caesar Augustus set out to
heal his empire. I have dreamed of a Rome reborn.
He addressed the masses, his voice resonating through the crowd's silence.
(07:01):
Today we embark on a journey towards that dream. His
rule brought stability, silencing the discord that had torn at
the very fabric of Rome. Yet the taste of power
was addictive, and Augustus sought to climb to divine heights.
He reduced the Roman Senate to mere whispers in the
hallways of power, himself rising above the mortal coils to
(07:23):
be revered as a god. His soldiers were disciples, now
his governors, his apostles, all bending their knees in supplication
to their lord and God. The shadow of Rome enveloped
the nation of Israel. Israelites watched in quiet dismay, their
homelands slowly losing its identity under Roman dominance. Rome's insidious
(07:44):
influence diluted their once proud culture. It was like being
under the boot of Babylon once again, amid subjugation and tragedy,
they clumped to God and cried out to him for salvation.
The pain of their oppression fuelled their longing for a hero,
a redeemer. Then they clung to the words of the
prophecy spoken to David long ago. When your days are over,
(08:05):
I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. The
people yearned for the promised savior, a beacon and the
desolation to restore their land and their dignity. Isiah's words
echoed in their hearts. The people walking in darkness have
seen a great light. They waited, their eyes brimming with hope,
their hearts heavy with expectation. They imagined a ruler that
(08:27):
would rival Caesar Augustus. They envisioned a Messiah who had
reclaimed the Holy Mount and thwart the armies of Rome.
They imagined conquests like David and riches like Solomon. Yet
as the wheel of fate turned, no one could have
anticipated the form their redemption would take. Caesar Augustus Emperor
and God families would disrupt their lives and travel to
(08:51):
the homeland of their kin to be counted This census,
another example of Rome's power, would make way for the
Messiah to be born.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
Let's unpack the story of Caesar Augustus together. You may
wonder why we highlighted a part of Caesar's story in
a Christmas podcast. It's because Octavian's rise to power sets
the stage for the Messiah to be born. The tale
of Octavian's assent to the throne is vital for us
to understand because we wouldn't have the Christmas story without it.
(09:24):
His expansive reach into the Eastern world enveloped Israel. Although
the Pax Romana brought unprecedented peace to the Roman Empire,
God's people were pressed for all they had. Increased taxes
and Roman regulation were the crucibles for religious radicals and
self righteousness. That oppression began a domino effect of events
(09:46):
that led to Jesus' birth, most notably the census that
would take Mary and Joseph away from Nazareth and to Bethlehem.
This story also contrasts the reigning kingdom of Rome and
the incoming Kingdom of Christ. Octavian's rise as the sole
ruler of Rome marked a turning point in history. All
(10:07):
of the ancient world was enveloped under his rule, including Israel.
In the times of Moses, David, and Elijah, the idols
of the age were gods like Bail, Dagon, and Asherah.
They were false Canaanite gods who entrapped the people of
Israel in false worship. Yet during the time of Jesus, Peter,
and Paul, the false god was Caesar. Through sheer force
(10:31):
and will power, he made himself to be like a god.
He demanded the worship of his followers, and whoever defied
him faced death. But while Caesar's rule was marked with
brutality and self glorification, Jesus's rule was marked by a
grace and self sacrifice. Christmas is not only a time
(10:53):
to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but it's also
an opportunity to reflect on the kingdom he brought into
this world. This kingdom stands in sharp contrast to the
kingdoms of this world, represented most vividly by Caesar Augustus
during the festive season. Let's explore these contrasts. In the
(11:15):
era when Christ was born, Caesar Augustus ruled a vast empire.
His kingdom was one of conquest, political intrigue and earthly power.
He sought to unify people under the banner of Rome,
but his methods were often forceful and self serving. In
stark contrast, Jesus came to establish a kingdom not of
(11:37):
this world. His reign is one of peace, justice, and righteousness,
founded on love and self sacrifice. The Kingdom of God
transcends all borders, and its king invites all to partake
in its blessings. Caesar Augustus was known for his ambition
and pride. He built monuments to his own glory and
(12:00):
inscribed his name on coins as Son of God. His
rule was characterized by self aggrandizement and the pursuit of
personal power. Jesus, the true Son of God, stands in
total opposition to Caesar's pride and self serving nature. Born
in a manger, living a life of humility, and dying
(12:23):
a criminal's death, Jesus exemplified self sacrifice. He washed his
disciples feet and gave his life for all humanity. The
Gospel of Christ does something extraordinary that no earthly kingdom
can achieve. It creates a people unified that not by nationality, race, creed, culture,
(12:46):
or socio economic status, but by a shared love for Christ.
