Podcasts about advent season

Sleep better and Stress Less— with Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. We hope this biblical sleep meditation, narrated by James Seawood, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. As you rest, take a journey back to ancient Israel, where you’ll step out into the peaceful streets of Jerusalem. Experience the beauty of the night sky and marvel at God’s handiwork. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for better sleep is right here: https://abide.com/peaceDiscover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us

Are you ready to be fully immersed in something new? Put on your seatbelts and hold on to your hats.  Today's lectionary passage comes from Mark and he doesn't waste any time with a beautiful birth narrative or an account of divine lineage.  It's straight to the business of preparing the way for the one greater than I/us. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a closer look at the task given to John the Baptist, and to us. You'll get a chance to consider what opportunities you ought to consider in your own preparation for what is to come in this Advent Season. Listen to other episodes in the Coffee to Go series. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey. NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Ben Little, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Resting with God is a source of strength. Meditate on Mark 1:35. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

For additional inspiration on how you position yourself to experience personal revival during this Advent Season, please download my free e-book, The Glory Has Come, at www.larrysparksministries.com/gloryhascomeLink to Free E-book, www.larrysparksministries.com/gloryhascomeLearn more about the podcast hereLearn more about Give Him Fifteen hereSupport the show

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Are you not feeling the Christmas spirit? Meditate on John 16:33. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today is the first Friday of December, the first Friday of the Advent Season. As you know the Church has a tradition of celebrating the First Friday of every month as a day dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This tradition goes back to a certain promise that Jesus made to one of the saints. Find out more on today's reflection from Fr. Kubicki.

For additional inspiration on how you position yourself to experience personal revival during this Advent Season, please download my free e-book, The Glory Has Come, at www.larrysparksministries.com/gloryhascomeLink to Free E-book, www.larrysparksministries.com/gloryhascomeLearn more about the podcast hereLearn more about Give Him Fifteen hereSupport the show

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Melissa Disney, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Buyer beware! Meditate on Romans 12:2. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"Some are weak some are strong. Can't we all just get along?" That is a poem written by James Rathmann as he uploaded this podcast, and it captures the theme of Romans 14, discussed this week with Jacob Carr.This weeks episode of the podcast is brought to you by:Women's Advent BrunchSaturday Dec 6 | 9:30amGather together with the women of RCD to celebrate the Advent Season together. https://subspla.sh/pqrt4pyMen's Night | LoveFriday, December 12 | 7pmWe round out our year of foundational principles with perhaps the most foundational principle of all, Love.https://subspla.sh/hd5sk2n

Dr. Tom Curran teaches how to make a good confession during the Advent Season and explores the impact of sin on one's intellect, will and passions. Tom begins to discuss the important statements detailed in his book Confession - 5 Sentences that will Heal Your Life: I did it, I am sorry, forgive me, I'll make up for it, and I'll never do it again. Tom references teachings from scripture, The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II and St. Thomas Aquinas.

0:00 - Intro2:00 - Mark Shaw5:00 - Wrap-up

Greetings to all.I pray that your Advent Season is off to a good start.  Where I live, we were recently blessed with a few inches of fluffy snow to put us all in the mood for a nice, long winter season.Stay safe and warm!Fr. Kennedy

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by James Seawood, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. How good are you at meeting everyone’s expectations? Meditate on Colossians 3:23. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It is Advent Season at Calvary. Listen in as Pastor Dan Carson shares a message about the First Promise from Genesis 3:15.   www.CalvaryFayetteville.com info@CalvaryFayetteville.com 479-442-4634

