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[bell ringing]
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Downloaded from
YTS.LT
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The story
of the first Christmas,
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we, um...
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we revisit it every year.
Thank you.
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Official YIFY movies site:
YTS.LT
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Maybe you... Maybe you know
a little bit about it.
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Maybe you know a lot.
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I used to think that I did.
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But like many of you, I was
a kid when I first started
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to learn about the Bible,
its stories, the miracles.
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But it was the first Christmas
that always seemed
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to be bigger than all of it.
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I think I was about... [sighs]
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I think I was
about four years old
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when I was selected
to be a shepherd
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in our church's
yearly production
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of the Nativity.
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It would be my acting debut,
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and I would
have one line. "Hark."
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And I knew it well leading
into that evening, but I kept...
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I kept missing
my cue of the star reveal
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because my oversized turban
kept falling
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across my eyes. [sighs]
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The play kept going, of course,
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but I refused to let
my big acting moment go.
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And regardless of where
we were at, I pointed upward,
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and I yelled my line
just about as loud as I could,
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bringing the play
to a momentary stop.
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I'm guessing that
my mother was mildly amused.
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My father, not... not...
not so much.
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But the play continued,
and I'd done my part.
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The next year,
they made me a Wise Man,
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but this time
I couldn't pronounce
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the gift we gave the Baby Jesus.
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[mumbles] Frankincense.
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It just didn't seem to--
It still doesn't.
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It doesn't roll off my tongue.
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But I never...
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But I never forgot
those evenings
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and the chance
to be in those plays.
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[♪ pensive instrumental music playing]
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Those songs we belted out,
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they're forever
a part of me.
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You know, it's easy
to think of Christmas
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as the busiest shopping season
of the year.
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Things seem to move so quickly.
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We think of Santa Claus,
reindeer,
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decorating the house,
packages under the tree,
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family and friends celebrating.
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There's a lot to like
about this time of year.
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But let's...
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let's not forget the Christ
in Christmas.
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Over one-third
of the world's population
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believe that Jesus Christ
was one of the most
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important persons
that ever lived
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and have called him Savior
and Lord
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for over 2,000 years.
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But how did it all start?
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What's the real story?
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The story is often portrayed
as a baby born
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in a cozy barn,
surrounded by animals.
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But there's another version.
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One that starts with a pregnant,
unwed teenage girl,
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a shamed lover,
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a treacherous journey
followed by a harrowing birth
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inside a dark cave.
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How Jesus came into
this fallen, broken world
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is far from what
the people of the day expected,
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and it's far
from the version I played
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as a four-year-old.
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So whether you're a believer
or a skeptic,
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or just curious
about the real story
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behind the tradition,
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I invite you to journey with me
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all the way back
to the first Christmas.
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[♪ music fades]
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{\an8}[wind whooshing]
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{\an8}[♪ soft instrumental music playing]
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{\an8}[Kevin] Our story begins
in the obscure backwater
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{\an8}of the Roman Empire.
Life was simple,
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and it centered
around tradition and family.
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Nazareth was a small village,
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just a couple
of hundred people.
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It wouldn't be a surprise
to believe
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that Mary and Joseph
probably grew up together.
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But now
these two childhood friends
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are taking a bigger step.
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It's not a marriage ceremony,
but almost as important.
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- [♪ music fades]
- [Kevin] An engagement.
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And who asks for the betrothal
to my daughter Mary?
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It is I, Joseph, son of Heli,
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descendant of the House of David.
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And what, Joseph, son of Heli,
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is the bride price
for this betrothal?
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Two hundred and ten
silver shekels of Tyre.
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- [bag jingles]
- [indistinct murmuring]
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I, Joachim...
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father of Mary...
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[♪ soft instrumental music playing]
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- ...accept!
- [crowd cheering]
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[♪ music turns joyous]
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[horn blowing]
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{\an8}Mary, the Blessed Mother,
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{\an8}must have been young,
childbearing age, obviously.
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[crowd cheering]
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[Jodi] In Judaism
in that period,
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probably the marriage age
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for women
was quite a young age,
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at the age of 12
or the age of 14.
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{\an8}And so when a woman
becomes betrothed,
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{\an8}there's an actual contract
that is signed.
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[Kevin] This couple today
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would not be old enough
to legally vote,
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but back then,
you had to grow up fast.
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Joseph was expected to provide
and protect his bride-to-be.
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The engagement period was a time
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where he had to prove
that he could.
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[♪ music fades]
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[Kevin] It feels certain
that these two were in love.
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[♪ soft sentimental music playing]
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Were you nervous?
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Um, well, I guess a little,
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but, you know,
I've practiced many times, so...
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You practiced aloud? For me?
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That's so sweet.
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Mary, can we
just get married already?
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[Mary] Joseph, look around you.
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Everyone's working so hard
to prepare
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for our wedding feast.
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Wine won't be ready
for at least three months.
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Three months?
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We don't need wine
for our wedding.
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You waited a year
to save for my dowry.
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You can wait three more months.
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Exactly, a whole year.
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Patience leads
to abundant understanding,
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but impatience leads
to stupid mistakes.
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There is no version of us
that is a mistake.
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[♪ people singing in Hebrew]
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[♪ upbeat instrumental music playing]
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[♪ all singing in Hebrew]
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[Kevin]
The small Hebrew nation of Judea
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was just one of the many nations
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- under the boot of mighty Rome...
- [trumpet blowing]
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- ...led by Emperor Caesar Augustus.
- [horse neighs]
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[Kevin] This vast empire
of 45 million people
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is known to have sprawled all the way
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from modern-day Britain in the west
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to present-day Iraq in the east.
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They were the most powerful force
the world had ever known.
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[♪ tense instrumental music playing]
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By decree of Caesar Augustus,
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emperor of the Roman Empire...
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[horse neighs]
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...all citizens shall register
at their ancestral town
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for the Census of Quirinius.
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Registration begins at dawn.
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[grunts]
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[Lynn] Rome periodically needed to count
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how many people were in their region.
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{\an8}It was a monumental undertaking,
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{\an8}but they wanted to get an accurate number
so they could get more taxes.
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{\an8}Rome allowed people to worship
any god that they want to,
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{\an8}as long as they acknowledge
that Caesar is lord.
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[Kevin] The half-Assyrian,
half-Jewish people
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known as the Samaritans
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were used
as local law enforcement.
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The Jews and Samaritans
hated each other.
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Ah, the famous Galilean wine.
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This wine is spoken for, sir.
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[chuckles] It would seem, boy...
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you are in need of a lesson.
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- [♪ tense instrumental music continues]
- [Panthera clicks tongue]
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- [horse whinnies]
- Shh!
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A good citizen of Rome
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should be generous
with the state...
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in all of his blessings.
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- [chuckles]
- [indistinct murmuring]
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[clicks tongue]
Let's take a little ride.
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- [Mary] No, no! [screams]
- [indistinct clamoring]
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- [♪ music intensifies]
- [Joachim] Hey! Hey! Hey!
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- Release my daughter!
- [crowd screaming]
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- Panthera! Enough!
- [♪ music softens]
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- [indistinct murmuring]
- [officer] Stupid beast.
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No wonder these people
hate your kind.
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Now go supervise
the tally! [grunts]
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[spits, clicks tongue]
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- [breathes heavily]
- [wind whooshing]
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[thunder rumbling]
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{\an8}[♪ ominous instrumental music playing]
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{\an8}[Kevin] Judea had been
conquered and ruled
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{\an8}by other foreign invaders,
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but none had ruled
the Jewish nation for this long.
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Judea was ruled
by a puppet king,
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tolerated by the Romans
because he was willing
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to do their dirty work.
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The king of the Jews
named himself Herod the Great.
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[Lynn]
Herod was king of the Jews,
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{\an8}but he wasn't
an independent king
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{\an8}the way we might think
of monarchs today.
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{\an8}He was what you might call
a client king.
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Rome really had all the control.
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[Kevin] Herod is tasked with
suppressing the Jewish people
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through intimidation
and cruelty.
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Herod was cynical
down to his bone.
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{\an8}That is, that he had no feeling
of reverence at all
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{\an8}for any of the gods,
whether it's the God of Israel
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{\an8}or whether
it's pagan Roman gods.
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[indistinct chatter]
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[Kevin] Herod was a builder
of great structures,
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who brought wealth
to his Roman masters.
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{\an8}Josephus wrote
that it was quite possible
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{\an8}that Herod was insane.
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{\an8}Herod was a walking culture
of death.
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[Kevin] Known for his oversized
ego and golden crown,
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he suffered
from chronic pain
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that some say affected
his mental state.
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Paranoid and brutal,
Herod is a ruler willing
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to do anything
to retain his throne.
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The most dangerous kind
of survivor.
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[♪ tense instrumental music playing]
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Father... you summoned me.
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Antipater.
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Good.
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Come.
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Join me, son.
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Father, is there some way
I can be of service?
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Yes. [chuckles softly]
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Actually, there is.
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I heard whispers...
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of a plot to poison me.
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Father, that's not true.
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How can I assure you my loyalty?
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There is in fact one way
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that you can give me reassurance.
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Anything. Please.
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[groaning]
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Stupid boy.
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[pants softly]
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[♪ tense instrumental music continues]
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[Jodi] Herod was paranoid.
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[knife clatters]
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[Jodi] And Herod's sister, Salome,
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who was pretty pernicious, actually,
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started to spread rumors.
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No!
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What have you done?
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What have you done?
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[Jodi] And so Herod comes to believe
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that two of his sons by Mariamne,
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who were really sort of
the leading contenders
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to inherit his throne,
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were trying to sort of
push him out and take over.
255
00:15:29,178 --> 00:15:31,639
[sobs] He is our son!
256
00:15:31,722 --> 00:15:32,807
Your son...
257
00:15:32,890 --> 00:15:35,268
[♪ somber instrumental music playing]
258
00:15:35,351 --> 00:15:37,061
Your own flesh and blood!
259
00:15:37,937 --> 00:15:39,856
[Kevin] Augustus is quoted as saying,
260
00:15:40,481 --> 00:15:43,317
"It's better to be Herod's pig
than his son."
261
00:15:48,614 --> 00:15:52,785
- [door opens]
- [wind whooshing]
262
00:15:54,954 --> 00:15:58,583
- [♪ light instrumental music playing]
- [officer shouting in distance]
263
00:16:01,335 --> 00:16:03,337
[Kevin] The name Mary
was the most common
264
00:16:03,421 --> 00:16:05,339
for Jewish women of her time.
265
00:16:06,340 --> 00:16:07,967
A low-income teenage girl
266
00:16:08,050 --> 00:16:10,469
who was just going about
an ordinary day.
267
00:16:12,013 --> 00:16:14,473
But this day
was far from ordinary,
268
00:16:15,099 --> 00:16:18,227
and she was anything
but just another Mary.
269
00:16:18,311 --> 00:16:21,397
[wind whooshing]
270
00:16:21,480 --> 00:16:24,817
[♪ light instrumental music continues]
271
00:16:29,989 --> 00:16:33,951
[door rattling]
272
00:16:34,035 --> 00:16:37,663
[♪ music builds]
273
00:16:43,753 --> 00:16:46,589
[♪ dramatic instrumental music playing]
274
00:16:53,763 --> 00:16:54,972
[Gabriel] Greetings, Mary.
275
00:16:56,682 --> 00:16:58,100
The Lord is with you.
276
00:17:01,187 --> 00:17:04,106
[Father Sean] The angel Gabriel
was sent from God
277
00:17:04,190 --> 00:17:07,443
to deliver the message
to the Blessed Mother.
278
00:17:10,655 --> 00:17:11,822
[Gabriel] Don't be afraid, Mary,
279
00:17:13,574 --> 00:17:15,785
for you have found favor with God.
280
00:17:16,911 --> 00:17:21,374
{\an8}This was an extraordinary moment
because in salvation history,
281
00:17:21,457 --> 00:17:23,376
whenever a human being
282
00:17:23,459 --> 00:17:25,836
would come into contact
with an angel,
283
00:17:25,920 --> 00:17:28,214
the human being
would exhibit reverence
284
00:17:28,297 --> 00:17:29,590
towards the angel
285
00:17:29,674 --> 00:17:32,635
because the angel
is resplendent with grace
286
00:17:32,718 --> 00:17:34,971
because the angel
sees God face-to-face.
287
00:17:36,722 --> 00:17:37,974
It's okay.
288
00:17:39,475 --> 00:17:42,395
[Teo] In Scripture,
you see Gabriel, specifically,
289
00:17:42,478 --> 00:17:44,814
would come in
and bring a message.
290
00:17:44,897 --> 00:17:48,234
{\an8}And there's always
this storyline
291
00:17:48,317 --> 00:17:51,028
{\an8}of the Lord's gonna work
in a way
292
00:17:51,112 --> 00:17:54,073
{\an8}that is counter-intuitive,
it's counterculture.
