December 22, 2025 • 45 mins
A small town, a tired couple, and a promise that refuses to break—our Christmas Spectacular brings Bethlehem close enough to touch. We open with warmth and laughter, then step into a vivid journey where Mary and Joseph grapple with fatigue and fear while holding fast to a word that will not fail. Through dramatic scenes, playful banter, and timeless carols, we explore how humility, courage, and love turn a manger into the hinge of history.
Jelena joins us with rich German traditions that light up the season: Advent calendars, candlelit windows, Christmas pyramids, and Schwibbögen. These aren’t just pretty accents; they’re living symbols of hope in winter. We connect their glow to the deeper claim that Jesus is the light of the world, a light that pushes back the dark and gives weary hearts a way forward. Along the way, we laugh at a few holiday misfires and movie mix-ups without losing sight of the heart of the story.
Three intimate monologues widen the lens: a heavenly messenger who speaks truth with tenderness, a scholar-seeker following a star with honest questions, and an outcast shepherd who discovers he’s seen and chosen. Their voices carry us to a Scripture reading from Luke 2 and Matthew 2, where angels announce peace, shepherds run to see, and Magi bow with costly gifts. We challenge the pull of materialism and invite you to give like the wise—offering honor, presence, and generosity that meets real needs. If your season feels rushed or thin, this is a warm, grounded reset toward worship, community, and joy.
Press play to rediscover the meaning behind your lights and lists, and to find fresh hope in a humble story. If the message resonates, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your support keeps these stories and songs shining for more listeners all season long.
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Thank You. I Love You!
SEE YA!
Rick
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_05 (00:51):
Hello everybody and welcome to a very special
episode of Renewed Mindsets.
I'm Rick, and joining me todayis my wonderful co-host Lauren.
SPEAKER_01 (01:01):
Hey everyone, and Merry Christmas! We are so
excited to celebrate this joyousseason with you.
As we gather around to reflecton the birth of our Savior,
Jesus Christ, we want to extendour heartfelt gratitude to all
of you who have been with usthroughout this incredible year.
SPEAKER_05 (01:15):
That's right, Lauren.
Your support, your messages, andyour encouragement have meant
the world to us.
We've been truly blessed toshare this journey of renewing
our minds and growing in God'swisdom together with each and
every one of you.
SPEAKER_01 (01:30):
And as we celebrate the birth of Christ, let's
remember the true meaning ofthis season.
It's a time of love, joy, peace,and hope.
It's about God's greatest giftto us, His Son Jesus.
SPEAKER_05 (01:41):
So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for
being a part of the RenewedMindsets family.
We look forward to continuingthis journey with you in the
coming year.
Let's dive in today's specialepisode celebrating the reason
for the season and reflecting onthe blessings of this past year.
SPEAKER_01 (01:58):
And may your hearts be filled with peace and joy
that comes from knowing ourSavior.
SPEAKER_05 (02:03):
Merry Christmas!
SPEAKER_01 (02:04):
I said Merry Christmas at the beginning.
SPEAKER_04 (02:08):
Bye! Introducing the newest thing in snacking, Doc
Brown's Nuclear Popcorn Popper.
The popcorn popper that neverleaves a kernel unpopped.
This baby is nuclear! And try itwith our new flavor: Meltdown
Butter.
Doc Brown's Nuclear PopcornPopper.
(02:30):
It's good.
SPEAKER_05 (02:52):
From the frigid shores of Lake Smith in central
Alabama, it's the RenewedMindset's Christmas Spectacular.
Starring Bob Hope and JohnDenver.
With special guests, Dean Martinand Bing Crosby.
(03:14):
Featuring appearances by TV'sFenji.
The man of a thousand voices,Rich Little.
From TV's The Brady Bunch, it'sthe Brady Kids.
Music by G.E.
Smith and the Saturday NightLive Band.
(03:35):
And a very special appearancefrom Charo.
And now your host of the show,Rick Uhas.
Thank you, thank you.
You're so kind.
You're so kind.
Welcome to the 2023 RenewedMindsets Christmas Spectacular.
(03:55):
We've got a lot of fun andsurprises for you today, so.
Why do I hear a wall phone frommy grandmother's house?
Hey! Is somebody gonna get that?
Hello?
Somebody?
(04:17):
Would you all please excuse me?
I need to answer this phone.
It doesn't look like anybodyelse is around here.
Merry Christmas.
Renewed mindset.
SPEAKER_03 (04:29):
Oh hey.
I see.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_05 (04:44):
Well, okay then.
Have a Merry Christmas.
Well, folks, bad news.
Sorry, folks, the park's closed.
The moves out front should havetold you.
It looks like the Brady kidsdecided to have their own
Christmas special, and the buswith all our guests won't be
coming.
(05:05):
Now, now now.
Everybody calm down, calm down.
It's gonna be okay.
I've always got a plan B.
Let's go, boys.
Hey! Welcome to the RenewedMindsets Christmas Spectacular.
(05:30):
In this special episode, we willunravel the true essence of
Christmas.
My first surprise of this showis I have a co-host, Yelena
McClellan.
She's here to keep me on trackas well as provide a different
perspective on Christmas from aninternational point of view.
(05:51):
Say hey to everyone, Yelena.
SPEAKER_02 (05:53):
Hey everyone.
Uh, trying to keep you on trackis going to be a job.
But I will do my best.
Yes, so I grew up in Germany,and Christmas was quite
different than what I'm used tohere in the United States.
We have a lot of differenttraditions, and I'd love to
share some of those with youguys.
SPEAKER_05 (06:10):
Well, I know I'm looking forward to hearing some
of those.
To understand what Christmas isreally about, let's begin by
going back over 2,000 years ago.
Our story begins in a humblemanger in Bethlehem.
SPEAKER_02 (06:24):
Ah, Bethlehem.
So, Rick, did you know thatGermany introduced Advent
calendars?
SPEAKER_05 (06:29):
You don't see.
SPEAKER_02 (06:30):
You know those cute little sometimes pictures?
I like the chocolate version,actually.
But anyway, um, they were usedby German Protestants during the
early 19th century as a way toeagerly anticipate the arrival
of Christmas.
And it became a really nicetradition that I'm pretty sure
is spread quite far across theglobe by now.
SPEAKER_05 (06:50):
I did not know that.
And man, that was random.
I do like the ones withchocolate inside them.
We don't need a calendar toremember why we celebrate this
awesome holiday.
It all started when an angelvisited Mary with incredible
news.
(07:10):
As Mary listened intently.
SPEAKER_02 (07:14):
You mean I'm going to have a baby?
SPEAKER_05 (07:21):
And thus began a journey that would change the
course of history forever.
And we present to you tonightthe road to Bethlehem.
SPEAKER_02 (07:36):
Joseph! Joseph! It's time for a rest.
Yes?
A rest?
SPEAKER_05 (07:44):
Can you go a bit more?
SPEAKER_02 (07:46):
How much further?
All the way to Bethlehem?
SPEAKER_05 (07:50):
Perhaps.
SPEAKER_02 (07:51):
It's time for a rest.
SPEAKER_05 (07:54):
Very well.
Joseph ties up the mule.
Mary finds a rock to sit on.
SPEAKER_02 (08:01):
You're quiet, Joseph.
Am I?
Yes.
Are you angry?
You get quiet when you're angry.
SPEAKER_05 (08:10):
I'm not angry.
SPEAKER_02 (08:12):
Tired?
SPEAKER_05 (08:13):
Yes.
SPEAKER_02 (08:14):
You wish we were making better time.
SPEAKER_05 (08:17):
It's a long time to be on this road.
The sooner we get to Bethlehem,the better.
SPEAKER_02 (08:23):
I'm sorry, I'm slowing us down.
I could try riding again for alittle bit.
SPEAKER_05 (08:28):
No, don't rush.
Don't mistake me.
I want to get to Bethlehem foryour sake.
So that you can rest.
But we'll go at your pace, ofcourse.
I got no wish to rush you.
SPEAKER_02 (08:41):
Or rush him.
SPEAKER_05 (08:43):
Definitely not.
Mary and Joseph sit together insilence.
SPEAKER_02 (08:48):
It has been a long road to get here.
SPEAKER_05 (08:51):
From Nazareth?
SPEAKER_02 (08:52):
Not the actual road, Joseph.
I mean these long nine months.
To bring us here, just outsideof Bethlehem and ready to.
SPEAKER_05 (09:00):
Don't even say it.
