Christmas Part 2 • Dr. Jeffrey Chadwick • Dec. 19 - Dec 25 • Come Follow Me

[@chelseyellis8863]

Thank you for all the time and knowledge give into these podcasts!! It has changed my life and my testimony! I loved Dr. Chadwick honing in on the sacrifices that Mary and Joseph went through to bring our Savior into this world. With his knowledge it helped open my eyes and helped me appreciate all the faith involved in this miraculous blessing. Thank you Dr. Chadwick for reminding us that "through faith all things are possible."

[@katherine.mark.26]

Hank and John, thank you for an amazing year of studying the OT. I appreciate how you will often quote from the beautifully written Come Follow Me manual and share meaningful quotes from the prophets, ancient and new. You both always seem to ask the right questions and share the most meaningful experiences. You approach each episode with humility, curiosity, faith, and love. Thank you! The podcasts of the OT this year has blessed my life and the lives of family members and friends alike. I am so grateful for the vision and initiative of the Sorensen family. And for the two of you. The countless hours spent to bring us these podcasts each week is so very appreciated by thousands. Thank you!

[@rosemarylind6517]

We loved hearing Dr. Chadwick and highly recommend his book, Stone Manger. What a beautiful discussion right before Christmas! Thanks to all of you for this sweet presentation.

[@tamyscott6307]

Your podcast is one that I really enjoy and listen to weekly. This episode left me confused and needing to study.

[@susangautier787]

Thank you for a wonderful end to a blessed year of Follow Him. Brother Chadwick’s research about the birth of our Savior adds depth and beauty to my understanding. Rightly so, God Bless Us, Everyone!

[@renatemckendry104]

A very merry Christmas to all of you! I am so glad that my Saviour came to earth!! Love you all and all the work you do!❤🇨🇦

[@paulamariadiascosta5915]

Merry Christmas. Thank you for everything. Great food for thought. Let’s remember that some details will always escape us until after the second coming and that the men we sustain as prophets, seers and revelatory are the authoritative voices on scripture interpretation, but thoughtful scholarship partnered with the Holy Ghost can be a great conduit for personal revelation and the building of testimony as well. That is why this podcast is my favorite. It always gives me avenues to explore in my own scripture study and daily gospel application. I’m looking forward to next year with you brethren. Thank you!❤

[@marciaogden8525]

Thank you Dr. Chadwick for deepening my understanding of Mary and Joseph. I will forever reverence them because of the new insights you shared. Truly they are two of the greatest people to live on this earth.

[@pamh9690]

parts 1 & 2 are EXCELLENT! you guys need him back on your podcast! sooooooo much to learn

[@richardpineda1364]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful Christmas lesson with Doctor Chadwick. 👍

[@ellenholley9488]

Thank u for the real in depth discussion of the Birth of our Savior. I loved learning the real story. It made so much sense, when you give all the details with scriptures. I love Mary and Joseph, but have an even deeper love and appreciation for them. I love the song Breath of Heaven, which is about Mary and what her thulought process must have been, so I really grew love for her from the song, but now I have so much more love and appreciation. Thank you

[@naomiwatts5882]

The easiest way for us to share the gospel is to 👍 all the uplifting content you watch or listen to. The content will then start showing up in your friends feeds. This also helps the content creators to increase their audience ❤

[@TheMormom3]

And I LOVED hearing what Dr Chadwick had to teach about the actual events surrounding the Savior's birth...particularly the intentional move to Bethlehem and that she wasn't riding in on a donkey the day before his birth. Good stuff!

[@rutht2023]

Wow! Thank you so much. I learned a lot from this presentation.

[@amandadangerfieldpiano]

3:36 is so interesting! I've learned a lot this brother. Thank you so much.

[@jh-nt9ws]

I really love how you show Christ, “the Living Water” was laid in a water trough as a new born baby! Thank you for that insight!