293
00:17:55,658 --> 00:17:57,827
And so when
angel Gabriel shows up
294
00:17:57,910 --> 00:18:00,329
to Mary, you know,
you're looking at a teenager
295
00:18:00,413 --> 00:18:03,249
receiving this news
that will change humanity.
296
00:18:03,332 --> 00:18:07,461
[♪ uplifting instrumental music playing]
297
00:18:11,132 --> 00:18:14,468
You will conceive
and give birth to a son.
298
00:18:15,511 --> 00:18:16,846
You will call him Jesus.
299
00:18:17,972 --> 00:18:19,765
He will be very great,
300
00:18:19,849 --> 00:18:21,976
and he will be known
as the Son of the Most High.
301
00:18:23,352 --> 00:18:24,770
The Lord God
will give him the throne
302
00:18:24,854 --> 00:18:25,938
of his ancestor David,
303
00:18:26,022 --> 00:18:28,649
and he will reign
over Israel forever.
304
00:18:29,233 --> 00:18:30,860
His kingdom will never end.
305
00:18:32,945 --> 00:18:34,238
But how can this happen?
306
00:18:34,739 --> 00:18:35,990
I am a virgin.
307
00:18:41,912 --> 00:18:44,290
The Holy Spirit
will come upon you,
308
00:18:44,373 --> 00:18:46,500
and the power of the Most High
will overshadow you,
309
00:18:46,584 --> 00:18:49,587
so that the baby to be born
will be born holy
310
00:18:50,212 --> 00:18:52,590
and will be called
the Son of God.
311
00:19:08,230 --> 00:19:09,649
[Mary] I am the Lord's servant.
312
00:19:10,358 --> 00:19:12,818
May everything you have said
about me come true.
313
00:19:15,404 --> 00:19:20,242
[thunder rumbling in distance]
314
00:19:35,508 --> 00:19:37,051
[Lynn]
Mary herself kind of wonders,
315
00:19:37,134 --> 00:19:39,387
{\an8}"Why, God, did you choose me?
'Cause I'm...
316
00:19:39,470 --> 00:19:41,764
{\an8}I'm just your humble servant."
317
00:19:41,847 --> 00:19:43,349
{\an8}"There's nothing special
about me."
318
00:19:43,432 --> 00:19:44,600
{\an8}"I'm not a queen."
319
00:19:44,684 --> 00:19:46,394
"I don't come
from an important family."
320
00:19:46,477 --> 00:19:50,898
All the kind of
what we might call worldly values
321
00:19:50,981 --> 00:19:52,149
that show success,
322
00:19:53,442 --> 00:19:55,027
Mary doesn't have
any of those.
323
00:19:55,653 --> 00:19:59,657
But what she does have
is a willingness
324
00:19:59,740 --> 00:20:02,618
to follow whatever God
has for her.
325
00:20:02,702 --> 00:20:04,328
[♪ pensive instrumental music playing]
326
00:20:04,412 --> 00:20:10,251
Mary is the most sublime
and pure human being.
327
00:20:14,422 --> 00:20:17,967
After the angel greeted her,
she didn't say, "This can't be."
328
00:20:18,050 --> 00:20:19,385
She said, "How can this be?"
329
00:20:24,098 --> 00:20:27,685
And the angel Gabriel tells her
the power of the Most High,
330
00:20:27,768 --> 00:20:29,687
the Holy Spirit,
will overshadow you.
331
00:20:30,688 --> 00:20:33,774
This is the fulfillment
of the prophecy in Isaiah
332
00:20:33,858 --> 00:20:37,903
of the virgin conceiving
and bearing the Son of God,
333
00:20:37,987 --> 00:20:39,655
Immanuel the Christ.
334
00:20:40,197 --> 00:20:43,409
And this is the turning point
in human history.
335
00:20:51,584 --> 00:20:55,129
[Teo] There was a separation
between God and humanity.
336
00:20:55,212 --> 00:20:58,215
And as God is desiring
to reach humanity,
337
00:20:58,632 --> 00:21:01,135
uh, there is a gap.
338
00:21:01,677 --> 00:21:04,597
And that gap would have
to be filled or connected
339
00:21:04,680 --> 00:21:05,848
through a bridge.
340
00:21:05,931 --> 00:21:08,684
Now, that bridge
is a human being.
341
00:21:09,268 --> 00:21:11,896
And that bridge is God the Son.
342
00:21:14,982 --> 00:21:17,735
[Francis] God wanted to show us
what He was like.
343
00:21:18,819 --> 00:21:20,654
{\an8}So as we're, like,
trying to prove
344
00:21:20,738 --> 00:21:22,573
{\an8}how great we are, God's saying,
345
00:21:22,656 --> 00:21:24,909
{\an8}"But I use the lowly."
346
00:21:26,285 --> 00:21:28,746
[Mary] Oh, how my soul praises
the Lord.
347
00:21:30,414 --> 00:21:33,167
[♪ ethereal vocal music playing]
348
00:21:33,793 --> 00:21:36,295
[Francis] This is so massive.
349
00:21:36,378 --> 00:21:39,965
I mean, you're talking about
for the first time,
350
00:21:40,049 --> 00:21:43,260
God being inside of a person.
351
00:21:46,096 --> 00:21:48,682
[Mary] My spirit rejoices
in God my Savior.
352
00:21:52,144 --> 00:21:56,190
[Lynn] Mary believes that God
is fulfilling His promise
353
00:21:56,273 --> 00:21:58,943
to deliver His people
through the Messiah.
354
00:21:59,443 --> 00:22:04,657
And having a baby who grows up
to be Messiah,
355
00:22:04,740 --> 00:22:06,784
the Anointed One, the King,
356
00:22:06,867 --> 00:22:09,787
is a promise of Scriptures.
357
00:22:10,538 --> 00:22:16,794
[♪ ethereal vocal music continues]
358
00:22:19,880 --> 00:22:26,262
[heart beating]
359
00:22:27,221 --> 00:22:28,597
[Vishal] This willingness
360
00:22:28,681 --> 00:22:31,183
to surrender everything to God,
361
00:22:31,267 --> 00:22:36,772
{\an8}she was the right person
in the sense
362
00:22:36,856 --> 00:22:41,861
{\an8}that she believed that God
can do what is impossible.
363
00:22:44,113 --> 00:22:46,782
[Kevin] Mary didn't ask to be
the mother of the Son of God,
364
00:22:47,533 --> 00:22:49,326
but she was available to God.
365
00:22:50,494 --> 00:22:54,123
God saw her servant heart,
her faithfulness,
366
00:22:54,206 --> 00:22:55,916
and she chose to obey.
367
00:22:57,293 --> 00:22:59,503
But obedience
can come with a price.
368
00:23:00,504 --> 00:23:03,591
And for Mary, that price
would mean her reputation,
369
00:23:04,133 --> 00:23:05,885
her future marriage to Joseph,
370
00:23:06,510 --> 00:23:08,012
and even her life.
371
00:23:09,221 --> 00:23:10,890
- [thunder rumbling]
- [rain pattering]
372
00:23:14,560 --> 00:23:18,647
- [♪ music fades]
- [indistinct chatter]
373
00:23:18,731 --> 00:23:20,149
[Lynn] The Roman Empire,
374
00:23:20,232 --> 00:23:22,902
their reach
into these other populations,
375
00:23:22,985 --> 00:23:25,571
those populations could,
a lot of times,
376
00:23:25,654 --> 00:23:29,116
keep their own language,
keep their own local customs,
377
00:23:29,199 --> 00:23:30,659
but they needed to pay taxes...
378
00:23:30,743 --> 00:23:36,248
[chuckles] ...always taxes,
back to the central government,
379
00:23:37,124 --> 00:23:38,667
which grew quite rich.
380
00:23:38,751 --> 00:23:40,628
- [♪ tense instrumental music playing]
- [Panthera grunts]
381
00:23:40,711 --> 00:23:42,296
[indistinct chatter]
382
00:23:42,379 --> 00:23:43,714
Straight line!
383
00:23:44,465 --> 00:23:46,091
[soldier 1]
Straight line, everyone!
384
00:23:47,927 --> 00:23:49,219
[Panthera] Get them in line!
385
00:23:54,266 --> 00:23:56,977
[Kevin] Mary had received word
that her cousin Elizabeth
386
00:23:57,061 --> 00:23:58,896
had also recently
become pregnant,
387
00:23:59,521 --> 00:24:00,898
and she rushed to help.
388
00:24:02,733 --> 00:24:03,859
[soldier 2] Get over here.
389
00:24:03,984 --> 00:24:06,236
The Blessed Mother
is the great example
390
00:24:06,320 --> 00:24:09,156
of discipleship,
in terms of what did she do
391
00:24:09,239 --> 00:24:11,450
as soon as
the angel Gabriel visited her?
392
00:24:11,533 --> 00:24:13,118
She went in haste
393
00:24:13,202 --> 00:24:15,871
through the hill country
to visit Elizabeth
394
00:24:15,955 --> 00:24:17,039
and to help her.
395
00:24:17,122 --> 00:24:19,917
To serve Elizabeth
in her pregnancy, as well.
396
00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:23,253
[♪ soft emotional music playing]
397
00:24:24,546 --> 00:24:26,423
- Mary!
- [thunder rumbling]
398
00:24:26,507 --> 00:24:27,508
Mary!
399
00:24:29,677 --> 00:24:30,678
Joseph.
400
00:24:33,347 --> 00:24:34,348
Where are you going?
401
00:24:37,601 --> 00:24:40,312
I'm going to visit my cousin, Elizabeth.
402
00:24:40,396 --> 00:24:41,522
[Joseph] Now?
403
00:24:43,565 --> 00:24:45,109
But what
of our wedding preparations?
404
00:24:51,281 --> 00:24:52,908
Everything has changed.
405
00:24:57,037 --> 00:24:58,038
Changed?
406
00:24:58,914 --> 00:24:59,957
What's changed?
407
00:25:05,170 --> 00:25:06,380
I cannot say.
408
00:25:07,464 --> 00:25:08,716
Not yet.
409
00:25:15,139 --> 00:25:17,599
Mary, I don't understand
what's happening,
410
00:25:17,683 --> 00:25:19,059
but I will escort you.
411
00:25:20,352 --> 00:25:21,937
It's not safe to journey alone.
412
00:25:23,605 --> 00:25:25,107
Let me tell my father,
and I'll join you.
413
00:25:25,190 --> 00:25:26,191
[Mary] Joseph!
414
00:25:27,609 --> 00:25:29,486
I am traveling with others.
415
00:25:29,570 --> 00:25:31,405
I must take
this journey without you.
416
00:25:32,406 --> 00:25:34,616
I pray the Lord will reveal
to you why.
417
00:25:41,832 --> 00:25:45,127
[♪ music turns tense]
418
00:25:45,919 --> 00:25:47,504
Get in line, boy!
419
00:25:49,298 --> 00:25:50,883
My family is not from Nazareth.
420
00:25:52,551 --> 00:25:54,553
Well, you and your family need
to get your asses
421
00:25:54,636 --> 00:25:57,347
to wherever that is and register
422
00:25:58,223 --> 00:26:00,893
by the end of the consular year.
423
00:26:03,854 --> 00:26:06,857
[Joseph breathes heavily]
424
00:26:07,441 --> 00:26:09,860
[thunder rumbling]
425
00:26:10,444 --> 00:26:11,779
[water trickling]
426
00:26:11,862 --> 00:26:16,200
[♪ solemn instrumental music playing]
427
00:26:16,283 --> 00:26:19,036
[Kevin] After Mary spends
the first part of her pregnancy
428
00:26:19,119 --> 00:26:20,537
with her cousin, Elizabeth,
429
00:26:21,371 --> 00:26:23,082
she returns home to Nazareth.
430
00:26:25,292 --> 00:26:27,127
She has a child inside her,
431
00:26:27,753 --> 00:26:29,838
and a story
about how it got there.
432
00:26:30,547 --> 00:26:35,469
{\an8}There was a recognition,
both of, "God will work it out."
433
00:26:35,552 --> 00:26:38,430
{\an8}That's clear what she says
in the Magnificat.
434
00:26:38,514 --> 00:26:41,600
{\an8}She knows, "All generations
will call me blessed."
435
00:26:41,683 --> 00:26:43,185
That's what she says.
436
00:26:43,811 --> 00:26:47,022
But I think
she also recognizes...
437
00:26:47,523 --> 00:26:49,358
"If people don't believe me,
438
00:26:49,858 --> 00:26:52,778
then I will be seen
as having committed a sin."
