So I actually love the way in which archaeology and history work together to help us read scripture more carefully.

And when the story comes to life, that just helps me to resonate even more clearly with the message of the story that's found not only in Luke,

but also in Matthew, of the birth of Jesus bringing the light into the world. And that light really is for all

humanity. Luke focuses on that through the shepherds. Matthew focuses on that through the magi, the wise men.

And today as modern disciples, as modern believers, and as modern historians,

I think it's a message that is more needed than ever before,

especially this Christmas season.

As I'm thinking about the Christmas story in context,

is just remembering that the love of God has no boundaries.

And that's something that I feel deep in my soul,

both as a historian, but also as a believer.

I'm Sarah Jane Weaver, editor of the church news. Welcome to the church news podcast. We are taking

you on a journey of connection as we discuss news and events of the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints. Each Christmas season, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Each Christmas season, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and others across the world turn their vision to the town of Bethlehem.

This episode of the Church News podcast features Dr. Matthew Gray.

He is here with us to share insights on the village of Bethlehem,

the archaeology of Jewish daily life, and the religious and political atmosphere that

existed in this area at the time of Jesus' birth. Dr. Gray is a professor of ancient

scripture at Brigham Young University. He completed studies in archaeology and the

history of early Judaism from Andrews University, University of Oxford, and the University of North

Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received his Ph.D. For the past 12 years, he has been teaching

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