December 18, 2025 • 17 mins
Joseph and Mary embark on a treacherous journey to Bethlehem. Joseph struggles to keep up his strength, and Mary makes a mistake that may cost them the entire journey.
Today's Bible verse is Romans 8:35, 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):
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ, could
oppression or anguish, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or
peril or sword Romans eight thirty five. Dear Heavenly Father,
in the midst of festive lights, shared laughter and the
(00:20):
joy of giving, we remember the unparalleled gift of your
son Jesus. His birth was the beginning of a promise,
a promise that no circumstance or challenge can ever sever
the bond of love.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
He offers.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
As carols fill the air and we gather with loved ones,
let us be reminded of the unbreakable love of Christ,
a love that chose a humble manger, a love that
endured the Cross, and a love that overcomes every obstacle.
May the warmth of the seas, the joy of Christ's birth,
(01:02):
and the depth of your love remind us that we
are never alone and nothing can truly separate us from
the embrace of Jesus. Thank you, Father for the gift
of your love made manifest in the birth of our Savior.
May our Christmas celebrations be filled with gratitude, joy, and
(01:26):
the everlasting hope found in Christ. In the loving name
of Jesus, we pray amen.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
Ee. By order of Caesar Augustus, all men in their
families are to be registered for a sensus in the
city of their family lineage. Failure to register will result
in punishment. This is the will of Rome.
Speaker 4 (01:57):
His voice, steely and unemotional, echo through the streets and allies,
leaving a chill in the hearts of those who heard it.
His soldiers nailed the decree onto the doorpost of every home.
Pyrineus's voice shouted through the city streets of Nazareth, where
Joseph was buying supplies for his workshop. The proclamation threw
him into a storm of uncertainty and worry. The house
(02:19):
of David. Joseph's lineage was traced back to Bethlehem.
Speaker 5 (02:26):
We're so glad you've joined us on the Bible in
a Year podcast today. The Bible in a Year podcast
is an outreach of PowerPoint Ministries and can only come
to you each week through the support of listeners just
like you. Your support today is so important that we want
to thank you for your gift by giving you a
copy of my book called The Jesus Book. It is
(02:47):
a powerful guide that shows how every book of the
Bible points to Jesus and how his living word, the
truth of God's Word, will transform your life. So to
get a copy of the Jesus Book, simply go to
jail Jack Graham dot org slash Jesus. That's Jack Graham
dot org slash Jesus, and thank you for your support.
(03:09):
Today's episode is a narrative based on Luke Chapter two,
verses one through five. Although the Bible doesn't describe the
long journey Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem,
we know that it must have been wrought with challenges
that tested their young marriage. Romans Chapter eight, verses thirty
eight and thirty nine says, who shall separate us from
(03:32):
the Love of Christ shall tribulation or distress, or persecution
or famine or nakedness or danger or sword. Every episode
from now until the end of our series will showcase
a new struggle. Mary and Joseph must endure robberies, storms, rejection,
and conspiracies. Yet God's love and divine plan will cut
(03:56):
through the tragedy and turn it all into triumph. The
journey to Bethlehem is a poignant reminder of God's powerful love,
a love willing to journey through hardship, risk, uncertainty, and
the darkest valleys to obey God's will. We can imagine
their challenges the physical strain of the journey, societal judgment
(04:19):
due to Mary's mysterious pregnancy, and the anxiety of a
young couple about to become parents. On top of that,
there's the mounting pressure of knowing their child was the
promised Messiah. This episode will feature a new type of
challenge for Mary and Joseph. Trials, challenges, and hardships can
(04:42):
tear a relationship apart or strengthen it. Will this journey
solidify Mary and Joseph's pond or tear them apart. I'd
like to promise you this episode has a happy ending,
but it doesn't. Just like Mary and Joseph, we must
endure momentary trials before stepping into triumph. We must endure
(05:05):
momentary trials before stepping into triumph. Let's immerse ourselves now
in the story. In the end, we'll unpack Christmas themes
to strengthen our faith.
