From wars and rumors of war abroad, to the rise of anti-Christian, "woke" ideology here at home, it’s clear that Americans are living in perilous and unprecedented times. Some would even say that we’re witnessing biblical prophecy unfold in real time. Stakelbeck Tonight will make sense of these stunning developments through a bold and biblical lens.
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Stakelbeck Tonight | Erick Stakelbeck: The Promise of Christmas | Stakelbeck Tonight | December 25, 2025
- Welcome to a very special edition of stakelbeck tonight.
- 00:00:24.246 --> 00:00:27.349
- The promise of christmas.
- 00:00:27.349 --> 00:00:29.084
- Merry christmas everyone. i'm erick stakelbeck.
- 00:00:29.084 --> 00:00:32.020
- And as the world pauses to celebrate the birth of jesus,
- 00:00:32.020 --> 00:00:35.757
- We're reminded that christmas is far more than a holiday.
- 00:00:35.757 --> 00:00:39.928
- It is the moment when the eternal word took on
- 00:00:39.928 --> 00:00:43.031
- Flesh and fulfilled centuries of prophetic promises,
- 00:00:43.031 --> 00:00:47.369
- From the covenant with abraham to the cry of a newborn
- 00:00:47.369 --> 00:00:50.239
- In bethlehem.
- 00:00:50.239 --> 00:00:51.273
- This is a story written with divine intention,
- 00:00:51.273 --> 00:00:55.210
- And our good friend, rabbi jason sobel is here to help us see
- 00:00:55.210 --> 00:00:58.747
- Christmas with fresh eyes through the lens of prophecy,
- 00:00:58.747 --> 00:01:02.818
- Hebrew meaning and god's supernatural design.
- 00:01:02.818 --> 00:01:07.122
- His new book, transformed by the messiah, uncovers
- 00:01:07.122 --> 00:01:10.359
- Connections most believers have never seen.
- 00:01:10.359 --> 00:01:12.961
- And it all begins
- 00:01:12.961 --> 00:01:13.929
- In bethlehem with the miracle of jesus's birth.
- 00:01:13.929 --> 00:01:17.499
- Take a look.
- 00:01:17.833 --> 00:01:18.867
- Always great to see you, my friend.
- 00:01:19.601 --> 00:01:21.069
- Congrats on the book.
- 00:01:21.069 --> 00:01:22.838
- It is excellent.
- 00:01:22.838 --> 00:01:23.972
- Hey, we were talking before we started.
- 00:01:23.972 --> 00:01:26.041
- The book is split into three sections.
- 00:01:26.041 --> 00:01:28.510
- The first section, rabbi, would be the birth of jesus.
- 00:01:28.510 --> 00:01:31.980
- What is the significance? this is really simple.
- 00:01:31.980 --> 00:01:34.116
- What is the significance
- 00:01:34.116 --> 00:01:35.717
- Of jesus being born in the little town of bethlehem?
- 00:01:35.717 --> 00:01:39.521
- It was little back then, at least.
- 00:01:39.521 --> 00:01:41.156
- And how does that connect to old testament prophecies?
- 00:01:41.156 --> 00:01:44.159
- I mean,
- 00:01:44.159 --> 00:01:45.427
- One of the things that i love is that god is so intentional
- 00:01:45.427 --> 00:01:48.964
- And way he keeps his promises.
- 00:01:48.964 --> 00:01:52.167
- And so we know bethlehem is very significant.
- 00:01:52.167 --> 00:01:54.269
- It's the place where ruth and boaz were met and married.
- 00:01:54.269 --> 00:01:58.173
- It's the place where king david was born.
- 00:01:58.173 --> 00:02:00.809
- So it's the city of david.
- 00:02:00.809 --> 00:02:02.177
- Messiah was going to be a descendant of david.
- 00:02:02.177 --> 00:02:05.247
- But the most important prophecy, where it says in the book of
- 00:02:05.247 --> 00:02:08.850
- Micah, you, bethlehem ephrathah, too small
- 00:02:08.850 --> 00:02:11.553
- To be among the clans of judah, one will go forth from you
- 00:02:11.553 --> 00:02:15.424
- To be a ruler for me in israel.
- 00:02:15.424 --> 00:02:17.693
- And so we know that according to prophecy,
- 00:02:17.693 --> 00:02:19.895
- Messiah had to be born in the town of bethlehem.
- 00:02:19.895 --> 00:02:23.899
- Yeah.
- 00:02:23.899 --> 00:02:24.366
- And this is just
- 00:02:24.366 --> 00:02:25.467
- One of many connections between old and new testament.
- 00:02:25.467 --> 00:02:27.970
- It's seamless, rabbi, that you unpack in the book
- 00:02:27.970 --> 00:02:31.873
- And the genealogy of jesus.
- 00:02:31.873 --> 00:02:34.343
- You also dig into.
- 00:02:34.343 --> 00:02:35.544
- And again, we're taking back old testament from the new.
- 00:02:35.544 --> 00:02:38.280
- Talk about the significance of the genealogy of jesus.
- 00:02:38.280 --> 00:02:41.316
- Yeah.
- 00:02:41.316 --> 00:02:42.551
- But just before we get into that, another point on bethlehem
- 00:02:42.551 --> 00:02:44.820
- Is, think about it.
- 00:02:44.820 --> 00:02:45.721
- Bethlehem is a home.
- 00:02:45.721 --> 00:02:47.422
- It means house of bread.
- 00:02:47.422 --> 00:02:49.625
- So and jesus is the bread of life.
- 00:02:49.625 --> 00:02:53.295
- So the bread of life is born in the city.
- 00:02:53.295 --> 00:02:56.698
- That means house of bread.
- 00:02:56.698 --> 00:02:58.734
- And that's so significant
- 00:02:58.734 --> 00:03:00.602
- Because he is the fulfillment of several types in the bible.
