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The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll

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2010

An Imaginative Christmas

It’s sad but true—the retelling of the story of the first Christmas is often dull and dusty in its familiarity. Yet the truth in this historical account has the power to ignite your faith and imagination.

Hear the real-life drama behind the well-known narrative unfold in this special four-part series from Chuck Swindoll. You won’t just hear about the first Christmas; you’ll be inspired to jump into the story yourself and stand beside Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and a temple rabbi.

Let your imagination be stirred as you experience the old, old story in all its excitement and wonder. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?


In this four-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll breathes new life into the familiar nativity narrative by inviting us to step into the sandals of those who lived it. By engaging the “sanctified imagination,” we move beyond the dusty pages of history to experience the shock, wonder, and profound faith of the real people involved in the first Christmas.

1. What If You Had Been Mary? (Luke 1:26–38)

  • Overview: Focuses on the overwhelming interruption of a young girl’s life by the angel Gabriel. This message explores Mary’s transition from confusion to courageous submission.
  • Key Fact: Mary was likely a teenager living in the obscure, low-status village of Nazareth; her “yes” to God meant facing potential social disgrace and even death.
  • Scripture Reference: Luke 1:38 – Mary’s pivotal response of faith: “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.”

2. Consider How Joseph Must Have Felt (Matthew 1:18–25)

  • Overview: Shifting the lens to Joseph, the “quiet man” of the Christmas story. We examine the internal conflict of a righteous man facing what appeared to be a scandalous betrayal.
  • Key Fact: Joseph’s decision to “divorce her quietly” showed his mercy even before the angel appeared; his subsequent obedience protected the legal lineage of the Messiah.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:20 – The divine intervention: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”

3. Imagine Being One of the Shepherds (Luke 2:8–20)

  • Overview: Explores why God chose the lowest social class of the day—shepherds—to be the first recipients of the greatest news in history.
  • Key Fact: Shepherds were often considered ceremonially unclean and untrustworthy in court, yet God entrusted them with the first “evangelistic” report of the Savior’s birth.
  • Scripture Reference: Luke 2:10–11 – The angelic proclamation of “good news of great joy” for all people, not just the elite.

4. Think of Yourself as a Temple Rabbi (Luke 2:21–38)

  • Overview: A look at the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, contrasting the legalistic expectations of the religious establishment with the spiritual sensitivity of Simeon and Anna.
  • Key Fact: While many rabbis were looking for a political liberator, Simeon was looking for the “Consolation of Israel”—a spiritual Savior for both Jews and Gentiles.
  • Scripture Reference: Luke 2:30–32 – Simeon’s “Nunc Dimittis” prayer: “For my eyes have seen Your salvation… A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”

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In Defense of the Helpless

It’s one of the darkest and vilest secrets a family or a church can keep tucked away from the healing light of truth. It’s an unspeakable sin; it’s the sexual abuse of a child.

It’s time to break the silence. In this series, Chuck Swindoll and licensed professional counselor Dave Carder help families and churches navigate the dark waters of molestation to find the safe harbor of truth, healing, and forgiveness. Whether you’re a victim of child abuse, the parent of a victim, a church leader who ministers to victims, or even a victimizer, these messages will point you toward a sure source of hope to handle these difficult situations biblically.


Child sexual abuse is one of the darkest and most painful secrets a family or a church can harbor. For too long, silence has allowed this vile sin to remain tucked away from the healing light of truth. In this essential series, Chuck Swindoll and licensed professional counselor Dave Carder break that silence. Together, they provide a biblical framework for families and churches to navigate the trauma of molestation, moving toward a safe harbor of truth, healing, and restoration. Whether you are a survivor, a parent, a church leader, or even a victimizer seeking repentance, these messages offer a sure source of hope grounded in God’s Word.

Message 1: In Defense of the Helpless

Sermon Summary Society often looks away from the hidden sin of child abuse, but God never does. In this foundational message, Chuck Swindoll breaks the silence to address the devastating reality of molestation. We explore God’s heart for the vulnerable and His absolute intolerance for those who harm “these little ones.” By bringing this dark subject into the light, we begin the necessary process of acknowledging the pain and seeking the justice and healing that only a holy and compassionate God can provide.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Breaking the Silence: The vital importance of bringing hidden sins into the light of truth.
  • God’s Protection of the Vulnerable: Understanding the biblical mandate to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
  • The Weight of Sin: Recognizing the severe spiritual and emotional consequences of abuse.

Message 2: How Churches Can Deal with the Issues of Molestation

Sermon Summary The church should be the safest place on earth for a child, yet it is often unequipped to handle reports of abuse. This message provides practical and biblical guidance for church leaders and congregations. Chuck and Dave Carder discuss the necessity of transparent policies, the role of mandatory reporting, and the responsibility of the church to prioritize the safety of the victim over the reputation of the institution. We learn how to become a community that offers genuine sanctuary and support for the broken.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Prioritizing Safety: Why the protection of children must be the church’s first concern.
  • Policies and Procedures: The practical steps for preventing and responding to abuse within a ministry context.
  • Ministry to the Broken: How a church can facilitate long-term healing for survivors and their families.

