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The Teaching Series

Characters of Christmas

Rediscovering the Wonder of the Christmas Story

Characters of Christmas Mini Series Artwork
Town of Bethlehem Ep. 156 23:39
Characters of Christmas Pt 1

Town of Bethlehem

What if the Christmas story didn’t happen quite the way we’ve always pictured it? Revisit the events of Luke 2 in their original context and discover why Bethlehem wasn’t a place of rejection for Jesus, but a place where he was received and welcomed with wonder.
Mother Mary Ep. 157 18:32
Characters of Christmas Pt 2

Mother Mary

Mary was more than the meek, quiet figure often portrayed at Christmas—she was fierce and courageous. Explore the cultural context of Jesus’ birth, discover what Mary risked by saying yes to God, and see why she remains a powerful model of discipleship.
Lowly Shepherds Ep. 158 21:29
Characters of Christmas Pt 3

Lowly Shepherds

There’s more to the shepherds of Luke 2 than our traditional Christmas story suggests. Explore first-century shepherding, the timing of Jesus’ birth, and the significance of God choosing lowly shepherds to be the first to hear the announcement of the Messiah’s arrival.
Magi from the East Ep. 159 17:36
Characters of Christmas Pt 4

Magi from the East

Who were the Magi, and why did they come “from the East”? Explore the historical world of the Parthians, Romans, and Herod the Great to uncover the identity of these mysterious visitors and how their arrival reveals that, in Jesus, God’s great reversal was underway.
King Herod & King Jesus Ep. 160 18:52
Characters of Christmas Pt 5

King Herod & King Jesus

Matthew draws a subtle but powerful contrast between Herod and Jesus—two figures connected to the title “king of the Jews.” Explore what this distinction reveals about the Christmas story and why it ultimately challenges us to consider where our true allegiance lies.

About this series

Each Christmas, followers of Jesus all over the world retell the story of his birth; the little town of Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the magi. Many people wonder if it’s possible to enter into the same story and still be surprised by its power and newness. The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” In this 5-part mini-series, you’ll see the town of Bethlehem, mother Mary, the lowly shepherds, the magi, and king Herod in a completely new light. By the end of this series, you’ll be filled with wonder by the enduring freshness of the Christmas story.