You gotta hold off until we atleast get into town.
SPEAKER_02 (09:05):
Ugh.
The thought of giving birth anda dirty inn troubles me.
It is no place for labor.
I'd rather be home.
What?
SPEAKER_05 (09:15):
Nothing.
SPEAKER_02 (09:17):
You had that look on your face.
What are you not telling me?
SPEAKER_05 (09:21):
It's nothing you need to worry.
Joseph, tell me.
The census?
It's bringing a lot of people toBethlehem.
SPEAKER_02 (09:30):
And probably maybe We won't get a room.
Is that what you're telling me?
SPEAKER_05 (09:37):
I don't have any way of knowing.
But the sooner So what?
SPEAKER_02 (09:41):
Shall I give birth in the street?
SPEAKER_05 (09:43):
Or on the back of that mule?
God will provide something.
If not a room, then Perhaps apigsta?
SPEAKER_02 (09:49):
Yes, wouldn't that be perfect?
SPEAKER_05 (09:51):
Mary.
SPEAKER_02 (09:52):
I can see why you didn't want to tell me.
SPEAKER_05 (09:54):
You do get worked up from time to time.
Can you blame me?
Blame?
No.
It's one of the things I loveabout you.
Oh, is that right?
You have spirit.
You have heart.
Few women could handle this theway you have.
SPEAKER_02 (10:11):
I must admit, it has not been easy.
SPEAKER_05 (10:15):
Hey, tell me about the angel again.
SPEAKER_02 (10:18):
Gabriel?
SPEAKER_05 (10:19):
Yes.
SPEAKER_02 (10:20):
I have told you that many times.
SPEAKER_05 (10:22):
Well, I want to hear it again.
SPEAKER_02 (10:23):
You're like a child, Joseph.
Fine.
I was in my father's housegetting things ready for dinner.
SPEAKER_05 (10:30):
Through the power of technology, we're gonna
transport you back to that time.
And now we present Story of aMessenger.
It summarizes an angel'sinvolvement in the biblical
narrative of Christmas.
(10:56):
For thousands of years I havedelivered God's messages to
earth.
At times his voice is gentlelike the whispering wind,
personal and sacred.
Other times he thunders mightyand strong, to be heard far and
wide by anyone who would chooseto listen and change.
(11:17):
Every time his words are exact,true, perfect, life itself from
the very source.
When the Maker of heaven andearth takes his moment to speak,
the very ground and sky, everyplant and beast stops to breathe
in and cry of their creator.
(11:39):
It is more wonderful, morebeautiful than anything or
anyone could possibly express.
And this is my purpose (11:47):
to humbly proclaim the messages of
the king with joy and honor ofhigh heaven to a world waiting,
longing for his word.
Over time, he has chosen aspecific group of people to
speak to.
(12:19):
Continuing through judges andprophets, priests and kings, the
whisper of a bigger promise isspoken and heard, remembered,
kept, down through time to ayoung girl in a little village
of Nazareth.
Mary, Mary is her name.
(12:40):
Chosen among women, favored byGod, and oh, so very blessed.
The message God intended for herwas the message of his heart,
not only for Mary, but for everyperson, for all of eternity.
This one message birth messagesto shepherds and wise men, men
(13:22):
and women of every age and tribeand tongue for centuries to
come.
This message is what heraldsevery other I have ever
delivered.
God, wearing the flesh ofhumanity as a child.
Messiah, born to save the world.
(14:02):
This portion of our program isbrought to you by Oxygen.
SPEAKER_04 (14:06):
Remember, four out of five doctors recommend oxygen
to their patients who enjoybreathing.
Oxygen.
It's good.
SPEAKER_05 (14:21):
And now we pick up where we left off on the road to
Bethlehem.
SPEAKER_02 (14:26):
I saw a bright flash like a roaring fire, with this
radiating heat which seemed toburn my face.
Suddenly I was in the presenceof an angel.
He said, Greetings, you who arehighly favored.
The Lord is with you.
Which was troubling.
What kind of greeting was that?
But Gabriel, the angel, was veryperceptive, and he told me not
to be afraid.
(14:47):
He said that I'd found favorwith God.
You will conceive and give birthto a son, and you are to call
him Jesus, he said.
He will be great and will becalled the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give him thethrone of his father David, and
he will reign over Jacob'sdescendants forever.
SPEAKER_05 (15:02):
His kingdom will never end.
And you asked, how could this besince you're a virgin?
SPEAKER_02 (15:08):
I thought you asked me to tell the story.
Sorry.
But yes, that's what I asked.
And the angel said, The HolySpirit will come on you, and the
power of the Most High willovershadow you.
So the Holy One to be born willbe called the Son of God.
Then he spoke about my cousinElizabeth and her child.
He said that no word from Godwill ever fail.
SPEAKER_05 (15:28):
I love that part.
No word of God will ever fail.
And you answered?
SPEAKER_02 (15:34):
What could I answer?
God saw fit to send me an angel.
Me.
I said, I am the Lord's servant.
May your word to me befulfilled.
SPEAKER_05 (15:42):
And then he left.
SPEAKER_02 (15:43):
Then he left.
SPEAKER_05 (15:45):
Sometimes I wish God would have sent angels to our
families.
SPEAKER_02 (15:49):
Huh, it would have made things easier.
Easier.
Not easy.
SPEAKER_05 (15:55):
You know, I didn't ask to be put in this situation.
SPEAKER_02 (15:58):
I didn't either.
We were chosen, Joseph.
Chosen by God for this.
SPEAKER_05 (16:02):
Chosen?
What did he choose?
A simple carpenter?
A girl?
A couple of kids with no money?
No resources?
It's God's plan, Joseph.
And it's a good thing, too.
If it were anyone else's, Ishould think this whole
situation to be utterlyhopeless.
Joseph?
I mean it.
(16:23):
Hopeless?
You question God's plan?
I'm just saying I don't see it.
We got very little money.
We're traveling by ourselves.
God chose us for a reason,Joseph.
Okay, but why?
Why us?
Did you ever think about that,Mary?
Why did he choose us?
Specifically.
(16:44):
What do you mean?
I mean, why couldn't it havebeen somebody else?
Somebody more properly equippedfor this sort of thing?
Why now?
Why in the middle of thiscensus?
SPEAKER_02 (16:56):
Listen to you.
Do you think we're the first toask that question?
Do you think Moses felt that hewas the best equipped to lead
our people from slavery?
Do you think Elijah felt like hewas the best person to prophesy
against the idols of Baal?
Or that David was the bestwarrior to face Goliath?
God chooses who he chooses.
SPEAKER_05 (17:13):
Now those men are heroes of our people.
Who else could have done thosethings but them?
SPEAKER_02 (17:17):
Only in hindsight, Joseph.
Only after the fact is obviouswhy God chose those men.
SPEAKER_05 (17:23):
And so what are we supposed to do?
Hope?
SPEAKER_02 (17:25):
Hope in God.
Hope in his wisdom and his plan?
Hope that God is with us.
SPEAKER_05 (17:30):
Ha ha! You know that's what the angels said they
would call him.
Emmanuel.
God with us.
No word of God will ever fail.
Yup.
It's almost too fantastic tobelieve.
This little guy is God with us.
Just us.
Little Joseph and Mary ofNazareth.
SPEAKER_02 (17:49):
And that, my husband, is why God chose us.
SPEAKER_05 (17:52):
Well, come on, dear wife.
We've hung out here long enough.
Joseph helps her up from therock.
SPEAKER_02 (17:58):
Perhaps there's room yet left in Bethlehem.
SPEAKER_05 (18:00):
Yeah, perhaps.
It does seem strange though,doesn't it?
SPEAKER_02 (18:05):
What's that?
SPEAKER_05 (18:06):
The Son of God is gonna be born sometime soon,
maybe tonight, and we'll be inthe sleepy little town of
Bethlehem.
How in the world will anybodyknow he was even born?
You know, they really had tolove each other, and it shows.
SPEAKER_02 (18:27):
Aw, love during Christmas.
It's just like all thoseheartwarming romantic comedies
on the Hallmark Channel.
But did you know that the truelove lies at the heart of the
celebration?
SPEAKER_05 (18:39):
Absolutely.
The Bible teaches us that God soloved the world that he gave his
one and only Son.
SPEAKER_02 (18:46):
That whoever believes in him shall not die
but have everlasting life.
SPEAKER_05 (18:50):
Well, that's later on in his life.
Right now, Christmas surprises!