[@mitchhendrickson4936]

When hearing the explanation of Simon Peter's name Cephas meaning "rough, unhewn building stone" I had a thought I wanted to share. He wasn't "complete" or "perfect" when he was called. With time, dedication, hard work, faith, miracles, service, etc. he became more refined. He progressed toward the "rock" that we revere in the New Testament. The rock (His Gospel) continues to be chiseled and shaped as it progresses through the history of His Church). We can apply this to our own lives and families. We hope that our children will learn from our mistakes and hopefully be just a little better than we are (as did our parents, and their parents before them). We also hope to progress in our lives as we remove imperfections from the rough stone and it begins to take the shape that the Master intends.

[@ibeysteph]

I love this podcast. However this one confused me. I came for clarification after reading the new for 2023 seminary manual and needing to prepare my lesson for next week. It states "it might be helpful to point out that neither the star nor the Wise Men are included in Luke’s account of the Nativity because these events happened a few years after the Savior’s birth", Dr Chadwick said they wouldve come about 6 weeks after his birth. The Nativity Film from a few years ago also depicts the Maggai arriving when he is a toddler. Appreciate the insights as always. Hopefully I can find more information

[@julietsanders4073]

I have the same question. Why do people think the wise men came years later when dr. Chadwick makes the point they came a few weeks later?

[@dankuchar6821]

Probably because Herod has all the kids 2 years old and younger killed, so it's probably assumed that the wise men got there around 2 years later. We don't know where they came from or how long they traveled.

[@Jancisco]

This was just wonderful! Thank you for years of study and thought. Beautiful insights.

[@baydance]

Coming right from visiting all the sites from the Holy land with a Jewish guide, I feel like I finally opened my eyes to an accurate reality of what it is the birth and life of Christ. We never consider archeology, geography and anthropology of the ancient Jewish time, as a clear answer of how truly was back then. And as Mexican, it is the same case with church history. Most people outside the USA are clueless about the geography and full understanding of what the history of the restoration of the church really was. Amazing discussion 🎉

[@MariaCandelaful]

Great presentation! Thank you all!

[@susanfalconbridge4957]

I found what Dr Chadwick said fascinating. I re read Luke Chapter 2 with what he said in mind and saw the possibilities. I would love to learn more from him. I teach Come Follow Me and have loved listening to these podcasts. I guess that when we study these chapters next year I will teach what is in the guidelines, but bring up the fact that we may not have the full story. How fascinating it is to try and picture the story behind what we read in the scriptures! Susan Falconbridge

[@amandadangerfieldpiano]

I love the final testimony, starting at 33:18, so much!!

[@lacook8280]

Thank you so very much. I absolutely loved this

[@bquinteros]

Gracias por compartir sus enseñanzas, por ser un extraordinario instrumento en las manos del Señor para poder compartir el Evangelio. Gracias por todo.

[@sheilakae_]

Thank you for the eye opening message! The spirit it brought was a wonderful Christmas gift 🎁❣️

[@bradzaruba9686]

Merry Christmas to all and thanks for another wonderful and insightful lesson.

[@snowyrange7348]

12:10 I agree with a previous commentor that I respectfully disagree with several of the conclusions asserted in this podcast. Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3: "Is this not the carpenter's son?" Modern day apostles also recognize Jesus as a carpenter. Does it really matter? I'm not sure. But a scholar with credentials such as Brother Chadwick's might influence some people into thinking the Apostles don't understand Scripture well enough and testimonies might be affected. Having said that, I would like to add that I am very grateful for the follow Him podcasts! Always my favorite podcast!

[@markboucha5649]

This was amazing! The so much!

[@sarahfunk8879]

Very interesting to hear his thoughts and fruits of his studies. I’m hoping for further clarification on a few things, to help me better understand. One is on reconciling his birth with better clarity, and also understanding why some scholars believe the wise men came a few years after his birth, not 6 (was it weeks or months) after his birth..

