The Bible Unplugged Podcast
with J. Brent Eaton, M.Div.
Listen on:
Spotify • iHeartRadio • Amazon Music
Show notes & resources: PowerLoveandMiracles.com
Episode Summary
Politics is one of those topics we often avoid—especially around the holidays. It divides families, fuels anxiety, and can feel completely incompatible with faith.
But the Christmas story tells a different story.
Jesus was born into a world filled with political corruption, power struggles, and ruthless rulers—and God used every one of them to fulfill His plan.
In this episode of The Bible Unplugged, we explore the political landscape surrounding the birth of Jesus and discover how God quietly shaped nations, empires, and leaders to bring His Son into the world.
Episode Focus
The Roman census of Luke 2
The rise of Caesar Augustus
The Herodian dynasty and Rome’s control of Judea
How political chaos fulfilled biblical prophecy
Why God is never threatened by human power
Key Background Insights
Luke 2 opens with a decree from Caesar Augustus
To Rome, it was routine.
To Israel, it was oppression.
To God, it was prophecy unfolding.
To understand Christmas, we must understand the political forces behind it.
The Herodian Dynasty
The Herods were Idumean, not ethnically Jewish
Forced conversion created deep resentment
Herod the Great rose to power through Roman alliances
Backed Mark Antony, then survived by aligning with Augustus
Ruled Judea only because Rome allowed it
Herod was not God’s king—he was Rome’s political survivor.
Why This Matters for Christmas
The census moved Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem
Micah’s prophecy was fulfilled without human awareness
Political systems unknowingly served divine purposes
God used corrupt rulers to accomplish holy promises
Human power struggles became instruments of divine providence.
Takeaways from the Politics
God works through world events long before we see their purpose
No political leader is beyond God’s influence
God is not threatened by corrupt systems—He works through them
God positions His people exactly where they need to be
Challenges for This Week
Look for God working in unexpected places
Refuse to let politics steal your peace
Re-examine life’s “detours” that may actually be divine guidance
Pray for wisdom and discernment amid uncertainty
If God could use Caesar, Herod, and Cleopatra, He can work through your circumstances too.
What’s Next
In the next episode, we conclude this Advent series with:
“The Ongoing Christmas — When God Uses Our World to Reveal His Son.”
You can also find:
Saints, Sinners, and Scandals: The Real Story of Jesus’ Birth
Christmas devotionals and resources
Available now at PowerLoveandMiracles.com
Closing Prayer
My prayer for you is that the upheaval and uncertainty of this world would take a back seat to the providence and power God wants to reveal to you and through you.
Have a blessed week.
Disclaimers
All opinions are my own
Bible quotations from the World English Bible (public domain)
Theme music: “Awesome Call” by Kevin MacLeod (Creative Commons)
© 2025 J. Brent Eaton
A Power Love and Miracles production
