Every year I make a YouTube video about some aspect of Christmas and its significance (see finished video here: https://youtu.be/ef37iUayHII).

This year, I thought it would be good to share the Narration track as a podcast for those who don't have the time to sit done and watch a video.

This year, I have been thinking about how so many of our Christmas rituals and traditions have been stripped away and how that could actually help us focus on the true meaning of the season and the incredible hope that lies at the heart of the Christmas Story.

A runaway slave is sent back to his master - not as returned property but as a brother in Christ.
His owner is a church leader and he has to decide whether to react to the situation from the world's point of view or from the Kingdom's.
The story of Onesimus is short but incredibly rich in the challenge it presents to the newly founded church

This you woman from a noble family demonstrates Grace, Kindness, Modesty, Charm, Wisdom, Courage and and Adventurous streak. On top of that, she is very beautiful. No wonder the Lord chose her to be Isaac's wife

Abraham's un-named servant was sent on a vital mission that would literally change the course of human history.
We do not know his name but we do know that he was humble, diligent, faithful and loyal.

Jesus drew attention to the actions of a poor but generous widow because her offering was born out of a heart of devotion and sincerity.
In His eyes, it is not the amount that counts - it is the attitude it is given with that matters to Him.

Sorry for the technical hitch that meant this episode is a day late

One of the first people to share the great news that the Messiah had arrived was an 84 year old woman named Anna. She had spent decades in the temple worshipping God, praying and fasting.
With masterful timing and precision, the Holy Spirit orchestrates events so that she is right next to Mary, Joseph and Jesus when Simeon prophecies to Mary about the significance of Jesus.
It is a story of tenacity, grace and fulfilled promises

An elderly, faithful and devout jewish man had an incredible encounter with the infant Jesus when Mary and Joseph took him to be dedicated to the Lord at the temple.
God's faithfulness to Simeon and Simeon's Spirit inspired perception of the purpose of Jesus makes for a moving and powerful story.

Despite being ripped from her family and her life, the maid to Naaman's wife showed incredible courage, faith and compassion when she suggested that Naaman should go and visit the prophet, Elisha, to be healed of his leprosy.
She could have lost her life if Naaman was not healed but her courage paid off and triggered an incredible series of events.