- 00:03:00.602 --> 00:03:05.140
- So yeah, think about it for a moment.
- 00:03:05.140 --> 00:03:08.410
- In the garden of eden,
- 00:03:08.410 --> 00:03:09.711
- Before the fall, man did not have to work for his bread.
- 00:03:09.711 --> 00:03:13.615
- Actually, the rabbis
- 00:03:13.615 --> 00:03:14.616
- Say god provided bread from heaven for adam.
- 00:03:14.616 --> 00:03:18.420
- So jesus, being the bread of life, born in bethlehem,
- 00:03:18.420 --> 00:03:21.857
- Is beginning to restore what was lost at the fall.
- 00:03:21.857 --> 00:03:25.627
- But of course, there's more.
- 00:03:25.627 --> 00:03:26.828
- We also know he's the greater than moses.
- 00:03:26.828 --> 00:03:29.264
- Moses gave the people manna in the wilderness.
- 00:03:29.264 --> 00:03:31.967
- He gave that great provision.
- 00:03:31.967 --> 00:03:33.835
- But jesus is the bread that comes down
- 00:03:33.835 --> 00:03:36.705
- From heaven, and he's born in the house of bread.
- 00:03:36.705 --> 00:03:40.375
- He is the greater than moses.
- 00:03:40.375 --> 00:03:41.543
- That's why he multiplies the bread and the fish,
- 00:03:41.543 --> 00:03:44.413
- Because ultimately
- 00:03:44.413 --> 00:03:45.580
- He is the great provider for our lives, whatever we need.
- 00:03:45.580 --> 00:03:49.117
- But one of the really cool
- 00:03:49.117 --> 00:03:50.252
- Thing is bethlehem has a numerical value.
- 00:03:50.252 --> 00:03:54.456
- So as we've talked about before, and you love numerical values,
- 00:03:54.456 --> 00:03:57.392
- It is fascinating. it's amazing.
- 00:03:57.392 --> 00:03:59.494
- Break it down for us. i love these. yeah, yeah.
- 00:03:59.494 --> 00:04:01.797
- So hebrew is alphanumeric.
- 00:04:01.797 --> 00:04:03.899
- That means there's no roman numerals.
- 00:04:03.899 --> 00:04:06.201
- In the old testament.
- 00:04:06.201 --> 00:04:08.837
- You write numbers with hebrew letters.
- 00:04:08.837 --> 00:04:11.940
- And so every word has a numerical value.
- 00:04:11.940 --> 00:04:13.842
- The numerical value of bethlehem is 490.
- 00:04:13.842 --> 00:04:17.412
- Why is that significant?
- 00:04:17.946 --> 00:04:19.448
- Because peter
- 00:04:19.448 --> 00:04:21.650
- Comes to jesus and says, how many times do i have to forgive?
- 00:04:21.650 --> 00:04:24.619
- Up to seven times.
- 00:04:24.619 --> 00:04:26.221
- And jesus is like, no, 70 times seven, 490.
- 00:04:26.221 --> 00:04:31.193
- It connects to jesus being born in bethlehem.
- 00:04:31.193 --> 00:04:34.262
- 490 because bread and forgiveness is connected.
- 00:04:34.262 --> 00:04:39.701
- Jesus says, give us this day
- 00:04:39.701 --> 00:04:41.002
- Our daily bread, and forgive us of our trespasses.
- 00:04:41.002 --> 00:04:44.639
- Also at the last supper he broke the bread and says,
- 00:04:44.639 --> 00:04:47.242
- This is my body broken for you for forgiveness.
- 00:04:47.242 --> 00:04:50.345
- But of course, there's more to be perfect or complete.
- 00:04:50.345 --> 00:04:53.682
- In hebrew, tom equals 490.
- 00:04:53.682 --> 00:04:56.618
- So 490 equals complete forgiveness.
- 00:04:56.618 --> 00:05:00.389
- Jesus was born in hebrew 490, in bethlehem 490.
- 00:05:00.389 --> 00:05:05.727
- Okay.
- 00:05:05.961 --> 00:05:06.895
- The perfect, complete passover lamb 490
- 00:05:06.895 --> 00:05:10.165
- To bring us complete forgiveness 490.
- 00:05:10.165 --> 00:05:14.102
- And if we don't learn how to forgive,
- 00:05:14.102 --> 00:05:16.238
- Then our faith is incomplete. it is not perfect.
- 00:05:16.238 --> 00:05:18.774
- So there's all these deep connections to 490.
- 00:05:18.774 --> 00:05:21.343
- Okay. but of course there is more.
- 00:05:21.343 --> 00:05:23.979
- The shepherds were jewish shepherds.
- 00:05:23.979 --> 00:05:26.882
- I mean, we're not even going to get into the whole
- 00:05:26.882 --> 00:05:29.351
- What type of swaddling garments.
- 00:05:29.985 --> 00:05:32.187
- And that's more in the book.
- 00:05:32.187 --> 00:05:33.288
- Yeah, but then you have not only the
- 00:05:33.288 --> 00:05:34.890
- Shepherds recognizing him, but you have the wise men.
- 00:05:34.890 --> 00:05:37.959
- Why is it significant to the question
- 00:05:37.959 --> 00:05:39.661
- You asked the shepherds
- 00:05:39.661 --> 00:05:41.129
- With the jewish shepherds, the wise men were gentiles.
- 00:05:41.129 --> 00:05:44.132
- So when the
- 00:05:44.132 --> 00:05:45.333
- When the wise men came, it's a fulfillment of genesis 49,
- 00:05:45.333 --> 00:05:49.671
- The scepter shall not depart from judah,
- 00:05:49.671 --> 00:05:52.007
- Nor the ruler staff from between his feet
- 00:05:52.007 --> 00:05:53.975
- Until shiloh comes into him will be the obedience
- 00:05:53.975 --> 00:05:57.212
- Of the nations.