SPEAKER_02 (18:56):
Woohoo! I can't wait for presents and unwrapping
them.
But in today's consumer-drivenworld, it's easy to get caught
up in materialism duringChristmas.
But the true spirit of givinglies in love and generosity,
knowing that God gave us thegreatest gift of all.
SPEAKER_05 (19:12):
You know, in today's materialistic world, it's far
too easy to lose sight of thetrue spirit of Christmas.
Yet at its core, gift giving isall about expressing love and
generosity.
SPEAKER_02 (19:25):
And it should remind us of the gifts brought by the
magi.
By the way, we call them thethree kings in Germany.
Just so you know, a little bitmore tradition here.
To give the newborn king ofkings gold, myrrh, and
frankincense.
SPEAKER_05 (19:39):
You mean frankincense?
SPEAKER_02 (19:43):
I was waiting on that.
Whatever.
You and your movie quote.
Did you know that Christmasitself is a surprising twist in
history?
How's that?
Well, think about it.
Mary and Joseph were probablynot expecting an angelic
visitation or a miraculous birthin Bethlehem.
But it happened anyway, asurprise package called Jesus.
(20:06):
Little did they know that theultimate gift would be cherished
by generations.
The act of giving became anenduring symbol, reminding us to
appreciate life's blessingswhile selflessly helping those
in need.
SPEAKER_05 (20:17):
And now we're proud to present the story of a
seeker.
It places the wise man in thebiblical narrative prior to the
discovery of Jesus in Bethlehem.
(20:40):
Some people spend their livessearching for wealth or
recognition or achievement.
Others search for beauty ormeaning or love.
I have spent mine searching thescriptures for whisper of the
promised Jewish Messiah and theskies for the new star that will
(21:02):
herald his birth.
The more I learn, the more I amconsumed with the pursuit of
this king.
There is no doubt he will begreat, carrying on the dynasty
of his father David and thewonderful counselor to his
people.
He is to be a savior andredeemer of Israel.
(21:25):
The manifestation of God Himselfwith us in humanity.
A promise of light that extendseven to the heart of the
Gentile.
But for all I know, there isstill so much that perplexes me.
If the scriptures are correct,it appears he will endure much
(21:47):
hardship.
The betrayal of a friend?
The unexplained hatred of hispeers, beaten and stripped for
the very people he loves.
Prophecy for prophecy.
It seems his calling will costhim his very life.
(22:10):
How is it he will be bothexalted and persecuted, loved
and rejected?
What kind of child, what kind ofmessiah is this that we are
waiting for?
The answer mark come, the answermay come more quickly than I
(22:31):
know.
There has been some movement inthe heavens, a star that must
signal his coming, and so thereare some making plans, getting
themselves ready, preparinggifts with hope that they will
be presented to thislong-awaited child king.
I too will be on this journey toJerusalem.
(22:55):
I don't know what answers mightbe found in him, still so tender
in his mother's care.
But I must go.
If only to see him with my eyesand bow my knee in worship.
This is my life.
(23:15):
This is my prayer.
SPEAKER_04 (23:33):
Pizza on a string is definitely not waterproof, but
it tastes grimmed.
Go on your room pizza on astring today.
And be on the lookout for ournewest prominent baggie
shoelaces.
Pizza on a string.
It's good.
SPEAKER_05 (23:56):
Talk about an unexpected delivery service
straight from heaven.
It's just so magnificent.
I mean, the world was indarkness, and then Jesus was
born, and he is the light of theworld.
And now we can all see.
(24:18):
Darkness gave way as joyoustidings spread throughout
Bethlehem.
SPEAKER_00 (24:23):
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
goodwill toward men.
SPEAKER_05 (24:31):
And now we present the story of an outcast.
This story is about a shepherdthat has spent his lifetime in
the shadows of Jewish culture,living and learning from afar.
A spiritual hunger drives him toread the scriptures and
discovers a lengthy record ofshepherds just like him.
(24:55):
After the angelic visitation andvisiting Jesus in the manger, he
is sure the good news is foreveryone, even outcasts like
shepherds.
All my life I've been invisible,as my father has been, and my
(25:15):
grandfather, and his fatherbefore that.
We are shepherds.
Nameless, faceless, would-bethieves to our countrymen, and
avoided at any and all cost.
It is true I've met with myshare of shepherds who live up
(25:35):
to the underwhelmingexpectations of my people.
But to say we are all despicableand untrustworthy is as
ridiculous as saying everypriest is hypocritical and power
hungry.
Although at times I do wonder.
(26:02):
But I have read the scripturesfor myself.
Many of my friends don't wantanything to do with God.
I can't blame them for the wayhis people treat them.
But I've always felt it was myunquestioned duty to rebel
against the system, if even insuch a tiny private way.
(26:25):
This is what I have discovered.
I don't think God is like any ofthem.
Over and over again, he usesshepherds for his work.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses,King David, the prophet Amos.
(26:46):
He even likens himself to ashepherd.
God says there is somethinginside of me that's like him.
The thought is so radical, evenI have a hard time believing it.
But it's there, plain as day,spread throughout the
(27:07):
scriptures.
I've come to wonder if my peoplesecretly cut these passages out.
It must make them so angry, butthese uh these are the parts
that make me this mile.
The events of last night make mecertain my suspicions about God
are correct.
An angel appeared to us late inthe field, singing about good
(27:33):
news from God.
His son's been born to a younggirl and a carpenter in
Bethlehem.
He's wrapped up in strips ofcloth, lying in a manger.
The Messiah is here, and we haveseen him.
(27:59):
The birth of Jesus brought hopeand jubilation.
Light-filled celebrations becamea significant part of Christmas
traditions as people illuminatedtheir homes and streets,
symbolizing the triumph of lightover darkness.
And even today, Christmas lightsbrighten the streets of cities
and towns all across this greatnation and the world, all
(28:23):
because the shepherds saw thegreat light, the star in the
sky.
Hey Yelena, you want to helpplug in Christmas lights?
I'll put on some more music.
Nothing sets the mood forChristmas better than music and
light.
(28:43):
Maybe we don't need any lights.
Sparkly lights everywhere.
I love the blinky ones, the onesthat flash in time with music.
SPEAKER_02 (29:02):
Okay, blinky lights for you it is.
But beyond the twinklingdecorations, Christmas
represents the birth of Jesus asthe light of the world.
SPEAKER_05 (29:11):
So we're not just talking about fancy LED
displays.
SPEAKER_02 (29:16):
It's about recognizing that Jesus brings
spiritual illumination to ourlives, guiding us through
darkness and showing us a pathtowards hope and salvation.
SPEAKER_05 (29:28):
Hey, here's one.
I found one.
Here's one that can connectpeople across borders.
And speaking of lights, I gottaget these things hooked up.
Not again.
SPEAKER_02 (29:51):
So here's one that is dating back centuries.
It's a tradition with roots inGermany.
Before electricity became widelyaccessible, candles served as an
essential source of light duringthe dark winter months, right?
People would place smallflickering candles in the
windows or lanterns to guidetravelers home safely during
snowy nights.
(30:13):
So, besides the fact that I loveflickering little candles,
beyond their practical use forillumination, these lights hold
deep symbolic meaning during theholiday season.
They represent the hope andwarmth amidst cold winter days
while also symbolizing guidancefor those seeking spiritual
enlightenment or searching theirway back home, physically or
metaphorically speaking.
(30:34):
The gentle glow emanating fromthese lights imparts a sense of
comfort and tranquility thatresonates with people even
today.
SPEAKER_05 (30:42):
Yeah.
My goodness, is she ever gonnastop talking?
Oof! Did I say that out loud?
SPEAKER_00 (30:55):
Can I do that?
SPEAKER_02 (30:58):
Again with the blinky lights.
Another beloved German custominvolving lights is showcased
through intricately craftedwooden objects called
Weihnachtspyram.
Or Christmas pyramids.
These structures consist ofseveral tiers adorned with
figurines depicting traditionalnativity scenes or festive
(31:18):
motives.
As the tiers rotate, powered bythe heat generated from candles
placed at its bottom, themesmerizing display comes to
life.
The pyramids not only add beautyand elegance to homes, but also
serve as a reminder of Christ'sbirth.
And just for you, um, I broke myaunt's Christmas Pyramida every
single year, trying to put thelittle wooden pieces together.
(31:40):
It was fun to play with though.
SPEAKER_05 (31:42):
I just broke my tongue trying to say it.
