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!

RESOURCES

How To Study Narrative – Theology for You

ESV Chronological Bible Reading Plan

CHRONOLOGICAL SCRIPTURE READING

Micah 5:2

Isaiah 7:14

Matthew 1:1-17

Luke 1:5-38

Matthew 1:18- 25

Luke 1: 39-80

Luke 2:1-40 

Matthew 2:1- 23

CHRONOLOGICAL TIMELINE OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST AND OF JESUS THE CHRIST
*This is the timeline I gathered from the text. I understand we may need to pair the historic record and some of these dates are approximate.

740 BC
Isaiah Prophecies
Micah Prophecies
1 BC
Angel Appears to Zechariah
March (Gregorian Calendar) – Elizabeth Conceives
6th Month Elul (Biblical) – Aug–Sep (Gregorian) – Mary Conceives
Mary Goes to Elizabeth
Oct-November (Gregorian) – Mary Returns Home
November – December (Gregorian) – Elizabeth Gives Birth
1 AD
May – June (Gregorian) – Mary Gives Birth to Jesus
8 Days Later – Jesus is Circumcised
40 Days Later – Jesus is Presented at Temple in Jerusalem
Mary and Joseph Return to Nazareth
(‘In The Days of Herod’ 37 BC – 4 AD) Wiseman Journey to Jerusalem Due To Star
Wiseman Talk to Herod
~ 2 AD
Wiseman Go to Nazareth to Meet Jesus
Wisemen Go Home To Meet Another Way
Joseph, Mary, Jesus, Flee to Egypt
Herod’s Genocide
~ 4 AD
Herod Dies
Joseph, Mary, Jesus, Return from Egypt to Nazareth

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.

RESOURCES ||

Liz Terry Photography – enjoy Liz’s beautiful photos!

Liz Terry Creative – Playful, colorful, and FUN stop motion for brands who want to stop the scroll and stand out!

S2E7: The Ordinary Means of Childbirth

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.

REFERENCES

Luke 1 [Scripture]

Pray and When God Answers Believe [Sermon]

S2E6: Bible Birth Stories – Hagar and Sarah [Podcast]

CHRONOLOGICAL TIMELINE OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST AND OF JESUS THE CHRIST
*This is the timeline I gathered from the text. I understand we may need to pair the historic record and some of these dates are approximate.

740 BC
Isaiah Prophecies
Micah Prophecies
1 BC
Angel Appears to Zechariah
March (Gregorian Calendar) – Elizabeth Conceives
6th Month Elul (Biblical) – Aug–Sep (Gregorian) – Mary Conceives
Mary Goes to Elizabeth
Oct-November (Gregorian) – Mary Returns Home
November – December (Gregorian) – Elizabeth Gives Birth
1 AD
May – June (Gregorian) – Mary Gives Birth to Jesus
8 Days Later – Jesus is Circumcised
40 Days Later – Jesus is Presented at Temple in Jerusalem
Mary and Joseph Return to Nazareth
(‘In The Days of Herod’ 37 BC – 4 AD) Wiseman Journey to Jerusalem Due To Star
Wiseman Talk to Herod
~ 2 AD
Wiseman Go to Nazareth to Meet Jesus
Wisemen Go Home To Meet Another Way
Joseph, Mary, Jesus, Flee to Egypt
Herod’s Genocide
~ 4 AD
Herod Dies
Joseph, Mary, Jesus, Return from Egypt to Nazareth

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!

IG: @bornagainbirth

Email: hello@bornagainbirth.com

RESOURCES ||

Theology for You | How To Study Narrative Parts 1-4 (On the Book of Ruth)

‘Labor of Love’ by Andrew Peterson on the Born Again Birth Christmas Playlist

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!

RESOURCES ||

How To Study Narrative – Theology for You

God of Covenant – Jen Wilkin, LifeWay

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED ||

Call of Abram – Genesis 12:1-7

Abram and Sarai in Egypt – Genesis 12:8-20

Covenant with Abram – Genesis 15:1-20

Sarai and Hagar, Ishmael Born – Genesis 16:1-16

Covenant of Circumcision, Abram’s Name Changed – Genesis 17:1-14

Sarai’s Name Changed, Isaac Promised – Genesis 17:15-27

3 Men at Mamre Promising Isaac – Genesis 18:1-21

Abraham Travels to Negeb, Abimelech – Genesis 20:1-18

Isaac Born – Genesis 21:1-7

Sarah Casts Out Hagar, God Protects Hagar – Genesis 21:8-21

THEMES ||

Offspring, Covenant, Laughter, Closed Wombs, Infertility, Deception, Self-Reliance, Protection