439
00:26:54,863 --> 00:26:56,406
[Teo] From a Jewish perspective,
440
00:26:56,490 --> 00:26:59,243
in the ultra-conservative
society that they lived in,
441
00:26:59,952 --> 00:27:01,620
under Pharisaic law,
442
00:27:02,204 --> 00:27:05,958
{\an8}if she would be condemned
as an adulterous woman,
443
00:27:06,041 --> 00:27:09,044
{\an8}you would be judged
in a way and condemned
444
00:27:09,128 --> 00:27:10,963
{\an8}that you would be stoned,
put to death.
445
00:27:12,631 --> 00:27:16,885
But she's a young woman
that is very convinced,
446
00:27:16,969 --> 00:27:19,263
"This is what
I have to go through,
447
00:27:19,346 --> 00:27:21,849
and this is my part to play
448
00:27:21,932 --> 00:27:23,976
to the fulfillment
of the Word of God."
449
00:27:25,686 --> 00:27:29,857
[♪ solemn instrumental music continues]
450
00:27:52,546 --> 00:27:53,839
[exhales heavily]
451
00:28:02,890 --> 00:28:05,350
Mary, what have you done?
452
00:28:07,936 --> 00:28:09,187
I will explain.
453
00:28:21,241 --> 00:28:24,077
[Kevin] If a teenage girl
told you that she was pregnant
454
00:28:24,161 --> 00:28:26,371
with the Son of God
and still a virgin,
455
00:28:27,039 --> 00:28:28,332
would you believe her?
456
00:28:29,666 --> 00:28:33,545
Her mother, her future in-laws,
and her future husband
457
00:28:33,629 --> 00:28:35,839
all had to face
that same question.
458
00:28:36,965 --> 00:28:39,968
The stakes could not be
any higher for this young woman,
459
00:28:40,510 --> 00:28:44,097
not to mention for Joseph
and both of their families.
460
00:29:16,254 --> 00:29:18,048
I do not want
to disgrace you publicly.
461
00:29:28,558 --> 00:29:31,019
I will not openly accuse you
of unfaithfulness.
462
00:29:37,192 --> 00:29:38,860
I will end
our betrothal quietly.
463
00:29:40,153 --> 00:29:42,322
I'll do my best
to protect your reputation.
464
00:29:43,365 --> 00:29:45,909
[door opening]
465
00:30:03,427 --> 00:30:06,722
[thunder rumbling]
466
00:30:10,183 --> 00:30:12,811
[Kevin] The Bible says
that Joseph was a good man,
467
00:30:13,812 --> 00:30:16,523
but good men can have
their hearts broken too.
468
00:30:18,358 --> 00:30:20,861
These two teenagers
were meant to be together.
469
00:30:21,570 --> 00:30:25,365
God not only chose Mary,
he also chose Joseph.
470
00:30:30,203 --> 00:30:31,455
[wind whooshing]
471
00:30:31,538 --> 00:30:33,457
[Kevin] They both cried out
to the same God
472
00:30:33,540 --> 00:30:34,833
with the same prayer,
473
00:30:36,084 --> 00:30:38,086
"Reveal yourself, O Lord."
474
00:30:39,713 --> 00:30:42,132
And God was faithful
to answer them both.
475
00:30:42,215 --> 00:30:46,720
[♪ music builds]
476
00:30:47,929 --> 00:30:50,015
[thunder rumbling]
477
00:30:55,687 --> 00:30:59,733
[♪ dramatic instrumental music playing]
478
00:31:13,705 --> 00:31:16,625
Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid
479
00:31:16,708 --> 00:31:18,210
to take Mary as your wife,
480
00:31:18,960 --> 00:31:20,754
for the child within her
was conceived
481
00:31:20,837 --> 00:31:22,047
by the Holy Spirit.
482
00:31:23,298 --> 00:31:24,883
She will give birth to a son,
483
00:31:25,884 --> 00:31:27,427
and you are
to name him Jesus,
484
00:31:28,095 --> 00:31:30,388
for he will save his people
from their sins.
485
00:31:31,098 --> 00:31:32,140
Look.
486
00:31:47,531 --> 00:31:51,034
[♪ pensive instrumental music playing]
487
00:32:00,418 --> 00:32:01,753
[Joseph pants]
488
00:32:01,837 --> 00:32:05,173
Joseph. What are you doing
here at this hour?
489
00:32:05,257 --> 00:32:06,466
[Joseph] Sir, I need
to see Mary.
490
00:32:06,967 --> 00:32:08,176
I need to see her.
491
00:32:09,886 --> 00:32:11,012
I know.
492
00:32:12,806 --> 00:32:15,016
- You know what?
- [Joseph] I know.
493
00:32:16,184 --> 00:32:17,227
Joseph?
494
00:32:22,524 --> 00:32:23,608
Dearest Mary,
495
00:32:25,443 --> 00:32:26,945
you are the love of my life,
496
00:32:29,281 --> 00:32:30,657
mother of my Savior.
497
00:32:31,950 --> 00:32:33,118
The Messiah?
498
00:32:33,827 --> 00:32:34,995
The Son of God?
499
00:32:46,298 --> 00:32:48,758
Will you honor me by giving me
your hand in marriage?
500
00:32:49,426 --> 00:32:50,886
I will commit
to taking care of you
501
00:32:50,969 --> 00:32:52,637
and the child
all the days of my life.
502
00:32:52,721 --> 00:32:54,055
[chuckles softly]
503
00:33:01,897 --> 00:33:05,066
[Kevin] Joseph and Mary
were most likely quietly wed.
504
00:33:06,151 --> 00:33:07,444
They probably did not have
505
00:33:07,527 --> 00:33:09,404
the typical
large Jewish wedding.
506
00:33:10,614 --> 00:33:13,408
A bride showing her pregnancy
on her wedding day
507
00:33:13,491 --> 00:33:15,285
would have been
the source of rumor.
508
00:33:16,369 --> 00:33:18,830
Joseph did not want Mary
to suffer through it.
509
00:33:20,707 --> 00:33:25,545
{\an8}Joseph is the one
that God chose to be entrusted
510
00:33:26,046 --> 00:33:29,257
{\an8}with not only caring
for the Blessed Mother
511
00:33:29,341 --> 00:33:30,342
{\an8}and protecting her,
512
00:33:30,425 --> 00:33:33,428
but caring for
and protecting Christ Jesus.
513
00:33:35,055 --> 00:33:38,099
And so this is
a remarkable responsibility.
514
00:33:40,852 --> 00:33:42,187
[Kevin]
Months after the wedding,
515
00:33:42,270 --> 00:33:45,357
Mary and Joseph set off
on the 90-mile journey
516
00:33:45,440 --> 00:33:47,817
to his ancestral home
of Bethlehem,
517
00:33:47,901 --> 00:33:50,612
where they were to register
for the Roman census.
518
00:33:51,655 --> 00:33:54,658
{\an8}Joseph needed to travel
to his hometown
519
00:33:54,741 --> 00:34:00,205
{\an8}within a certain time frame
in order to register.
520
00:34:00,288 --> 00:34:02,332
[♪ pensive instrumental music continues]
521
00:34:02,415 --> 00:34:04,292
[Vishal] There in Bethlehem,
nobody would know
522
00:34:04,376 --> 00:34:09,464
whether the baby being born
is Joseph's baby or not.
523
00:34:09,547 --> 00:34:12,342
{\an8}They would assume
that this is a married couple,
524
00:34:12,425 --> 00:34:15,178
{\an8}and it's his baby.
525
00:34:15,679 --> 00:34:17,722
{\an8}So there will be no gossip
526
00:34:18,348 --> 00:34:21,685
{\an8}and no humiliation,
which would have been there
527
00:34:22,435 --> 00:34:25,814
if the baby had been born
in Joseph's home.
528
00:34:28,441 --> 00:34:31,111
Joseph, be sure you feed Mary
529
00:34:31,194 --> 00:34:32,529
- twice a day.
- Of course.
530
00:34:32,612 --> 00:34:34,322
And be sure
she drinks plenty of water.
531
00:34:34,406 --> 00:34:35,407
Yes, understood.
532
00:34:35,991 --> 00:34:39,160
Joseph, be careful out there.
533
00:34:40,412 --> 00:34:42,831
And please take care
of my daughter and my grandson.
534
00:34:43,540 --> 00:34:44,749
On my life, sir.
535
00:34:47,919 --> 00:34:49,379
[Kevin] Unlike what
is usually shown
536
00:34:49,462 --> 00:34:51,506
in most portrayals
of Mary and Joseph
537
00:34:51,589 --> 00:34:55,427
making the 90-mile journey alone
on a single donkey...
538
00:34:57,220 --> 00:34:59,556
it's more plausible
that they would have traveled
539
00:34:59,639 --> 00:35:01,391
in a group for protection.
540
00:35:04,603 --> 00:35:09,149
[♪ dramatic instrumental music playing]
541
00:35:20,493 --> 00:35:22,996
[Kevin] There was good reason
for Mary and Joseph's families
542
00:35:23,079 --> 00:35:24,873
to be concerned
about the voyage.
543
00:35:26,207 --> 00:35:28,293
There were bands of outlaws
on the road.
544
00:35:29,252 --> 00:35:32,380
Lions and bears roamed
the wild lands around it.
545
00:35:33,590 --> 00:35:35,550
And the Roman soldiers
who patrolled
546
00:35:35,634 --> 00:35:38,261
were known for committing
random acts of violence,
547
00:35:38,762 --> 00:35:40,639
simply because they could.
548
00:35:54,694 --> 00:35:57,697
[♪ dramatic instrumental music continues]
549
00:35:57,781 --> 00:36:00,950
[cart rattling]
550
00:36:05,246 --> 00:36:07,082
[Kevin] The smaller,
more remote communities
551
00:36:07,165 --> 00:36:10,251
were especially vulnerable
to random acts of violence.
552
00:36:10,585 --> 00:36:12,420
[woman sobbing]
553
00:36:21,596 --> 00:36:25,517
[Kevin] One false accusation by
a rogue unit of Roman soldiers
554
00:36:25,600 --> 00:36:27,018
could be catastrophic.
555
00:36:27,102 --> 00:36:31,648
[cries, sobs]
556
00:36:31,731 --> 00:36:35,235
[♪ somber instrumental music playing]
557
00:36:42,951 --> 00:36:45,120
Roman soldiers accused
this village
558
00:36:45,203 --> 00:36:46,287
of harboring rebels.
559
00:36:47,497 --> 00:36:49,374
The Romans killed everyone
but her.
560
00:36:50,041 --> 00:36:52,877
[traveler] We must leave now.
Go. Let's go.
561
00:36:52,961 --> 00:36:56,256
[cries]
562
00:37:01,094 --> 00:37:03,221
[sobs]
563
00:37:04,723 --> 00:37:06,349
[Kevin]
Living in modern society,
564
00:37:06,433 --> 00:37:08,476
it is really nearly impossible
565
00:37:08,560 --> 00:37:10,979
to imagine how barbaric
they were.
566
00:37:11,563 --> 00:37:14,858
Often just leaving one witness
to keep the threat alive.
567
00:37:16,943 --> 00:37:20,321
But things that were maybe
considered normal for that time,
568
00:37:21,114 --> 00:37:22,741
if you saw them today,
569
00:37:23,575 --> 00:37:25,410
it's unlikely
you would get over it.
570
00:37:26,786 --> 00:37:29,414
Life was not kind or easy.
571
00:37:31,458 --> 00:37:35,336
[♪ soft instrumental music playing]
572
00:37:38,339 --> 00:37:39,382
How are we doing?
573
00:37:40,091 --> 00:37:41,426
We are good.
574
00:37:41,509 --> 00:37:42,761
All right.
575
00:37:42,844 --> 00:37:44,053
He moved again!
576
00:37:47,682 --> 00:37:49,392
See, can you feel him move?
577
00:37:49,476 --> 00:37:50,518
I can.
578
00:37:53,938 --> 00:37:56,941
[Lynn] They knew that
if people didn't believe them
579
00:37:57,025 --> 00:38:00,403
about this truth that God
had done in their lives,
580
00:38:00,487 --> 00:38:03,156
that they would
then be ridiculed or worse.
581
00:38:03,239 --> 00:38:05,366
And so,
in recognizing all of that,
582
00:38:05,450 --> 00:38:08,578
I think we can maybe
better appreciate
583
00:38:08,661 --> 00:38:11,706
both Mary
and Joseph's commitment
584
00:38:12,207 --> 00:38:13,833
to raising Jesus,
585
00:38:13,917 --> 00:38:17,587
even though they didn't know
what all this would entail.
586
00:38:18,129 --> 00:38:20,715
[Father Sean] Joseph
is the model for every man.
587
00:38:20,799 --> 00:38:24,552
To be a good protector,
to love the Blessed Mother
588
00:38:24,636 --> 00:38:27,764
with the highest form of love,
which is "agape."
