The Coming of Christ. A Four-Part Christmas Journey. Ep3: The Journey: Bethlehem and the Birth of Jesus

In this episode, Ian continues his Christmas series by walking listeners through the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. He explains the historical and biblical context behind Caesar Augustus’ census, which required Joseph to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. Ian highlights Joseph’s obedience to earthly authority while remaining faithful to God’s plan, underscoring how divine purposes often unfold through ordinary, even inconvenient, circumstances.

Ian then explores the practical and geographical realities of the journey, describing the distance, terrain, and dangers Mary and Joseph likely faced, especially with Mary late in pregnancy. Drawing from Scripture, historical records, and even non-canonical writings like the Gospel of James and Pseudo-Matthew, he discusses anc ...