Have you purchased the pregnancy pillow, taken the birth class, styled the nursery, but STILL feel unprepared for all parenting is about to throw at you? Friend, you are absolutely not alone. And Sarah Dargue’s book Bumps, Babies and the Gospel might be just the remedy you’re looking for! Sarah believes there is “no better preparation for having a baby and beginning the parenting journey, than what we are offered in Christ Himself.” Her book is best described as ‘a prenatal class for your heart’ and I think that’s just what the midwife ordered. Our conversation was delightful, heartfelt, and reflective. I hope you will enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording! Sarah’s heart for the Lord and perspectives are a great encouragement.

RESOURCES ||

Sarah’s Blog | https://sarahdargue.org/

Sarah’s Instagram | @sdargue

10ofThose | https://www.10ofthose.com/us/

Psalm 27

Proverbs 4:23 

The Book of Colossians

BOOKS ||  

Courtney Reissig is a wife, mother, writer, and speaker. She has authored several books, including Glory in the Ordinary and her recently released title, Teach Me To Feel. Courtney also serves as the Managing Director of Risen Motherhood. Courtney speaks candidly about her experience with infertility, miscarriage, and high-risk pregnancies on the podcast. Courtney saw the grace and sovereignty of God at work through her Cesarean births, and she offers her voice on the podcast to testify that the Lord is making all things new.

RESOURCES ||

Courtney’s Website | http://courtneyreissig.com/

Courtney’s Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/courtneyreissig/ 

Risen Motherhood | https://www.risenmotherhood.com/

BOOKS ||

In today’s show, podcaster and author Rebekah Hargraves joins us! Her birth stories could not be more different, but Oh! they are so deep and impactful. We talk homebirth, NICU, high-risk pregnancy, induction, and more. Rebekah’s heart for helping moms to see the faults in fighting the mommy wars. We talk about pride in parenting, and how the Gospel offers us grace and the opportunity for repentance. Make sure you visit us on Instagram @bornagainbirth for a giveaway of Rebekah’s book ‘Lies Moms Believe (And How the Gospel Refutes Them)’. 

CONNECT WITH REBEKAH ||

Rebekah’s Podcast: https://www.hargraveshomeandhearth.com/

Rebekah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebekahhargraves/

RESOURCES || 

{Trigger Warning: Birth Trauma}

Nearly twenty years ago, Carlee Russell experienced a traumatic birth. Unfortunately, that was just the first of what would be a total of three difficult birth experiences. Carlee candidly shares about this time in her life, and how she’s processed that season of life in the years that followed. Carlee also answers deeply heart-felt and raw listener questions: Can a traumatic birth be beautiful? What makes birth beautiful in the light of the Gospel? What constitutes strength during birth? Why does sin come in and seemingly ‘tarnish’ some births, while others experience beauty, laughter, peace during their births? Especially for parents who have experienced a traumatic birth, our hope is that when you listen to this episode you will know you are not alone. Our hope is that you will see the heart of God for you during this time.

RESOURCES ||

“Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” Job 2:10

Healthcare Tips that Carlee Shared for Medical Appointments

– Bring support with you, whether in-person or virtual.

– Take detailed notes or even a recording of your appointments for future reference.

– Carlee recommended the recording app Abridge.

– Get contact info from your provider for followup questions. 

– Know that you have a right to courteous time.

– Don’t be afraid for a second opinion.

D.A. Carson – How Could A Good God Allow Suffering?

S1 Ep 8: What Does God say about Birth Trauma & Obstetric Violence with Pastor Ben

Welcome to Season 2 of the Born Again Birth Podcast! We’re starting off with an episode incredibly precious to me, because I invited one of my very best friends in the world to be a guest! Brittany Arthur is a faithful follower of Jesus, a wife, a mother to four, and an accomplished professional who seeks to make much of Christ no matter the circumstance. In today’s show, she discusses the bittersweet calling of foster care, the pain of infertility and miscarriage – including how her family has incorporated the memory of their daughter Katherine into their life. She discusses her three very different hospital birth stories, including managing a Gestational Diabetes diagnosis, and how her approach to birth has changed over the years. We also discuss how her husband’s recent cancer diagnosis has given their family a new perspective on burnout and receiving help – words that all parents need to hear!

RESOURCES ||

One way Brittany’s family honors the life of her daughter is by donating to a charity in her name each year at Christmas. Though the Arthurs make it a point to include Katherine in their daily life, special occasions such as including her on Christmas and birthday cards are a particular way they honor their daughter.