Stéphanie welcomes friend and author Cynthia Ruchti for a heartfelt conversation about an often-overlooked key Person in the Christmas story!Inspired by Cynthia's book, The Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence throughout the Advent Season, Stephanie and Cynthia weave together the truths of the gospel with the unique work of the Holy Spirit through the Christmas season.Cynthia beautifully outlines how the Holy Spirit is present at every turn in the story of Christmas. From the Spirit's role in Jesus' conception to His comfort and guidance of Mary on her journey to Elizabeth, we see that God's presence is not limited to grand, miraculous moments but extends to the quiet, unseen steps we take in our lives. Cynthia also notes that even in the last moments of silence preceding Jesus' birth (the 400 years between Malachi and the Gospels), the Spirit is waiting and then speaks to unlikely people—Mary, Zechariah, Elizabeth—signaling God's readiness to move.Both Stéphanie and Cynthia share an affinity for observing—paying attention to the details that God reveals. Cynthia describes herself as an “observer” who seeks to notice God at work, longing to discover and dig deeper. She invites us to do the same: to live lives marked by holy expectancy, always searching for evidence of God's presence through His Spirit. The conversation encourages listeners to be lifelong learners of the faith—not settling for what we've always known, but continually growing in our understanding of Him.Cynthia offers to expand our understanding of the gospel: it is not only about Jesus or the Father, but involves the entire Trinity. The Father sends the Son, and the Son sends the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is integral, taking the words of Jesus and illuminating them for us, deepening our comprehension far beyond what we might realize. This broadening view challenges us to recognize the Holy Spirit's involvement not just during Christmas, but throughout all of Jesus' ministry and in every aspect of our faith journey.So, Stephanie and Cynthia invite YOU to make space for the Holy Spirit during this Advent season. Cynthia suggests that we sometimes need to let go of traditions or activities that crowd out our capacity to ponder the real meaning of Christmas. The invitation is to intentionally prepare our hearts, not just our homes, so we don't end Christmas feeling empty or disappointed but deeply satisfied by God's presence.Cynthia also brings attention to the overlooked figures in the Christmas story—the innkeeper, the cloth weavers, and countless unnamed helpers. These reminders inspire us to appreciate every person's role and to look for God among the unnoticed and ordinary.Ultimately, Cynthia and Stéphanie challenge us not just to trace the Holy Spirit through Advent, but through our entire lives. Reflect on how God's Spirit has been working—generations back, in your own childhood, and through every season. The Spirit of Christmas is an invitation to continual discovery, deepened intimacy, and expectation for what God will reveal next.Get ready for Advent: As you move through Advent, intentionally seek and observe the Holy Spirit—both in the Christmas story and your daily life. What will you notice when you look?MORE ABOUT “THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS”Discover the Holy Spirit's Presence in the Christmas Story--and Why It Matters Today· A faith-building, eye-opening daily advent devotional· Discover exciting new aspects of the story you thought you knew· Prepare your heart to fully celebrate the birth of JesusWhen we think of the first Christmas, we often focus on the wide-eyed young mother and her faithful fiancé, on tattered shepherds and singing angels and road-weary wise men. But the Holy Spirit was there--and just as He hovered over the waters in the beginning, He hovers over every page of the Christmas story.This Advent, join acclaimed author Cynthia Ruchti for a faith-building, eye-opening walk with the Holy Spirit. Highlighting the power and presence of the Spirit at work in the sacred story, each entry of this 26-day devotional contains· core verses on the Spirit's role in the narrative of Scripture· devotional thoughts perfect for the whole family· often overlooked details that will change the way you see and understand the Christmas story· space for pondering and reflection· practical application with optional projects to help you prepare and celebrate· an Advent prayerBefore the babe was conceived, the Holy Spirit was already at work, setting the stage and preparing the hearts of the biblical characters we know and love. This season, let Him set the stage and prepare your heart too.MORE ABOUT CYNTHIA RUCHTICynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in Hope through her novels, novellas, devotions, and nonfiction, and through speaking for women's events/retreats and writers' conferences/workshops. She draws from 33 years of experience writing and producing the 15-minute daily radio broadcast, “The Heartbeat of the Home.” Her books have received recognition from RT Reviewers' Choice Book of the Year, PW Starred Reviews, Selah Awards, Christian Retailing's BEST Awards, Golden Scroll Awards and Novel of the Year, Readers' Choice Awards, The Carol Award, two Christy finalists, and more. For 12 years she served as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, and is part of the worship team at her church. She's also a Senior Literary Agent with Books & Such Literary Management. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and seven grandchildren.More at https://cynthiaruchti.com/ THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO PARTNER WITH GOSPEL SPICE TODAY!First, PAY Gospel Spice Forward: Give a tax-deductible gift so others can experience our ministry for free, just like you! You can pay it forward with any debit, credit card, or via PayPal. See below for more details about your impact.Also, PLAY Gospel Spice Forward: SHARE the podcast and the studies with your friends and family. FOLLOW, RATE & REVIEW on your favorite podcast app (leave a comment + a star rating on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, IHeart, Google Podcast, etc…). It REALLY is the best way to help others find this content-rich podcast. And, last but not least, PRAY Gospel Spice Forward: We pray for you weekly. We covet your prayers for our ministry, the thousands we reach, and our team! Contact us to let us know you are praying for us!NEW!Another way to partner with us is to purchase our workbooks and online Bible studies. We keep them at the lowest possible cost, but they require a lot of work from us! For example, - a complete Bible Study requires an average of 500 man-hours. - a workbook for a series requires almost 100 man-hours.MORE ABOUT PARTNERING WITH US FINANCIALLY:Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status.Our goal is to provide in-depth, high-quality, free Bible resources for all. They are free, but expensive to create! We need your financial support to keep producing and distributing them. Please pay Gospel Spice forward today! For example, a podcast episode takes close to 10 hours of work (and we release 2 each week). They come to you completely free, but we would truly love your support.We want the money to go to those who really need it. Once our operating costs are paid, 100% of your donation is redistributed to our partners who fight human trafficking. Each year, we aim to give as much as we can. For example, Stephanie works more than full time for Gospel Spice, entirely for free. All board members and volunteers are donating time. We limit our operational expenses to the bare minimum.Your pay-it-forward donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170.We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. Thank you!Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogWhat matters to us here at Gospel Spice is to create a place where people who seek deeper intimacy with Jesus, will find Him. We want a warm, welcoming atmosphere to journey ever deeper into the heart of God. We believe it is the ultimate calling of the Christian life, and I like to summarize it with my motto, God's glory, our delight. That is why we invite you to “taste and see” that the Lord is good. And we have been doing this every day since 2019. We need YOU to keep Gospel Spice alive and growing.  Financially speaking, we rely on people who understand this vision and who understand that we cannot function without a minimum budget. We run an extremely tight budget. For example, I work full time but don't draw a salary. And yet, we have expenses – for example, the equipment and technology we use, and also the wonderfully gifted staff who make it possible to deliver high quality content all around the globe, and then the necessary occasional promotional budget to make it possible to be discovered by those who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need your help.  So we would love for you to consider if this ministry is blessing you to pay gospel spice forward. You can partner with us monthly with 10, 25, 50, 100, a month, or you can make one donation, once.And because we are a register nonprofit organization in the United States under the status of a 501c3 charity, it means that the amount that you pay to gospel spice is fully tax deductible. Completely tax deductible. So you're even saving money as you invest in gospel spice ministries. It is an eternal investment, and we are very grateful to you for it.Now it's very important to us that we give back as much as possible from what you give us. And so we commit to giving the majority of what we receive, once all of our administrative costs are paid, to organizations that fight human trafficking on the front line. There are many worthwhile causes in the world, so why this one? Because I have always personally felt deep compassion for victims of human trafficking – maybe because I have never been its victim myself, so I feel a responsibility to help those less fortunate than me. Also, because Jesus tells us to love our neighbor. Human trafficking is modern day slavery, and that is something that revolts the heart of God. We want to play our part in raising awareness and then financially supporting those who fight this great evil.  So, we do some due diligence. We pick organizations who have proven themselves trustworthy of our support. And then we give money to these Christians organizations that fight human trafficking.So would you consider paying us forward at gospelspice.com/payitforward?Your hard-earned money is always well used at Gospel Spice. Ultimately, you are giving back to the Kingdom, a portion of what Jesus has given you. We are well aware of the privilege to steward your partnership. And my prayer is always that you will find your own life spiced with the gospel as you partner with us to flavor the lives of those around us, near and far, with the spice of the gospel. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Bonnie Curry, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Family drama weighing you down? Meditate on Malachi 4:6. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Brian and David sit down to close out our habits series and discuss what they love about Advent and what is happening within our church in December.

Sleep better and Stress Less— with Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. We hope this biblical sleep meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. As you fall asleep, rest peacefully in the supernatural joy of Christ. It’s a joy unlike anything this world has to offer. It’s a joy that is abundant, infinite, and flows naturally from the presence of God. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for better sleep is right here: https://abide.com/peaceDiscover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us