SPEAKER_02 (31:44):
Weihnachtspyramida.
Moving on.
A fascinating aspect of thistradition is found in the
Schwebogens, are commonlydisplayed in windows during
Advent and Christmas time.
It's a decorated wooden archilluminated by candles or
electric lights.
(32:05):
It comes from Germany'sErzgebirge region.
And these arches often depictintricate scenes from everyday
life or religious imagery,providing a warm and inviting
glow that welcomes family andfriends in their homes.
You know what?
I actually now remember that myaunt also had one of those, but
she didn't call it a Schwabogen.
SPEAKER_05 (32:22):
What does she call it?
SPEAKER_02 (32:23):
I have no idea.
Candles.
SPEAKER_05 (32:26):
Schwabogen.
SPEAKER_02 (32:28):
Candles?
I don't know.
But she did have one of those.
SPEAKER_05 (32:31):
Well, you Germans really know how to infuse warmth
and light into winter.
But with all these festivedecorations and presents, let's
not forget why we exchange giftson this special day.
It's not about materialpossessions, but rather about
sharing love and bringing joy toour loved ones' lives.
(32:52):
Nothing sets the atmosphere forChristmas better than music and
lights.
I love this song.
It is my favorite.
SPEAKER_02 (33:02):
Well, did you know that Germans also introduced
several beloved carols into thefestive season?
One of them is Stille Nacht, oras you call it, Silent Night,
which was composed by FranzGruber near Salzburg, Austria,
which is pretty close toGermany.
SPEAKER_05 (33:16):
Uh, correct me if I'm wrong here, but I thought
Franz Gruber took hostages androbbed Nakatomi Tower in
Christmas 1988.
SPEAKER_02 (33:26):
I didn't say Franz Gruber, I said Hans Gruber, and
that's from the movie Diehard,Ufolltrottel.
SPEAKER_05 (33:33):
I am not a weirdo.
SPEAKER_02 (33:35):
Didn't call you that.
SPEAKER_05 (33:37):
I don't know what you call me.
I don't speak Schwabagen.
And Die Hard is my favoriteChristmas movie.
Now I have a machine gun.
And well, Silent Night is agreat choice.
(33:59):
Now let's explore the humblesetting of Christmas.
Cue the nativity scenes and cozybarns.
SPEAKER_02 (34:07):
I love those little figurines with our adorable
clothes and the sheep.
We actually use a manger insteadof a tree to celebrate
Christmas.
SPEAKER_05 (34:13):
You know, a lot of people are doing that these
days, especially around centralAlabama.
I love it.
It helps us not to forget thatJesus wasn't born in a five-star
hotel.
It was more like a barnyard bedand breakfast situation.
SPEAKER_02 (34:31):
I can picture it now.
Jesus wrapped in swattingclothes while the farm animals
curiously watched from theirstalls.
SPEAKER_05 (34:40):
That God chose to enter our world humbly,
embracing all people regardlessof social status or wealth.
SPEAKER_02 (34:50):
Everywhere.
SPEAKER_05 (35:30):
I would just love to watch families enjoy each
other's company when they'relooking at beautiful handmade
crafts.
As people from all walks of lifecelebrated.
(36:11):
And there you have it, the truemeaning of Christmas unraveled
through history, faith,traditions, and even a little
bit of fun.
It's about celebrating the birthof Christ with love and
generosity while embracingjoyous traditions that bring us
closer together.
And who can forget thosemarvelous German contributions?
(36:35):
From Advent calendars tobeautiful Christmas carols,
festive markets filled withlaughter, Wine Noctus pyramids,
Schwabogens, Stile Nocht, orSilent Night.
Christ Kindlesmarkt, RossKindles Markt.
(36:56):
I'll never get it.
We didn't have German in school,we took Spanish.
Nocho depas Nocho de Mor.
That's all I remember.
The darkness was soonilluminated as joyous tidings
spread throughout Bethlehem.
(37:17):
Glory to God in the highest.
The birth of Jesus brought hopeand jubilation.
And now a reading of theChristmas story from the Gospels
(37:40):
of Matthew chapter 2 and Lukechapter 2.
In those days, Caesar Augustusissued a decree that a census
should be taken of the entireRoman world.
This was the first census thattook place while Quirinius was
governor of Syria, and everyonewent to their own town to
(38:01):
register.
So Joseph also went up from thetown of Nazareth in Galilee to
Judea, to Bethlehem, the town ofDavid, because he belonged to
the house and line of David.
He went there to register withMary, who was pledged to be
married to him, and wasexpecting a child.
(38:22):
While they were there, the timecame for the baby to be born,
and she gave birth to herfirstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths andplaced him in a manger, because
there was no guest roomavailable for them.
And there were shepherds livingout in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their flocksby night.
(38:43):
An angel of the Lord appeared tothem, and glory of the Lord
shone around them, and they wereterrified.
But the angel said to them, Donot be afraid.
I bring you good news that willcause great joy for all the
people.
Today, in the town of David, aSavior has been born to you.
He is the Messiah, the Lord.
(39:06):
This will be assigned to you.
You will find a baby wrapped incloths lying in a manger.
Suddenly a great company of theheavenly host appeared with the
angel, praising God and saying,Glory to God in the highest
heaven, and on earth peace tothose in whom his favor rests.
When the angels had left themand gone into heaven, the
(39:29):
shepherds said to one another,Let's go to Bethlehem and see
this thing that has happenedwhich the Lord has told us
about.
So they hurried off and foundMary and Joseph and the baby who
was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, theyspread the word concerning what
had been told about this child,and all who heard it were amazed
(39:49):
at what the shepherds said tothem.
But Mary treasured up all thethings and pondered them in her
heart.
The shepherds returned,glorifying and praising God for
all the things they had heardand seen, which just as they had
been told.
On the eighth day, when it wastime to circumcise the child, he
(40:09):
was named Jesus, the name theangel had given him before he
was conceived.
After Jesus was born inBethlehem in Judea during the
time of King Herod, Magi fromthe east came to Jerusalem and
asked, Where is the one who hasbeen born king of the Jews?
(40:33):
We saw his star when it rose,and have come to worship him.
When King Herod heard this hewas disturbed, and all Jerusalem
with him.
When he had called together allthe people's chief priests and
teachers of the law, he askedthem where the Messiah was to be
born.
In Bethlehem in Judea, theyreplied, for this is what the
(40:56):
prophet has written.
But you, Bethlehem, in the landof Judah, are by no means least
among the rulers of Judah, forout of you will come a ruler who
will shepherd my people Israel.
Then Herod called the Magisecretly and found out from the
exact time the star hadappeared.
(41:16):
He sent them to Bethlehem andsaid, Go and search carefully
for the child.
As soon as you find him, reportto me so that I too may go and
search.
Worship him.
After they heard the king, theywent on their way, and the star
they had seen when it rose aheadof them until it stopped over
the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, theywere overjoyed.
(41:39):
On coming to the house, they sawthe child with his mother Mary,
they bowed down and worshippedhim.
Then they opened their treasuresand presented him with gifts of
gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in adream not to go back to Herod,
they returned to the country byanother route.
SPEAKER_04 (42:04):
Promotional consideration paid for by
Buddy's Almost Good Beer.
Remember, Buddy's Almost GoodBeer was brewed in God's country
when God wasn't looking.
Buddy's Almost Good Beer.
It's good.
SPEAKER_06 (42:42):
We just hope you enjoyed it.
SPEAKER_05 (42:58):
And now, Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy from Rick
Uhaus.
I think Santa Claus and Supermanare actually the same guy.
And I'll tell you why.
Both fly, both wear red, andboth have a beard.
(43:24):
I just love to produce this showfor you.
I don't know if you can tell.
The Renewed Mindset Show is yourshow.
My prayer is that you not onlyreceive the message, but that
you're entertained at the sametime.
I'm passionate about bringingyou valuable content each week.
Many of you have reached outexpressing a desire to support
(43:48):
our ministry.
If you resonate with ourmission, visit our website at
renewedmindsets.com slashsupport.
And you can choose yourpreferred method.
Cash App, PayPal, Buy Me aCoffee.
They're all there.
Your generosity helps uscontinue this journey together.
(44:08):
Thank you for being a part ofthe Renewed Mindsets community.
See ya! Well, that's all forthis Renewed Mindsets Christmas
Spectacular.
I want to give special thanks toYelena today.
This was so much fun, Yelena.
Thank you so much for takingtime out of your busy schedule
to help me get this show out intime.