- 00:05:57.212 --> 00:05:58.413
- Well, the rabbis say shiloh is referring to the messiah,
- 00:05:58.413 --> 00:06:02.517
- But in hebrew shiloh can mean shiloh.
- 00:06:02.517 --> 00:06:05.954
- Shai meaning gift, lo meaning to him
- 00:06:05.954 --> 00:06:08.590
- That the nations will bring gifts to him as a sign of homage
- 00:06:08.590 --> 00:06:12.561
- And obedience in fulfillment of genesis 49.
- 00:06:12.561 --> 00:06:17.032
- In many passages.
- 00:06:17.032 --> 00:06:17.866
- And then the prophets,
- 00:06:17.866 --> 00:06:18.900
- The wise men come from the nations bearing
- 00:06:18.900 --> 00:06:22.170
- Gifts of jews, the shepherds, gentiles, the wise men,
- 00:06:22.170 --> 00:06:26.575
- All coming together, jew and gentile, to worship
- 00:06:26.575 --> 00:06:29.778
- The king of kings and lord of lords.
- 00:06:29.778 --> 00:06:31.980
- Think about this for a moment.
- 00:06:31.980 --> 00:06:33.114
- The angels appear to the shepherds, and they say,
- 00:06:33.114 --> 00:06:36.084
- The messiah has been born in bethlehem.
- 00:06:36.084 --> 00:06:38.220
- And here's the sign.
- 00:06:38.220 --> 00:06:39.821
- It's going to be a baby wrapped in swaddling
- 00:06:39.821 --> 00:06:43.158
- Cloths, lying in the manger.
- 00:06:43.158 --> 00:06:44.493
- So the question is, of all the signs angels could have given.
- 00:06:44.493 --> 00:06:48.163
- Why is this such a sign?
- 00:06:48.163 --> 00:06:51.399
- Yeah, right.
- 00:06:51.399 --> 00:06:52.367
- It seems like could have given a better sign
- 00:06:52.367 --> 00:06:54.202
- Than a baby in a manger wrapped in swaddling cloth.
- 00:06:54.202 --> 00:06:56.771
- But you have to understand, there's a lot of misconceptions
- 00:06:56.771 --> 00:07:00.275
- About these shepherds.
- 00:07:00.275 --> 00:07:01.610
- We tend to think they're these kind of lowly nothing shepherds.
- 00:07:01.610 --> 00:07:05.146
- They were not ordinary shepherds.
- 00:07:05.146 --> 00:07:06.781
- They were levitical shepherds.
- 00:07:06.781 --> 00:07:08.717
- It was in bethlehem that they were raising
- 00:07:08.717 --> 00:07:11.753
- The passover sacrifices and the animals
- 00:07:11.753 --> 00:07:14.756
- That would be offered in the temple.
- 00:07:14.756 --> 00:07:16.925
- Those flocks were in bethlehem.
- 00:07:16.925 --> 00:07:19.661
- And when it came time to give birth, they bring.
- 00:07:19.661 --> 00:07:23.131
- Or in bad weather they bring the sheep
- 00:07:23.131 --> 00:07:26.134
- From the field into the caves around bethlehem.
- 00:07:26.134 --> 00:07:29.638
- And that's where the lambs would be born.
- 00:07:29.638 --> 00:07:33.074
- So these levitical shepherds come.
- 00:07:33.074 --> 00:07:35.677
- They find jesus in a cave.
- 00:07:35.677 --> 00:07:38.046
- The same cave, not a one in a manger,
- 00:07:38.046 --> 00:07:40.115
- But the same cave where the passover lambs would be born.
- 00:07:40.115 --> 00:07:43.985
- And they see him, i believe, wrapped in swaddled
- 00:07:43.985 --> 00:07:47.889
- Like one of the passover lambs, so that they wouldn't get,
- 00:07:47.889 --> 00:07:51.493
- They had to be without spot or blemish.
- 00:07:52.294 --> 00:07:54.195
- They would wrap them according to some tradition
- 00:07:54.195 --> 00:07:56.264
- So they wouldn't
- 00:07:56.264 --> 00:07:57.098
- Become defective because the caves
- 00:07:57.098 --> 00:07:59.067
- There were a lot of jagged rocks.
- 00:07:59.067 --> 00:08:00.602
- So they see him wrapped like a passover lamb
- 00:08:00.602 --> 00:08:03.271
- In the place where the passover lamb is born.
- 00:08:03.271 --> 00:08:05.140
- And they understand this is the lamb of god.
- 00:08:05.140 --> 00:08:08.743
- Thanks again to rabbi jason sobel for those powerful
- 00:08:08.743 --> 00:08:11.479
- Insights.
- 00:08:11.479 --> 00:08:12.213
- Up next,
- 00:08:12.213 --> 00:08:13.148
- We're heading to israel's negev desert
- 00:08:13.148 --> 00:08:15.350
- With our good friend danny.
- 00:08:15.350 --> 00:08:16.751
- The digger herman,
- 00:08:16.751 --> 00:08:17.652
- To learn about one of the most
- 00:08:17.652 --> 00:08:18.920
- Mysterious peoples of the ancient middle east,
- 00:08:18.920 --> 00:08:21.756
- Who may just provide us with clues about the origins
- 00:08:21.756 --> 00:08:25.727
- Of the three wise men.
- 00:08:25.727 --> 00:08:27.495
- Folks, you won't want to miss this.
- 00:08:27.495 --> 00:08:29.264
- Don't move.
- 00:08:29.264 --> 00:08:38.005
- Don't move.
- 00:08:38.005 --> 00:08:41.944
- Welcome back
- 00:08:42.278 --> 00:08:43.412
- To the special christmas edition of stakelbeck tonight.