Speaker 4 (05:17):
The streets of Nazareth, usually a buzzed with laughter and trade,
grew anxious and frantic. Families huddled in corners to discuss
the journey ahead, Rumors and tales of treacherous roads rife
with robbers, grew more terrifying by the day. Amidst the chaos,
Joseph waded through the marketplace, gathering the last of their
(05:39):
supplies for the journey ahead. He was no stranger to
the dangers of travel. As a stonemason, he often needed
to do business outside of Nazareth, but with Mary and
her delicate condition, the journey was a heavy burden on
his heart. They'd heard dark tales of bandits lurking in
the desert shadows, striking unsuspecting travelers and leaving.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Them with nothing.
Speaker 4 (06:02):
Joseph felt the weight of his responsibility to protect his
wife and the unborn child. Night after night, as they
prepared for the journey, Joseph would glance at the horizon
as if trying to discern what lay in wait. Mary,
watching him from their doorway, could see the furrows of
worry deepen on his brow. She was relieved that her
(06:22):
husband was strong and capable, but Mary bore a strength
Joseph liked.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
She didn't share Joseph's fear. Instead, she had a peace
that God would provide.
Speaker 4 (06:34):
She was not naive to think tragedy wasn't possible, but
she also knew God wouldn't begin this work if he
did not intend on completing it. One evening, as twilight
painted the horizon with hues of gold and red, Mary
approached her husband. He was lost in thought, his gaze
fixed on the distant roads. His face was painted with
a familiar look of worry. Mary gently touched his shoulder
(06:56):
and spoke softly, What are you thinking about, she asked,
already knowing the answer about tomorrow's journey. Joseph replied, going
through the list in my head to make sure we
have everything we need.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
His face betrayed his words.
Speaker 4 (07:11):
Joseph was consumed with doubt, not in God, but in
his own ability to carry out his duty. Mary resisted
the urge to remind him that he didn't need to worry.
Telling somebody who was anxious to stop worrying was about
as useful as telling a dog not.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
To eat from the ball while it was eating.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
Instead, she leaned against his shoulder and looked quietly at
the horizon. Joseph leaned his cheek closer to her head
and sighed, I know I shouldn't worry, but it's hard
not to especially with what's at stake. She smiled, the
kind of smile that made Joseph's heart melt.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
You have a protector's heart, Joseph. I love that about you. Together,
we can face anything.
Speaker 4 (07:52):
I am sure of it. Her words were reassuring at
the moment, but Joseph still felt a weight on his
shoulders growing heavier. Arked early the following day, Joseph packed
the donkey tightly and hoisted Mary on top. She smiled
down at him, and they left. Families old and young
streamed down the pass out of Nazareth, each one burdened
(08:13):
by the edict of Caesar. They all began in the
same direction, but eventually split down many roads to register
in the city of their heritage. The town of Nazareth
slowly receded into the distance, its familiar sights and sounds
replaced by the vastness of the road. As the days
wore on and the sun deceased, Mary and Joseph set
out camp under the vast canopy of the stars. The
(08:36):
heavens seemed to wink down at them, casting a silvery
glow over the landscape. While Mary rested, Joseph remained awake,
his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger.
The weight of potential threats kept him vigilant. He refused
to sleep. Instead, he leaned back on a stone, with
his hands firmly placed on his dagger. He refused to
(08:57):
let anything harm Merry or the child.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
And let them down.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
Joseph sighed. He peered down at his bride. She shivered
from the cold, so Joseph removed his coat and placed
it on her. I love you, he whispered, softly, stroking
her dark curls. The days melted into one another, a
blur of sunrises and sunsets. The vastness of the desert
stretched before them, its ever changing peaks and valleys, seeming
(09:22):
both majestic and menacing. With every step, the weight of
their journey grew not in their bags, but in their hearts.
By day, the sun bore down on them, its rays unrelenting.
Mary's pregnancy sapped her of strength, but not of her hope.
As they walked, she would wax poetry about the Lord's
blessing on them. Her relentless hope gave Joseph enough to
(09:44):
keep walking beside her and the donkey. By night, the
desert came alive with its secrets, the sounds of wolves
and the distance, and the whispers of the wind. Joseph,
determined and ever watchful, grew wearier with each passing day.