(44:30):
And thank your family for me.
Come back and talk to us againsoon.
If you enjoyed this presentationor any of our past shows, tell
someone about it.
You can find all of our episodesat our website,
renewedmindsets.com.
We also have a blog there foryou and multiple ways you can
(44:50):
support this ministry.
We appreciate you and send thehappiest and merriest Christmas
to you and your families.
Until next time, I'm Rick.
SPEAKER_04 (45:07):
I love you.
A Merry Christmas to all and toall a good night.
Ho ho ho.
SPEAKER_05 (45:19):
The music for the Renew Mindset show is a song
called Are You Ready byFloodgate.
From the album Are You Ready?
Copyright 2002, OffbeatMinistries Incorporated.
Floodgate is available on AppleMusic and iTunes.
Music used with permission.
Hello everybody and welcome to a very special
episode of Renewed Mindsets.
I'm Rick, and joining me todayis my wonderful co-host Lauren.
SPEAKER_01 (01:01):
Hey everyone, and Merry Christmas! We are so
excited to celebrate this joyousseason with you.
As we gather around to reflecton the birth of our Savior,
Jesus Christ, we want to extendour heartfelt gratitude to all
of you who have been with usthroughout this incredible year.
SPEAKER_05 (01:15):
That's right, Lauren.
Your support, your messages, andyour encouragement have meant
the world to us.
We've been truly blessed toshare this journey of renewing
our minds and growing in God'swisdom together with each and
every one of you.
SPEAKER_01 (01:30):
And as we celebrate the birth of Christ, let's
remember the true meaning ofthis season.
It's a time of love, joy, peace,and hope.
It's about God's greatest giftto us, His Son Jesus.
SPEAKER_05 (01:41):
So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for
being a part of the RenewedMindsets family.
We look forward to continuingthis journey with you in the
coming year.
Let's dive in today's specialepisode celebrating the reason
for the season and reflecting onthe blessings of this past year.
SPEAKER_01 (01:58):
And may your hearts be filled with peace and joy
that comes from knowing ourSavior.
SPEAKER_05 (02:03):
Merry Christmas!
SPEAKER_01 (02:04):
I said Merry Christmas at the beginning.
SPEAKER_04 (02:08):
Bye! Introducing the newest thing in snacking, Doc
Brown's Nuclear Popcorn Popper.
The popcorn popper that neverleaves a kernel unpopped.
This baby is nuclear! And try itwith our new flavor: Meltdown
Butter.
Doc Brown's Nuclear PopcornPopper.
(02:30):
It's good.
SPEAKER_05 (02:52):
From the frigid shores of Lake Smith in central
Alabama, it's the RenewedMindset's Christmas Spectacular.
Starring Bob Hope and JohnDenver.
With special guests, Dean Martinand Bing Crosby.
(03:14):
Featuring appearances by TV'sFenji.
The man of a thousand voices,Rich Little.
From TV's The Brady Bunch, it'sthe Brady Kids.
Music by G.E.
Smith and the Saturday NightLive Band.
(03:35):
And a very special appearancefrom Charo.
And now your host of the show,Rick Uhas.
Thank you, thank you.
You're so kind.
You're so kind.
Welcome to the 2023 RenewedMindsets Christmas Spectacular.
(03:55):
We've got a lot of fun andsurprises for you today, so.
Why do I hear a wall phone frommy grandmother's house?
Hey! Is somebody gonna get that?
Hello?
Somebody?
(04:17):
Would you all please excuse me?
I need to answer this phone.
It doesn't look like anybodyelse is around here.
Merry Christmas.
Renewed mindset.
SPEAKER_03 (04:29):
Oh hey.
I see.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_05 (04:44):
Well, okay then.
Have a Merry Christmas.
Well, folks, bad news.
Sorry, folks, the park's closed.
The moves out front should havetold you.
It looks like the Brady kidsdecided to have their own
Christmas special, and the buswith all our guests won't be
coming.
(05:05):
Now, now now.
Everybody calm down, calm down.
It's gonna be okay.
I've always got a plan B.
Let's go, boys.
Hey! Welcome to the RenewedMindsets Christmas Spectacular.
(05:30):
In this special episode, we willunravel the true essence of
Christmas.
My first surprise of this showis I have a co-host, Yelena
McClellan.
She's here to keep me on trackas well as provide a different
perspective on Christmas from aninternational point of view.
(05:51):
Say hey to everyone, Yelena.
SPEAKER_02 (05:53):
Hey everyone.
Uh, trying to keep you on trackis going to be a job.
But I will do my best.
Yes, so I grew up in Germany,and Christmas was quite
different than what I'm used tohere in the United States.
We have a lot of differenttraditions, and I'd love to
share some of those with youguys.
SPEAKER_05 (06:10):
Well, I know I'm looking forward to hearing some
of those.
To understand what Christmas isreally about, let's begin by
going back over 2,000 years ago.
Our story begins in a humblemanger in Bethlehem.
SPEAKER_02 (06:24):
Ah, Bethlehem.
So, Rick, did you know thatGermany introduced Advent
calendars?
SPEAKER_05 (06:29):
You don't see.
SPEAKER_02 (06:30):
You know those cute little sometimes pictures?
I like the chocolate version,actually.
But anyway, um, they were usedby German Protestants during the
early 19th century as a way toeagerly anticipate the arrival
of Christmas.
And it became a really nicetradition that I'm pretty sure
is spread quite far across theglobe by now.
SPEAKER_05 (06:50):
I did not know that.
And man, that was random.
I do like the ones withchocolate inside them.
We don't need a calendar toremember why we celebrate this
awesome holiday.
It all started when an angelvisited Mary with incredible
news.
(07:10):
As Mary listened intently.
SPEAKER_02 (07:14):
You mean I'm going to have a baby?
SPEAKER_05 (07:21):
And thus began a journey that would change the
course of history forever.
And we present to you tonightthe road to Bethlehem.
SPEAKER_02 (07:36):
Joseph! Joseph! It's time for a rest.
Yes?
A rest?
SPEAKER_05 (07:44):
Can you go a bit more?
SPEAKER_02 (07:46):
How much further?
All the way to Bethlehem?
SPEAKER_05 (07:50):
Perhaps.
SPEAKER_02 (07:51):
It's time for a rest.
SPEAKER_05 (07:54):
Very well.
Joseph ties up the mule.
Mary finds a rock to sit on.
SPEAKER_02 (08:01):
You're quiet, Joseph.
Am I?
Yes.
Are you angry?
You get quiet when you're angry.
SPEAKER_05 (08:10):
I'm not angry.
SPEAKER_02 (08:12):
Tired?
SPEAKER_05 (08:13):
Yes.
SPEAKER_02 (08:14):
You wish we were making better time.
SPEAKER_05 (08:17):
It's a long time to be on this road.
The sooner we get to Bethlehem,the better.
SPEAKER_02 (08:23):
I'm sorry, I'm slowing us down.
I could try riding again for alittle bit.
SPEAKER_05 (08:28):
No, don't rush.
Don't mistake me.
I want to get to Bethlehem foryour sake.
So that you can rest.
But we'll go at your pace, ofcourse.
I got no wish to rush you.
SPEAKER_02 (08:41):
Or rush him.
SPEAKER_05 (08:43):
Definitely not.
Mary and Joseph sit together insilence.
SPEAKER_02 (08:48):
It has been a long road to get here.
SPEAKER_05 (08:51):
From Nazareth?
SPEAKER_02 (08:52):
Not the actual road, Joseph.
I mean these long nine months.
To bring us here, just outsideof Bethlehem and ready to.
SPEAKER_05 (09:00):
Don't even say it.
You gotta hold off until we atleast get into town.
SPEAKER_02 (09:05):
Ugh.
The thought of giving birth anda dirty inn troubles me.
It is no place for labor.
I'd rather be home.
What?
SPEAKER_05 (09:15):
Nothing.
SPEAKER_02 (09:17):
You had that look on your face.
What are you not telling me?
SPEAKER_05 (09:21):
It's nothing you need to worry.
Joseph, tell me.
The census?
It's bringing a lot of people toBethlehem.
SPEAKER_02 (09:30):
And probably maybe We won't get a room.
Is that what you're telling me?
SPEAKER_05 (09:37):
I don't have any way of knowing.
But the sooner So what?
SPEAKER_02 (09:41):
Shall I give birth in the street?
SPEAKER_05 (09:43):
Or on the back of that mule?