Message 3: How Families Can Deal with the Issues of Molestation

Sermon Summary When abuse occurs within a family, it shatters trust and creates a wake of devastation. This message offers a roadmap for families struggling through the aftermath of molestation. Chuck explores the difficult journey of protection, confrontation, and eventually, the possibility of healing. We address the complex emotions of guilt, anger, and betrayal, pointing families toward the grace of God which is capable of restoring even the most deeply wounded relationships.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Navigating Trauma: Identifying the emotional stages families experience following a disclosure of abuse.
  • The Role of Forgiveness: Understanding that biblical forgiveness does not mean the absence of consequences or the immediate restoration of trust.
  • A Future of Hope: Trusting God’s power to bring beauty out of the most tragic circumstances.

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Special Words for Special People

Suffering is one of the most profound mysteries in the human experience.

Whether it comes as a result of sinful choices, through the realities of living life in a sinful world, or by some accident or physical malady, all of us know the grinding pressure of pain. But there is hope and encouragement and grace for weary souls, for those who wince under the stings of daily suffering.


Suffering is one of the most profound and difficult mysteries in the human experience. Whether pain stems from our own choices, the realities of a broken world, or a physical malady, we all know the grinding pressure it brings. In this 8-part series, Chuck Swindoll offers grace and encouragement to those who “wince under the stings of daily suffering.” By exploring the tapestry of God’s creation and the timeless lessons found in the life of Job, we discover that every individual is a masterpiece—fearfully and wonderfully made—and that God provides a unique formula for relief and hope even in our darkest trials.

Messages 1 & 8: Interview with Colleen Swindoll (Parts One and Two)

Sermon Summary In these personal and practical discussions, Chuck Swindoll interviews his daughter, Colleen Swindoll, regarding the realities of special needs and lifelong challenges. These conversations pull back the curtain on the daily struggles and the profound grace required to navigate life when it doesn’t go as expected. They emphasize that every person, regardless of their physical or mental condition, is an absolute masterpiece from the hand of the Creator.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Masterpiece of Creation: Reclaiming the truth that every individual has intrinsic value in God’s eyes.
  • Practical Grace: Real-world insights into supporting those with special needs and their families.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Psalm 139:14: The foundation of being “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Message 2: When God’s Gift Comes Specially Wrapped

Sermon Summary We often have a narrow view of what a “gift” from God looks like. In this message, Chuck explores how God sometimes wraps His greatest blessings in packages we wouldn’t choose—such as disability, delay, or difficulty. We learn to look past the “wrapping” to see the divine purpose and the unique beauty that God is crafting in and through special circumstances.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Sovereign Design: Trusting God’s hand in the “specially wrapped” areas of our lives.
  • Reframing Perspective: Learning to see challenges as opportunities for God’s glory to be displayed.

Message 3: Unraveling the Mystery of Suffering

Sermon Summary Why do we suffer? While we may never fully “unravel” the mystery this side of heaven, Scripture provides essential guardrails for our hearts. Chuck discusses the various sources of pain—from a fallen world to divine discipline—and helps us navigate the “why” without losing our faith in the “Who.”

Key Facts & Themes

  • Biblical Foundations for Pain: Understanding the roots of suffering in a sinful world.
  • Steady Faith: Maintaining trust in God’s character when explanations are absent.

Message 4: What Job Teaches Us about Ourselves

Sermon Summary The life of Job serves as a masterclass in human nature under pressure. This message examines our natural reactions to loss and the tendency to seek blame or “easy” answers. We see that in our suffering, we are often forced to confront our own limitations and the fragility of our self-sufficiency.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Human Vulnerability: Acknowledging our need for God when everything is stripped away.
  • The Danger of Legalism: Resisting the urge to equate suffering solely with personal sin.

Message 5: What Job Teaches Us about Our God

Sermon Summary While Job learned much about himself, his greatest discoveries were about the Lord. This message focuses on the sovereignty, majesty, and silence of God. We learn that God is not obligated to explain Himself, but He is always present, and His character is the only anchor that holds in a storm.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: Recognizing God as the one who gives and takes away.
  • The Sufficiency of God: Why God’s presence is more important than His explanations.

Message 6: Hope Beyond Dissatisfaction: A Formula That Brings Relief

Sermon Summary Dissatisfaction and “grinding pressure” can lead to deep spiritual weariness. Chuck provides a biblical “formula” for relief, focusing on the renewal of the mind and the discipline of gratitude. We learn how to find hope even when our circumstances remain unchanged.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Mental Renewal: Shifting our focus from our problems to God’s promises.
  • Relief through Faith: Practical steps for finding rest in the midst of a marathon trial.

Message 7: Hope Beyond Our Trials: “When Through Fiery Trials . . . ”

Sermon Summary Using the imagery of the Refiner’s fire, this message explores the purpose behind our most difficult seasons. Chuck discusses how God uses “fiery trials” not to consume us, but to purify our faith and remove the dross of our lives. We are encouraged that the Refiner never leaves the furnace and always has His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Refiner’s Fire: Understanding the purposeful nature of intense suffering.
  • Purified Faith: How trials produce a character that reflects the image of Christ.

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