Latest / Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel / [E86] Couple’s Reflection on Christmas, Part 1:How the Christmas Story Can Heal and Strengthen Your Marriage

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[E86] Couple’s Reflection on Christmas, Part 1:How the Christmas Story Can Heal and Strengthen Your Marriage · Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel

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  How can the Christmas story strengthen your marriage? Welcome to the Couples
• 0:05
  Journey with Christ Jesus blog series entitled Couples Reflection on Christmas.
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  As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ,
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  we'll take this week to dive deeper into the Christmas story.
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  In today's episode, we'll join Ray and Annie as they reflect on the profound
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  significance of Jesus' birth, particularly through the roles of Joseph and Mary.
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  While many of us are familiar with the basics of the Christmas narrative.
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  Ray and Annie invite us to explore its deeper lessons for today's married couples.
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  Let's dive into this meaningful discussion together. Here's part one.
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  There's something about Christmas that softens many hearts and draws attention
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  to the birth of Jesus Christ.
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  We have become accustomed to reflecting on this wonderful celebration of hope.
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  Surely, many of us are very familiar with the Christmas story.
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  Here at CJ Squared, we're not just shining a light on the importance of the birth of Jesus Christ.
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  We'll take some time to reflect on the roles of Joseph and Mary.
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  Indeed, we're familiar with their participation in this story.
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  But we hope that in this week's discussion, we can take a deeper look at their
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  roles and responses in relation to today's married couples.
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  Before we dive into these points, let's review the backstory.
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  There is great familiarity, even among those who are not consistently reading
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  the Bible, that Jesus Christ is well detailed in the New Testament.
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  However, if we take the time to study, we see that He is mentioned many times
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  even in the Old Testament.
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  Many preachers often say that the entire Bible points to Jesus Christ, our Savior.
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  The prophecy of His arrival is highlighted in Isaiah 7 verse 14 and Isaiah 9 verses 6 to 7.
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  We can analyze how these two verses define the child.
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  First, Isaiah 7 verse 14 says, The child will be born of a virgin.
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  The child will be called by His name, Emmanuel.
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  Isaiah 9 verses 6 to 7 say, The child, the son, will be given to us.
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  The government will rest on his shoulders.
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  His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
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  There will be no end to the increase of his government or peace on the throne
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  of David and over his kingdom.
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  His kingdom will be established and upheld with justice and righteousness.
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  Isaiah 7-9 tells interconnected stories that center around the same historical context,
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  focusing on the prophet Isaiah's message to King Ahaz of Judah regarding the
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  Confederate forces of Syria and Israel plotting against Jerusalem,
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  as noted in Isaiah 7 verses 1-2.
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  The announcement of the sign of Immanuel, the birth of a child,
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  serves as God's promise of protection.
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  To help you with the overview, here are the key points connecting these three chapters.
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  First, central character. King Ahaz of Judah is the main character addressed in all three chapters.
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  Second, threat from Israel and Syria. The primary conflict involves the combined
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  forces of Israel and Syria plotting against Judah.
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  Third, sign of Emmanuel. The core prophecy in Isaiah 7 verse 14 announces the
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  birth of a child named Emmanuel, representing God's promise,
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  which serves as the central theme connecting these chapters.
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  Fourth, message of trust in God. Isaiah repeatedly urges Ahaz to trust in God
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  and not be afraid or threatened by the approaching armies.
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  K. Arthur and Pete DeLacy mention in their book, the new inductive Bible study
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  series, face-to-face with a holy God for the study of Isaiah.
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  Many Christians are not familiar with the times and people of Isaiah 7-9.
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  So how do we decipher its message and grasp its wisdom?
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  If you understand this, you'll be instructed, find encouragement and hope,
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  and persevere, as noted in Romans 15 verse 4.
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  To start this week's reflection on the story of Christmas, Read,
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  reflect, and meditate on Isaiah 7-9.
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  The key points mentioned above are a good starting place. But we encourage you
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  to take notes of your learnings from these three chapters.
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  Take a moment for personal application by examining your heart in light of King
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  Ahaz responses in this story.
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  Together, let's embrace a new reflection as we approach this year's Christmas
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  celebration, the birth of our greatest Savior, Jesus Christ.
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  Before we close, we want to invite you to engage with us and support the Couples
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  Journey blog series podcast.
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  By following this channel, leaving comments, and sharing episodes with your family and friends.
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  You're helping us in our mission to transform marriages today.
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  Your support encourages more couples to seek God's guidance and grow stronger together.
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  Thank you for being part of this journey, together, we can make a difference.
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  Here's the final part of today's episode.
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  Thank you for tuning into this insightful first part of Couples Reflection on Christmas.
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  Ray and Annie have beautifully reminded us of the timeless message woven throughout
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  the Christmas story and its relevance to our own relationships.
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  As we continue this series, we'll further explore these reflections and their
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  applications for couples.
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  We hope you'll join us for our next episode as we dive deeper into the wisdom
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  from the Christmas narrative.
• 5:31
  Did you know that the first book authored by Ray and Annie, titled Couples'
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  Journey, Restore, Relearn, Rejoice, has evolved into an inspiring three-book series?
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  From Book 1 which they shared, the inspiring narrative reveals God's continuous
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  transforming work, showing how even the most broken paths can be made new and
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  deeply connected through His grace.
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  Book 2 is a comprehensive workbook that serves as a practical guide for understanding
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  and living out God's biblical blueprint for marriage.
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  Filled with engaging exercises, thought-provoking discussions,
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  and personal reflection tools, it empowers you and your spouse to actively engage
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  with divine design, transforming insights into actionable steps for every aspect of your relationship.
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  Book 3 is a 52-week devotional, your essential resource for cultivating a consistent
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  spiritual habit centered around biblical conversation, both as a couple and
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  within your small group.
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  Each week, through thoughtfully crafted reflections and the unique Drash method.
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  You'll be equipped to deepen your connection with Christ and each other,
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  turning your marital relationship into a lifelong journey of discipleship.
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  Are you ready to truly live out God's design for your marriage?
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  The Couple's Journey series offers the wisdom tools and encouragement you need
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  to embark on this incredible path of restoration, relearning, and rejoicing.
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  You can get your book copies through Amazon or visit the website www.couplesjourney.org.