God will provide something.
If not a room, then Perhaps apigsta?
SPEAKER_02 (09:49):
Yes, wouldn't that be perfect?
SPEAKER_05 (09:51):
Mary.
SPEAKER_02 (09:52):
I can see why you didn't want to tell me.
SPEAKER_05 (09:54):
You do get worked up from time to time.
Can you blame me?
Blame?
No.
It's one of the things I loveabout you.
Oh, is that right?
You have spirit.
You have heart.
Few women could handle this theway you have.
SPEAKER_02 (10:11):
I must admit, it has not been easy.
SPEAKER_05 (10:15):
Hey, tell me about the angel again.
SPEAKER_02 (10:18):
Gabriel?
SPEAKER_05 (10:19):
Yes.
SPEAKER_02 (10:20):
I have told you that many times.
SPEAKER_05 (10:22):
Well, I want to hear it again.
SPEAKER_02 (10:23):
You're like a child, Joseph.
Fine.
I was in my father's housegetting things ready for dinner.
SPEAKER_05 (10:30):
Through the power of technology, we're gonna
transport you back to that time.
And now we present Story of aMessenger.
It summarizes an angel'sinvolvement in the biblical
narrative of Christmas.
(10:56):
For thousands of years I havedelivered God's messages to
earth.
At times his voice is gentlelike the whispering wind,
personal and sacred.
Other times he thunders mightyand strong, to be heard far and
wide by anyone who would chooseto listen and change.
(11:17):
Every time his words are exact,true, perfect, life itself from
the very source.
When the Maker of heaven andearth takes his moment to speak,
the very ground and sky, everyplant and beast stops to breathe
in and cry of their creator.
(11:39):
It is more wonderful, morebeautiful than anything or
anyone could possibly express.
And this is my purpose (11:47):
to humbly proclaim the messages of
the king with joy and honor ofhigh heaven to a world waiting,
longing for his word.
Over time, he has chosen aspecific group of people to
speak to.
(12:19):
Continuing through judges andprophets, priests and kings, the
whisper of a bigger promise isspoken and heard, remembered,
kept, down through time to ayoung girl in a little village
of Nazareth.
Mary, Mary is her name.
(12:40):
Chosen among women, favored byGod, and oh, so very blessed.
The message God intended for herwas the message of his heart,
not only for Mary, but for everyperson, for all of eternity.
This one message birth messagesto shepherds and wise men, men
(13:22):
and women of every age and tribeand tongue for centuries to
come.
This message is what heraldsevery other I have ever
delivered.
God, wearing the flesh ofhumanity as a child.
Messiah, born to save the world.
(14:02):
This portion of our program isbrought to you by Oxygen.
SPEAKER_04 (14:06):
Remember, four out of five doctors recommend oxygen
to their patients who enjoybreathing.
Oxygen.
It's good.
SPEAKER_05 (14:21):
And now we pick up where we left off on the road to
Bethlehem.
SPEAKER_02 (14:26):
I saw a bright flash like a roaring fire, with this
radiating heat which seemed toburn my face.
Suddenly I was in the presenceof an angel.
He said, Greetings, you who arehighly favored.
The Lord is with you.
Which was troubling.
What kind of greeting was that?
But Gabriel, the angel, was veryperceptive, and he told me not
to be afraid.
(14:47):
He said that I'd found favorwith God.
You will conceive and give birthto a son, and you are to call
him Jesus, he said.
He will be great and will becalled the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give him thethrone of his father David, and
he will reign over Jacob'sdescendants forever.
SPEAKER_05 (15:02):
His kingdom will never end.
And you asked, how could this besince you're a virgin?
SPEAKER_02 (15:08):
I thought you asked me to tell the story.
Sorry.
But yes, that's what I asked.
And the angel said, The HolySpirit will come on you, and the
power of the Most High willovershadow you.
So the Holy One to be born willbe called the Son of God.
Then he spoke about my cousinElizabeth and her child.
He said that no word from Godwill ever fail.
SPEAKER_05 (15:28):
I love that part.
No word of God will ever fail.
And you answered?
SPEAKER_02 (15:34):
What could I answer?
God saw fit to send me an angel.
Me.
I said, I am the Lord's servant.
May your word to me befulfilled.
SPEAKER_05 (15:42):
And then he left.
SPEAKER_02 (15:43):
Then he left.
SPEAKER_05 (15:45):
Sometimes I wish God would have sent angels to our
families.
SPEAKER_02 (15:49):
Huh, it would have made things easier.
Easier.
Not easy.
SPEAKER_05 (15:55):
You know, I didn't ask to be put in this situation.
SPEAKER_02 (15:58):
I didn't either.
We were chosen, Joseph.
Chosen by God for this.
SPEAKER_05 (16:02):
Chosen?
What did he choose?
A simple carpenter?
A girl?
A couple of kids with no money?
No resources?
It's God's plan, Joseph.
And it's a good thing, too.
If it were anyone else's, Ishould think this whole
situation to be utterlyhopeless.
Joseph?
I mean it.
(16:23):
Hopeless?
You question God's plan?
I'm just saying I don't see it.
We got very little money.
We're traveling by ourselves.
God chose us for a reason,Joseph.
Okay, but why?
Why us?
Did you ever think about that,Mary?
Why did he choose us?
Specifically.
(16:44):
What do you mean?
I mean, why couldn't it havebeen somebody else?
Somebody more properly equippedfor this sort of thing?
Why now?
Why in the middle of thiscensus?
SPEAKER_02 (16:56):
Listen to you.
Do you think we're the first toask that question?
Do you think Moses felt that hewas the best equipped to lead
our people from slavery?
Do you think Elijah felt like hewas the best person to prophesy
against the idols of Baal?
Or that David was the bestwarrior to face Goliath?
God chooses who he chooses.
SPEAKER_05 (17:13):
Now those men are heroes of our people.
Who else could have done thosethings but them?
SPEAKER_02 (17:17):
Only in hindsight, Joseph.
Only after the fact is obviouswhy God chose those men.
SPEAKER_05 (17:23):
And so what are we supposed to do?
Hope?
SPEAKER_02 (17:25):
Hope in God.
Hope in his wisdom and his plan?
Hope that God is with us.
SPEAKER_05 (17:30):
Ha ha! You know that's what the angels said they
would call him.
Emmanuel.
God with us.
No word of God will ever fail.
Yup.
It's almost too fantastic tobelieve.
This little guy is God with us.
Just us.
Little Joseph and Mary ofNazareth.
SPEAKER_02 (17:49):
And that, my husband, is why God chose us.
SPEAKER_05 (17:52):
Well, come on, dear wife.
We've hung out here long enough.
Joseph helps her up from therock.
SPEAKER_02 (17:58):
Perhaps there's room yet left in Bethlehem.
SPEAKER_05 (18:00):
Yeah, perhaps.
It does seem strange though,doesn't it?
SPEAKER_02 (18:05):
What's that?
SPEAKER_05 (18:06):
The Son of God is gonna be born sometime soon,
maybe tonight, and we'll be inthe sleepy little town of
Bethlehem.
How in the world will anybodyknow he was even born?
You know, they really had tolove each other, and it shows.
SPEAKER_02 (18:27):
Aw, love during Christmas.
It's just like all thoseheartwarming romantic comedies
on the Hallmark Channel.
But did you know that the truelove lies at the heart of the
celebration?
SPEAKER_05 (18:39):
Absolutely.
The Bible teaches us that God soloved the world that he gave his
one and only Son.
SPEAKER_02 (18:46):
That whoever believes in him shall not die
but have everlasting life.
SPEAKER_05 (18:50):
Well, that's later on in his life.
Right now, Christmas surprises!
SPEAKER_02 (18:56):
Woohoo! I can't wait for presents and unwrapping
them.
But in today's consumer-drivenworld, it's easy to get caught
up in materialism duringChristmas.
But the true spirit of givinglies in love and generosity,
knowing that God gave us thegreatest gift of all.
SPEAKER_05 (19:12):
You know, in today's materialistic world, it's far
too easy to lose sight of thetrue spirit of Christmas.
Yet at its core, gift giving isall about expressing love and
generosity.
SPEAKER_02 (19:25):
And it should remind us of the gifts brought by the
magi.
By the way, we call them thethree kings in Germany.
Just so you know, a little bitmore tradition here.
To give the newborn king ofkings gold, myrrh, and
frankincense.
SPEAKER_05 (19:39):
You mean frankincense?