“That deep ache you feel isn’t something to fix—it’s a holy longing for the Savior your soul was made to know.” In this special Advent series kickoff, Nicole Unice invites listeners to rediscover the heart of one of the most beloved Christmas hymns, O Come, O Come Emmanuel. With a blend of Scripture, history, and reflection, Nicole explores how this ancient song—written over 1,200 years ago—echoes the human ache for redemption and the promise of “God with us.” Learn how the minor-key melody captures our longing for restoration, how its lyrics draw from 29 different Bible passages, and how Emmanuel’s arrival transforms our grief into hope. Main Takeaways / Learning Points Advent invites longing: The season begins with honest reflection on our need for a Savior before celebrating His arrival. Scripture weaves through song: The six verses of O Come, O Come Emmanuel reference nearly 30 Bible passages, from Isaiah’s prophecies to the Gospels. Exile and redemption: Israel’s captivity mirrors humanity’s spiritual exile—and Emmanuel’s coming brings true homecoming. God with us today: Jesus’ name, Emmanuel, assures us that we are never alone. His presence transforms sorrow, fear, and uncertainty into peace and courage. Worship deepens memory: When we sing truth, it roots in our hearts—anchoring our minds to God’s promises long after the song ends. Bible Verse References (linked) Isaiah 7:14 — “The virgin will conceive... and call him Emmanuel.” Isaiah 35:10 — “The ransomed of the Lord will return to Zion with singing.” Isaiah 9:2 — “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” Luke 1:78–79 — “The dayspring from on high has visited us.” 1 Corinthians 15:54–57 — “Death is swallowed up in victory.” Galatians 4:4 — “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son.” Calls to Action (CTAs) Download Nicole’s free Christmas Eve Family Liturgy: nicoleunice.com/christmas Subscribe to How to Study the Bible for more Advent reflections. Share this episode with friends or your small group to spark hope-filled conversation. Follow Nicole on YouTube for video versions and bonus reflections each week. Relevant Links / Resources NicoleUnice.com/christmas — for a Free Family Liturgy LifeAudio.com — Explore other faith-based podcasts Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Worried about satisfying everyone’s expectations this season? Meditate on Psalm 62:5-8. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We had a snow day! In service church was canceled due to the snow storm, but Pastor Ryan still brought a word from home to kick off the Advent Season!----------------------We are growing the Kingdom of God through the lives of everyday people by reaching UP to God, IN to Grow, and OUT to GiveJoin us on Sundays at 8:30 in person and 10:30 in person and online!**Our live stream on Sunday mornings includes worship and announcements. All replays will include the sermon ONLY.**FBC Nokomis Youtube: www.youtube.com/@FirstBaptistChurchofNokomisFBC Nokomis Facebook: www.facebook.com/firstbaptistnokomisFBC Nokomis Sermon Podcast: https://fbcnokomissermons.buzzsprout.com/shareSupport the show

Join us as Jonathan Pennington kicks off the Advent Season with a sermon on Ruth 1, exploring the themes of grief, lament, and loss in real life, even for people of faith. We also see in this passage that God is committed to us, even when it feels like we've been abandoned.Scripture: Ruth 1Pastor: Jonathan Pennington

In this stirring and deeply encouraging Advent message, Pastor Karl launches the new series The King Has Come with a powerful exploration of the first great gift Jesus brings: hope.Turning to Luke 2 and the quiet, largely forgotten figures of Simeon and Anna, Pastor Karl paints a vivid picture of two elderly saints who spent decades waiting in faithful obscurity—praying unanswered prayers, worshiping through silence, and serving without recognition. Yet the moment a 40-day-old baby was carried into the temple, their Spirit-illuminated eyes saw what the crowds missed: the long-promised Messiah, the Consolation of Israel, the Redemption of Jerusalem.Through their story, Pastor Karl reveals that biblical hope is not wishful thinking; it is the confident, unshakable expectation of future good rooted in the unchanging character and faithfulness of God. Hope grows in the hidden soil of daily faithfulness, thrives when God chooses to work in silence, and celebrates the tiny seed because it already trusts the coming harvest. Simeon and Anna never saw Jesus preach, heal, or rise from the dead—yet they held the infant King and departed in peace, because they knew who He was long before they saw what He would do.A tender yet convicting word for everyone who has waited a long time and is still waiting, prayed a long time and is still praying, and hoped a long time and is still hoping. In a season that can feel rushed and noisy, this message calls us to slow down, stay faithful, and train our eyes to recognize the presence of the King—even when He shows up wrapped in the ordinary, the small, and the seemingly insignificant.Because the King has come, hope is not dead. It is alive, resilient, and bubbling up in every heart that keeps showing up and keeps looking for Jesus. Essential listening for anyone who needs fresh hope this Christmas.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

As we enter the Advent Season, it is common to wonder just how Christmas preparation is appropriate so that we do not ignore the spiritually valuable character of Advent. There must be a good balance between the secular and spiritual aspects of holiday seasons.

Today marks the beginning of the Advent season, the time leading up to Christmas and the joy of Jesus' birth. Christmas and the joy of Jesus' birth. Woven through the Bible's Old Testament are hundreds of prophecies that tell of a Messiah who will be born sometime in the future. Many of the prophecies, like those in Isaiah, were written centuries before the birth of Jesus. Cumulatively, they predict the conditions of the birth, the location of the birth, who he will be born to, what he is coming to do, and so much more. Jesus fulfills every one of those prophecies. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Lauren revisits her conversation with Evangelist Anne Graham Lotz and investigative filmmaker Tim Mahoney delve into the prophecies of the Old Testament and the archeological evidence that shows that the core tenets of Christianity are grounded in the historical record. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As followers of Jesus, we associate the Advent Season with the anticipation of that first Christmas morning, as the world looked forward to the arrival of their long-awaited Messiah. Looking back on this unmatched moment in history, we can see clearly that God's timing was perfect. This anchor moment in our faith's history assures believers that, despite our circumstances, God's provision is always Right On Time.

As we enter the Advent Season, it is common to wonder just how Christmas preparation is appropriate so that we do not ignore the spiritually valuable character of Advent. There must be a good balance between the secular and spiritual aspects of holiday seasons. 

As the Advent Season begins David talks about Hope. Today, he is in Romans 15:5-13. Sermon titled "The God of Hope" Come back next week to hear the next sermon in this series.  Don't forget to follow First Baptist Church of Olton here on PodBead to get the latest sermons from Brother David.  Make sure and go subscribe to our YouTube Channel also. We stream live every Sunday at 11 am.  We invite you to come and worship with us every Sunday. 

This week marks the first Sunday of the 2025 Advent Season. Pastor Ricky, preaching from Ephesians, reminds us that there is hope for those who would believe in Jesus Christ; the one whom we celebrate this advent season.

Celebrate the Advent Season with Trellis Church. The first week, we are focusing on the posture of "waiting."

The Transforming Power of an ImageIt is Advent once again. I don't have to tell you this, of course. If you walk into our church building on Sunday, you will know immediately something is afoot. The church is festooned with trees, garlands, wreaths, and candles—in a word, concrete images that suggest something extraordinary is happening. It is like the more glorious a thing is, the more we want to set its significance to both proclaim it and make our joy more complete. Speaking of images, we live in a world surrounded by images. Social media and the internet, not to mention TV, or our computers, phones, and clothing, all bear images. As we drive our cars down the road, our senses are confronted with images that tell a story of a kind of delicious food, a certain kind of attire, or a gadget we might need to make our lives happier or better. It isn't that we discovered the power of images in the twentieth or twenty-first centuries. People have always used images because images are more powerful than words or bullet points. Images are processed 60,000 times faster than text and sort of bypass our critical thinking and factualities. The ancients knew this, and the way Rome held power was through images of Caesar. His image was everywhere, reminding people that they owed supreme loyalty, safety, sons, and daughters to Caesar. You might not see Caesar unless you were a person of supreme rank or royalty, but the poorest peasant knew who he was and that they owed him everything. So when the Apostle Paul writes that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, he essentially dropped a bomb shell on Rome's reign of terror, and it has been subverting lives, communities, nations, and empires ever since. Join us Sunday, and we begin to look at all the excellencies of Jesus this Advent Season. It really is a season of joy and wonder. I am so thankful that we have a whole month set aside to ponder the mystery of the Incarnation!