The shadows of rumoured banned, and its played tricks on
his mind, making every rustling bush or distant noise a
potential threat. On the fourth evening, as the sapphire sky
(10:08):
turned deep indigo, Mary took his hand and saw the
exhaustion on Joseph's face.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
You've borne the weight of our journey for so long,
she said gently. Rest now, let me keep watch.
Speaker 4 (10:19):
There was a silent battle in Joseph's eye, the protective
husband against the weary traveler, But in the end, fatigue one.
He nodded, his eyelids heavy and lay down, wrapping himself
in a blanket. Wake me if you sense any danger,
he murmured, his voice ad tired whisper. Mary nodded, her
gaze fixed on the horizon, ears a tune to every sound.
(10:43):
She hummed softly, a lullaby she had once heard long ago,
letting its gentle cadence soothe Joseph into a deep sleep.
But the road, with its myriad of mysteries, had its
own plans, as the night deepened, two shadowy figures approached
their campsite, on by the soft glow of the dying campfire.
They moved stealthily, their intentions clear. They began to pilfer
(11:07):
through Mary and Joseph's belongings in search of money and food.
Engrossed in her thoughts and nodding off from exhaustion, Mary
didn't notice them until it was too late. She turned
to see them and held back panic. Mary wasn't foolish
enough to scream. She knew that if she shouted for Joseph,
they would kill him before he could even reach his feet.
(11:27):
Mary remained still pretending to sleep, occasionally looking over. Her
heart was pounding. She was paralyzed in an unwinnable situation
as she watched the robbers take the donkey with them.
That is when Mary finally chose to speak Joseph. She
whispered in an intense tone, I've taken everything. Joseph rose
(11:49):
frantically and unsheathed his dagger. Hearing Joseph, the robbers quickened
and ran into the thick of the night. Joseph began
to run after them, mind racing with rage and weariness.
Just as he was beginning to gain on the thieves,
he heard Mary's.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Voice, Joseph, where are you?
Speaker 4 (12:06):
Joseph stopped. If he continued, something might happen to Mary.
He watched the dim figures disappear into the night. Joseph
turned back to camp. We've lost everything, he shouted, his
voice trembling with anger and regret. Mary said nothing. Silent
stretched between them. Heavy and thick words unspoken hung in
(12:26):
the air as Joseph buried his face.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
In his hands.
Speaker 4 (12:30):
He was frustrated and boiling over with regret. Mary, trying
to bridge the gap between them, reached out a hand,
but Joseph pulled away, consumed by his internal turmoil. How
are we going to survive without any foods on money?
How are you going to finish the journey without the donkey?
Joseph had sold all his tools to pay for these
(12:50):
supplies and the donkey. He had sacrificed so much, and
now it was all gone. He seethed in anger and disappointment.
Mary thought of defending herself, but chose to remain silent instead.
If Mary was good at anything, it was pondering things
in her heart and allowing deep emotions to be fully processed.
Joseph was uncharacteristically upset, so she gave him space and
(13:13):
returned to her blanket. Neither of them slept that night.
Joseph spent the rest of the night replaying the events
in his mind. The following day wore on in oppressive silence,
Joseph grappling with his guilt turned inward, while Mary, battling
her own regret, longed for the comforting embrace of her husband.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
She wanted to hear him forgive her.
Speaker 4 (13:34):
She wanted them to talk and embrace the trial as
a team, but instead they walked in silence. The desert
around them seemed to mirror their emotional state. Its vastness
was of reflection of the growing cousin between them. Their journey,
which had started with hope and faith, now felt heavy
with despair and doubt. But as with all nights, these
(13:56):
too would pass, giving way to a new dawn and
the promise of redemption.
Speaker 5 (14:02):
During a wedding ceremony, couples vow to stick by each
other through thick and thin. Before God and witnesses, they
stare into each other's eyes and promise to love each
other for better or worse, richer or poorer, and in
sickness or health. During the euphoria and bliss of a wedding,
it's easy to make those vows, but when hardships arise,
(14:26):
the foundation of a marriage is tested. Just as gold
is refined by fire, Removing impurities the trials faced in
a marriage can purify and strengthen the bond between spouses.