SPEAKER_02 (19:43):
I was waiting on that.
Whatever.
You and your movie quote.
Did you know that Christmasitself is a surprising twist in
history?
How's that?
Well, think about it.
Mary and Joseph were probablynot expecting an angelic
visitation or a miraculous birthin Bethlehem.
But it happened anyway, asurprise package called Jesus.
(20:06):
Little did they know that theultimate gift would be cherished
by generations.
The act of giving became anenduring symbol, reminding us to
appreciate life's blessingswhile selflessly helping those
in need.
SPEAKER_05 (20:17):
And now we're proud to present the story of a
seeker.
It places the wise man in thebiblical narrative prior to the
discovery of Jesus in Bethlehem.
(20:40):
Some people spend their livessearching for wealth or
recognition or achievement.
Others search for beauty ormeaning or love.
I have spent mine searching thescriptures for whisper of the
promised Jewish Messiah and theskies for the new star that will
(21:02):
herald his birth.
The more I learn, the more I amconsumed with the pursuit of
this king.
There is no doubt he will begreat, carrying on the dynasty
of his father David and thewonderful counselor to his
people.
He is to be a savior andredeemer of Israel.
(21:25):
The manifestation of God Himselfwith us in humanity.
A promise of light that extendseven to the heart of the
Gentile.
But for all I know, there isstill so much that perplexes me.
If the scriptures are correct,it appears he will endure much
(21:47):
hardship.
The betrayal of a friend?
The unexplained hatred of hispeers, beaten and stripped for
the very people he loves.
Prophecy for prophecy.
It seems his calling will costhim his very life.
(22:10):
How is it he will be bothexalted and persecuted, loved
and rejected?
What kind of child, what kind ofmessiah is this that we are
waiting for?
The answer mark come, the answermay come more quickly than I
(22:31):
know.
There has been some movement inthe heavens, a star that must
signal his coming, and so thereare some making plans, getting
themselves ready, preparinggifts with hope that they will
be presented to thislong-awaited child king.
I too will be on this journey toJerusalem.
(22:55):
I don't know what answers mightbe found in him, still so tender
in his mother's care.
But I must go.
If only to see him with my eyesand bow my knee in worship.
This is my life.
(23:15):
This is my prayer.
SPEAKER_04 (23:33):
Pizza on a string is definitely not waterproof, but
it tastes grimmed.
Go on your room pizza on astring today.
And be on the lookout for ournewest prominent baggie
shoelaces.
Pizza on a string.
It's good.
SPEAKER_05 (23:56):
Talk about an unexpected delivery service
straight from heaven.
It's just so magnificent.
I mean, the world was indarkness, and then Jesus was
born, and he is the light of theworld.
And now we can all see.
(24:18):
Darkness gave way as joyoustidings spread throughout
Bethlehem.
SPEAKER_00 (24:23):
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
goodwill toward men.
SPEAKER_05 (24:31):
And now we present the story of an outcast.
This story is about a shepherdthat has spent his lifetime in
the shadows of Jewish culture,living and learning from afar.
A spiritual hunger drives him toread the scriptures and
discovers a lengthy record ofshepherds just like him.
(24:55):
After the angelic visitation andvisiting Jesus in the manger, he
is sure the good news is foreveryone, even outcasts like
shepherds.
All my life I've been invisible,as my father has been, and my
(25:15):
grandfather, and his fatherbefore that.
We are shepherds.
Nameless, faceless, would-bethieves to our countrymen, and
avoided at any and all cost.
It is true I've met with myshare of shepherds who live up
(25:35):
to the underwhelmingexpectations of my people.
But to say we are all despicableand untrustworthy is as
ridiculous as saying everypriest is hypocritical and power
hungry.
Although at times I do wonder.
(26:02):
But I have read the scripturesfor myself.
Many of my friends don't wantanything to do with God.
I can't blame them for the wayhis people treat them.
But I've always felt it was myunquestioned duty to rebel
against the system, if even insuch a tiny private way.
(26:25):
This is what I have discovered.
I don't think God is like any ofthem.
Over and over again, he usesshepherds for his work.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses,King David, the prophet Amos.
(26:46):
He even likens himself to ashepherd.
God says there is somethinginside of me that's like him.
The thought is so radical, evenI have a hard time believing it.
But it's there, plain as day,spread throughout the
(27:07):
scriptures.
I've come to wonder if my peoplesecretly cut these passages out.
It must make them so angry, butthese uh these are the parts
that make me this mile.
The events of last night make mecertain my suspicions about God
are correct.
An angel appeared to us late inthe field, singing about good
(27:33):
news from God.
His son's been born to a younggirl and a carpenter in
Bethlehem.
He's wrapped up in strips ofcloth, lying in a manger.
The Messiah is here, and we haveseen him.
(27:59):
The birth of Jesus brought hopeand jubilation.
Light-filled celebrations becamea significant part of Christmas
traditions as people illuminatedtheir homes and streets,
symbolizing the triumph of lightover darkness.
And even today, Christmas lightsbrighten the streets of cities
and towns all across this greatnation and the world, all
(28:23):
because the shepherds saw thegreat light, the star in the
sky.
Hey Yelena, you want to helpplug in Christmas lights?
I'll put on some more music.
Nothing sets the mood forChristmas better than music and
light.
(28:43):
Maybe we don't need any lights.
Sparkly lights everywhere.
I love the blinky ones, the onesthat flash in time with music.
SPEAKER_02 (29:02):
Okay, blinky lights for you it is.
But beyond the twinklingdecorations, Christmas
represents the birth of Jesus asthe light of the world.
SPEAKER_05 (29:11):
So we're not just talking about fancy LED
displays.
SPEAKER_02 (29:16):
It's about recognizing that Jesus brings
spiritual illumination to ourlives, guiding us through
darkness and showing us a pathtowards hope and salvation.
SPEAKER_05 (29:28):
Hey, here's one.
I found one.
Here's one that can connectpeople across borders.
And speaking of lights, I gottaget these things hooked up.
Not again.
SPEAKER_02 (29:51):
So here's one that is dating back centuries.
It's a tradition with roots inGermany.
Before electricity became widelyaccessible, candles served as an
essential source of light duringthe dark winter months, right?
People would place smallflickering candles in the
windows or lanterns to guidetravelers home safely during
snowy nights.
(30:13):
So, besides the fact that I loveflickering little candles,
beyond their practical use forillumination, these lights hold
deep symbolic meaning during theholiday season.
They represent the hope andwarmth amidst cold winter days
while also symbolizing guidancefor those seeking spiritual
enlightenment or searching theirway back home, physically or
metaphorically speaking.
(30:34):
The gentle glow emanating fromthese lights imparts a sense of
comfort and tranquility thatresonates with people even
today.
SPEAKER_05 (30:42):
Yeah.
My goodness, is she ever gonnastop talking?
Oof! Did I say that out loud?
SPEAKER_00 (30:55):
Can I do that?
SPEAKER_02 (30:58):
Again with the blinky lights.
Another beloved German custominvolving lights is showcased
through intricately craftedwooden objects called
Weihnachtspyram.
Or Christmas pyramids.
These structures consist ofseveral tiers adorned with
figurines depicting traditionalnativity scenes or festive
(31:18):
motives.
As the tiers rotate, powered bythe heat generated from candles
placed at its bottom, themesmerizing display comes to
life.
The pyramids not only add beautyand elegance to homes, but also
serve as a reminder of Christ'sbirth.
And just for you, um, I broke myaunt's Christmas Pyramida every
single year, trying to put thelittle wooden pieces together.
(31:40):
It was fun to play with though.
SPEAKER_05 (31:42):
I just broke my tongue trying to say it.
SPEAKER_02 (31:44):
Weihnachtspyramida.
Moving on.
A fascinating aspect of thistradition is found in the
Schwebogens, are commonlydisplayed in windows during
Advent and Christmas time.
It's a decorated wooden archilluminated by candles or
electric lights.
(32:05):
It comes from Germany'sErzgebirge region.
And these arches often depictintricate scenes from everyday
life or religious imagery,providing a warm and inviting
glow that welcomes family andfriends in their homes.
You know what?
I actually now remember that myaunt also had one of those, but
she didn't call it a Schwabogen.
SPEAKER_05 (32:22):
What does she call it?
SPEAKER_02 (32:23):
I have no idea.
Candles.
SPEAKER_05 (32:26):
Schwabogen.
SPEAKER_02 (32:28):
Candles?
I don't know.