[@TheMormom3]

As a recently released Gospel Doctrine teacher, I totally understand what Dr Chadwick means when he said he doesn't make comments in other people's classes and just let's the teacher teach. However, I was always so disappointed when former bishops, stake presidents, mission presidents and area authorities in my word would sit silently through my lessons. The new method of teaching as taught in "Teaching in the Savior's Way" tells us we are to facilitate a discussion and only speak about 20% of the time. So, it is almost selfish to hold back information that you have that might uplift and edify. Not everyone studies the same materials, so having everyone share is the actual point of the class. Never sit silent when you have something to share! I mean, unless you're trying to show off or upstage the teacher, which I doubt is the case here, haha!

[@larrainemoore1880]

I had just gone back to believing Jesus was born on April 6th. We have many prophets who have said that. This podcast blew many beliefs about the Bible out of the water and kind of ruined the Christmas story. I realize he speaks Hebrew and may know much. I can hardly wait for the Savior to come and tell us what really happened!!! And no matter what I’m looking for Him to come soon!!!

[@raykitt4858]

I enjoyed this podcast. I don't understand why they didn't discuss migdal edar or tower of the flock. The Passover lambs had to be born in a ritually clean place. Therefore Jesus must have been born in a ritually clean place as He was The Lamb of God. The original Hebrew says " wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in THE manger. There was only one manger in Bethlehem and it was where the Passover lambs were born and then examined to see if they were perfect. These Shepard's priests would also have examined the baby Jesus to ascertain that He was perfect.

[@karyshort4994]

Yo! Blessed 2023!

[@maceysdaddy5150]

Unfortunately, no spiritual confirmation on this one for me. Okay, stone trough. After that I was left with way too many inconsistencies with what I read in the scriptures. Nevertheless, you two are amazing and I’m already excited for the New Testament. Merry Christmas to you and your whole team!

[@allisonbevans4323]

Same... I understand that there is room for mistranslations and layers of cultural and traditional misconceptions but there were too many contradictions to the biblical account for me to accept this wholly without reservation

[@JenniferAnnMcCaffrey]

I think Dr Chadwick is able to add an extra layer of archeological insight that is not widely known. I found it exciting, the idea of being able to paint a more accurate account of what it might have been like for Jospeh and Mary made the story come to life in a new way. I also loved hearing about their lives as builders and why it was that Jesus used so many stone analogies… really brings to life the humanity of Christ ❤

[@lovetoflylovetofly3843]

I felt the same way.

[@lovetoflylovetofly3843]

The purpose of our Sunday school lessons are not for the teacher only....

[@victoriaorme1564]

I am also confused by Luke’s account saying “ because there was no room for them in the inn”. Explanation please

[@kelliebuckner1077]

The word “inn” actually means guesthouse, not hotel. It would have been a room in a home (or grotto as he suggested). Having a baby requires a lot of space and there wasn’t enough space in that particular room

[@theresacornwell3579]

So why do we see it depicted as the wise men showing up when Jesus is about 2?

[@julieelliott9797]

I think what we know is that Jesus was not older than 2, but I am confused about more than one statement. We are blessed with modern revelation that says that Jesus was born on April 6.

[@pamelalewis9192]

Where can I buy Sr. Chadwick’s book, Stone Manger?

[@bethcutler1196]

There seems to be a sort of 'backwards' idea of prophecy in some of what was said. My understanding is that prophecies are made predicting what will happen, not that people, even faithful people, are constrained to do what the prophecies say in order that they will be fulfilled. Otherwise, Joseph and Mary are exactly at the mercy of circumstance, but a circumstance, (prophecy) that occurred years before. In other words: Things don't happen because the prophecy says it will; the prophecy says it will because that's what is going to happen. Joseph and Mary were probably aware that their (and I believed mandated) trip to Bethlehem was a fulfillment of prophecy and that would truly have been of great 'comfort and joy' to them.

[@maryhunsinger6493]

Is Dr, Chadwick saying Jesus was actually born in December?