This requires intentional dedication, faith, mutual support forgiveness, and most
(14:47):
importantly of all, love. Today's episode brought new struggles for
Mary and Joseph, as if the journey wasn't hard enough,
they lost everything they had for the rest of their journey,
and we get the sense that Joseph blames Mary for it.
Yet we hold on to hope that Mary and Joseph's
(15:08):
relationship will be strengthened in the coming days. Our relationship
with God can be solidified and deepened in the hardest trials.
Our faith is tested when everything seems uncertain, chaotic, or challenging.
When we trust in God's promises and love, we find
(15:29):
hope that endures and love that strengthens us. Hope in
difficult circumstances is a theme that resonates deeply with all
of us. Life can be challenging. It can be unpredictable,
But amidst the storms, there's a beacon of hope we
can cling to. That hope is Jesus, the Savior, born
(15:52):
in the manger in a little town called Bethlehem, after
a challenging journey by two faithful servants. In your own life,
you might be facing a difficult road right now. Remember
that God's promises stand firm. Just as he was with
Mary and Joseph guiding them, He's with you. Cling to him,
(16:16):
Trust in his promises, and let his enduring hope shine
in your circumstances. Remember that our God is greater than
any challenge we might face. The God who guided Mary
and Joseph to Bethlehem and raise Jesus from the dead
is the same God with you today. Let's trust him,
(16:38):
Let's rely on his promises. Let's allow his love to
be the anchor of our hope in any circumstance. In
our next story, Joseph and Mary will desperately search for
supplies as they venture into a nearby city. Joseph's dedication
to Mary will require him to take even more risks.
(16:59):
Join us foreign next episode, The Road to Bethlehem, Part two,
thank you for listening to today's Bible into Year podcast,
and before we go, I wanted to let you know
that the Bible into Your podcast is an outreach of
PowerPoint Ministries and can only come to you each week
through the support of listeners like you. Your support today
(17:21):
is so important that we want to thank you for
your gift by giving you a copy of my book
called The Jesus Book. This book is a powerful guide
that shows how every book in the Bible points to Christ,
and how you can better read and understand the Bible
and how God's Word transforms our lives. So to get
your copy of The Jesus Book, simply go to Jaggraham
(17:43):
dot org slash Jesus. That's Jaggraham dot org slash Jesus
and thank you for your support.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ, could
oppression or anguish, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or
peril or sword Romans eight thirty five. Dear Heavenly Father,
in the midst of festive lights, shared laughter and the
(00:20):
joy of giving, we remember the unparalleled gift of your
son Jesus. His birth was the beginning of a promise,
a promise that no circumstance or challenge can ever sever
the bond of love.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
He offers.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
As carols fill the air and we gather with loved ones,
let us be reminded of the unbreakable love of Christ,
a love that chose a humble manger, a love that
endured the Cross, and a love that overcomes every obstacle.
May the warmth of the seas, the joy of Christ's birth,
(01:02):
and the depth of your love remind us that we
are never alone and nothing can truly separate us from
the embrace of Jesus. Thank you, Father for the gift
of your love made manifest in the birth of our Savior.
May our Christmas celebrations be filled with gratitude, joy, and
(01:26):
the everlasting hope found in Christ. In the loving name
of Jesus, we pray amen.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
Ee. By order of Caesar Augustus, all men in their
families are to be registered for a sensus in the
city of their family lineage. Failure to register will result
in punishment. This is the will of Rome.
Speaker 4 (01:57):
His voice, steely and unemotional, echo through the streets and allies,
leaving a chill in the hearts of those who heard it.
His soldiers nailed the decree onto the doorpost of every home.
Pyrineus's voice shouted through the city streets of Nazareth, where
Joseph was buying supplies for his workshop. The proclamation threw
him into a storm of uncertainty and worry. The house
(02:19):
of David. Joseph's lineage was traced back to Bethlehem.
Speaker 5 (02:26):
We're so glad you've joined us on the Bible in
a Year podcast today. The Bible in a Year podcast
is an outreach of PowerPoint Ministries and can only come
to you each week through the support of listeners just
like you. Your support today is so important that we want
to thank you for your gift by giving you a
copy of my book called The Jesus Book. It is
(02:47):
a powerful guide that shows how every book of the
Bible points to Jesus and how his living word, the
truth of God's Word, will transform your life. So to
get a copy of the Jesus Book, simply go to
jail Jack Graham dot org slash Jesus. That's Jack Graham
dot org slash Jesus, and thank you for your support.