589
00:38:27,847 --> 00:38:33,061
[♪ soft instrumental music continues]
590
00:38:37,816 --> 00:38:40,819
[wind whooshing]
591
00:39:02,549 --> 00:39:05,009
I should probably warn you
about my cousins in Bethlehem.
592
00:39:05,802 --> 00:39:07,470
Okay, please do.
593
00:39:08,096 --> 00:39:12,392
Well, this cousin, Asher,
he's a talker.
594
00:39:12,475 --> 00:39:13,768
Yap, yap, yap.
595
00:39:13,852 --> 00:39:16,062
His words as welcoming
as an annoying old maid
596
00:39:16,145 --> 00:39:18,481
yapping about food
during the Yom Kippur fast.
597
00:39:19,065 --> 00:39:20,900
Joseph, be kind.
598
00:39:20,984 --> 00:39:22,402
I am being kind.
599
00:39:23,069 --> 00:39:25,864
To you. I'm warning you,
don't get cornered by him.
600
00:39:35,331 --> 00:39:41,087
[all speaking Hebrew]
601
00:39:43,423 --> 00:39:46,718
[♪ lively instrumental music playing]
602
00:39:49,721 --> 00:39:52,640
[Kevin] At a certain point,
Mary and Joseph did separate
603
00:39:52,724 --> 00:39:55,977
from their group,
heading out on their own,
604
00:39:56,060 --> 00:39:57,353
towards his family's home,
605
00:39:58,187 --> 00:39:59,647
the village of Bethlehem,
606
00:40:00,648 --> 00:40:03,401
the ancestral home
of King David.
607
00:40:09,157 --> 00:40:11,409
- [gasps]
- Did he move again?
608
00:40:12,118 --> 00:40:14,329
No. This is something else.
609
00:40:15,538 --> 00:40:18,041
We're nearly there.
A few more steps.
610
00:40:21,085 --> 00:40:23,880
Joseph. What is that?
611
00:40:24,631 --> 00:40:27,759
[♪ music turns somber]
612
00:40:45,026 --> 00:40:47,236
[Jodi]
The Romans reserved crucifixion
613
00:40:47,320 --> 00:40:51,574
{\an8}as a method of execution
for serious charges,
614
00:40:51,658 --> 00:40:53,576
{\an8}like sedition slash treason.
615
00:40:56,663 --> 00:41:00,667
And the reason why
crucifixion was chosen
616
00:41:00,750 --> 00:41:03,503
is because it was
a method of execution
617
00:41:03,586 --> 00:41:07,966
that was long and painful
before death occurred.
618
00:41:09,342 --> 00:41:12,053
[Kevin] There were many
who claimed to be the Messiah,
619
00:41:12,178 --> 00:41:14,347
who were going
to overthrow the Romans
620
00:41:14,430 --> 00:41:16,891
and free the Jewish people
once and for all.
621
00:41:17,517 --> 00:41:20,728
They were all hunted down
and made examples of.
622
00:41:21,396 --> 00:41:23,856
There will be no mercy
shown to anyone
623
00:41:23,940 --> 00:41:26,567
who dare challenge
the mighty Roman Empire.
624
00:41:27,235 --> 00:41:29,737
[screams]
625
00:41:30,989 --> 00:41:33,491
- [screams]
- Joseph!
626
00:41:33,574 --> 00:41:35,368
- [thunder rumbling]
- It's okay, Mary.
627
00:41:36,077 --> 00:41:37,495
[Mary pants]
628
00:41:38,496 --> 00:41:42,959
- [Joseph] It's okay, we're nearly there.
- [screams]
629
00:41:43,042 --> 00:41:47,422
- [screaming echoes]
- [thunder rumbling]
630
00:41:51,259 --> 00:41:54,303
[♪ tense instrumental music playing]
631
00:41:59,600 --> 00:42:01,602
[Joseph] Just breathe.
Deep breaths.
632
00:42:08,276 --> 00:42:09,444
[♪ music fades]
633
00:42:10,445 --> 00:42:11,654
When my kids were small,
634
00:42:11,738 --> 00:42:13,823
we used to put out
our Nativity set
635
00:42:13,906 --> 00:42:16,534
above the fireplace,
on the mantel.
636
00:42:17,410 --> 00:42:19,537
And sometimes below the tree
in a bed of cotton.
637
00:42:19,620 --> 00:42:20,621
[♪ soft instrumental music playing]
638
00:42:20,705 --> 00:42:22,957
And together,
we'd look at the carved figures
639
00:42:23,041 --> 00:42:26,878
of the Baby Jesus wrapped
in a blanket,
640
00:42:28,254 --> 00:42:31,883
the shepherds
and three Wise Men kneeling,
641
00:42:32,592 --> 00:42:34,802
while the cute angels
and animals looked on.
642
00:42:35,928 --> 00:42:37,472
It's a great way
to tell our kids
643
00:42:37,555 --> 00:42:39,057
about this amazing story.
644
00:42:39,766 --> 00:42:41,642
And a great reminder
for all of us.
645
00:42:42,643 --> 00:42:44,771
But if any story
is worth going deeper,
646
00:42:46,355 --> 00:42:47,440
it's this one.
647
00:42:49,358 --> 00:42:52,570
You know, I've learned...
I've learned to appreciate
648
00:42:52,653 --> 00:42:54,155
in a new way
what it must have taken
649
00:42:54,238 --> 00:42:57,533
for this teenage couple
from nowhere
650
00:42:57,617 --> 00:42:59,535
to be the parents
of the Son of God,
651
00:43:01,037 --> 00:43:02,872
what it must have taken
for Mary and Joseph
652
00:43:02,955 --> 00:43:06,209
- just to keep him alive.
- [♪ music turns somber]
653
00:43:06,292 --> 00:43:09,378
[rain pattering]
654
00:43:11,422 --> 00:43:14,092
[thunder rumbling]
655
00:43:15,968 --> 00:43:17,887
{\an8}[Kevin] Life back then was brutal,
656
00:43:17,970 --> 00:43:19,263
{\an8}right from the very beginning.
657
00:43:19,347 --> 00:43:21,140
[Mary pants]
658
00:43:21,224 --> 00:43:24,102
[Kevin] Childbirth was extremely
dangerous at the time.
659
00:43:24,185 --> 00:43:26,896
Please! Open! Please!
660
00:43:26,979 --> 00:43:28,314
[Mary groans]
661
00:43:29,899 --> 00:43:31,150
- Cousin Joseph!
- [Joseph] Cousin Asher!
662
00:43:31,234 --> 00:43:32,610
- My wife! She's in labor!
- [Asher] Whoa, my--
663
00:43:32,693 --> 00:43:34,153
Get in here.
Get out of the rain.
664
00:43:34,695 --> 00:43:39,242
Raya! Raya! Raya!
Raya, come quick!
665
00:43:39,325 --> 00:43:41,119
[Kevin]
The mortality rate of infants
666
00:43:41,202 --> 00:43:44,038
was about 20 times greater
than today.
667
00:43:44,122 --> 00:43:45,790
Boys, enough of that now.
668
00:43:46,374 --> 00:43:47,625
Behave yourselves.
669
00:43:47,708 --> 00:43:49,669
[Kevin] Not to mention
the extremely high rate
670
00:43:49,752 --> 00:43:51,671
of mothers dying in childbirth.
671
00:43:51,754 --> 00:43:52,755
[Mary groans]
672
00:43:52,839 --> 00:43:54,924
Her water's already broken.
Where can we bring her?
673
00:43:55,007 --> 00:43:56,008
Follow me.
674
00:43:56,676 --> 00:43:59,011
[Kevin] And if the baby
did survive birth...
675
00:43:59,095 --> 00:44:00,179
[Raya] More water.
676
00:44:00,972 --> 00:44:03,474
Rachel, get linens, blankets.
677
00:44:03,558 --> 00:44:06,477
...about one half would die
within their first year.
678
00:44:10,148 --> 00:44:13,401
The small town of Bethlehem
was isolated and poor.
679
00:44:14,402 --> 00:44:18,030
Unlike the Christmas carol about
there being no room in the inn,
680
00:44:18,698 --> 00:44:21,325
it's questionable
whether Bethlehem even had one.
681
00:44:21,409 --> 00:44:22,410
[indistinct chatter]
682
00:44:22,493 --> 00:44:24,829
[Kevin] It's more likely
that Joseph was planning
683
00:44:24,912 --> 00:44:26,706
on staying at a relative's home.
684
00:44:26,789 --> 00:44:27,874
[♪ lively instrumental music playing]
685
00:44:27,957 --> 00:44:32,211
{\an8}Hospitality in the ancient world
among Jews, and also the Romans,
686
00:44:32,295 --> 00:44:35,047
{\an8}everyone really
valued hospitality.
687
00:44:35,673 --> 00:44:39,510
If there was a visitor coming
into your town,
688
00:44:39,594 --> 00:44:42,513
it was really important
that you gave them a meal,
689
00:44:42,597 --> 00:44:44,765
that you gave them a place
to stay.
690
00:44:45,266 --> 00:44:47,101
So when Mary and Joseph arrived,
691
00:44:47,185 --> 00:44:49,770
what they find is that
there are a lot of other people
692
00:44:49,854 --> 00:44:53,149
who have had to go back
to Bethlehem to register.
693
00:44:53,232 --> 00:44:56,527
So all these extra rooms
are taken.
694
00:44:56,611 --> 00:44:57,904
[Asher] Okay. Careful.
695
00:44:57,987 --> 00:45:00,531
- Just follow me. Down here.
- [thunder rumbling]
696
00:45:00,615 --> 00:45:03,534
[Kevin] Bethlehem is known
for its limestone caves.
697
00:45:04,535 --> 00:45:06,037
These caves
under the houses
698
00:45:06,120 --> 00:45:07,997
acted as a basement of sorts.
699
00:45:09,207 --> 00:45:10,833
They also were a kind of barn
700
00:45:10,917 --> 00:45:13,127
- to keep the animals safe at night...
- [Mary groans]
701
00:45:13,211 --> 00:45:15,213
...and, in a pinch, for guests.
702
00:45:16,255 --> 00:45:18,883
Mary couldn't just give birth
in a crowded room.
703
00:45:19,550 --> 00:45:21,928
She needed to be set apart
from the others,
704
00:45:22,511 --> 00:45:26,390
not only for religious reasons,
but also for practical ones.
705
00:45:27,600 --> 00:45:29,435
Back then, you made do.
706
00:45:29,936 --> 00:45:32,230
Shelter of any kind
was valuable.
707
00:45:33,856 --> 00:45:35,942
Unlike some modern accounts
suggest,
708
00:45:36,567 --> 00:45:38,194
this young couple in crisis
709
00:45:38,277 --> 00:45:40,571
was not just being pushed
into the night
710
00:45:40,655 --> 00:45:41,989
by uncaring people.
711
00:45:42,073 --> 00:45:43,199
[Mary] Joseph!
712
00:45:43,699 --> 00:45:45,785
[Asher] Come on,
watch your steps, all of you.
713
00:45:46,285 --> 00:45:48,871
- [sheep bleating]
- We're almost there.
714
00:45:48,955 --> 00:45:51,123
[Joseph] We're almost there,
just a few more steps.
715
00:45:51,624 --> 00:45:53,125
[Raya] Keep breathing
through it.
716
00:45:53,209 --> 00:45:55,503
- Deep breaths.
- [Mary groaning]
717
00:45:57,004 --> 00:45:59,632
[groans, pants]
718
00:45:59,715 --> 00:46:02,176
[Father Sean]
There are different theological
719
00:46:02,260 --> 00:46:05,554
{\an8}speculations made
about the birth of Jesus
720
00:46:05,638 --> 00:46:07,848
{\an8}and how the Blessed Mother
was affected.
721
00:46:07,932 --> 00:46:09,058
[♪ gentle instrumental music playing]
722
00:46:09,141 --> 00:46:11,018
[Father Sean]
There is one point of view
723
00:46:11,102 --> 00:46:12,937
in Christianity
that posits the idea
724
00:46:13,020 --> 00:46:14,897
that she would have been
in pain,
725
00:46:14,981 --> 00:46:16,315
had gone through labor
726
00:46:16,399 --> 00:46:18,818
as any other mother
goes through labor.
727
00:46:19,485 --> 00:46:22,280
However, there's another idea
728
00:46:22,363 --> 00:46:26,867
that because the Blessed Mother
was not affected by original sin
729
00:46:26,951 --> 00:46:29,495
and did not suffer the effects,
730
00:46:30,288 --> 00:46:33,249
perhaps she didn't go through
the pain of childbirth.
731
00:46:35,293 --> 00:46:36,711
We can get mired in the details,
732
00:46:36,794 --> 00:46:39,463
or we can speculate
about this or that.
733
00:46:39,547 --> 00:46:41,590
What matters most
is Jesus Christ was born
734
00:46:41,674 --> 00:46:42,925
of the Blessed Mother.