[@rebeccaryan6229]

Yes, he is and we know that’s wrong.

[@kenscott98]

I listened to this over again and heard him say winter , I don't think the date of birth is the focus of this discussion, reverence for Mary and Joseph ... I'm reminded of a talk by historian Davis Bitten " I Do Not Have a Testimony of the History of the Church" I listened to brother Chadwick's testimony and found it to be uplifting

[@karyncurr28]

This comment is more about the first video. I must say I’m quite disturbed by it. Some of Dr. Jeffery R. Chadwick teachings seem to me that he is expanding the scriptures to read something that isn’t there. For instance, that Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem weeks, maybe months earlier to build a home so that they would be considered citizens of Bethlehem. To me this sounds directly opposite of what the scriptures teach. Why need the Inn or the Stable when they already have a home. This just doesn’t make sense to me so I’m making this a matter of prayer. I would appreciate any resources he has to back these claims that aren’t from his books. Thank you and have a very Merry Christmas!!

[@rebeccaryan6229]

I’m uncomfortable with many of the conclusions that Dr Chadwick is jumping to, such as, the timing of the Wise Man’s arrival, and that Jesus was born in December (we know that’s wrong) among several others. Some of the info is good, but some is his opinion and not the opinion of the church.

[@raykitt4858]

I completely agree with you. I think he comes to some conclusions that don't fit. He said Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem when she was 4 or 5 months pregnant. Luke says she was great with child when they went to Bethlehem. Doesn't make sense

[@reppi8742]

@@raykitt4858I have pictures of myself at 5 months pregnant and I looked like I was due any minute. I am researching what Chadwick is saying before I critique this. If it makes us study Christ it's a good thing. He speaks Hebrew and his understanding would be deeper than ours. I've learned much by learning Hebrew meanings. Fear means awe for a minor example.

[@larrainemoore1880]

Where in the podcast did he say December? I heard it years ago from him and thought he was right but now I don’t think he’s right. But where did he say that I completely missed it. Oh, right at the end of part one.

[@catherinefadian-lewandowsk8851]

I am learning that there is much we just don't know exactly and maybe that is the lesson. It helps us keep our minds open to ongoing restoration and allows us to not become dogmatic in our understanding.

[@local_banker]

Russian synod translation of Luke 2 says that Mary was “pregnant,” not “great with child”….

[@williamgwin9955]

Revelation is the Rock upon which the church of Jesus Christ is founded. The prophets need it to guide the members of the church. The other leaders of the church of Jesus Christ need it to guide the members they lead. Missionaries need it to help with their callings and assignments. Everyone in the church needs it to guide them in the responsibilities with which the Lord has entrusted them. Revelation is for everyone who wants to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation is the Rock.🙂

[@melissahall5610]

But Nephi knew what Isiah 53 meant, so some Jews must have known. Right?

[@medinablanchet8869]

I respectlfully disagree with Dr. Chadwick about Jesus's bloodline. He was the legal heir to the kingship through Joseph, but the royal kingship blood was given him through Mary. Jesus was not "adopted" into the house of David and the tribe of Judah. That does not make sense that THE KING would be adopted into the royal family. It was his right legally and biologically. Here is a comment that I found on the church website. It quotes Bruce R McConkie's The Mortal Messiah. "Mary’s ancestors were the same as Joseph’s. She was a descendant through the royal line of King David. “Matthew says Joseph was a son of Jacob, and Luke says that he was a son of Heli. It appears, however, that Jacob and Heli were brothers and that Heli was the father of Joseph and Jacob the father of Mary, making Joseph and Mary first cousins with the same ancestral lines” (Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, 4 vols. [1979-81], 1:316)." The Levitical line and responsibility was given to John the Baptist. Jesus Christ was given the Royal line!

[@vickibutler1427]

Sorry to disagree with the guest. Jesus was born in the spring. Joseph Smith said April 6