- 00:08:43.412 --> 00:08:46.248
- History and archeology both show that they were
- 00:08:46.248 --> 00:08:49.418
- A powerful people during the time of jesus.
- 00:08:49.418 --> 00:08:52.555
- Yet the nabataean are never mentioned in the bible.
- 00:08:52.555 --> 00:08:56.425
- That's why we asked our good friend
- 00:08:56.425 --> 00:08:57.827
- Danny the bigger herman to head to an ancient site
- 00:08:57.827 --> 00:09:00.529
- In israel's negev desert to bring us the inside story
- 00:09:00.529 --> 00:09:04.400
- Of this mysterious people who may just have a link
- 00:09:04.400 --> 00:09:07.803
- To the three wise men.
- 00:09:08.270 --> 00:09:09.839
- Danny, take it away.
- 00:09:09.839 --> 00:09:13.109
- Do. it is the gospel of matthew
- 00:09:13.743 --> 00:09:24.020
- That gives us the most detailed account of the birth of jesus.
- 00:09:24.020 --> 00:09:28.090
- And among others, it records three wise
- 00:09:28.090 --> 00:09:30.926
- Men coming from the east to adorn the newborn.
- 00:09:30.926 --> 00:09:34.296
- And upon seeing him and his mother, they present
- 00:09:34.296 --> 00:09:37.033
- Unique gifts gold near and frankincense.
- 00:09:37.033 --> 00:09:41.337
- Who could be those people?
- 00:09:41.904 --> 00:09:43.773
- It's an archeologist studying this region for many years.
- 00:09:43.773 --> 00:09:47.243
- The region of the holy land and its neighboring cultures.
- 00:09:47.243 --> 00:09:49.945
- I am of the opinion
- 00:09:49.945 --> 00:09:51.080
- That it could only be referring to one group of people.
- 00:09:51.080 --> 00:09:54.383
- The nabataean.
- 00:09:54.383 --> 00:09:55.818
- The nabataean
- 00:09:55.818 --> 00:09:57.019
- Was the semitic group of people who, in the time of jesus,
- 00:09:57.019 --> 00:10:00.489
- Had a special economical niche of transporting goods
- 00:10:00.489 --> 00:10:04.760
- From the southern end of the arabian peninsula
- 00:10:04.760 --> 00:10:08.531
- As well as eastern africa, and even goods from india
- 00:10:08.531 --> 00:10:11.834
- Across the desert and up to the eastern
- 00:10:11.834 --> 00:10:15.571
- Mediterranean at the port of gaza.
- 00:10:15.571 --> 00:10:18.674
- No one else knew
- 00:10:18.674 --> 00:10:19.942
- How to carry the loads through this harsh environment.
- 00:10:19.942 --> 00:10:23.713
- Only the nabataean
- 00:10:23.713 --> 00:10:24.947
- Had the knowledge of hidden water reservoirs.
- 00:10:24.947 --> 00:10:28.184
- What could, in a way
- 00:10:28.184 --> 00:10:29.251
- Refuel their camels and so manage this journey.
- 00:10:29.251 --> 00:10:33.489
- The goods were of various types, but it is the mere,
- 00:10:33.489 --> 00:10:37.793
- The frankincense,
- 00:10:38.227 --> 00:10:40.229
- Which would be burnt on incense burners like these,
- 00:10:40.229 --> 00:10:43.466
- And produce a very special and pleasant odor
- 00:10:43.466 --> 00:10:46.969
- That was very popular for both domestic use and rituals.
- 00:10:46.969 --> 00:10:51.741
- And the last
- 00:10:51.741 --> 00:10:52.908
- Five days of the journey would be through the southern
- 00:10:52.908 --> 00:10:56.545
- Area of the holy land, through the negev.
- 00:10:56.545 --> 00:11:00.316
- This site of that was one of them, of that named
- 00:11:00.316 --> 00:11:03.753
- After a nabataean king, would be a major restless
- 00:11:03.753 --> 00:11:07.056
- After crossing the river, the roman creator,
- 00:11:07.056 --> 00:11:10.693
- And before completing the last stage of the journey,
- 00:11:10.693 --> 00:11:14.196
- Reaching gaza with the reward, will finally be given to them
- 00:11:14.196 --> 00:11:18.567
- In a lot of cash. back then, gold.
- 00:11:18.567 --> 00:11:25.040
- Of that started as a caravanserai
- 00:11:25.775 --> 00:11:27.843
- In the middle of the negev, halfway between the roman crater
- 00:11:27.843 --> 00:11:31.447
- In the spring of.
- 00:11:31.447 --> 00:11:32.648
- Of that, this hilltop originally was used by the nabataean,
- 00:11:32.648 --> 00:11:35.818
- Probably for sacrificial activities.
- 00:11:35.818 --> 00:11:38.888
- This slab of stone seemed to have been used for rituals.
- 00:11:38.888 --> 00:11:42.625
- The grooves leading to a small basin were perhaps to enable
- 00:11:42.625 --> 00:11:46.195
- The slaughter of small animals by the nabataean
- 00:11:46.195 --> 00:11:48.898
- To thank their gods to sharon and then other,
- 00:11:48.898 --> 00:11:52.067
- For achieving this long journey, at least up to this point.
- 00:11:52.067 --> 00:11:55.838
- And behind me the columns, the nabataean capitals,
- 00:11:55.838 --> 00:11:59.074
- Were all probably part of a nabataean cultic center
- 00:11:59.074 --> 00:12:02.812
- Of that continued to be inhabited
- 00:12:02.812 --> 00:12:04.680
- Also in roman and byzantine times,
- 00:12:04.680 --> 00:12:06.682
- And in fact, in the byzantine christian period,
- 00:12:06.682 --> 00:12:09.185
- It developed into a small town with two churches.
- 00:12:09.185 --> 00:12:12.421
- Let's take a look at one of.