11-23-2025 - John Elkins begins the Advent Season showing how Adam is a type for Christ and Jesus is the Better Adam.

  As we begin the Advent Season, Pastor Andy and Pastor Marty share stories from the history of White Rock Fellowship, including building their church, moving locations, and their ministry's miracles. The pastors express their gratitude and excitement for the church's future and God's continued work.      00:32 The Advent Season and Hope  06:10 A Family Walk Through Church History  13:40 Challenges and Faith: The Journey Continues  30:02 Building the Church: Miracles and Hard Work  56:21 Closing Prayer

Advent invites a strange and holy tension: we live in the now and the not yet. There is longing and preparation, waiting and hope. This year the invitation is simple and radical — make room for the One who wants to fill every space in our hearts.Here are practical, gentle ways to create margins for prayer this season:Read the introduction of In Time, the BIS Advent Devotional. Reading the introduction before the season helps shape your attention.Invite one friend. Personal invitations change everything. Ask someone to do the devotional with you. This makes them feel seen AND it anchors your own commitment.Protect a prayer space. Carve out a chair, a corner, or a bedside table where you consistently meet God. Small rituals — a candle, an image, holy water — help your body remember what your heart already knows.Try daily Mass. Even one extra day of Eucharistic presence can re-orient your life. The Eucharist is a meal; God sets a table daily for His children. If logistics feel impossible, start small and be resolutely determined.Use worshipful music to re-center. When you struggle to begin prayer, play contemplative worship or instrumental tracks that point your attention toward God rather than yourself.Set an alarm or rearrange your schedule. Small structural choices — an alarm, waking earlier, or shifting a routine — make space for consistent union with God.Making room is often hard. Family dynamics, work, and fatigue make silence feel impossible. Yet hardness is not the same as wrong. Resistance trains and strengthens us. The spiritual life includes real discipline — but the discipline is always ordered to intimacy.“Just because it's hard doesn't mean that it's wrong.”Check out the whole episode and share how you're going to dive into this upcoming Advent Season!Get your Advent books: Women | Men | Kids

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it's time to prepare for Christmas. Father Mike Schmitz introduces his new Advent program, Waiting Well, available on the Ascension Platform. He explains why humans inherently don't wait well, and the importance of learning this skill during Advent, which the program will guide through. Later, Father Mike explains why God sent baby Jesus to Bethlehem.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Crosswinds Unleashed, as we step into the Advent season once again, we're invited to slow down, breathe deep, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Over the next few weeks, we'll journey through the rich themes of Advent—hope, peace, joy, and love—and discover how each one draws us closer to the wonder of Christmas Eve. Join us as we begin this sacred rhythm, opening our lives to the Light that breaks into the darkness and the Savior who comes near. This week, Pastor Craig Cooper is joined by fellow Crosswinds Pastor and co-host Elijah Merrill.Visit us online: crosswinds.church

As we head into the Advent Season for 2025, God wants us to look again into the topic of Lavender Marriages. God does not want us to engage in this type of marriage and in this episode Pastor Cyndi will explain why.Join Pastor Cyndi in this Special Thanksgiving Episode in Jesus Mighty Name this Advent Season!Keep up with the latest from Pastor Cyndi by stopping by her websites or following her on social media!Our socials:TikTok: @cgministriesInsta/Threads/FB: cynthiagarrisministriesYT: Cynthia Garris MinistriesFor more:CGMStreet TalkersOur authors:A. Bean (@awritingbean on all platform)Valicity Elaine (@valicityelaine on all platforms)

To enter this lovely Advent Season of waiting in joyful hope, we're going to mix it up a little on the podcast. Rather than the usual reflection, I'll offer a guided prayer, a simple reflection on a Scripture passage. I'll share a few of my thoughts and also leave a space of silence for your prayer. I hope Spirit will speak to each of us, and you're welcome to share your thoughts with me. Let's hold each other in prayer over these sacred days. by Sister Leslie Keener, CDP Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.GodSpaceCommunity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Providence Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! At God Space, you can come as you are. You belong here.God Space is a ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky. Do you want to learn more about the Sisters of Divine Providence? Check out our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.CDPKentucky.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.You can find all of the Scripture readings from the lectionary here: ⁠⁠⁠https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar⁠ ⁠⁠Music credits: Thanks to Pixabay and these artists for their royalty free music: intro and outro music Acoustic Inspire by The_Mountain, reflection questions music, Relaxing Meditation Music by SamuelFrancisJohnson

Greetings to all.Advent and a new liturgical year are upon us.  I pray that your Advent Season is filled with joy as we await the coming of our Lord!God bless.Fr. Kennedy

The birth of Jesus changed history forever, yet it might not feel very personal in your heart. Let's be honest — it's easy for Advent to become white noise. Thankfully you can have a fresh experience with Jesus when you enter the story through the eyes of a "soul friend" like Mary, Elizabeth, or even one of the animals!Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi and Briana talk about becoming enthralled with Jesus during Christmastime through Surprising Joy Advent cards. You'll be inspired to get intentional about prayerful meditation and conversation with loved ones this Advent as you experience the impact it has made and continues to make on their family today.Resources for this Episode:Surprising Joy: A Journey with Jesus for AdventAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul TalksRead Elizabeth's Empathy Cured Mary's Shame*The Surprising Joy Advent cards will be 20% off along with all the books and resources in the Soul Shepherding shop. The sale starts on Black Friday (Nov. 28th at 12am Pacific) and lasts through Cyber Monday (Dec. 1st at 11:59pm Pacific).