735
00:46:44,427 --> 00:46:46,137
Here, here. Bring her back here.
736
00:46:46,220 --> 00:46:48,556
- There, near the top.
- [horse neighs]
737
00:46:48,639 --> 00:46:51,767
[Lynn] For a long, long time,
and I'm talking centuries,
738
00:46:51,851 --> 00:46:54,645
the women having their babies,
and afterwards,
739
00:46:54,729 --> 00:46:57,148
was really the responsibility
of other women.
740
00:46:57,231 --> 00:46:58,858
[groans, pants]
741
00:46:59,650 --> 00:47:01,193
[Jodi] So presumably,
there would have been
742
00:47:01,277 --> 00:47:04,947
{\an8}at least one midwife
involved in the process
743
00:47:05,031 --> 00:47:09,201
{\an8}of childbirth, maybe with
a couple of other women present.
744
00:47:09,285 --> 00:47:11,912
[pants heavily]
745
00:47:11,996 --> 00:47:13,831
[Raya] Here. Gently now.
746
00:47:13,914 --> 00:47:16,917
[Kevin] It is believed that
it wasn't until the 17th century
747
00:47:17,001 --> 00:47:18,961
that women gave birth
on their backs.
748
00:47:20,921 --> 00:47:23,924
Before then, according
to reliefs and paintings,
749
00:47:24,008 --> 00:47:27,345
it was in a standing, sitting,
or kneeling position.
750
00:47:27,887 --> 00:47:29,055
Okay, just...
751
00:47:30,348 --> 00:47:32,600
[Kevin] In the Jewish tradition,
men could not touch
752
00:47:32,683 --> 00:47:34,727
or be near the mother
during labor.
753
00:47:35,311 --> 00:47:37,229
Every new father knows
the feeling
754
00:47:37,313 --> 00:47:39,148
of being helpless during labor.
755
00:47:40,024 --> 00:47:42,234
Joseph must have been
no different.
756
00:47:42,318 --> 00:47:44,362
- [Rachel] You're okay.
- My name is Mary.
757
00:47:46,572 --> 00:47:47,656
I am Raya.
758
00:47:48,199 --> 00:47:51,410
You're most welcome, Mary.
This is Cousin Rachel.
759
00:47:52,244 --> 00:47:55,706
Mary, you and your baby
are in good hands with Raya.
760
00:47:55,790 --> 00:47:57,124
She delivered both of my sons
761
00:47:57,208 --> 00:47:58,793
and most of the kids
in the village.
762
00:48:00,503 --> 00:48:02,922
And you have already met
my husband, Asher.
763
00:48:03,589 --> 00:48:05,257
Yes, yes, you are most welcome.
764
00:48:06,384 --> 00:48:07,635
Thank you, Cousin Asher.
765
00:48:08,886 --> 00:48:10,805
I've heard all about you
from Joseph.
766
00:48:11,806 --> 00:48:13,099
[Asher] Good things, I suppose.
767
00:48:15,184 --> 00:48:18,020
I can't believe Joseph
is going to be a father.
768
00:48:18,104 --> 00:48:20,564
It seems like yesterday
when he was born.
769
00:48:20,648 --> 00:48:21,982
- Celebrated for days.
- [groans]
770
00:48:22,066 --> 00:48:25,945
Husband, enough chatter.
Start a fire.
771
00:48:26,904 --> 00:48:29,865
We need this place nice and warm
for when the baby arrives.
772
00:48:29,949 --> 00:48:31,283
Yes. Yes, of course.
773
00:48:31,367 --> 00:48:33,285
[♪ soft instrumental music playing]
774
00:48:33,369 --> 00:48:35,454
Rachel, check
on the boiling water.
775
00:48:35,955 --> 00:48:37,123
We will need it soon.
776
00:48:40,084 --> 00:48:42,628
[Mary groans]
777
00:48:42,711 --> 00:48:46,173
Mary, it is time.
I will count with you.
778
00:48:46,257 --> 00:48:47,925
- Ready?
- [pants]
779
00:48:50,469 --> 00:48:52,304
Yes, I'm ready.
780
00:48:53,472 --> 00:48:56,642
[pants, whimpers]
781
00:48:56,725 --> 00:48:59,145
The ancient text says
that the birth of Christ
782
00:48:59,228 --> 00:49:01,272
coincided with the birth
of a new star
783
00:49:01,355 --> 00:49:02,606
that very same night.
784
00:49:03,315 --> 00:49:06,026
So you don't have
to be a genius now to speculate
785
00:49:06,110 --> 00:49:08,737
why we put stars
on top of Christmas trees.
786
00:49:09,530 --> 00:49:10,906
The Scriptures go on to say
787
00:49:10,990 --> 00:49:13,742
that yet another spectacle
was sent to the heavens
788
00:49:13,826 --> 00:49:16,745
{\an8}to celebrate the birth
of God's Son on Earth.
789
00:49:16,829 --> 00:49:18,706
{\an8}In the nearby hills
of Bethlehem,
790
00:49:19,206 --> 00:49:21,417
{\an8}a Christmas miracle
rained down
791
00:49:21,500 --> 00:49:22,877
on a group of shepherds.
792
00:49:22,960 --> 00:49:24,128
[♪ pensive instrumental music playing]
793
00:49:24,211 --> 00:49:27,965
[Francis] Shepherds were
the lower class,
794
00:49:28,048 --> 00:49:29,758
ordinary people.
795
00:49:29,842 --> 00:49:33,679
{\an8}But God's saying,
"But I use the lowly."
796
00:49:33,762 --> 00:49:37,933
And so it shouldn't surprise us
that God would say,
797
00:49:38,017 --> 00:49:41,312
"You know, I'm going to reveal
myself to these shepherds."
798
00:49:41,395 --> 00:49:44,356
- Son, be careful.
- [thunder rumbling]
799
00:49:44,440 --> 00:49:45,774
[shepherd]
These are dangerous skies.
800
00:49:45,858 --> 00:49:49,403
[♪ dramatic string music playing]
801
00:49:51,864 --> 00:49:54,617
[lamb bleating]
802
00:49:59,413 --> 00:50:02,082
[♪ music intensifies]
803
00:50:03,834 --> 00:50:08,130
- [lightning cracks]
- [thunder rumbles]
804
00:50:17,431 --> 00:50:18,599
[Gabriel] Do not be afraid.
805
00:50:19,725 --> 00:50:22,186
I bring you good news
that will bring great joy
806
00:50:22,269 --> 00:50:23,354
to all people.
807
00:50:26,899 --> 00:50:29,735
- [Raya] Three, two, one.
- [Mary pants]
808
00:50:29,818 --> 00:50:33,614
- [Raya] Push!
- [Mary groans, pants]
809
00:50:37,451 --> 00:50:40,663
[♪ triumphant choral music playing]
810
00:50:41,038 --> 00:50:45,376
- [lightning cracks]
- [thunder rumbles]
811
00:50:45,459 --> 00:50:49,004
Imagine a chorus of angels.
812
00:50:49,088 --> 00:50:52,132
Like, I don't think it was just,
like, this sweet, little song.
813
00:50:52,216 --> 00:50:55,052
We're talking about
these heavenly beings
814
00:50:55,135 --> 00:50:58,931
in unison, worshiping, singing,
815
00:50:59,014 --> 00:51:02,059
celebrating Jesus.
816
00:51:02,726 --> 00:51:06,188
[crying]
817
00:51:06,272 --> 00:51:09,900
[♪ music intensifies]
818
00:51:16,282 --> 00:51:19,618
[echoing] The Savior!
Yes, the Lord, the Messiah,
819
00:51:20,035 --> 00:51:23,414
has been born today
in Bethlehem, the city of David.
820
00:51:24,832 --> 00:51:27,501
You will recognize him
by this sign.
821
00:51:27,585 --> 00:51:28,669
You will see a baby
822
00:51:28,752 --> 00:51:30,838
tightly wrapped
in strips of cloth,
823
00:51:30,921 --> 00:51:32,423
- lying in a manger.
- [cries]
824
00:51:33,882 --> 00:51:35,926
[Gabriel] Glory to God, in the highest.
825
00:51:36,635 --> 00:51:40,514
[herald] And on Earth peace,
and goodwill toward men.
826
00:51:44,727 --> 00:51:47,104
- [Baby Jesus crying]
- [Joseph] He's beautiful.
827
00:51:48,772 --> 00:51:52,401
- You're beautiful.
- [Baby Jesus crying]
828
00:51:59,241 --> 00:52:02,286
Right now it just feels
like he's up there,
829
00:52:02,369 --> 00:52:04,496
they're up there,
we're down here.
830
00:52:04,747 --> 00:52:09,001
But it's like that layer
was, like, removed,
831
00:52:09,084 --> 00:52:13,213
and now, suddenly,
Heaven and Earth are together.
832
00:52:13,297 --> 00:52:18,093
And I think that's a picture
of the incarnation of Christ.
833
00:52:19,470 --> 00:52:21,722
Heaven and Earth
are together now.
834
00:52:22,431 --> 00:52:26,101
[♪ emotional instrumental music playing]
835
00:52:31,273 --> 00:52:32,358
[young shepherd] We need to go.
836
00:52:33,442 --> 00:52:35,903
Yes, we need to go to Bethlehem.
837
00:52:35,986 --> 00:52:38,405
Let's see this thing
that the Lord has told us.
838
00:52:44,995 --> 00:52:47,998
[indistinct chatter]
839
00:52:49,291 --> 00:52:51,794
[sheep bleating]
840
00:53:04,348 --> 00:53:06,100
- [water pouring]
- Joseph.
841
00:53:10,229 --> 00:53:11,230
Shalom.
842
00:53:13,148 --> 00:53:14,441
How can we help you, son?
843
00:53:18,529 --> 00:53:19,530
Shalom.
844
00:53:20,572 --> 00:53:22,282
He told us he would be here.
845
00:53:25,119 --> 00:53:26,704
Just like that.
846
00:53:31,417 --> 00:53:32,876
Who told you he would be here?
847
00:53:34,503 --> 00:53:36,130
[shepherd]
The angel of the Lord.
848
00:53:37,005 --> 00:53:38,340
There were a lot of them.
849
00:53:40,259 --> 00:53:41,593
You should have seen it.
850
00:53:47,224 --> 00:53:49,393
Please, come closer if you wish.
851
00:53:52,646 --> 00:53:55,482
[♪ ethereal vocal music playing]
852
00:54:11,665 --> 00:54:14,251
Is there a midnight gold auction
happening?
853
00:54:14,918 --> 00:54:16,044
[Mary] It's okay, Raya.
854
00:54:16,545 --> 00:54:17,671
They're most welcome.
855
00:54:18,380 --> 00:54:20,340
Well, if mother says so.
856
00:54:21,008 --> 00:54:23,719
Now, keep your dirty hands
to yourselves.
857
00:54:25,012 --> 00:54:26,638
And keep your voices down.
858
00:54:30,058 --> 00:54:34,605
[♪ ethereal vocal music continues]
859
00:55:02,674 --> 00:55:05,511
According to scripture,
after seeing the Baby Jesus,
860
00:55:05,594 --> 00:55:07,888
just as the angels
told them they would,
861
00:55:07,971 --> 00:55:10,474
the shepherds would go on
to tell anyone who would listen
862
00:55:10,557 --> 00:55:13,101
to their story
about the night's events.
863
00:55:13,852 --> 00:55:15,229
And that fact alone,
864
00:55:15,312 --> 00:55:17,564
that a host of angels,
not just one,
865
00:55:18,148 --> 00:55:19,191
but a host,
866
00:55:19,274 --> 00:55:22,277
would appear to common shepherds
and not emperors or royals,
867
00:55:22,778 --> 00:55:24,530
must have said a lot
about the kingdom
868
00:55:24,613 --> 00:55:26,740
that God was intending to build.
869
00:55:26,823 --> 00:55:30,327
The kind of kingdom where faith
and humility were honored
870
00:55:30,410 --> 00:55:33,956
over might and wealth,
an upside-down kingdom.
871
00:55:34,039 --> 00:55:37,543
{\an8}[♪ eerie instrumental music playing]
872
00:55:37,626 --> 00:55:41,380
{\an8}[Kevin] Hundreds of miles east,
a group of men called the Magi
873
00:55:41,463 --> 00:55:44,007
noticed a new star
in the heavens as well.
874
00:55:45,592 --> 00:55:48,595
They were likely
a religious sect of astrologers.
875
00:55:49,930 --> 00:55:51,181
They were stunned
876
00:55:51,265 --> 00:55:53,392
with what they were seeing
in the heavens.
877
00:55:54,768 --> 00:55:57,938
[Jodi] When the Gospel account
is referring to Magi,
878
00:55:58,021 --> 00:56:00,899
they're talking
about Zoroastrian priests.