- 00:12:12.421 --> 00:12:17.159
- This basilica
- 00:12:17.526 --> 00:12:18.627
- Shaped church added in the citadel of of dux.
- 00:12:18.627 --> 00:12:22.531
- In byzantine times, demonstrates the impact of christianity
- 00:12:22.531 --> 00:12:26.836
- Even in the limits of the roman empire,
- 00:12:26.836 --> 00:12:29.305
- In the heart of the desert.
- 00:12:29.305 --> 00:12:31.173
- And yet, although we have a good document of the city center,
- 00:12:31.173 --> 00:12:34.877
- The residential area above that which reflects the daily
- 00:12:34.877 --> 00:12:38.681
- Life here in ancient times is still waiting to be uncovered
- 00:12:38.681 --> 00:12:42.051
- By a proper large scale excavation.
- 00:12:42.051 --> 00:12:45.254
- Who knows what might be hiding in those caves?
- 00:12:45.254 --> 00:12:48.157
- Maybe even treasure is left by the nabataean treasures of mere.
- 00:12:48.157 --> 00:12:53.262
- A frankincense of gold is might be waiting here
- 00:12:53.262 --> 00:12:57.099
- To be uncovered. reflecting them.
- 00:12:57.099 --> 00:12:59.134
- This legendary wealth of the nabataean.
- 00:12:59.134 --> 00:13:11.947
- Thanks again to stakelbeck tonight,
- 00:13:12.681 --> 00:13:14.049
- Contributor danny the digger herman,
- 00:13:14.049 --> 00:13:15.851
- For bringing us the inside story of the mysterious nevada teens
- 00:13:15.851 --> 00:13:20.022
- And their possible link to the three wise men.
- 00:13:20.022 --> 00:13:23.292
- Coming up after the break, as the world gets louder
- 00:13:23.292 --> 00:13:26.095
- Every december, people are desperate for real peace.
- 00:13:26.095 --> 00:13:30.432
- Doctor jeremiah johnston joins us with powerful,
- 00:13:30.432 --> 00:13:33.202
- Practical ways to keep christ at the center of christmas
- 00:13:33.202 --> 00:13:37.740
- And how you can experience god's peace in the year ahead.
- 00:13:37.740 --> 00:13:41.443
- You won't want to miss this. stick around.
- 00:13:41.443 --> 00:13:50.005
- You won't want to miss this. stick around.
- 00:13:50.005 --> 00:13:54.824
- As the
- 00:13:55.025 --> 00:13:56.092
- World gets louder and more hectic every december.
- 00:13:56.092 --> 00:13:58.628
- People are searching for peace, real peace,
- 00:13:58.628 --> 00:14:02.132
- And for ways to make christmas about christ once again.
- 00:14:02.132 --> 00:14:05.402
- Doctor jeremiah johnson is president
- 00:14:05.402 --> 00:14:07.370
- Of the christian thinkers society and pastor
- 00:14:07.370 --> 00:14:09.806
- Of apologetics
- 00:14:09.806 --> 00:14:10.941
- And cultural engagement at preston wood baptist church.
- 00:14:10.941 --> 00:14:13.910
- His latest work,
- 00:14:13.910 --> 00:14:15.278
- The peace of god bible, offers powerful devotions
- 00:14:15.278 --> 00:14:18.882
- And biblical wisdom for finding meaning,
- 00:14:18.882 --> 00:14:21.685
- Rest, and joy during this holiday season.
- 00:14:21.685 --> 00:14:25.121
- Jeremiah, always great to see you my friend.
- 00:14:25.121 --> 00:14:27.223
- So great to be with you and merry christmas
- 00:14:27.223 --> 00:14:29.192
- And happy new year!
- 00:14:29.192 --> 00:14:30.260
- Yes, merry christmas, happy new year,
- 00:14:30.260 --> 00:14:32.329
- And you know that we love the peace of god bible.
- 00:14:32.329 --> 00:14:35.365
- What are ways we talk about keeping christmas
- 00:14:35.365 --> 00:14:37.600
- Christ centered?
- 00:14:37.600 --> 00:14:38.601
- It's very consumer driven.
- 00:14:38.601 --> 00:14:40.470
- These days.
- 00:14:40.470 --> 00:14:41.604
- What are some ways you, jeremiah,
- 00:14:41.604 --> 00:14:43.273
- Keep christ at the center of things
- 00:14:43.273 --> 00:14:45.208
- For you and your family during the season?
- 00:14:45.208 --> 00:14:47.110
- Without question, the way that we keep jesus
- 00:14:47.110 --> 00:14:49.980
- At the center of our christmas is through the word of god.
- 00:14:49.980 --> 00:14:52.582
- The word of god is premium.
- 00:14:52.582 --> 00:14:54.417
- It's paramount in our life.
- 00:14:54.417 --> 00:14:56.019
- And i think about how it was in that very first christmas
- 00:14:56.019 --> 00:15:00.190
- When christ came.
- 00:15:00.190 --> 00:15:01.458
- I have my bible
- 00:15:01.458 --> 00:15:02.659
- Opened, my peace of god bible open to luke, chapter one.
- 00:15:02.659 --> 00:15:06.196
- I love that
- 00:15:06.196 --> 00:15:07.430
- The holy spirit is mentioned 55 times in the book of luke.
- 00:15:07.430 --> 00:15:10.934
- John the baptist, dad was filled with the holy spirit.
- 00:15:10.934 --> 00:15:13.970
- This was close to christmas, and he said this of the coming
- 00:15:13.970 --> 00:15:17.340
- Messiah, verse 79, that jesus was there to give a light
- 00:15:17.340 --> 00:15:21.911
- To those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
- 00:15:21.911 --> 00:15:26.216
- To guide all of our feet into the way or the path of peace.