Advent reveals God's heart for the marginalized through Jesus' birth story. God announced the Messiah's arrival to shepherds - society's outcasts - and chose a stable as the birthplace, showing His intentional movement toward the overlooked. Jesus continued this pattern throughout His ministry, choosing fishermen and tax collectors while barely speaking to the powerful. His miracles weren't supernatural interruptions but creation returning to its original design. We're transformed not by trying harder but by gazing at Jesus, and we're called to live the Advent lifestyle by moving toward those society considers unclean or forgotten.Support the show

As we head into the Advent Season for 2025, we cannot overlook something tragic that is happening. People all over the world are struggling with loneliness, both seasonally and chronically.God loves us and wants us to be free of this!Join Pastor Cyndi in this Special Episode where she discusses how we can be free from loneliness in Jesus Mighty Name this Advent Season!If you want to watch the video version of this episode, stop by our youtube channel!Keep up with the latest from Pastor Cyndi by stopping by her websites or following her on social media!Our socials:TikTok: @cgministriesInsta/Threads/FB: cynthiagarrisministriesYT: Cynthia Garris MinistriesFor more:CGMStreet TalkersOur authors:A. Bean (@awritingbean on all platform)Valicity Elaine (@valicityelaine on all platforms)

Description: In this heartfelt episode, Jen and Amy welcome friends, Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson, to delve into the tender complexities of depression, creativity, and faith. Together, Scott and Justin have built a body of work around the intersection of art, prayer, and healing, including their newest project: In the Low: A Prayerbook for the Seasons of Depression. Today they share personal stories and insights on how art and spirituality can serve as companions through life's most isolating lows.  This episode offers a compassionate perspective on navigating mental health challenges and finding hope in unexpected places. If you've ever found yourself in a season that was super dark or unbearably heavy, this conversation will bring you comfort. Thought-provoking Quotes: “When depression eventually would lift in my life, I noticed that I'd think, ‘Where did this fruit come from? Where did this treasure come from?' It came through going through this process. You might feel void of it when you're in it, you're just trying to get through it or be in it or be functional every day. But there is something happening.” – Scott Erickson “What are the comforting words I need for today? How can my conscious mind provide something for my subconscious and my soul? How can my conscious mind provide some handles for me for this day, for this week, for this moment?” – Justin McRoberts “Your disappointment in the religious systems you've been a part of is a gift and those systems need it. There's something really institutionally beautiful and necessary to whole swaths, thousands and thousands of people sharing the same set of disappointments. Follow that thread.” – Scott Erickson “You aren't wrong to feel the things you are feeling. Life is hard. The machinery is beating the snot out of you. Stay. Please stay long enough to see what might be down there and learn to breathe. My hope is not that you rise to the surface, though I do hope that. My hope is that you learn to breathe at this depth.” – Justin McRoberts Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ Nichole Nordeman - https://www.instagram.com/nicholenordeman Prayer: Forty Days of Practice by Scott Erickson and Justin McRoberts - https://amzn.to/4hDMVsM May It Be So: Forty Days with the Lord's Prayer by Scott Erickson and Justin McRoberts - https://amzn.to/3WsKFL5 Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now by Scott Erickson - https://amzn.to/3LeVIFc In the Low: Honest Prayers for Dark Season by Scott Erickson and Justin McRoberts - https://amzn.to/3LaIB87 Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression - and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari - https://amzn.to/4nsvrAR Matt Haig - https://amzn.to/4o7CTlV Scott Erickson Paints an Honest Picture of an Advent Season of Hope - https://jenhatmaker.com/podcasts/series-64/scott-erickson-paints-an-honest-picture-of-an-advent-season-of-hope/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this heart-filled and wisdom-packed episode, Kenz sits down with Amanda Bible Williams and Raechel Myers, the inspiring co-founders of She Reads Truth. Amanda and Raechel share the beautiful beginnings of She Reads Truth, born from a simple desire to read God's word consistently and authentically. They dive into what it's looked like to run a ministry together for over a decade, what has anchored their friendship, and how to stay rooted in Scripture through every season of life. Plus, we get a look into their brand new devotional The Bible is For You, and how Advent can be a deeply meaningful season with intentional rhythms. Whether you're new to Bible reading or deep in the Word, this episode will make you feel seen, challenged, and wildly encouraged to keep going.In This Episode [00:01:00] Meeting the Founders of She Reads Truth [00:02:30] The Origin Story – A Twitter Bible Reading Movement [00:08:00] Early Days of the Ministry & Learning as They Went [00:13:00] Seeing God's Hand Through Community Testimonies [00:17:00] Fighting for a Friendship in Ministry [00:27:00] Quiet Time Rhythms Through Life's Seasons [00:34:00] Abiding in Christ Beyond the Quiet Chair [00:42:00] Preparing Your Heart for Advent Season [00:45:00] The Invitation of Advent & What to Expect from the Reading Plan [00:50:00] The Bible is For You Devotional – What It Is & Who It's For Thanks to Our Sponsors Piper and Leaf: Don't just count down to Christmas—make each day count. Visit Piperandleaf.com for 10% off their Advent Tea set Brooklyn Bedding: Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brooklynbedding.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use our promo code FTG at checkout to get 30% off site wide. This offer is not available anywhere else. NIV Application Study Bible - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab your copy today!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Winshape: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more or submit your application today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! If you'd like to partner with For The Girl as a sponsor, fill out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form! Follow us!