(03:09):
Today's episode is a narrative based on Luke Chapter two,
verses one through five. Although the Bible doesn't describe the
long journey Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem,
we know that it must have been wrought with challenges
that tested their young marriage. Romans Chapter eight, verses thirty
eight and thirty nine says, who shall separate us from
(03:32):
the Love of Christ shall tribulation or distress, or persecution
or famine or nakedness or danger or sword. Every episode
from now until the end of our series will showcase
a new struggle. Mary and Joseph must endure robberies, storms, rejection,
and conspiracies. Yet God's love and divine plan will cut
(03:56):
through the tragedy and turn it all into triumph. The
journey to Bethlehem is a poignant reminder of God's powerful love,
a love willing to journey through hardship, risk, uncertainty, and
the darkest valleys to obey God's will. We can imagine
their challenges the physical strain of the journey, societal judgment
(04:19):
due to Mary's mysterious pregnancy, and the anxiety of a
young couple about to become parents. On top of that,
there's the mounting pressure of knowing their child was the
promised Messiah. This episode will feature a new type of
challenge for Mary and Joseph. Trials, challenges, and hardships can
(04:42):
tear a relationship apart or strengthen it. Will this journey
solidify Mary and Joseph's pond or tear them apart. I'd
like to promise you this episode has a happy ending,
but it doesn't. Just like Mary and Joseph, we must
endure momentary trials before stepping into triumph. We must endure
(05:05):
momentary trials before stepping into triumph. Let's immerse ourselves now
in the story. In the end, we'll unpack Christmas themes
to strengthen our faith.
Speaker 4 (05:17):
The streets of Nazareth, usually a buzzed with laughter and trade,
grew anxious and frantic. Families huddled in corners to discuss
the journey ahead, Rumors and tales of treacherous roads rife
with robbers, grew more terrifying by the day. Amidst the chaos,
Joseph waded through the marketplace, gathering the last of their
(05:39):
supplies for the journey ahead. He was no stranger to
the dangers of travel. As a stonemason, he often needed
to do business outside of Nazareth, but with Mary and
her delicate condition, the journey was a heavy burden on
his heart. They'd heard dark tales of bandits lurking in
the desert shadows, striking unsuspecting travelers and leaving.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Them with nothing.
Speaker 4 (06:02):
Joseph felt the weight of his responsibility to protect his
wife and the unborn child. Night after night, as they
prepared for the journey, Joseph would glance at the horizon
as if trying to discern what lay in wait. Mary,
watching him from their doorway, could see the furrows of
worry deepen on his brow. She was relieved that her
(06:22):
husband was strong and capable, but Mary bore a strength
Joseph liked.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
She didn't share Joseph's fear. Instead, she had a peace
that God would provide.
Speaker 4 (06:34):
She was not naive to think tragedy wasn't possible, but
she also knew God wouldn't begin this work if he
did not intend on completing it. One evening, as twilight
painted the horizon with hues of gold and red, Mary
approached her husband. He was lost in thought, his gaze
fixed on the distant roads. His face was painted with
a familiar look of worry. Mary gently touched his shoulder
(06:56):
and spoke softly, What are you thinking about, she asked,
already knowing the answer about tomorrow's journey. Joseph replied, going
through the list in my head to make sure we
have everything we need.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
His face betrayed his words.
Speaker 4 (07:11):
Joseph was consumed with doubt, not in God, but in
his own ability to carry out his duty. Mary resisted
the urge to remind him that he didn't need to worry.
Telling somebody who was anxious to stop worrying was about
as useful as telling a dog not.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
To eat from the ball while it was eating.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
Instead, she leaned against his shoulder and looked quietly at
the horizon. Joseph leaned his cheek closer to her head
and sighed, I know I shouldn't worry, but it's hard
not to especially with what's at stake. She smiled, the
kind of smile that made Joseph's heart melt.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
You have a protector's heart, Joseph. I love that about you. Together,
we can face anything.