- 00:15:26.216 --> 00:15:30.820
- And so this christmas season, to keep christ central,
- 00:15:30.820 --> 00:15:34.491
- The word of god guides us into the path of peace.
- 00:15:34.491 --> 00:15:37.894
- Now, i don't know if you've ever had this experience.
- 00:15:37.894 --> 00:15:39.896
- I'm blessed with five children
- 00:15:39.896 --> 00:15:41.798
- Who love to leave things all over the bedroom
- 00:15:41.798 --> 00:15:44.601
- And all over the house and i'm in my 40s,
- 00:15:44.601 --> 00:15:46.936
- Which means i get up in the middle of the night
- 00:15:46.936 --> 00:15:48.505
- From time to time to have a humanity break, and i.
- 00:15:48.505 --> 00:15:52.075
- Have you ever had this?
- 00:15:52.075 --> 00:15:53.109
- It's pitch black and you stumble, or is it just me?
- 00:15:53.109 --> 00:15:56.913
- No, you've had that.
- 00:15:56.913 --> 00:15:58.314
- That's kind of what the world was like
- 00:15:58.314 --> 00:16:00.283
- When jesus came that first, that first christmas season,
- 00:16:00.283 --> 00:16:04.721
- All the world was stumbling over everything,
- 00:16:04.721 --> 00:16:07.390
- Falling over ourselves.
- 00:16:07.390 --> 00:16:09.225
- The book of galatians says that in the fullness of time,
- 00:16:09.225 --> 00:16:12.762
- Meaning it's the perfect moment.
- 00:16:12.762 --> 00:16:14.697
- Jesus came and he flipped on the light.
- 00:16:14.697 --> 00:16:16.733
- Just like
- 00:16:16.733 --> 00:16:17.600
- When we flip on the light in our home
- 00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:19.269
- And he shows us the path of peace.
- 00:16:19.269 --> 00:16:21.538
- And so my prayer for everyone
- 00:16:21.538 --> 00:16:22.672
- Watching on this wonderful christmas
- 00:16:22.672 --> 00:16:25.275
- Is that will pray the prayer of luke 179.
- 00:16:25.275 --> 00:16:28.044
- Jesus guide us in the path of peace.
- 00:16:28.044 --> 00:16:31.648
- Jesus turn on your light and all the dark areas in our life.
- 00:16:31.648 --> 00:16:35.985
- And guess what? that's a prayer he'll answer.
- 00:16:35.985 --> 00:16:37.954
- Yeah, i love that. what a great analogy.
- 00:16:37.954 --> 00:16:40.290
- And hey, it's the season of giving.
- 00:16:40.290 --> 00:16:41.891
- Of course, and we talk about peace and the peace of god.
- 00:16:41.891 --> 00:16:44.761
- Bible.
- 00:16:44.761 --> 00:16:45.829
- How can serving others during this christmas season
- 00:16:45.829 --> 00:16:48.865
- Bring you peace?
- 00:16:48.865 --> 00:16:49.899
- You might think, wow, i got presents.
- 00:16:49.899 --> 00:16:52.302
- I got gifts, this is great.
- 00:16:52.302 --> 00:16:53.570
- But actually serving others and sacrifice,
- 00:16:53.570 --> 00:16:56.439
- How can that bring peace?
- 00:16:56.439 --> 00:16:57.640
- You know, that is an excellent point.
- 00:16:57.640 --> 00:17:00.343
- Our pain and we all have pain should become our purpose
- 00:17:00.343 --> 00:17:03.780
- And that's how we have peace.
- 00:17:03.780 --> 00:17:05.115
- Now i want to say that one more time,
- 00:17:05.115 --> 00:17:07.183
- God takes us from our pain, and our pain can become
- 00:17:07.183 --> 00:17:10.687
- Our purpose.
- 00:17:10.687 --> 00:17:11.855
- And then we have peace.
- 00:17:11.855 --> 00:17:13.523
- And we do that through serving others.
- 00:17:13.523 --> 00:17:15.859
- This is second corinthians chapter one,
- 00:17:15.859 --> 00:17:19.362
- Where it literally says,
- 00:17:19.362 --> 00:17:20.597
- The god of all comfort will comfort us in our affliction,
- 00:17:20.597 --> 00:17:24.267
- So that we can then comfort others
- 00:17:24.267 --> 00:17:26.569
- Who experienced the same affliction that we had
- 00:17:26.569 --> 00:17:29.205
- When we needed comfort with god.
- 00:17:29.205 --> 00:17:31.241
- And so our family just did this.
- 00:17:31.241 --> 00:17:32.742
- We have the largest
- 00:17:32.742 --> 00:17:34.310
- Pregnancy center in the world at preston wood baptist church.
- 00:17:34.310 --> 00:17:37.013
- Many don't know that.
- 00:17:37.013 --> 00:17:37.881
- And we say that all to the glory of god.
- 00:17:37.881 --> 00:17:40.150
- And this past saturday, our entire family
- 00:17:40.150 --> 00:17:43.553
- Showed up to minister to women in need
- 00:17:43.553 --> 00:17:46.189
- Medical needs to bless them at christmas time. why?
- 00:17:46.189 --> 00:17:49.192
- Because we want to pass on an ethic of generosity.
- 00:17:49.192 --> 00:17:52.529
- Every christian should be very generous
- 00:17:52.529 --> 00:17:55.064
- And that's what christ teaches us at christmas time.
- 00:17:55.064 --> 00:17:57.467
- Yeah, and i love it.
- 00:17:57.467 --> 00:17:58.501
- And it's obviously a time of family, of course.
- 00:17:58.501 --> 00:18:00.170
- And you've got that family heritage of everyone,
- 00:18:00.170 --> 00:18:03.006
- The johnston family, everyone serving together.
- 00:18:03.006 --> 00:18:05.341
- That's right.
- 00:18:05.341 --> 00:18:06.009
- Love that.
