From the Crib to the Cross: The True Meaning of Christmas

On this special Christmas Day broadcast, December 25, 2023, Kim Monson welcomes author Scott Powell and Colorado Christian University Chancellor Dr. Don Sweeting for a profound exploration of the meaning of Christmas, the historical evidence for Christ, and why the birth of the Messiah continues to shape American culture and values.

The Historical Reality of Christ and American Heritage

Start listening at 2:07 – Hour 1

Scott Powell, Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute and author of Rediscovering America: How Our National Holidays Tell an Amazing Story About Who We Are, makes a compelling case for the historical verifiability of Jesus Christ. Powell argues that Jesus is more historically documented than any other figure from ancient times, including Roman emperors, due to the number of eyewitness accounts recorded within a generation of his life. He traces 18 different Old Testament prophets who predicted Christ’s coming birth, life, and death hundreds of years before they occurred.

Powell connects the Christmas story to America’s founding, explaining how the Pilgrims and Puritans likened their journey across the Atlantic to the Israelites heading to the Promised Land. He emphasizes that the Founding Fathers built the Constitution on Biblical principles and the wisdom of thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu, who advocated for separation of powers to prevent tyranny. Powell warns that current efforts to remove God from American culture and destroy historical monuments represent a demonic globalist force seeking to undermine the Constitution.

“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

Scott Powell, Senior Fellow, Discovery Institute

Understanding Auto Insurance Rate Increases

Start listening at 65:14 – Hour 2

Roger Mangan, State Farm Insurance agent with 47 years of experience serving the Colorado community, breaks down why auto insurance rates have skyrocketed. He identifies approximately ten factors driving the increases, including inflation pushing repair costs up 50% between 2018 and 2023, Colorado leading the nation in car thefts, legislative mandates allowing phantom damages in court cases, 9% prejudgment interest on delayed claims, severe weather events like hailstorms, increased vehicle complexity with computerized windshields costing up to $1,500, and repair wait times stretching to three months.

Mangan explains that insurance companies function as pass-through mechanisms, meaning they pay whatever repair shops charge at prevailing rates. He offers to help listeners implement cost containment measures to reduce their insurance premiums through a complimentary appointment.

“Well, rates are like a runaway train wreck right now. And the rates are not stopping. And the rate increases are not stopping.”

Roger Mangan, State Farm Insurance Agent

Why We Desperately Need Christmas

Start listening at 58:44 – Hour 2

Dr. Don Sweeting, Chancellor of Colorado Christian University, explains that Christmas is fundamentally about God caring enough to enter time and space in Christ to bring life, forgiveness, and grace to lost people. He addresses the objection that organized religion has been problematic by pointing to Christ himself, noting that even at the time of Jesus’s birth, much organized religion had become calcified, yet Christ came to bring reconciliation between God and humanity.

Sweeting illuminates the symbolism of the shepherds being the first to hear the good news. These men kept sheep for temple sacrifices, seeking lambs without blemish, which connects directly to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He explains the liturgical calendar, describing how Advent prepares hearts for Christ’s coming and how the 12 days of Christmas and Epiphany extend the celebration to commemorate the Magi bringing gifts to worship the newborn king.

Sweeting outlines five reasons we desperately need Christmas: celebrating Christ’s birth and the hope of salvation; bringing light and music into the darkest time of year; shifting focus from self to others; making time for family; and providing opportunity to recalibrate our lives at year’s end. He quotes G.K. Chesterton’s observation that captures the essence of his message.

“The fun of Christmas is founded on the seriousness of Christmas.”

Dr. Don Sweeting, Chancellor, Colorado Christian University