879
00:56:00,983 --> 00:56:03,777
That is, priests who were
from the area of ancient Persia,
880
00:56:03,860 --> 00:56:07,489
{\an8}who specialized in
the interpretation of dreams,
881
00:56:07,573 --> 00:56:11,118
the interpretation of
the night sky, celestial bodies.
882
00:56:11,201 --> 00:56:13,203
And who could, you know,
based on these things,
883
00:56:13,287 --> 00:56:15,956
predict or interpret events.
884
00:56:17,874 --> 00:56:20,043
[Kevin] The Magi
must have seen the new star
885
00:56:20,127 --> 00:56:21,378
as a sign from above,
886
00:56:22,921 --> 00:56:25,966
perhaps confirmed
by their ancient prophecies,
887
00:56:27,217 --> 00:56:29,845
a sign that the Messiah
had finally come,
888
00:56:31,305 --> 00:56:35,642
not just for the Jews,
but for all people.
889
00:56:36,518 --> 00:56:38,687
[exclaims, pants]
890
00:56:41,523 --> 00:56:44,276
[speaking ancient language]
891
00:56:45,110 --> 00:56:48,697
[♪ eerie instrumental music continues]
892
00:57:02,377 --> 00:57:03,420
[Kevin] A world away,
893
00:57:03,503 --> 00:57:05,088
they were compelled
to follow the star
894
00:57:05,172 --> 00:57:06,757
to wherever
it was leading them.
895
00:57:12,804 --> 00:57:15,265
They were willing
to travel treacherous terrain
896
00:57:15,349 --> 00:57:18,268
for months to find
the new king of the Jews,
897
00:57:19,645 --> 00:57:20,896
the Son of God.
898
00:57:20,979 --> 00:57:22,898
[♪ mysterious instrumental music playing]
899
00:57:22,981 --> 00:57:26,068
[Kevin] The Star of Bethlehem,
as it would later be known,
900
00:57:26,151 --> 00:57:27,569
was their guiding light.
901
00:57:37,329 --> 00:57:40,457
[Teo] The Magi kings
that came from the east,
902
00:57:40,957 --> 00:57:42,668
{\an8}they have no Jewish roots.
903
00:57:42,751 --> 00:57:45,128
These are seekers,
they are mystics,
904
00:57:45,212 --> 00:57:48,548
and they're coming from afar
to worship the king.
905
00:57:55,013 --> 00:57:57,057
[♪ music fades]
906
00:57:57,808 --> 00:58:00,519
In stark contrast
to the Heavenly Kingdom,
907
00:58:00,602 --> 00:58:02,688
Herod's kingdom
was just the opposite.
908
00:58:02,771 --> 00:58:04,606
- [♪ tense instrumental music playing]
- It was a mess.
909
00:58:04,690 --> 00:58:07,401
A dysfunctional reign,
led by fear and distrust,
910
00:58:08,151 --> 00:58:09,820
an evil mortal king
911
00:58:09,903 --> 00:58:12,989
willing to do whatever it took
to retain power
912
00:58:13,073 --> 00:58:15,158
as long as his ailing body
would allow.
913
00:58:16,118 --> 00:58:17,994
But time was running out
for Herod,
914
00:58:18,662 --> 00:58:20,497
and the writing
was on the wall.
915
00:58:21,123 --> 00:58:22,541
[grunts, pants]
916
00:58:22,624 --> 00:58:23,750
[Kevin] Herod's inner court
917
00:58:23,834 --> 00:58:26,461
was a complicated mess
of a situation.
918
00:58:28,088 --> 00:58:30,090
His jealous sister, Salome,
919
00:58:31,091 --> 00:58:34,845
had convinced the king that
Herod's favorite wife, Mariamne,
920
00:58:35,971 --> 00:58:38,682
was having an affair
with Herod's young uncle.
921
00:58:40,892 --> 00:58:44,062
At the same time,
Salome convinced her brother
922
00:58:44,146 --> 00:58:46,064
that there was a plot
for the supposed lovers
923
00:58:46,148 --> 00:58:49,443
to murder him
and take control of the throne.
924
00:58:52,487 --> 00:58:54,990
Driven by fear and paranoia,
925
00:58:55,073 --> 00:58:57,159
King Herod ordered
his favorite wife
926
00:58:57,242 --> 00:58:58,368
to be put to death.
927
00:58:58,869 --> 00:59:01,121
[pants] My love!
928
00:59:13,842 --> 00:59:16,052
[Kevin] One account says
that Mariamne decided
929
00:59:16,136 --> 00:59:17,846
to go out on her own terms,
930
00:59:20,098 --> 00:59:22,976
sending Herod
into a new level of madness.
931
00:59:28,940 --> 00:59:30,484
King Herod built a monument
932
00:59:30,567 --> 00:59:32,819
- in memory of his queen.
- [♪ music fades]
933
00:59:32,903 --> 00:59:35,864
[Kevin] Mariamne Tower was yet
another of Herod's monuments
934
00:59:35,947 --> 00:59:38,992
built on the backs
of Jewish people.
935
00:59:42,245 --> 00:59:46,625
[♪ somber instrumental music playing]
936
00:59:56,384 --> 00:59:57,719
[Kevin] According to the Talmudic passage...
937
00:59:57,803 --> 00:59:58,970
[Herod wails]
938
00:59:59,054 --> 01:00:01,765
...Herod preserved
his favorite wife's body
939
01:00:01,848 --> 01:00:03,225
in a vat of honey.
940
01:00:06,394 --> 01:00:10,232
It seems that Jesus was born
into a dark and lost kingdom.
941
01:00:12,025 --> 01:00:14,194
Maybe the very reason
for his existence
942
01:00:14,277 --> 01:00:16,363
was to bring light
into the shadows.
943
01:00:16,446 --> 01:00:19,032
[Herod wails]
944
01:00:19,866 --> 01:00:21,952
[Kevin] To uplift
a fallen world.
945
01:00:22,035 --> 01:00:25,539
[♪ soft instrumental music playing]
946
01:00:41,721 --> 01:00:43,849
[♪ music fades]
947
01:00:43,932 --> 01:00:48,812
{\an8}- [♪ upbeat instrumental music playing]
- [indistinct lively chatter]
948
01:00:53,483 --> 01:00:55,485
[Kevin] Mary and Joseph
had to bring their son
949
01:00:55,569 --> 01:00:57,571
to the capital city
of Jerusalem,
950
01:00:58,071 --> 01:01:00,949
which was only about
five miles from Bethlehem,
951
01:01:01,533 --> 01:01:04,369
to dedicate him before the Lord
at the Holy Temple,
952
01:01:04,953 --> 01:01:07,080
as required
by the Law of Moses.
953
01:01:09,958 --> 01:01:11,459
So many people.
954
01:01:13,336 --> 01:01:15,714
[Kevin] The Temple of Jerusalem
is legendary.
955
01:01:17,048 --> 01:01:20,468
A massive structure
refurbished for the Jews,
956
01:01:20,552 --> 01:01:23,763
but not out of some religious
dedication to the Lord.
957
01:01:24,556 --> 01:01:27,726
King Herod, one of the most
hated men in the kingdom,
958
01:01:27,809 --> 01:01:30,979
had greatly expanded
the spectacular temple
959
01:01:31,062 --> 01:01:32,564
for his own glory.
960
01:01:35,317 --> 01:01:36,985
[Lynn] The Temple of Jerusalem
961
01:01:37,068 --> 01:01:41,239
{\an8}was acres
and acres of courtyards.
962
01:01:42,324 --> 01:01:45,660
Herod the Great
was a builder king,
963
01:01:45,911 --> 01:01:47,913
kind of following
in the tradition
964
01:01:48,121 --> 01:01:49,831
to display how great you are,
965
01:01:49,915 --> 01:01:51,583
you do
a lot of building projects.
966
01:01:52,709 --> 01:01:53,710
[soldier] Make way!
967
01:01:55,754 --> 01:01:58,924
I said make way!
968
01:02:00,508 --> 01:02:03,345
[Kevin] If the ancient streets
of Jerusalem could talk...
969
01:02:03,428 --> 01:02:04,846
[soldier] Make way for the king!
970
01:02:05,555 --> 01:02:07,390
...imagine what they would say.
971
01:02:09,100 --> 01:02:11,269
Herod the Great
did not know that day
972
01:02:11,353 --> 01:02:12,729
who was in his kingdom.
973
01:02:14,689 --> 01:02:18,360
Soon to be his biggest threat,
the true Messiah.
974
01:02:23,531 --> 01:02:25,492
There was a Jewish custom
for a mother
975
01:02:25,575 --> 01:02:29,120
to be baptized 40 days
after giving birth to a son
976
01:02:29,454 --> 01:02:33,124
and before going into the temple
to give sacrificial offerings.
977
01:02:39,422 --> 01:02:40,882
What a beautiful tradition.
978
01:02:45,053 --> 01:02:46,554
[♪ music fades]
979
01:02:46,638 --> 01:02:48,181
[Kevin]
But just outside the temple,
980
01:02:48,264 --> 01:02:49,683
it's anything but sacred.
981
01:02:49,766 --> 01:02:51,017
[indistinct clamoring]
982
01:02:51,101 --> 01:02:52,185
[Kevin] It's a business.
983
01:02:52,268 --> 01:02:56,982
[indistinct clamoring continues]
984
01:02:57,524 --> 01:02:58,650
Sorry. No, no, no.
985
01:03:04,447 --> 01:03:05,615
Hey. Hello.
986
01:03:07,200 --> 01:03:10,578
- Hey. Can I... Can I get two of those?
- Yes.
987
01:03:12,455 --> 01:03:13,873
[Kevin] For millennia,
the Jewish people
988
01:03:13,957 --> 01:03:17,043
would bring their sacrifices
to the altar of God,
989
01:03:17,127 --> 01:03:19,004
out of a spirit of thankfulness
990
01:03:19,546 --> 01:03:21,548
or for atonement for their sins.
991
01:03:21,631 --> 01:03:24,217
[♪ soft instrumental music playing]
992
01:03:24,509 --> 01:03:26,553
[Kevin] Mary and Joseph
were no different.
993
01:03:27,679 --> 01:03:30,056
Little did they know
that someday their son
994
01:03:30,140 --> 01:03:31,725
would be a living sacrifice
995
01:03:34,060 --> 01:03:36,438
and that thousands
of years of tradition
996
01:03:36,521 --> 01:03:37,981
would be forever changed.
997
01:03:40,358 --> 01:03:43,778
- [indistinct chatter]
- [♪ music turns tense]
998
01:03:43,862 --> 01:03:46,114
[soldier] Make way for the king!
999
01:03:46,197 --> 01:03:47,949
[Kevin] The Scriptures say
that Simeon
1000
01:03:48,033 --> 01:03:50,076
was a righteous and devout man.
1001
01:03:50,160 --> 01:03:51,786
Make way!
1002
01:03:52,537 --> 01:03:54,998
[Kevin] He was eagerly awaiting
the Messiah to come
1003
01:03:55,081 --> 01:03:57,834
and rescue Israel
from the oppressive Herod
1004
01:03:57,917 --> 01:03:59,210
and the Roman Empire.
1005
01:03:59,294 --> 01:04:02,505
I said make way for the king.
1006
01:04:04,507 --> 01:04:05,967
[Kevin] The Lord had told
the old man
1007
01:04:06,051 --> 01:04:07,177
that he would not die
1008
01:04:07,260 --> 01:04:09,971
before seeing the Messiah
with his own eyes.
1009
01:04:10,722 --> 01:04:14,267
So he went daily to the temple
to wait for that promise.
1010
01:04:17,062 --> 01:04:20,607
{\an8}When you think of Simeon,
he was waiting,
1011
01:04:20,690 --> 01:04:23,151
{\an8}he was anticipating,
he was hoping.
1012
01:04:24,277 --> 01:04:26,613
He didn't waver in his belief.
1013
01:04:30,784 --> 01:04:33,495
[♪ soft emotional music playing]
1014
01:04:33,578 --> 01:04:36,581
[Francis] When that time came,
he rejoices.
1015
01:04:36,664 --> 01:04:38,041
He knew what to do.
1016
01:04:38,792 --> 01:04:41,086
This is what
he had been waiting for.
1017
01:04:44,798 --> 01:04:46,132
[Simeon] Shalom.
1018
01:04:49,177 --> 01:04:54,390
Shalom. Sha-- Oh! [chuckles]
1019
01:04:54,474 --> 01:04:56,392
The child. [chuckles]
1020
01:04:56,476 --> 01:04:58,353
The child. [sniffles]
1021
01:04:58,436 --> 01:05:03,066
Oh! My soul leaps for joy.
1022
01:05:04,984 --> 01:05:07,821
Surely he is the Messiah.
1023
01:05:09,030 --> 01:05:10,073
Shalom.
1024
01:05:10,949 --> 01:05:16,037
- Yes, he is the one you seek.