Episode Summary: When we think of Christmas, we picture the manger scene, shepherds in the fields, angels singing, and a star guiding the way. But what if we’ve been missing one of the most important parts of the story all along? In her new book, The Spirit of Christmas, award-winning author Cynthia Ruchti invites us to rediscover the Holy Spirit’s presence woven throughout the Christmas narrative—from Genesis in the Garden of Eden to the cry of a baby in Bethlehem. This conversation will open your eyes to the power, presence, and promise of the Spirit of God in ways that may forever change how you experience Christmas. Quotables from the episode: Christmas often stirs our hearts with nostalgia—decorations, carols, and retelling the story of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Yet, as beautiful as those traditions are, there’s more to the Christmas story than we typically notice. Before the babe was conceived, the Holy Spirit was already at work, setting the stage and preparing the hearts of the biblical characters we know and love. This season, let Him set the stage and prepare your heart too. In her book, The Spirit of Christmas, Cynthia Ruchti helps us uncover the often-overlooked role of the Holy Spirit in God’s plan of redemption, reminding us that the Spirit has been present from the beginning—guiding, comforting, and empowering. If you’ve ever longed to experience Christmas with fresh wonder and deeper meaning, this conversation will encourage you to see the season through new eyes. I have found it fascinating that over the course of my life and maybe others have been in the same boat, we might grow up understanding Jesus quite well, or, and we hear Jesus loves me from when we're newborns and aren't even aware, perhaps, of that. And then I personally had gone through some seasons of my life where I thought, "I think I understand Jesus pretty well. I'm getting a good handle on who is this Jesus. I'm not sure I'm as familiar with God the Father as I need to be." So, I had a season of my life that was in my early 20s where I dove in and thought, "I need to know you better, God, my Father," and took an approach as I looked at the Word and noticed that throughout the Old Testament, God described himself as a God of love, which I thought was a New Testament idea. I understood who he was as the majestic Creator, and I think probably it kept him a little distant from me because I saw just that. Then a relative of mine had a heart transplant and I took a fresh Bible, and I circled everywhere in the Bible where the word love or heart appeared because I wanted this person who wasn't close to the Lord at the time to know and understand that God has been talking about the subject of love for a very long time. He's all over the Bible, so page after page was filled with the circled or the little heart drawn around the word love or the word heart. Then there came a season in my life where I thought, "I think I better understand now. We will never fully understand, but I think I better understand. God the Father, God the Son. Do I really understand the Holy Spirit? I know he is. I believe what the Bible tells me about the Holy Spirit, but do I really understand his role or how the different roles of the Trinity make a complete God for us? So, I investigated that, and I watched for his presence, but not as deeply as I did after I was challenged to look for the Holy Spirit's presence in the Christmas story. There was an editor who challenged me with that at a writer's conference. I found it fascinating. I thought that would be a very interesting study. We assume, I think, in the back of our minds that maybe the Holy Spirit is that presence that comes upon Mary in that moment when she conceives Jesus, the baby Jesus, as an infant just minutes old. And then we're not sure where else he might actually show up in the Christmas story. So that was a challenge to me, and I thought it sounded fascinating, but I didn't take the invitation from that editor seriously until a couple of weeks later, when she wrote to me and said, "I want you to write that book." So, then I got very serious and started the deep dive research of where is he? And in some ways, it was kind of a where's Waldo of the Holy Spirit in the Christmas story. That's what began this adventure. And for me, it really did alter my view of how I approach Christmas now for many reasons. And that was one of the reasons that I wanted us to have this conversation because I don't think we're alone in that tendency to not really acknowledge the Holy Spirit as much as we acknowledge Jesus or God the Father. I grew up in a denomination that the only time the Holy Spirit got mentioned was when it was God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, period. So, I like that You took that editor up on the challenge to look for the Holy Spirit throughout the Christmas story. I wondered how far back I would have to trace to find the first evidence of the Holy Spirit and Christmas being linked together. And I realized it was in verse one. It was when the Spirit was hovering over the waters of a world that had yet to be created that was going to need a Redeemer. As we know, God has no beginning and no end, eternity past, eternity present farther than man can imagine. I realized that this in the formation with at creation, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, at creation forming a world that they knew was going to need a Redeemer and that that Redeemer was going to be thousands of years away from that moment. I saw the person of the Holy Spirit caring about what was going to happen all those centuries later, even in the creation process. How does that first crime connect to Christmas? There would have been no reason for Jesus to come as a human being if there were any way that we as humans could have behaved ourselves without him. And it wasn't very long into that early beginning creation story before that was so evident that without Christ present, without the Holy spirit present within us. We were never going to be able to satisfy what needed to be satisfied and keep us in a place where we could walk daily, in essence, walking by the Spirit like it talks about in the New Testament. When I began to put the pieces together of this incredible depth of story, this depth of even the communion of the Father and the Son and the Spirit, we saw the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament present in brief moments leading up to when Jesus would be born and then later on as we take that story even farther to his death and his resurrection and his intentional promise, “Hang in there people it's not only okay that I go back to heaven it's better for you that I do because then the Holy Spirit can come, reside inside you, and help you operate out of a place of knowing exactly my heart, knowing what God my Father,” Jesus said, “wants of you, and what will help you to live a life that will allow you to pillow your head every night in peace, no matter what's going on in the rest of your life.” The other thing that I really appreciate about Jesus knowing our every need is when he reminds us that he's got to send the Holy Spirit to remind us of all truth. As a neuropsychologist, that's one of the areas that I love to focus on the most because I have a short memory, and I need those reminders. I love how the spirit of Christmas is our reminder of the gift of the spirit. I didn't grow up in a denomination that had an actual practice of Advent, of intentional preparation for Christmas season. I knew the word, Advent. I knew it was a good word. I knew it was a healthy word and lovely, but we just didn't have that particular practice. We oftentimes, even with Lent, that was another, it seemed like it was for a denomination that was more liturgical, let's say, in thought. But I think more and more these days, we're realizing that every heart needs to be prepared. Every heart needs to “prepare him room” as the one Christmas carol says. It’s actually for any day, but when we think about Christmas in particular, it is so easy to get caught up in all the to -dos and all the menus and all the party planning and all the some-things we're very happy to participate in, some things that just seem like one more chore. And it's kind of this wild cacophony of noise and tension, and there may be relationships that are especially challenged at Christmastime, there may be work -related things that are especially difficult at Christmastime. That is not at all what this is supposed to be about. But we early church members apparently understood that we need time to get our hearts ready for this such, such a holy, holy season. And the Holy Spirit is part of that. As we take a look at what was the Holy Spirit's role in the original story that began way back at creation, but was threaded throughout Scripture as He was present in speaking to Isaiah about a virgin shall conceive way back then. And it didn't say shall conceive in the next day or two. Again, thousands of years from that prophecy, but the Holy Spirit was inspiring that prophet Isaiah to speak of that. And as we look at it in the time period in which those words were spoken, there was chaos. There was political chaos. There was trouble on every hand. There was the son of a king who was now the king, and he was being a lousy king. And this interesting thing: I think he wanted to do the right thing. King Ahaz, I think, wanted to do the right thing. He heard from God, but he didn't trust that what he heard from God was enough. He needed to find other voices that he would listen to. He was getting influenced by all kinds of other people. And Isaiah was trying to bring him back to, "No, there is one God, and you can trust him." And as the Spirit was inspiring Isaiah to speak the words, he was saying to King Ahaz, "Ask God, ask him for a sign, and he'll tell you.” Ahaz didn't have that kind of relationship with God. So, he said, "Oh, I don't want to test God in any way." And through the Holy Spirit's words, through Isaiah, we hear, and if we set it in modern language, we might say, "I'll give you a sign. A virgin is going to conceive and bear a son." And then, and we know some of the rest of that wording. How interesting that in a chaotic world, with a king who wasn't paying attention to the right voices, not unlike the worlds we might be operating in: maybe our boss isn't listening to the right voice, but we have to respond to the boss. Maybe our family members are all chaotic and confused and worrying about where are we going to set Uncle Ralph this Christmas, because he's going to torture these family members even with just teasing. That's the very world that a savior was promised to that world, promised by the Holy Spirit. And it's the same with us now. When I started to study, what was the Holy Spirit's role? He often came to those in the biblical story, some of it in the New Testament now, he came to those who were fearful. They were in danger for their lives. And the Holy Spirit would come on the scene and bring peace or hope or comfort. He would bring guidance where there wasn't any guidance. He accompanied Mary on her journey to visit Elizabeth. Nobody else did. We're not told anybody else was there on that journey, which was a long journey for Mary, except the Holy Spirit, who had to have been whispering comfort and strength, and “you will get through this. I'm here for you. I am with you. I am always with you.” And then Mary and Elizabeth met one another and the baby in Elizabeth's womb knew the Savior was being carried by this woman who couldn't even feel kicks in her own body yet. It was too new, too soon. So, as I look at whether it's darkness or depression or anxiety or legitimate fear or relationship troubles, those scenes were the scenes where the Holy Spirit showed up in the Bible. Those are the scenes I need him to show up in my Christmas. He is there. I just may not have observed that he was there, is there, and was there in the original Christmas story too. The Spirit of Christmas reminds us and brings us back to that recognition that he always was there, and he is there today. To us, waiting often seems purposeless and painful, yet the cry of “how long?” appears throughout scripture. I think one of the things that is toughest about any waiting time is believing you are alone in the waiting. I think honestly, whether it's waiting for a diagnosis or it's waiting for the medicine to kick in, or it's waiting for family members to reconcile, or it's waiting for the job that we believe is out there somewhere that we haven't found yet, whatever the situation is, I believe that what intensifies that waiting experience and makes it full of tension in the natural is the belief that we're alone. Even if we have a loving spouse to share with or we have other family members or a good friend we can converse with, deep down in our soul, it's that misunderstanding that makes us believe that we are alone. And the Holy Spirit is saying, "Untrue. This is untrue. I am here in the waiting, and that's what will make everything change." Mary had a long wait after that moment when the angel said, "You will bear a Savior." She had waiting even from those early days of raising this little baby. Before Jesus' ultimate ministry began, there was another waiting time where she was by his side before the ultimate reason he came to earth was fulfilled. Mary got to witness much of that, even being at the foot of the cross as she watched that ultimate moment then that we relate to Easter but it's so much part of the Christmas story too. As we discover where the Holy Spirit is present, we mimic what he did or what he said. If we see him as comforter, who can we be a comforter for? If we see him as a provider, who can we be a provider for? One of the tips that was given in the book as an idea was, do you really need your Christmas meal more than you need to give your Christmas meal to a family that has none? Can I have turkey any time of the year? Absolutely I can. Would it be a better move for our family to take our meal and give it to someone who has none? I would be acting like the Holy Spirit did and like the heart of Jesus is to forego a need that I think is a need of my own to meet somebody else's need. I make a parallel of the idea of if I'm looking for the Holy Spirit, what I'm looking for is the kind of fruit that he provides: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self -control. So, if I'm going to give good gifts like the Holy Spirit gives, how can I be peace for someone who needs it? How can I be a presence? How can I be evidence of faithfulness? That might be in a visit to someone who is ignored or overlooked during the holiday. We think of those things as philanthropic sometimes or we think of them as just plain old kindness but on the other hand if we see it as the kind of thing the Holy Spirit does, then we realize this is far holier of an act than just a kind deed. When we look at it from that approach and we take that approach we're fueled to be able to and do it more and more and enjoy the process and not see it as an obligation. It has always bothered me the idea of anyone spending Christmas alone. When we discuss the idea of the Holy Spirit is always present, what a better way to show that presence and that love that Jesus came to offer us by reaching out to those who might be alone, who are wondering “where is God today? Does he even see me?” Those are the people who are the most grateful for the smallest of acts because they feel seen. And isn't that what we all want? It's such a gift to know that we are seen by the Holy Spirit. The day after Christmas we're often sitting in a pile of opened packages and empty boxes and toys that the batteries have run out already, and maybe disappointments for how we hoped it would go that it didn't. There are people who are taking ornaments out of the box and it might be baby's first Christmas. We may remember that special day and the ornament brings us pain because hanging it on the tree may be a reminder that that child is no longer here or is estranged from us. Someone will have a Christmas like that. We intentionally set up the devotional to be a short read, one a day, so that for day after day after day of December, including the day after Christmas, there's a reminder of places you might not have thought to look, until I wrote the book. And then we also include a list of helpful hints. We include a downloadable that has to do with how many of these different roles did the Holy Spirit play in this actual event? Part of the advice and the very practical advice is maybe do what I did and make it an actual adventure. Take time to intentionally watch for his presence or be his presence. Let his presence in you shine somehow throughout the holiday season. It can't help but change what your Christmas looks like. One of the outcomes of my own journey to take a better, stronger look at what is this all about is that it really helps us to understand where the meaning of Christmas is and where the meaning isn't. The meaning of Christmas isn't how many parties can I get on my calendar. The meaning is likely more in what can I remove and not lose anything but instead gain. I might gain time that I needed. I might gain a more peaceful attitude toward this season. I might see that some of the things I have worked so hard to do or thought they were so important to make Christmas perfect, aren’t that important. How can we make Christmas any more perfect? Something that God did, that God was all over and did. What we often call essential to Christmas, whether it's that meal or the certain decorations or the tradition that we had of cutting down our own tree or the special hot cocoa that grandma makes; If any of those things are removed from our traditions, is Christmas still going to happen? Absolutely. What's our heart going to be like if we miss the cocoa? Not much difference. What if we miss the Holy Spirit in Christmas? That will make a huge difference - For sure. The idea that the Trinity loved what they created together despite humanity's fall is so powerful. We are the ones He came to save. The Bible would call us Gentiles; we were not born into the original children of Israel. We all can trace our lineage way back to the beginning, but we weren't considered the original children of Israel to which much of the Bible was written. But we are the ones he came to save. There's a verse in Galatians that I don't have memorized yet, but I want to, where it talks about God sent the Son so that we could have the Holy Spirit. When I stumbled on that verse, I thought, He sent Jesus to save us, yes. Jesus had to come as a human, had to leave everything he knew that was so perfect and come into this imperfect world and tolerate us. So, I'm now just fascinated by that idea that God the Father sent the Son to save the world so that we could have the Holy Spirit. That makes the complete picture. And that makes the waiting easier. It makes the feelings of defeat easier. And it makes those times of joy richer. The Holy Spirit, like God the Father and Jesus the Son, is always true to Himself. But that truth shows up in his behavior, we might say, throughout the Christmas story. And it will always be related to something that is so completely positive, but also so completely meeting the needs of the human heart, which is the need for his presence, the need for his comfort, the need for his peace. Scripture References: Luke 1:49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name.” Recommended Resources: The Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence Throughout the Advent Season by Cynthia Ruchti Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Cynthia Ruchti: Website / Facebook / Instagram / X / LinkedIn For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: Cynthia Ruchti is an acclaimed writer and speaker. A former radio producer, she is a popular media guest and has been featured on numerous TV, radio, and online outlets. Her written work has received recognition with Publishers Weekly starred reviews, Christian Retailing's BEST Awards, Readers' Choice Awards, Reviewers' Choice Awards, The Carol Award, two Christy finalists, and more. Her tagline is, "I can't unravel. I'm hemmed in Hope." Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week, we are reflecting on the fifth and final advent candle: The White Candle, symbolizing that Jesus is here! The word advent means “coming” or “arrival” and speaks of Jesus' arrival that first Christmas morning in Bethlehem. The season of Advent is a time when we joyously and prayerfully anticipate the celebration of Jesus' first coming. And, we look forward to His second coming, while also affirming that He is present in the world today offering His redeeming love to anyone who will simply receive it. One of the most beautiful symbols of the Advent season is the traditional Advent wreath. This Advent wreath is intended to help us keep our focus on the real reason for the season – the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, we will be talking about a different candle – representing, in order, hope, peace, joy, and love – although we usually light these candles in our homes, we obviously can't do that on the podcast, but we will still talk about the candles as a way to remember each week in the advent season. Thank you for joining us this year during Advent Season! Learn More About Advent: https://realtalkchristianpodcast.com/episodes/172-what-is-advent-and-why-do-we-celebrate-it/ Learn More About RTC: https://realtalkchristianpodcast.com

