A closer look at the nativity in Luke 2:1-20: politics, fear, subversion, war and hope

by Westminster

December 20, 2022

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The Word at Westminster

A closer look at the nativity in Luke 2:1-20: politics, fear, subversion, war and hope

00:00 / 32:09

It’s one of the most famous stories ever told: The birth of Jesus.

Shepherds, angels, and hostile Inn-keepers have appeared in thousands of Christmas pageants for hundreds of years.

But when we hear something so much, we stop hearing it. Instead of paying more attention, we pay less. There was a man who lived right beside an airport. Over time, he stopped hearing the planes take off. They were still zooming around and making tonnes of noise, but his brain had learned to tune them out.

In the same way, we too can tune out the familiar, even when it comes to the story of Jesus’ birth. We can miss the bracing elements of the story which so powerfully shook our world in the first place.

With that in mind, this podcast is going to take us slowly through Luke 2:1-20. I’ll provide background detail, explanation of special words and concepts that are used, historical and political context, and even some detail about a few illuminating archaeological discoveries. I think this helps us appreciate the meaning and significance of what is going on in seminal verses.

And when I say slowly, I mean slowly. It’s going to require some attention. It’s more of a take-your-time-in-the-evening-with-a-warm-drink kind of thing. Or maybe it’s something you’ll listen to while going for a walk or a drive.