- [Simeon laughs]
1025
01:05:17,038 --> 01:05:20,792
May... May I offer a blessing
over the child?
1026
01:05:26,506 --> 01:05:29,801
- It would be our privilege.
- [exclaims, chuckles]
1027
01:05:36,432 --> 01:05:39,727
Oh. [chuckles]
1028
01:05:40,353 --> 01:05:41,479
Oh.
1029
01:05:43,940 --> 01:05:45,024
Sovereign Lord,
1030
01:05:46,693 --> 01:05:50,113
now please let your servant die
in peace,
1031
01:05:50,196 --> 01:05:52,740
as you have promised. [sniffles]
1032
01:05:53,867 --> 01:05:56,870
[chuckles] I have seen
your salvation,
1033
01:05:57,704 --> 01:05:59,831
which you have prepared
for all nations.
1034
01:06:01,666 --> 01:06:07,881
And he is a light to reveal God
to the nations.
1035
01:06:10,133 --> 01:06:14,846
And he is the glory
of your people, Israel.
1036
01:06:14,929 --> 01:06:18,391
[♪ soft emotional music continues]
1037
01:06:22,979 --> 01:06:24,981
[Simeon hums gently]
1038
01:06:27,233 --> 01:06:30,361
[chuckles, sniffles]
1039
01:06:32,822 --> 01:06:38,036
This child will cause many
in Israel to fall
1040
01:06:39,537 --> 01:06:40,997
and many others to rise.
1041
01:06:43,041 --> 01:06:45,877
He is a sign sent from God...
1042
01:06:48,546 --> 01:06:49,881
but many will oppose him.
1043
01:06:51,674 --> 01:06:52,842
As a result...
1044
01:06:54,719 --> 01:06:58,806
the deepest thoughts
of many hearts will be revealed.
1045
01:06:59,307 --> 01:07:02,977
- [sniffles, sobs]
- [Baby Jesus coos]
1046
01:07:04,604 --> 01:07:08,107
[Simeon] And a sword
will pierce your very soul.
1047
01:07:09,776 --> 01:07:11,945
[♪ music turns somber]
1048
01:07:12,028 --> 01:07:13,738
[Mary cries]
1049
01:07:26,668 --> 01:07:29,170
[Kevin] Simeon's prophecy
acknowledges that Mary
1050
01:07:29,254 --> 01:07:32,966
will experience intense pain
as the mother of Jesus.
1051
01:07:34,634 --> 01:07:37,637
For the assignment of the Son
of God was heartbreaking,
1052
01:07:38,304 --> 01:07:40,890
to sacrifice his perfect life
for us.
1053
01:07:42,809 --> 01:07:45,937
But the Lord will be with her
and her son through it all.
1054
01:07:46,020 --> 01:07:48,231
[♪ music fades]
1055
01:07:48,940 --> 01:07:53,111
- [♪ pensive instrumental music playing]
- [wind whooshing]
1056
01:07:53,278 --> 01:07:55,613
[indistinct chatter]
1057
01:07:56,447 --> 01:07:58,366
[Kevin]
Unlike the customary image
1058
01:07:58,449 --> 01:08:01,160
of the Wise Men showing up
at the birth of Christ,
1059
01:08:01,244 --> 01:08:02,954
along with the shepherds,
1060
01:08:03,037 --> 01:08:06,207
it was actually more
like two years after his birth.
1061
01:08:08,626 --> 01:08:11,879
Although we only know generally
where they came from,
1062
01:08:11,963 --> 01:08:14,590
or really how long
their journey was,
1063
01:08:14,674 --> 01:08:18,177
we do know that the Magi
eventually arrived in Jerusalem.
1064
01:08:19,387 --> 01:08:21,681
They believed
that the future king of the Jews
1065
01:08:21,764 --> 01:08:23,891
had been born
somewhere in the city,
1066
01:08:23,975 --> 01:08:26,019
most likely into royalty.
1067
01:08:26,519 --> 01:08:31,733
{\an8}The Magi, they are seen as wise,
seen as important.
1068
01:08:32,317 --> 01:08:35,528
{\an8}It's not unreasonable then
for King Herod
1069
01:08:35,611 --> 01:08:38,072
- to want to receive them.
- [♪ music fades]
1070
01:08:38,156 --> 01:08:41,284
Now, to what do I owe
the privilege
1071
01:08:41,367 --> 01:08:45,788
of your esteemed presence
to our humble kingdom?
1072
01:08:46,289 --> 01:08:48,958
- [speaking ancient language]
- [Melchior grunts]
1073
01:08:49,042 --> 01:08:51,127
[speaking ancient language]
1074
01:08:51,210 --> 01:08:53,421
We are here
for one purpose only.
1075
01:08:54,505 --> 01:08:56,215
[Melchior speaking ancient language]
1076
01:08:56,299 --> 01:08:57,425
[interpreter] Where is the newborn...
1077
01:08:57,508 --> 01:09:00,928
- [speaking ancient language]
- ...king of the Jews?
1078
01:09:01,012 --> 01:09:04,557
[♪ tense instrumental music playing]
1079
01:09:04,640 --> 01:09:06,851
[speaking ancient language]
1080
01:09:06,934 --> 01:09:08,895
We saw his star as it rose...
1081
01:09:09,604 --> 01:09:11,439
[Melchior speaking ancient language]
1082
01:09:11,522 --> 01:09:13,232
...and we have come
to worship him.
1083
01:09:14,692 --> 01:09:18,696
[speaking ancient language]
1084
01:09:19,572 --> 01:09:22,867
[interpreter] We thought that
he is here in your palace.
1085
01:09:23,743 --> 01:09:26,287
[speaking ancient language]
1086
01:09:27,789 --> 01:09:30,458
With you, the provisional king
of the Jews.
1087
01:09:41,844 --> 01:09:44,055
"Provisional king"?
1088
01:09:52,105 --> 01:09:53,106
Priests?
1089
01:09:54,148 --> 01:09:55,441
Where does it say
1090
01:09:56,442 --> 01:10:00,279
that this Messiah
is supposed to be born?
1091
01:10:00,947 --> 01:10:02,740
In Bethlehem, in Judea.
1092
01:10:05,243 --> 01:10:06,285
You may go.
1093
01:10:09,956 --> 01:10:12,417
The Magi come in thinking,
1094
01:10:12,500 --> 01:10:14,335
"Oh, everybody's going
to be celebrating this."
1095
01:10:14,419 --> 01:10:15,920
"Something momentous
has happened."
1096
01:10:16,003 --> 01:10:18,256
"There's been a birth
of a king."
1097
01:10:18,798 --> 01:10:21,300
Well... [chuckles]
...Herod's the king,
1098
01:10:21,384 --> 01:10:25,805
and he's pretty sure
there's no baby that's been born
1099
01:10:25,888 --> 01:10:27,473
that's going
to be following him.
1100
01:10:27,557 --> 01:10:30,226
He's worried there's a baby born
that's going to replace him.
1101
01:10:31,227 --> 01:10:32,437
[Herod chuckles]
1102
01:10:33,396 --> 01:10:37,191
[♪ tense instrumental music continues]
1103
01:10:45,783 --> 01:10:47,160
Go to Bethlehem
1104
01:10:48,661 --> 01:10:53,166
and search carefully
for the child.
1105
01:10:54,167 --> 01:10:56,335
It's not far from here,
1106
01:10:57,628 --> 01:11:01,883
and when you find him,
you come straight back,
1107
01:11:01,966 --> 01:11:03,801
and you tell me
1108
01:11:05,928 --> 01:11:09,599
so that I, too, may worship him.
1109
01:11:10,516 --> 01:11:12,602
[speaking ancient language]
1110
01:11:16,314 --> 01:11:19,609
{\an8}Herod was madly,
jealously desirous
1111
01:11:19,692 --> 01:11:22,278
{\an8}of holding on to his power.
1112
01:11:23,279 --> 01:11:26,616
And he used deception
with the Wise Men
1113
01:11:26,699 --> 01:11:29,452
to ascertain where the child,
1114
01:11:29,535 --> 01:11:32,371
the new king of Israel,
would be.
1115
01:11:33,956 --> 01:11:38,669
He wanted to find out
so he could kill Christ Jesus.
1116
01:11:40,671 --> 01:11:41,881
[Kevin] The mad king plots
1117
01:11:41,964 --> 01:11:44,425
to use the Magi
to find the baby.
1118
01:11:45,468 --> 01:11:46,552
A blessed child
1119
01:11:46,636 --> 01:11:49,055
that the stars have declared
to be the Messiah.
1120
01:11:51,933 --> 01:11:55,144
If it is true, Herod the Great
is now officially
1121
01:11:55,228 --> 01:11:57,897
what he's probably
always known himself to be,
1122
01:11:58,898 --> 01:12:01,192
- an imposter.
- [♪ music fades]
1123
01:12:02,485 --> 01:12:03,861
[imitates sheep bleating]
1124
01:12:03,945 --> 01:12:07,073
- [both laugh]
- [roars playfully]
1125
01:12:07,156 --> 01:12:10,076
[Kevin] It must have been
strange for Mary and Joseph,
1126
01:12:10,159 --> 01:12:12,245
embracing that
their playful toddler
1127
01:12:12,328 --> 01:12:14,163
was in fact
the Son of God.
1128
01:12:15,289 --> 01:12:19,085
And that those who believed
had traveled vast distances
1129
01:12:19,168 --> 01:12:20,837
to kneel at his tiny feet.
1130
01:12:20,920 --> 01:12:23,756
- [♪ gentle instrumental music playing]
- [growls, roars]
1131
01:12:27,426 --> 01:12:29,554
- [Moshe roars playfully]
- [child laughs]
1132
01:12:29,679 --> 01:12:32,014
[Raya] Joseph, Mary,
you have guests.
1133
01:12:32,098 --> 01:12:34,141
[♪ music fades]
1134
01:12:43,651 --> 01:12:46,112
[interpreter speaking in ancient language]
1135
01:12:50,449 --> 01:12:55,872
[indistinct chatter]
1136
01:13:03,880 --> 01:13:08,009
[♪ ethereal vocal music playing]
1137
01:13:09,510 --> 01:13:10,970
[Teo, in English] The idea that Jesus
1138
01:13:11,053 --> 01:13:13,014
is welcoming the seekers,
1139
01:13:13,556 --> 01:13:16,183
regardless if they would
consider themselves Christians
1140
01:13:16,267 --> 01:13:19,854
or Jewish,
and it's as if the Magi,
1141
01:13:19,937 --> 01:13:24,442
{\an8}they would be attracted
to the light, to the truth.
1142
01:13:25,401 --> 01:13:27,778
That attraction, like a magnet,
1143
01:13:27,862 --> 01:13:30,448
would bring them
from so far away,
1144
01:13:30,531 --> 01:13:32,241
all the way until they come
1145
01:13:32,325 --> 01:13:35,620
to pay their homage
and to worship the King.
1146
01:13:36,162 --> 01:13:39,165
- [speaking ancient language]
- [man speaking ancient language]
1147
01:13:45,379 --> 01:13:47,214
[Kevin] As a kid,
I sang Christmas songs
1148
01:13:47,298 --> 01:13:49,467
about these gifts from the Magi,
1149
01:13:49,967 --> 01:13:52,345
or as we call them,
the Wise Men.
1150
01:13:53,721 --> 01:13:56,349
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
1151
01:13:56,933 --> 01:13:58,309
I knew what gold was.
1152
01:13:59,060 --> 01:14:00,227
That's about it.
1153
01:14:00,978 --> 01:14:02,855
Frankincense and myrrh
1154
01:14:02,939 --> 01:14:05,691
were highly valued incense
and perfumes.
1155
01:14:05,775 --> 01:14:09,779
- [speaking ancient language]
- [group chants in ancient language]
1156
01:14:21,332 --> 01:14:26,212
[speaking ancient language]
1157
01:14:27,964 --> 01:14:30,174
[Kevin] These gifts were seen
as fit for a king
1158
01:14:30,883 --> 01:14:32,426
and were rare in Judea.
1159
01:14:33,219 --> 01:14:36,180
Imagine what it was like
for these two teens
1160
01:14:36,263 --> 01:14:39,558
from the village of Nazareth
to receive such gifts.
1161
01:14:42,311 --> 01:14:45,231
[♪ tense instrumental music playing]
1162
01:14:45,314 --> 01:14:48,317
[Kevin] Herod had ordered
the Magi to return to Jerusalem
1163
01:14:48,401 --> 01:14:50,736
to report the location
of the new king.
1164
01:14:53,155 --> 01:14:55,491
But an angelic dream came
to the Magi...
1165
01:14:55,574 --> 01:14:57,368
[group chants
in ancient language]
1166
01:14:57,451 --> 01:14:59,954
...warning them to return
to their own country
1167
01:15:00,037 --> 01:15:01,330
by another route,
1168
01:15:02,415 --> 01:15:05,042
avoiding the mad king
at any cost.