As we journey into this Advent season, Scott Erickson, better known to most by his moniker in the internet and art world as Scott the Painter, discusses his journey of faith and the creation of his 'Honest Advent,' project aimed at reinterpreting traditional Christmas narratives through a lens of vulnerability and authenticity. He reflects on the paradoxes of belief, the importance of community, and the need for honest conversations about faith and the human experience, particularly during the Advent season. With a great deal of compassion and humor, Scott shares insights into his creative process, the significance of connection in his work (which has resonated so deeply with his community that many have it tattooed on their bodies), and the need for honest spiritual experiences in today's world. His work is not just visually beautiful. It's also meaningful, bringing a beautiful new approach to an old and familiar story. Thought-provoking Quotes: “As an artist, I love the brand of Christmas – red and green, complimentary colors. I love the music – the soundtrack, I love all of it. But I thought, is this a distraction from life or is this a hopeful message for the reality of it?” – Scott Erickson “I want to know if I should just give up on my beliefs. If God's not in the world and this isn't a story that's happening, then I just want to move on. But, if we are celebrating this thing and if it is happening, then that's what my invitation is. By going through those things, and thinking through, and praying through, and then creating out of it, the fact that it then becomes a path for others to walk, that's the greatest gift in making art.” – Scott Erickson  “It's amazing, the alchemy of what happens when you hand the work over and then it becomes something new in the hands of your audience and the people that are experiencing it and they bring a story to it that you couldn't even fathom. You've done your part, you did the creation part, stewarding your gift, putting it out there to the best of your ability and then they take it and it becomes something more. I'll never get over that exchange.” – Jen Hatmaker Resources Mentioned in This Episode: FitBit - https://store.google.com/category/trackers Scott's Tattoo FAQ - https://www.scottericksonart.com/tattoo-faq Say Yes: Discover the Surprising Life beyond the Death of a Dream by Scott Erickson - https://amzn.to/3AEVfao Scott Erickson's Shows - https://www.scottericksonart.com/shows The Enneagram Institute Personality Types - https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions/ Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now by Scott Erickson - https://amzn.to/4fgK6fc Guest's Links: Scott's website - https://www.scottericksonart.com/ Scott's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottthepainter Scott's Twitter - https://x.com/scottthepainter Scott's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/scottthepainter Scott's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@scottericksonart Scott's Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/scottthepainter/_created/ Connect with Jen! Jen's website - https://jenhatmaker.com/ Jen's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmaker Jen's Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/ Jen's Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmaker Jen's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker The For the Love Podcast is presented by Audacy. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas—it's an invitation into a deeper connection with Jesus, one that rushing straight into 'It's the most wonderful time of the year' can't provide.  In this episode, Caroline Cobb helps us rediscover the beauty and depth of Advent.  We explore how this sacred season calls us to slow down, confess, reflect, and celebrate, creating space for an honest and transformative connection with Jesus. Caroline shares about her new resource, designed to guide you through that very journey.  Worship leaders, this tool is a must-have for leading your congregations into meaningful engagement with themselves, with God, and with the story of Jesus.  Listen now to hear Caroline's wisdom and learn how you and your church can purposefully embrace this sacred season.  Worship Online is your new secret weapon for preparing each week. With detailed song tutorials and resources, you and your team will save hours every single week, and remove the stress from preparing for a set. Try a free trial at WorshipOnline.com and see the transformation!   Mentioned in the Episode  Caroline Cobb's Book & Music  ---  If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! Also, shoot us an e-mail at podcast@worshiponline.com. We want to know how we can better serve you and your church through this podcast.  Don't forget to sign up for your FREE 2-week subscription to Worship Online at WorshipOnline.com!  The Worship Online Podcast is produced by Worship Online in Nashville, TN. 