The Gospel invites all people, rich and poor, jew and gentile,
slave and free to come to Jesus. It tears down
the walls that divide us, offering a common ground in
the person and work of Christ. In Christ, we find
(13:08):
a new identity that transcends all earthly distinctions. We are
children of God, citizens of a heavenly kingdom. Our loyalty
to Christ binds us together in a community that reflects
the love and grace of our King. As we celebrate Christmas,
let us reflect on these profound contrasts. While the kingdom
(13:34):
of Caesar Augustus was characterized by power, pride, and self service,
the Kingdom of God stands as a beacon of love, humility,
and self sacrifice. May we, as followers of Christ, imitate
our humble King. Let us serve one another and love,
(13:54):
recognizing that true greatness in God's Kingdom is found in
being a servant of all. And Finally, as we look
to the Manger, may we see the hope of a
better kingdom, a kingdom not of this world, but one
that is coming. May our hearts be filled with joy
this Christmas as we reflect on the true King and
(14:15):
his Kingdom. May our lives be marked by the humility, love,
and unity to characterize the Kingdom of God. Thank you
for listening to today's Bible into Year podcast. Before we go,
I want to let you know about a unique ebook
that's yours to download absolutely free today. Is called Breaking
(14:36):
Free from Stress, and my prayer is that it will
help you conquer the daily task and pressures and burdens
that bring stress into your life. Download your free copy
of Breaking Free from Stress today by visiting Jaggraham dot
org slash stress. That's Jagraham dot org slash stress.
Have this in mind, which was also in Christ. Jesus,
who existing in the form of God, didn't consider equality
with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself
taking the form of a servant. Being made in the
likeness of men and being found in human form, he
(00:22):
humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, Yes,
the death of the Cross Philippians two five through eight.
Dear Lord, we are in awe of the gift of
you who left the splendor of heaven to be borne
in a humble manger. May your selfless love and humility
(00:46):
inspire us to live lives of compassion, kindness, and self sacrifice.
As we celebrate your birth, our Savior, help us to
embrace the spirit of giving, not just in presence, but
in presence, offering our time, love and empathy to those
(01:08):
around us. May the miracle of Christmas fill our hearts
with gratitude and joy, and may we strive to walk
in your footsteps of sharing your love with a world
in need. In your precious name, we pray, Amen, the.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Entire world resided in the shadow of Rome, Julius Caesar,
Emperor and Genius, reached out his hand and seized power
wherever he could. His authority went unquestioned, and his sword
found the necks of many foes. It was an era
steeped in strife and unrest, when men forged their destinies
(02:00):
amidst the anvil of war and the hammer of politics.
As the glory of Rome was about to blossom under
Julius Caesar, a child was born into the world. Little
did anyone know this child would one day be worshiped
as a god. He would amass followers from nations around
the ancient word, rallying them under his name. This child
(02:25):
was born in the zenith of Roman potential. His name
was Octavian. Hello.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
I'm Jack Graham with today's episode of the Bible in
a Year podcast. But before we began, I want to
let you know about a unique ebook that's yours to
download absolutely free today, is called Breaking Free from Stress,
and my prayer is that it will help you conquer
the daily task and pressures and burdens that bring stress
(02:55):
in your life. Download your free copy of Breaking Free
from Stress today by visiting Jack Graham dot org slash stress.
That's Jack Graham dot org slash stress. We're taking time
from now until Christmas to explore the rich and powerful
story of the Nativity. If the Jesus Podcast has blessed,
(03:17):
you considered following and subscribing to the podcast so you
never miss an episode. So far, we've surveyed some of
the prophecies heralding the coming of Jesus. We saw how
the Messiah's coming was foretold from the beginning, the hope
and longing for a redeemer endured throughout the generations. Before
we're introduced to our classic Christmas heroes like Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary,
(03:41):
and Joseph. We're going back into the and nows of history.
Jesus was born into a unique time in history where
the boot of Rome was pressing against the throat of Israel.