Speaker 4 (07:52):
I am sure of it. Her words were reassuring at
the moment, but Joseph still felt a weight on his
shoulders growing heavier. Arked early the following day, Joseph packed
the donkey tightly and hoisted Mary on top. She smiled
down at him, and they left. Families old and young
streamed down the pass out of Nazareth, each one burdened
(08:13):
by the edict of Caesar. They all began in the
same direction, but eventually split down many roads to register
in the city of their heritage. The town of Nazareth
slowly receded into the distance, its familiar sights and sounds
replaced by the vastness of the road. As the days
wore on and the sun deceased, Mary and Joseph set
out camp under the vast canopy of the stars. The
(08:36):
heavens seemed to wink down at them, casting a silvery
glow over the landscape. While Mary rested, Joseph remained awake,
his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger.
The weight of potential threats kept him vigilant. He refused
to sleep. Instead, he leaned back on a stone, with
his hands firmly placed on his dagger. He refused to
(08:57):
let anything harm Merry or the child.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
And let them down.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
Joseph sighed. He peered down at his bride. She shivered
from the cold, so Joseph removed his coat and placed
it on her. I love you, he whispered, softly, stroking
her dark curls. The days melted into one another, a
blur of sunrises and sunsets. The vastness of the desert
stretched before them, its ever changing peaks and valleys, seeming
(09:22):
both majestic and menacing. With every step, the weight of
their journey grew not in their bags, but in their hearts.
By day, the sun bore down on them, its rays unrelenting.
Mary's pregnancy sapped her of strength, but not of her hope.
As they walked, she would wax poetry about the Lord's
blessing on them. Her relentless hope gave Joseph enough to
(09:44):
keep walking beside her and the donkey. By night, the
desert came alive with its secrets, the sounds of wolves
and the distance, and the whispers of the wind. Joseph,
determined and ever watchful, grew wearier with each passing day.
The shadows of rumoured banned, and its played tricks on
his mind, making every rustling bush or distant noise a
potential threat. On the fourth evening, as the sapphire sky
(10:08):
turned deep indigo, Mary took his hand and saw the
exhaustion on Joseph's face.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
You've borne the weight of our journey for so long,
she said gently. Rest now, let me keep watch.
Speaker 4 (10:19):
There was a silent battle in Joseph's eye, the protective
husband against the weary traveler, But in the end, fatigue one.
He nodded, his eyelids heavy and lay down, wrapping himself
in a blanket. Wake me if you sense any danger,
he murmured, his voice ad tired whisper. Mary nodded, her
gaze fixed on the horizon, ears a tune to every sound.
(10:43):
She hummed softly, a lullaby she had once heard long ago,
letting its gentle cadence soothe Joseph into a deep sleep.
But the road, with its myriad of mysteries, had its
own plans, as the night deepened, two shadowy figures approached
their campsite, on by the soft glow of the dying campfire.
They moved stealthily, their intentions clear. They began to pilfer
(11:07):
through Mary and Joseph's belongings in search of money and food.
Engrossed in her thoughts and nodding off from exhaustion, Mary
didn't notice them until it was too late. She turned
to see them and held back panic. Mary wasn't foolish
enough to scream. She knew that if she shouted for Joseph,
they would kill him before he could even reach his feet.
(11:27):
Mary remained still pretending to sleep, occasionally looking over. Her
heart was pounding. She was paralyzed in an unwinnable situation
as she watched the robbers take the donkey with them.
That is when Mary finally chose to speak Joseph. She
whispered in an intense tone, I've taken everything. Joseph rose
(11:49):
frantically and unsheathed his dagger. Hearing Joseph, the robbers quickened
and ran into the thick of the night. Joseph began
to run after them, mind racing with rage and weariness.
Just as he was beginning to gain on the thieves,
he heard Mary's.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Voice, Joseph, where are you?
Speaker 4 (12:06):
Joseph stopped. If he continued, something might happen to Mary.
He watched the dim figures disappear into the night. Joseph
turned back to camp. We've lost everything, he shouted, his
voice trembling with anger and regret. Mary said nothing. Silent
stretched between them. Heavy and thick words unspoken hung in
(12:26):
the air as Joseph buried his face.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
In his hands.