1169
01:15:10,673 --> 01:15:11,966
[gasps]
1170
01:15:12,925 --> 01:15:14,969
[Kevin] Herod was furious
when he realized
1171
01:15:15,052 --> 01:15:17,013
that the Wise Men
had outwitted him.
1172
01:15:19,849 --> 01:15:21,642
But he wasn't going
to let the threat
1173
01:15:21,726 --> 01:15:23,477
to his throne go unchecked.
1174
01:15:25,229 --> 01:15:27,398
Fitting with the type
of leader he was,
1175
01:15:27,940 --> 01:15:30,693
he ordered soldiers
to kill every young boy
1176
01:15:30,776 --> 01:15:32,403
in and around Bethlehem.
1177
01:15:40,494 --> 01:15:42,913
Joseph had another encounter
with an angel
1178
01:15:42,997 --> 01:15:44,081
in his dreams.
1179
01:15:45,499 --> 01:15:48,878
The angel of the Lord said,
"Joseph, get up."
1180
01:15:49,712 --> 01:15:52,256
"Flee to Egypt with the child
and his mother."
1181
01:15:53,466 --> 01:15:55,718
"Stay there
until I tell you to return
1182
01:15:55,801 --> 01:15:57,720
because Herod
is going to search
1183
01:15:57,803 --> 01:15:59,263
for the child to kill him."
1184
01:15:59,346 --> 01:16:01,974
[♪ tense instrumental music continues]
1185
01:16:09,315 --> 01:16:11,525
[horses neighing]
1186
01:16:19,867 --> 01:16:23,079
[horses neighing]
1187
01:16:23,162 --> 01:16:24,455
[Kevin] It's said
in the Scriptures
1188
01:16:24,538 --> 01:16:28,209
that the real battle
is not against flesh and blood,
1189
01:16:28,292 --> 01:16:30,544
but against the spiritual force
of evil.
1190
01:16:31,295 --> 01:16:33,714
- By ordering such a heinous act...
- [screams]
1191
01:16:33,798 --> 01:16:36,717
...it's fair to wonder
if Herod was being used
1192
01:16:36,801 --> 01:16:38,928
by an even greater force
of evil.
1193
01:16:39,011 --> 01:16:40,596
[♪ solemn instrumental music playing]
1194
01:16:40,679 --> 01:16:44,683
{\an8}The evil that Herod would commit
towards defenseless,
1195
01:16:44,767 --> 01:16:46,352
{\an8}innocent human beings
1196
01:16:46,435 --> 01:16:48,687
shows the lengths
that the human will go to
1197
01:16:48,771 --> 01:16:53,025
if they succumb to that desire
for earthly power.
1198
01:16:55,986 --> 01:16:58,948
And it shows
that God doesn't will evil.
1199
01:16:59,740 --> 01:17:00,950
He allows evil,
1200
01:17:01,033 --> 01:17:03,494
only that some greater good
can happen.
1201
01:17:06,205 --> 01:17:07,248
[horse neighing]
1202
01:17:07,331 --> 01:17:09,542
[Lynn] The killing
of these baby boys
1203
01:17:09,625 --> 01:17:12,628
{\an8}by order of Herod
is such a tragedy.
1204
01:17:13,129 --> 01:17:16,924
{\an8}Many people, though,
think of them as martyrs.
1205
01:17:18,134 --> 01:17:20,427
They're part of the story...
1206
01:17:20,511 --> 01:17:23,430
- [baby babbling]
- ...of God's ultimate redemption,
1207
01:17:23,514 --> 01:17:25,057
and thus their lives
were not in vain.
1208
01:17:26,142 --> 01:17:27,768
[Kevin]
Herod's death squad arrives
1209
01:17:27,852 --> 01:17:29,562
and shows no sign of mercy.
1210
01:17:29,645 --> 01:17:31,647
[people screaming]
1211
01:17:31,730 --> 01:17:33,482
[Kevin] No sign of humanity,
1212
01:17:34,733 --> 01:17:39,029
no shred of anything
besides pure, unfiltered evil.
1213
01:17:39,113 --> 01:17:40,698
[people screaming]
1214
01:17:40,781 --> 01:17:43,534
[Kevin] And they take evidence
as proof for Herod.
1215
01:17:44,118 --> 01:17:45,661
[villager 1 wails]
1216
01:17:45,995 --> 01:17:48,998
[people screaming]
1217
01:17:49,081 --> 01:17:54,503
- [villager 2] Stay back!
- [screaming continues]
1218
01:17:59,091 --> 01:18:02,261
[indistinct yelling]
1219
01:18:04,013 --> 01:18:05,306
No!
1220
01:18:10,394 --> 01:18:12,479
It's a terrible chapter
in this story.
1221
01:18:13,522 --> 01:18:15,816
A reminder really
of how cruel we can be
1222
01:18:15,900 --> 01:18:17,318
when we put our own interests,
1223
01:18:18,527 --> 01:18:20,738
our own survival
above God's will.
1224
01:18:25,117 --> 01:18:28,037
The ancient text reads
that a cry was heard,
1225
01:18:28,120 --> 01:18:29,872
and there was great weeping.
1226
01:18:30,831 --> 01:18:32,791
Rachel weeps
for her children,
1227
01:18:33,918 --> 01:18:36,337
refusing to be comforted
because they're dead.
1228
01:18:38,380 --> 01:18:40,841
I don't think there's anything
more painful in this world
1229
01:18:40,925 --> 01:18:43,552
than a parent losing a child.
1230
01:18:46,138 --> 01:18:51,518
And thankfully,
that's not where the story ends.
1231
01:18:53,938 --> 01:18:57,066
The angel's warning had saved
the life of the young Jesus.
1232
01:19:00,402 --> 01:19:03,530
But many others were lost
at the command of Herod.
1233
01:19:22,174 --> 01:19:23,300
It is done.
1234
01:19:26,345 --> 01:19:27,346
Sire.
1235
01:19:34,395 --> 01:19:35,646
- Shoo!
- [horse neighs]
1236
01:19:37,606 --> 01:19:40,609
[door rattles]
1237
01:19:44,113 --> 01:19:46,615
[Kevin] Eventually evil turned
on its host,
1238
01:19:47,366 --> 01:19:50,411
further cannibalizing
Herod's mind and body.
1239
01:19:51,453 --> 01:19:54,456
[Jodi] Herod reportedly was
in a great deal of distress.
1240
01:19:54,540 --> 01:19:56,333
[Herod] Why didn't you tell me?
1241
01:19:57,668 --> 01:20:00,838
{\an8}He reportedly was wandering
around, seeing ghosts.
1242
01:20:00,921 --> 01:20:02,840
[Herod sobs, mumbles]
1243
01:20:02,923 --> 01:20:05,926
[♪ dramatic instrumental music playing]
1244
01:20:07,344 --> 01:20:10,097
[Jodi] Everybody could see that
he wasn't in his right mind,
1245
01:20:11,598 --> 01:20:14,810
to the point where he actually
tried to kill himself.
1246
01:20:14,893 --> 01:20:17,813
[screams]
1247
01:20:17,896 --> 01:20:19,898
[Father Sean] Herod committed
these profound acts
1248
01:20:19,982 --> 01:20:21,275
of moral evil.
1249
01:20:21,358 --> 01:20:25,446
All of this was
about one thing, power.
1250
01:20:26,739 --> 01:20:29,575
He's a repulsive
historical figure.
1251
01:20:29,658 --> 01:20:30,868
[sobs]
1252
01:20:31,785 --> 01:20:34,246
[Lynn] The sorrow that happens
1253
01:20:34,330 --> 01:20:38,000
in the story
of the first Christmas can feel,
1254
01:20:38,083 --> 01:20:41,378
I think, at times,
like there's no justice.
1255
01:20:41,462 --> 01:20:44,381
It's all just about power
and the assertion of power.
1256
01:20:44,590 --> 01:20:50,346
But the Christmas story
starts a bigger story
1257
01:20:50,929 --> 01:20:55,225
that includes healing,
and miracles, and great joy.
1258
01:20:55,309 --> 01:20:58,562
[♪ soft instrumental music playing]
1259
01:21:02,149 --> 01:21:04,485
[Kevin] Mary, Joseph,
and young Jesus escaped
1260
01:21:04,568 --> 01:21:07,696
to the land of Egypt,
where they lived peacefully
1261
01:21:07,780 --> 01:21:09,073
for quite some time.
1262
01:21:12,368 --> 01:21:13,494
After Herod's death,
1263
01:21:13,577 --> 01:21:16,080
an angel appeared
to Joseph once more,
1264
01:21:16,955 --> 01:21:18,957
telling him
that it was safe to go home.
1265
01:21:20,000 --> 01:21:21,710
Eventually, the family did,
1266
01:21:21,835 --> 01:21:25,130
returning to the very place
our story started, Nazareth.
1267
01:21:26,173 --> 01:21:30,094
There, Jesus grew the same way
we all do, little by little.
1268
01:21:30,928 --> 01:21:33,889
His father taught him carpentry,
but beyond that,
1269
01:21:34,431 --> 01:21:36,350
the Scriptures offer
very few glimpses
1270
01:21:36,433 --> 01:21:38,143
into the lives of the family.
1271
01:21:39,144 --> 01:21:41,980
But like all good parents,
I'm sure Mary and Joseph
1272
01:21:42,064 --> 01:21:44,400
made all the sacrifices
parents do
1273
01:21:44,483 --> 01:21:46,360
to provide and protect
their children.
1274
01:21:47,528 --> 01:21:51,031
So while we may not know a lot
about Jesus's formative years,
1275
01:21:51,824 --> 01:21:54,118
his ministry years as an adult,
1276
01:21:54,785 --> 01:21:56,370
well, you'd need a few lifetimes
1277
01:21:56,453 --> 01:21:58,372
to count the words
written about that.
1278
01:21:58,956 --> 01:22:02,126
[♪ dramatic string music playing]
1279
01:22:02,209 --> 01:22:03,919
Just as Simeon had prophesied,
1280
01:22:04,628 --> 01:22:06,004
Mary's soul was pierced
1281
01:22:06,088 --> 01:22:07,631
as she watched her son, Jesus,
1282
01:22:08,132 --> 01:22:10,092
be executed on a Roman cross,
1283
01:22:10,968 --> 01:22:12,803
killed for crimes
he did not commit.
1284
01:22:13,762 --> 01:22:15,848
He was placed inside a cave,
1285
01:22:15,931 --> 01:22:18,767
perhaps very similar
to the one he was born in.
1286
01:22:19,685 --> 01:22:21,228
But many, including myself,
1287
01:22:21,311 --> 01:22:23,814
believe he didn't stay
in that cave for very long,
1288
01:22:24,356 --> 01:22:26,150
and that he rose from the dead,
1289
01:22:26,233 --> 01:22:28,277
saving those
who would believe in him.
1290
01:22:29,278 --> 01:22:31,280
Jesus's teachings
changed the world.
1291
01:22:32,072 --> 01:22:33,866
And those that followed him
became known
1292
01:22:33,949 --> 01:22:36,577
as Christ's followers
or Christians.
1293
01:22:36,660 --> 01:22:38,579
And while there
was plenty of hardship
1294
01:22:38,662 --> 01:22:41,123
and persecution
for the early Christians,
1295
01:22:41,206 --> 01:22:43,834
in time, even Rome
would declare itself
1296
01:22:43,917 --> 01:22:45,085
a Christian empire.
1297
01:22:45,919 --> 01:22:48,338
And the followers of Jesus
somehow would find a way
1298
01:22:48,422 --> 01:22:50,716
to spread his word
across the globe
1299
01:22:50,799 --> 01:22:52,342
to over 200 countries.
1300
01:22:53,218 --> 01:22:56,805
One of Jesus's teaching was
that we should love one another,
1301
01:22:56,889 --> 01:23:00,100
forgive our enemies,
take care of the poor,
1302
01:23:00,642 --> 01:23:02,978
champion
the disenfranchised,
1303
01:23:03,061 --> 01:23:05,397
and live with humility
and kindness.
1304
01:23:06,523 --> 01:23:09,193
And underneath all the songs
and the wrapping paper
1305
01:23:09,735 --> 01:23:11,612
and the stars
on top of the tree,
1306
01:23:12,362 --> 01:23:14,740
I think that's really
what Christmas is about.
1307
01:23:15,491 --> 01:23:18,785
[♪ choir singing "Glory" repeatedly]
1308
01:23:25,626 --> 01:23:27,002
Merry Christmas, everybody.
1309
01:23:35,928 --> 01:23:37,638
[♪ singing continues]
1310
01:24:02,412 --> 01:24:03,956
{\an8}[♪ singing concludes]