The cruel rule of Caesar Augustus spread across the ancient world.
Let's tune in now to this cinematic retelling of Caesar's
rise to power. We will explore why this story is
(04:04):
paramount to the Christmas message.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Octavian was born under the lineage of Caesar. He was
the adored son of the Roman Empire Julius Caesar. His
illustrious uncle was considered a titan among mortals. He claimed
swaths of land for the Roman Empire with brutality and force.
But were power and conquest bloom, so did the fauns
(04:29):
of treachery. Julius Caesar fell beneath a blade wielded by
his kin, leaving an empire fractured and trembling on the
brink of chaos. Rome was vulnerable and in disarray. Young
Octavian was ready to rise in his uncle's place, determined
to lift Rome and carry its glory on his shoulders.
As Octavian strode for power, he was flagged by Marc,
(04:51):
Anthony and Lepidus, generals in the armies of Caesar. The
three men all claimed Rome as theirs, but only one
could be emperor. Their class was Titanic, splitting the empire
into three realms. Each leader had command over his dominion,
but Octavian would not be denied the throne. Anthony and
Octavian stood as adversaries on the battlefield. Anthony's rage boiled
(05:15):
against Octavian. If the East is to be mine, Anthony
declared his eyes hard with resolve. Then let it be
known that I will not bow to you, Octavian, not
in this lifetime. So the dance began, with each ruler
amassing legions of loyal warriors, their eyes alight with the
fire of the one true king they believed in the
(05:37):
War was brutal, and the once united Rome risked consuming.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
Itself within mark.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Anthony and Queen Cleopatra of egypt A massed in army
they believed to be unwrithed. The blood soaked the sand
as swords and shields clasped. Although their troops were fierce,
Octavian was undeterred by the staggering might of Anthony and Cleopatra.
He mighty, marshaled his men and slaughtered the armies of Anthony.
(06:04):
Lepidus was next, and his troops were subdued and banished
to the far north. On a battlefield now hollowed by
the blood and honor of countless men, Octavia the victor
stood surveying the horizon. He was alone, the last man
standing amidst the ruins of a rivalry that had swallowed
all hope. He stood over the battlefield and marched towards
(06:26):
the summit, overlooking the carnage. His rivals had been defeated,
and no one was left to stand in his way.
His breath misted the cool air as he whispered I.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
Am no longer Octavia.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
I am Caesar Augustus. War wounds ravaged the Roman Empire,
and its people desperately sought peace. With the mantle of
power secure on his shoulders, Caesar Augustus set out to
heal his empire. I have dreamed of a Rome reborn.
He addressed the masses, his voice resonating through the crowd's silence.
(07:01):
Today we embark on a journey towards that dream. His
rule brought stability, silencing the discord that had torn at
the very fabric of Rome. Yet the taste of power
was addictive, and Augustus sought to climb to divine heights.
He reduced the Roman Senate to mere whispers in the
hallways of power, himself rising above the mortal coils to
(07:23):
be revered as a god. His soldiers were disciples, now
his governors, his apostles, all bending their knees in supplication
to their lord and God. The shadow of Rome enveloped
the nation of Israel. Israelites watched in quiet dismay, their
homelands slowly losing its identity under Roman dominance. Rome's insidious
(07:44):
influence diluted their once proud culture. It was like being
under the boot of Babylon once again, amid subjugation and tragedy,
they clumped to God and cried out to him for salvation.
The pain of their oppression fuelled their longing for a hero,
a redeemer. Then they clung to the words of the
prophecy spoken to David long ago. When your days are over,
(08:05):
I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. The
people yearned for the promised savior, a beacon and the
desolation to restore their land and their dignity. Isiah's words
echoed in their hearts. The people walking in darkness have
seen a great light. They waited, their eyes brimming with hope,
their hearts heavy with expectation. They imagined a ruler that
(08:27):
would rival Caesar Augustus. They envisioned a Messiah who had
reclaimed the Holy Mount and thwart the armies of Rome.
They imagined conquests like David and riches like Solomon. Yet
as the wheel of fate turned, no one could have
anticipated the form their redemption would take. Caesar Augustus Emperor
and God families would disrupt their lives and travel to
(08:51):
the homeland of their kin to be counted This census,
another example of Rome's power, would make way for the
Messiah to be born.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
Let's unpack the story of Caesar Augustus together. You may
wonder why we highlighted a part of Caesar's story in
a Christmas podcast. It's because Octavian's rise to power sets
the stage for the Messiah to be born. The tale
of Octavian's assent to the throne is vital for us
to understand because we wouldn't have the Christmas story without it.
