Born Again Birth

Rounding out 2020 and marking the Advent season with a Bible Birth Story on the Birth of Christ. Really, this is more of a 'pregnancy' story than a birth story, but I enjoyed the alternate perspective. (And who knows? Perhaps we'll do Part 2 another time!) This isn't the mega-grand finale I hoped to share, but my prayer as always is that you'll be inspired and encouraged to dig into the Scriptures for yourself. Until Season 3, friends!

Liz gave birth to each of her three daughters in three very different environments! Hear Liz share about her waterbirth at home, a hospital birth with lacking care, and then a supportive hospital birth. But even with three different birth plans, Liz prepared the same way: by praying and trusting that God would answer her prayers. We also think through the question: I also prayed for a calm and peaceful birth, but it didn't go that way, why not? It's always wonderful to take time to reflect back on what God has done in our lives, and how it all works together for good.

To mark the Advent season, this is the first of two companion episodes examining the birth stories of John The Baptist and Jesus the Christ as recorded in Scripture. My husband Ben and I go through the passage together, pulling out themes of interest, asking questions, and sharpening our thinking. To get the most out of this episode, we encourage you to read Luke 1 before listening. Our hope is that this show will encourage your own Bible study and exploration of Scripture.

Birth is ordinary. Does that jarr you? I know I'm still feeling the aftershocks of that statement ever since my husband, Ben, articulated it to me. But I think his point is a compelling and biblical one, and I wanted to share it with you all! Oftentimes, we think that for birth to go 'well' or be 'beautiful', something miraculous needs to happen. We're looking for a heightened, spiritual experience. The reality is that God commonly, graciously, sovereignly works through ordinary circumstances to fill his promises. Together, we candidly and openly consider Scripture as we grapple with this thought. I hope it gives you as much food for thought as it did me!

By listener request, I hope this 'Bible Birth Story' will be the first of many on the podcast! Today my friend and fellow church member Brooke Goble joins me behind the mic and, together, we talk through the birth stories of Hagar and Sarah. For many of us, the Old Testament can be daunting. Our church has been teaching us how to study narrative so we can better understand such portions of the Bible. We thought recording a show together would be a great opportunity to exercise those study skills! This account is full of hope, drama, and God's faithfulness despite unfaithful people. As you listen, we hope you are encouraged in your own devotions!