- 00:18:06.009 --> 00:18:06.709
- Hey, it's christmas day.
- 00:18:06.709 --> 00:18:07.777
- Of course we're heading into the new year as well.
- 00:18:07.777 --> 00:18:10.613
- Any lessons in shalom and peace as we move into 2026
- 00:18:10.613 --> 00:18:15.518
- That you think people should know about that
- 00:18:15.518 --> 00:18:17.020
- You want to share? yes, i have a big one, erin.
- 00:18:17.020 --> 00:18:18.922
- We have to all start checking our sources,
- 00:18:18.922 --> 00:18:21.257
- And i want to encourage everyone
- 00:18:21.257 --> 00:18:22.792
- To tune in and set their dvrs to erick stakelbeck tonight.
- 00:18:22.792 --> 00:18:26.763
- Every single night of the week and to your youtube channels.
- 00:18:26.763 --> 00:18:30.033
- We are living in a very unique world.
- 00:18:30.033 --> 00:18:32.535
- I have just, been planning of.
- 00:18:32.535 --> 00:18:35.038
- I have an upcoming event at the world economic forum
- 00:18:35.038 --> 00:18:37.540
- Where
- 00:18:37.540 --> 00:18:38.741
- A huge topic of discussion will be artificial intelligence.
- 00:18:38.741 --> 00:18:42.045
- And so where we get verifiable information in the future
- 00:18:42.045 --> 00:18:45.682
- Is going to be paramount.
- 00:18:45.682 --> 00:18:47.650
- Those are going to be the powers.
- 00:18:47.650 --> 00:18:49.285
- Those are going to be the new empires of the mind
- 00:18:49.285 --> 00:18:51.521
- Where we get information.
- 00:18:51.521 --> 00:18:52.822
- And so obviously absolute truth comes from the word of god.
- 00:18:52.822 --> 00:18:56.059
- And we need reliable sources
- 00:18:56.059 --> 00:18:57.860
- To help us see the signs of the time.
- 00:18:57.860 --> 00:18:59.529
- And no one does that better than erick stakelbeck.
- 00:18:59.529 --> 00:19:02.098
- And so one immediate next step.
- 00:19:02.098 --> 00:19:04.067
- And i know that because you recently spoke at our event,
- 00:19:04.067 --> 00:19:06.903
- Which is the world's largest christian apologetics event,
- 00:19:06.903 --> 00:19:10.073
- You were my son's favorite speaker.
- 00:19:10.073 --> 00:19:12.909
- Now don't tell the other 19 speakers.
- 00:19:12.909 --> 00:19:15.044
- Kids got the kids got good taste that he. does.
- 00:19:15.044 --> 00:19:17.413
- You were our favorite speaker by far,
- 00:19:17.413 --> 00:19:19.616
- Because my son, who's 13, think about this.
- 00:19:19.616 --> 00:19:21.718
- You have the ability to connect with a 13 year old
- 00:19:21.718 --> 00:19:24.153
- About the nation of israel and why as a christian
- 00:19:24.153 --> 00:19:26.589
- Young man, he should support israel.
- 00:19:26.589 --> 00:19:28.558
- Those were the takeaway factors.
- 00:19:28.558 --> 00:19:29.792
- And so as we go into this new year, it's a admonition.
- 00:19:29.792 --> 00:19:34.197
- Let's check our sources
- 00:19:34.197 --> 00:19:35.531
- And let's make sure we're tuning in to people
- 00:19:35.531 --> 00:19:37.300
- That actually believe in the word of god.
- 00:19:37.300 --> 00:19:39.702
- Because guess what?
- 00:19:39.702 --> 00:19:40.703
- If i may, there are people that don't believe
- 00:19:40.703 --> 00:19:43.072
- In the word of god who say they do.
- 00:19:43.072 --> 00:19:44.807
- I think about these passages in scripture, in jeremiah.
- 00:19:44.807 --> 00:19:48.411
- In ezekiel
- 00:19:48.411 --> 00:19:49.479
- They said, watch those false teachers
- 00:19:49.479 --> 00:19:51.114
- Who say, peace, peace where there is no peace.
- 00:19:51.114 --> 00:19:53.082
- That's jeremiah six, jeremiah eight, ezekiel chapter ten.
- 00:19:53.082 --> 00:19:56.386
- And so where we get verifiable information, huge importance in.
- 00:19:56.386 --> 00:20:00.156
- Today's and no place better than the peace
- 00:20:00.156 --> 00:20:02.025
- Of god bible, of course, the find.
- 00:20:02.025 --> 00:20:03.459
- And by the way, folks, doctor jeremiah johnson
- 00:20:03.459 --> 00:20:05.295
- Being a bit modest,
- 00:20:05.295 --> 00:20:06.362
- He'll be at the world economic forum in january
- 00:20:06.362 --> 00:20:08.731
- Presenting on the shroud of turin.
- 00:20:08.731 --> 00:20:10.366
- He is one of the world's
- 00:20:10.366 --> 00:20:11.501
- Foremost experts on the shroud of turin.
- 00:20:11.501 --> 00:20:13.870
- You've talked about with us numerous times here in the show,
- 00:20:13.870 --> 00:20:15.738
- Of course, here about a minute left,
- 00:20:15.738 --> 00:20:18.441
- Final thoughts on the peace of god bible.
- 00:20:18.441 --> 00:20:20.576
- I can't think of a better christmas gift
- 00:20:20.576 --> 00:20:22.645
- For anyone to give their loved one.
- 00:20:22.645 --> 00:20:24.113
- Especially someone, anyone
- 00:20:24.113 --> 00:20:25.748
- But someone struggling
- 00:20:25.748 --> 00:20:26.916
- With anxiety or the fears and concerns of this world.