(09:24):
His expansive reach into the Eastern world enveloped Israel. Although
the Pax Romana brought unprecedented peace to the Roman Empire,
God's people were pressed for all they had. Increased taxes
and Roman regulation were the crucibles for religious radicals and
self righteousness. That oppression began a domino effect of events
(09:46):
that led to Jesus' birth, most notably the census that
would take Mary and Joseph away from Nazareth and to Bethlehem.
This story also contrasts the reigning kingdom of Rome and
the incoming Kingdom of Christ. Octavian's rise as the sole
ruler of Rome marked a turning point in history. All
(10:07):
of the ancient world was enveloped under his rule, including Israel.
In the times of Moses, David, and Elijah, the idols
of the age were gods like Bail, Dagon, and Asherah.
They were false Canaanite gods who entrapped the people of
Israel in false worship. Yet during the time of Jesus, Peter,
and Paul, the false god was Caesar. Through sheer force
(10:31):
and will power, he made himself to be like a god.
He demanded the worship of his followers, and whoever defied
him faced death. But while Caesar's rule was marked with
brutality and self glorification, Jesus's rule was marked by a
grace and self sacrifice. Christmas is not only a time
(10:53):
to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but it's also
an opportunity to reflect on the kingdom he brought into
this world. This kingdom stands in sharp contrast to the
kingdoms of this world, represented most vividly by Caesar Augustus
during the festive season. Let's explore these contrasts. In the
(11:15):
era when Christ was born, Caesar Augustus ruled a vast empire.
His kingdom was one of conquest, political intrigue and earthly power.
He sought to unify people under the banner of Rome,
but his methods were often forceful and self serving. In
stark contrast, Jesus came to establish a kingdom not of
(11:37):
this world. His reign is one of peace, justice, and righteousness,
founded on love and self sacrifice. The Kingdom of God
transcends all borders, and its king invites all to partake
in its blessings. Caesar Augustus was known for his ambition
and pride. He built monuments to his own glory and
(12:00):
inscribed his name on coins as Son of God. His
rule was characterized by self aggrandizement and the pursuit of
personal power. Jesus, the true Son of God, stands in
total opposition to Caesar's pride and self serving nature. Born
in a manger, living a life of humility, and dying
(12:23):
a criminal's death, Jesus exemplified self sacrifice. He washed his
disciples feet and gave his life for all humanity. The
Gospel of Christ does something extraordinary that no earthly kingdom
can achieve. It creates a people unified that not by nationality, race, creed, culture,
(12:46):
or socio economic status, but by a shared love for Christ.
The Gospel invites all people, rich and poor, jew and gentile,
slave and free to come to Jesus. It tears down
the walls that divide us, offering a common ground in
the person and work of Christ. In Christ, we find
(13:08):
a new identity that transcends all earthly distinctions. We are
children of God, citizens of a heavenly kingdom. Our loyalty
to Christ binds us together in a community that reflects
the love and grace of our King. As we celebrate Christmas,
let us reflect on these profound contrasts. While the kingdom
(13:34):
of Caesar Augustus was characterized by power, pride, and self service,
the Kingdom of God stands as a beacon of love, humility,
and self sacrifice. May we, as followers of Christ, imitate
our humble King. Let us serve one another and love,
(13:54):
recognizing that true greatness in God's Kingdom is found in
being a servant of all. And Finally, as we look
to the Manger, may we see the hope of a
better kingdom, a kingdom not of this world, but one
that is coming. May our hearts be filled with joy
this Christmas as we reflect on the true King and
(14:15):
his Kingdom. May our lives be marked by the humility, love,
and unity to characterize the Kingdom of God. Thank you
for listening to today's Bible into Year podcast. Before we go,
I want to let you know about a unique ebook
that's yours to download absolutely free today. Is called Breaking
(14:36):
Free from Stress, and my prayer is that it will
help you conquer the daily task and pressures and burdens
that bring stress into your life. Download your free copy
of Breaking Free from Stress today by visiting Jaggraham dot
org slash stress. That's Jagraham dot org slash stress.
Host
Jack Graham
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