EPISODE 03 - Matthew 2; Luke 2 - Dr. Bradley R. Wilcox

Hosts: Hank Smith and John Bytheway
- Hank emphasizes the desire to learn and laugh with the audience.
- John humorously describes himself as wise in his own eyes.
Main Discussion: The Christmas story found in scripture, specifically in Matthew 2 and Luke 2.
Guest: Doctor Bradley R. Wilcox
- Affiliation: Associate Professor in the Department of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University.
- Background: Author of several books including "The Continuous Atonement," "The Continuous Conversion," and "Changed Through His Grace."
- Experience includes serving as a mission president in Chile and being a member of the Young Men's General Presidency.

Revisiting the Christmas season through scripture focusing on Jesus' nativity story.

Wilcox shares his unique experience of having a birthday on Christmas and how his family made it special.
- Tradition of two Christmas trees: one for Christmas, one for his birthday.
- Humorous anecdotes about gifts received on both occasions.

Opening Verses: Augustus' decree and the significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace.
- Importance of Bethlehem:
- “House of Bread” meaning, representing the “bread of life.”
- Bethlehem as a source of water for Jerusalem.
- Joseph and Mary’s lineage traced back to David, legitimizing their travel to Bethlehem.

Inn Definitions:
- Different types of inns during biblical times (luxurious, affordable, communal).
- Greek term "kataluma" translates to guest room, implying relatives could have made room for Mary and Joseph.
Joseph Smith Translation Implication:
- Change from “inn” to “inns,” suggesting rejection from extended family.

Mary delivers her firstborn, wraps Him in swaddling clothes, and lays Him in a manger.
Significance of the manger:
- Manger as a representation of nourishment (Jesus as bread of life).
- The act of wrapping in swaddling clothes is explored, including potential cultural significance from marriage practices.

Shepherds described as just and holy, connected to Christ's birth by angelic messages.
- Connection to the Book of Mormon, emphasizing that Christ's birth was prophesied to holy men.
The term “abiding” is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of being where one needs to be to receive divine revelation.

Wise men from the East and their quest to find the Messiah.
Possible number and identity of the wise men discussed, citing Bruce R. McConkey's insights.
The star's significance and how it connects to prophecies from both the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon.

Herod’s false intentions towards finding the newborn king.
- Dark history and psychopathic character of Herod,
- Contrasting Herod and the wise men as representations of evil vs. righteousness.

Content often overlooked regarding the holy seeking Jesus:
- Simeon and Anna find significance in the temple.
- Simeon’s revelation of Christ and his immediate response of peace upon meeting Jesus.
- Anna, a prophetess, acknowledges Jesus and speaks of Him to all who awaited redemption.

Spirituality emphasized through the temple experience.
Encouragement for listeners to read the scriptures personally, not relying solely on external discussions.

Jesus’s growth in wisdom and favor is paralleled with the Children and Youth Program.
- Emphasis on the holistic development of young people: spiritual, social, and intellectual.
The need for personal development aligned with serving others and being about the Father’s business.

Recap on the significance of keeping the spirit of Christmas year-round.
Urgency to continue to cultivate personal relationships with the Savior through scripture and service.
Encouragement to heed the grace and enabling power of God as one progresses in life’s journey.