The week before Christmas, in 2021, I recorded a series of short episodes that compared the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus to the traditional story often presented in church. It turns out… there is much more happening in the Advent than we often unpack. And we’ve allowed tradition to frame this story differently than it likely happened. So this Christmas season, would you take some time and rethink with me the greatest story the world has ever known? – Gregory Hall
Rethinking The Family – EPisode 28
We celebrate the birth of Jesus every year. It’s a story we know well, but how much of our version of the story truly reflects what actually happened? How well do our pageants, movies, nativity sets, and other icons represent what the Scriptures actually say? This Christmas season, won’t you join me as we seek to clarify the season by rethinking advent. In this episode we look into the character of “The Family”.
Rethinking The Timing – Episode 29
When we think of the advent of the Christ, some of our perceptions are based in the timing of the events. While we celebrate in the middle of the winter season, that’s likely not the time when the events actually happened. We also have some assumptions as to the timing of Mary’s pregnancy. In this episode we examine the timing of the advent.
Rethinking The Nativity – Episode 30
When we think of the advent of the Christ, many of our perceptions are based scene at the nativity. We in the Western culture often picture a barn housing the family that night. In the east, they prefer a cave setting. But does the text, and recent archeology give us any clues as to a different possibility?
Rethinking The Magi – Episode 31
When we think of the advent of the Christ, many of our perceptions are based scene at the nativity. We have come to expect three kings, or wise men, with the baby Jesus shortly after His birth. In this episode we look into the origin of these mysterious visitors.
Rethinking The Gifts – Episode 32
When we think of the advent of the Christ, many of our perceptions are based on the scene at the nativity. We have come to expect three kings, or wise men, bearing small gifts for a King. In this episode, we attempt to tie the reasons why the magi brought gold, and frankincense and myrrh back to the Old Testament book of Isaiah.
Rethinking The Story – Episode 33
Join me for a special rendition of the story of the advent of Jesus Christ. I’ve incorporated some of the details we’ve discussed in this series into the well known story of the birth. Gather your family around… turn up the volume… and let’s start a new Christmas tradition. Let’s rethink the advent story.
Link to all the episodes: All Rethinking Scripture Podcast Episodes
Link to my Guest Appearances on other podcasts: Guest Appearances