Speaker 4 (12:30):
He was frustrated and boiling over with regret. Mary, trying
to bridge the gap between them, reached out a hand,
but Joseph pulled away, consumed by his internal turmoil. How
are we going to survive without any foods on money?
How are you going to finish the journey without the donkey?
Joseph had sold all his tools to pay for these
(12:50):
supplies and the donkey. He had sacrificed so much, and
now it was all gone. He seethed in anger and disappointment.
Mary thought of defending herself, but chose to remain silent instead.
If Mary was good at anything, it was pondering things
in her heart and allowing deep emotions to be fully processed.
Joseph was uncharacteristically upset, so she gave him space and
(13:13):
returned to her blanket. Neither of them slept that night.
Joseph spent the rest of the night replaying the events
in his mind. The following day wore on in oppressive silence,
Joseph grappling with his guilt turned inward, while Mary, battling
her own regret, longed for the comforting embrace of her husband.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
She wanted to hear him forgive her.
Speaker 4 (13:34):
She wanted them to talk and embrace the trial as
a team, but instead they walked in silence. The desert
around them seemed to mirror their emotional state. Its vastness
was of reflection of the growing cousin between them. Their journey,
which had started with hope and faith, now felt heavy
with despair and doubt. But as with all nights, these
(13:56):
too would pass, giving way to a new dawn and
the promise of redemption.
Speaker 5 (14:02):
During a wedding ceremony, couples vow to stick by each
other through thick and thin. Before God and witnesses, they
stare into each other's eyes and promise to love each
other for better or worse, richer or poorer, and in
sickness or health. During the euphoria and bliss of a wedding,
it's easy to make those vows, but when hardships arise,
(14:26):
the foundation of a marriage is tested. Just as gold
is refined by fire, Removing impurities the trials faced in
a marriage can purify and strengthen the bond between spouses.
This requires intentional dedication, faith, mutual support forgiveness, and most
(14:47):
importantly of all, love. Today's episode brought new struggles for
Mary and Joseph, as if the journey wasn't hard enough,
they lost everything they had for the rest of their journey,
and we get the sense that Joseph blames Mary for it.
Yet we hold on to hope that Mary and Joseph's
(15:08):
relationship will be strengthened in the coming days. Our relationship
with God can be solidified and deepened in the hardest trials.
Our faith is tested when everything seems uncertain, chaotic, or challenging.
When we trust in God's promises and love, we find
(15:29):
hope that endures and love that strengthens us. Hope in
difficult circumstances is a theme that resonates deeply with all
of us. Life can be challenging. It can be unpredictable,
But amidst the storms, there's a beacon of hope we
can cling to. That hope is Jesus, the Savior, born
(15:52):
in the manger in a little town called Bethlehem, after
a challenging journey by two faithful servants. In your own life,
you might be facing a difficult road right now. Remember
that God's promises stand firm. Just as he was with
Mary and Joseph guiding them, He's with you. Cling to him,
(16:16):
Trust in his promises, and let his enduring hope shine
in your circumstances. Remember that our God is greater than
any challenge we might face. The God who guided Mary
and Joseph to Bethlehem and raise Jesus from the dead
is the same God with you today. Let's trust him,
(16:38):
Let's rely on his promises. Let's allow his love to
be the anchor of our hope in any circumstance. In
our next story, Joseph and Mary will desperately search for
supplies as they venture into a nearby city. Joseph's dedication
to Mary will require him to take even more risks.
(16:59):
Join us foreign next episode, The Road to Bethlehem, Part two,
thank you for listening to today's Bible into Year podcast,
and before we go, I wanted to let you know
that the Bible into Your podcast is an outreach of
PowerPoint Ministries and can only come to you each week
through the support of listeners like you. Your support today
(17:21):
is so important that we want to thank you for
your gift by giving you a copy of my book
called The Jesus Book. This book is a powerful guide
that shows how every book in the Bible points to Christ,
and how you can better read and understand the Bible
and how God's Word transforms our lives. So to get
your copy of The Jesus Book, simply go to Jaggraham
(17:43):
dot org slash Jesus. That's Jaggraham dot org slash Jesus
and thank you for your support.
Host
Jack Graham
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