- 00:20:26.916 --> 00:20:29.886
- Final thoughts
- 00:20:29.886 --> 00:20:31.087
- This was a labor of love for you four years in the making,
- 00:20:31.087 --> 00:20:33.823
- It change your life.
- 00:20:33.823 --> 00:20:34.724
- You've told me a little bit
- 00:20:34.724 --> 00:20:35.925
- More as we close out in the peace of god bible.
- 00:20:35.925 --> 00:20:37.760
- It is god's will
- 00:20:37.760 --> 00:20:38.961
- For every believer in jesus christ to walk in his peace.
- 00:20:38.961 --> 00:20:42.699
- It's not god's will for you to be in a truce.
- 00:20:42.699 --> 00:20:45.134
- And yet god's word gives us immediate
- 00:20:45.134 --> 00:20:47.003
- Next steps of how we can have peace
- 00:20:47.003 --> 00:20:48.604
- In our home, peace in our hearts, peace
- 00:20:48.604 --> 00:20:50.473
- In our marriages, peace in our community.
- 00:20:50.473 --> 00:20:52.608
- And the beautiful thing about the peace of god bible
- 00:20:52.608 --> 00:20:55.611
- Is it guides you by the hand.
- 00:20:55.611 --> 00:20:57.080
- It doesn't just slap you with a bible verse.
- 00:20:57.080 --> 00:20:58.881
- As much as i love the scripture,
- 00:20:58.881 --> 00:21:00.249
- It explains to you, how can i take this passage
- 00:21:00.249 --> 00:21:03.052
- And apply it to this problem i'm facing and live in his peace?
- 00:21:03.052 --> 00:21:06.789
- I'm living proof i can sit here and tell you
- 00:21:06.789 --> 00:21:09.025
- I'm walking in the peace of god, and it's a great place to be.
- 00:21:09.025 --> 00:21:11.494
- And i pray that for every person who's.
- 00:21:11.494 --> 00:21:13.129
- Watching, amen.
- 00:21:13.129 --> 00:21:14.030
- And everything in here is tangible.
- 00:21:14.030 --> 00:21:16.032
- You can put it as you said, you can put it into action
- 00:21:16.032 --> 00:21:18.134
- And apply it to your everyday life.
- 00:21:18.134 --> 00:21:20.103
- Doctor jeremiah johnston merry christmas my friend.
- 00:21:20.103 --> 00:21:22.672
- Merry christmas erick. it's going to be a great 2026.
- 00:21:22.672 --> 00:21:25.608
- We've got a lot more to do together.
- 00:21:25.608 --> 00:21:27.009
- We do.
- 00:21:27.009 --> 00:21:27.977
- You will be back here frequently in 2026.
- 00:21:27.977 --> 00:21:29.946
- Peace of god bible folks amazon.com
- 00:21:29.946 --> 00:21:32.048
- Wherever books are sold.
- 00:21:32.048 --> 00:21:33.282
- Merry christmas jeremiah.
- 00:21:33.282 --> 00:21:34.684
- Coming up, final thoughts on the prince of peace
- 00:21:34.684 --> 00:21:37.687
- And what this day is all about. that's next. don't move.
- 00:21:37.687 --> 00:21:48.006
- And what this day is all about. that's next. don't move.
- 00:21:48.006 --> 00:21:51.668
- Welcome back to stakelbeck tonight, folks, as we wrap up
- 00:21:52.803 --> 00:21:55.572
- This very special christmas day edition of stack albert.
- 00:21:55.572 --> 00:21:58.442
- Tonight, i'm reflecting on rabbi jason sobel, reminding us
- 00:21:58.442 --> 00:22:02.646
- How every page of scripture points to the messiah,
- 00:22:02.646 --> 00:22:06.917
- How danny the bigger herman took us deeper into the mystery
- 00:22:06.917 --> 00:22:10.587
- Of the three wise men, and how doctor jeremiah johnston
- 00:22:10.587 --> 00:22:14.358
- Showed us how to find true peace in a world
- 00:22:14.358 --> 00:22:17.928
- That desperately needs it.
- 00:22:17.928 --> 00:22:19.830
- Tonight's program has been all about one thing
- 00:22:19.830 --> 00:22:23.200
- Jesus the true promise of christmas.
- 00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:26.370
- Christmas isn't just the story of a baby in a manger.
- 00:22:26.370 --> 00:22:29.807
- It's the story of a god who stepped into humanity,
- 00:22:29.807 --> 00:22:33.243
- A light who broke through darkness, a savior who came
- 00:22:33.243 --> 00:22:37.781
- Not just to be born, but to redeem, restore, and reign.
- 00:22:37.781 --> 00:22:42.753
- And just like those three wise men, we are invited to come.
- 00:22:42.753 --> 00:22:46.490
- No matter
- 00:22:46.490 --> 00:22:47.724
- How long the journey has been or what burdens we've carried.
- 00:22:47.724 --> 00:22:50.928
- Wherever you're watching from tonight,
- 00:22:50.928 --> 00:22:52.529
- Whether this year has been
- 00:22:52.529 --> 00:22:53.831
- Filled with joy or marked by struggle.
- 00:22:53.831 --> 00:22:56.934
- Know this the same jesus who came to
- 00:22:56.934 --> 00:22:59.837
- Bethlehem comes to you with hope,
- 00:22:59.837 --> 00:23:02.873
- With peace, with forgiveness, and with purpose.
- 00:23:02.873 --> 00:23:06.777
- My prayer is that his presence fills your home, your heart,
- 00:23:06.777 --> 00:23:10.614
- And your family this christmas season.
- 00:23:10.614 --> 00:23:13.050
- From all of us here at stackelberg tonight,
- 00:23:13.050 --> 00:23:15.152
- Merry christmas.
- 00:23:15.152 --> 00:23:16.620
- God bless you and we'll see you soon.
- 00:23:16.620 --> 00:23:16.620