But she did have one of those.
SPEAKER_05 (32:31):
Well, you Germans really know how to infuse warmth
and light into winter.
But with all these festivedecorations and presents, let's
not forget why we exchange giftson this special day.
It's not about materialpossessions, but rather about
sharing love and bringing joy toour loved ones' lives.
(32:52):
Nothing sets the atmosphere forChristmas better than music and
lights.
I love this song.
It is my favorite.
SPEAKER_02 (33:02):
Well, did you know that Germans also introduced
several beloved carols into thefestive season?
One of them is Stille Nacht, oras you call it, Silent Night,
which was composed by FranzGruber near Salzburg, Austria,
which is pretty close toGermany.
SPEAKER_05 (33:16):
Uh, correct me if I'm wrong here, but I thought
Franz Gruber took hostages androbbed Nakatomi Tower in
Christmas 1988.
SPEAKER_02 (33:26):
I didn't say Franz Gruber, I said Hans Gruber, and
that's from the movie Diehard,Ufolltrottel.
SPEAKER_05 (33:33):
I am not a weirdo.
SPEAKER_02 (33:35):
Didn't call you that.
SPEAKER_05 (33:37):
I don't know what you call me.
I don't speak Schwabagen.
And Die Hard is my favoriteChristmas movie.
Now I have a machine gun.
And well, Silent Night is agreat choice.
(33:59):
Now let's explore the humblesetting of Christmas.
Cue the nativity scenes and cozybarns.
SPEAKER_02 (34:07):
I love those little figurines with our adorable
clothes and the sheep.
We actually use a manger insteadof a tree to celebrate
Christmas.
SPEAKER_05 (34:13):
You know, a lot of people are doing that these
days, especially around centralAlabama.
I love it.
It helps us not to forget thatJesus wasn't born in a five-star
hotel.
It was more like a barnyard bedand breakfast situation.
SPEAKER_02 (34:31):
I can picture it now.
Jesus wrapped in swattingclothes while the farm animals
curiously watched from theirstalls.
SPEAKER_05 (34:40):
That God chose to enter our world humbly,
embracing all people regardlessof social status or wealth.
SPEAKER_02 (34:50):
Everywhere.
SPEAKER_05 (35:30):
I would just love to watch families enjoy each
other's company when they'relooking at beautiful handmade
crafts.
As people from all walks of lifecelebrated.
(36:11):
And there you have it, the truemeaning of Christmas unraveled
through history, faith,traditions, and even a little
bit of fun.
It's about celebrating the birthof Christ with love and
generosity while embracingjoyous traditions that bring us
closer together.
And who can forget thosemarvelous German contributions?
(36:35):
From Advent calendars tobeautiful Christmas carols,
festive markets filled withlaughter, Wine Noctus pyramids,
Schwabogens, Stile Nocht, orSilent Night.
Christ Kindlesmarkt, RossKindles Markt.
(36:56):
I'll never get it.
We didn't have German in school,we took Spanish.
Nocho depas Nocho de Mor.
That's all I remember.
The darkness was soonilluminated as joyous tidings
spread throughout Bethlehem.
(37:17):
Glory to God in the highest.
The birth of Jesus brought hopeand jubilation.
And now a reading of theChristmas story from the Gospels
(37:40):
of Matthew chapter 2 and Lukechapter 2.
In those days, Caesar Augustusissued a decree that a census
should be taken of the entireRoman world.
This was the first census thattook place while Quirinius was
governor of Syria, and everyonewent to their own town to
(38:01):
register.
So Joseph also went up from thetown of Nazareth in Galilee to
Judea, to Bethlehem, the town ofDavid, because he belonged to
the house and line of David.
He went there to register withMary, who was pledged to be
married to him, and wasexpecting a child.
(38:22):
While they were there, the timecame for the baby to be born,
and she gave birth to herfirstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths andplaced him in a manger, because
there was no guest roomavailable for them.
And there were shepherds livingout in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their flocksby night.
(38:43):
An angel of the Lord appeared tothem, and glory of the Lord
shone around them, and they wereterrified.
But the angel said to them, Donot be afraid.
I bring you good news that willcause great joy for all the
people.
Today, in the town of David, aSavior has been born to you.
He is the Messiah, the Lord.
(39:06):
This will be assigned to you.
You will find a baby wrapped incloths lying in a manger.
Suddenly a great company of theheavenly host appeared with the
angel, praising God and saying,Glory to God in the highest
heaven, and on earth peace tothose in whom his favor rests.
When the angels had left themand gone into heaven, the
(39:29):
shepherds said to one another,Let's go to Bethlehem and see
this thing that has happenedwhich the Lord has told us
about.
So they hurried off and foundMary and Joseph and the baby who
was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, theyspread the word concerning what
had been told about this child,and all who heard it were amazed
(39:49):
at what the shepherds said tothem.
But Mary treasured up all thethings and pondered them in her
heart.
The shepherds returned,glorifying and praising God for
all the things they had heardand seen, which just as they had
been told.
On the eighth day, when it wastime to circumcise the child, he
(40:09):
was named Jesus, the name theangel had given him before he
was conceived.
After Jesus was born inBethlehem in Judea during the
time of King Herod, Magi fromthe east came to Jerusalem and
asked, Where is the one who hasbeen born king of the Jews?
(40:33):
We saw his star when it rose,and have come to worship him.
When King Herod heard this hewas disturbed, and all Jerusalem
with him.
When he had called together allthe people's chief priests and
teachers of the law, he askedthem where the Messiah was to be
born.
In Bethlehem in Judea, theyreplied, for this is what the
(40:56):
prophet has written.
But you, Bethlehem, in the landof Judah, are by no means least
among the rulers of Judah, forout of you will come a ruler who
will shepherd my people Israel.
Then Herod called the Magisecretly and found out from the
exact time the star hadappeared.
(41:16):
He sent them to Bethlehem andsaid, Go and search carefully
for the child.
As soon as you find him, reportto me so that I too may go and
search.
Worship him.
After they heard the king, theywent on their way, and the star
they had seen when it rose aheadof them until it stopped over
the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, theywere overjoyed.
(41:39):
On coming to the house, they sawthe child with his mother Mary,
they bowed down and worshippedhim.
Then they opened their treasuresand presented him with gifts of
gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in adream not to go back to Herod,
they returned to the country byanother route.
SPEAKER_04 (42:04):
Promotional consideration paid for by
Buddy's Almost Good Beer.
Remember, Buddy's Almost GoodBeer was brewed in God's country
when God wasn't looking.
Buddy's Almost Good Beer.
It's good.
SPEAKER_06 (42:42):
We just hope you enjoyed it.
SPEAKER_05 (42:58):
And now, Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy from Rick
Uhaus.
I think Santa Claus and Supermanare actually the same guy.
And I'll tell you why.
Both fly, both wear red, andboth have a beard.
(43:24):
I just love to produce this showfor you.
I don't know if you can tell.
The Renewed Mindset Show is yourshow.
My prayer is that you not onlyreceive the message, but that
you're entertained at the sametime.
I'm passionate about bringingyou valuable content each week.
Many of you have reached outexpressing a desire to support
(43:48):
our ministry.
If you resonate with ourmission, visit our website at
renewedmindsets.com slashsupport.
And you can choose yourpreferred method.
Cash App, PayPal, Buy Me aCoffee.
They're all there.
Your generosity helps uscontinue this journey together.
(44:08):
Thank you for being a part ofthe Renewed Mindsets community.
See ya! Well, that's all forthis Renewed Mindsets Christmas
Spectacular.
I want to give special thanks toYelena today.
This was so much fun, Yelena.
Thank you so much for takingtime out of your busy schedule
to help me get this show out intime.
(44:30):
And thank your family for me.
Come back and talk to us againsoon.
If you enjoyed this presentationor any of our past shows, tell
someone about it.
You can find all of our episodesat our website,
renewedmindsets.com.
We also have a blog there foryou and multiple ways you can
(44:50):
support this ministry.
We appreciate you and send thehappiest and merriest Christmas
to you and your families.
Until next time, I'm Rick.
SPEAKER_04 (45:07):
I love you.
A Merry Christmas to all and toall a good night.
Ho ho ho.
SPEAKER_05 (45:19):
The music for the Renew Mindset show is a song
called Are You Ready byFloodgate.
From the album Are You Ready?
Copyright 2002, OffbeatMinistries Incorporated.
Floodgate is available on AppleMusic and iTunes.
Music used with permission.
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