Click here to send us your email for our newsletter OR to send a message to the show! We have no way of responding unless you leave your email.➡️Get Your FREE Guide "How to Study the Bible" at www.coffeeandbibletime.com!What happens when the joy of Christmas becomes a burden rather than a blessing? Author Lanier Ivester joins us to reveal how learning to set priorities can transform your holiday season into a peaceful and purposeful celebration. Reflecting on her own journey from a fervent Christmas enthusiast to someone who practices mindfulness and balance, Lanier shares insights from her book, "Glad and Golden Hours," on cherishing moments that matter most and infusing your celebrations with God's presence and peace.Lanier and I tackle the challenges of maintaining joyful experiences while dealing with the pressures of social media and hectic schedules. Together, we highlight the importance of creating a margin and stepping away from the digital noise to rejoice in the simple joys of Advent.Through shared stories of sorrow and joy, we explore the intrinsic ties between these emotions in the Christian faith, echoing the message that our grief can indeed amplify our joy. Lanier opens up about how personal loss deepened her understanding of faith and inspired her writing journey. Tune in to discover how we can all find peace, purpose, and intentionality in celebrating Christmas and Advent.Lanier's Favorite'sBook: Glad and Golden HoursWebsite: lanierivester.comBook Website: gladandgolden.comGo-To Bible: NIVCollege Ruled NotebookThe Divine Hours SeriesFavorite App/Website: PreceptSupport the showCheck out our website for more ways to fully connect to God's Word. There you'll find: Coffee and Bible Time Prayer Journals Coffee and Bible Time Courses Coffee and Bible Time Shop Find more great content on our YouTube channel: Coffee and Bible Time Our most popular video is “How I Study My Bible + In-Depth Bible Study!” with over 2M views! Follow us on InstagramVisit our Amazon ShopLearn more about the host Ellen KrauseEmail us at podcast@coffeeandbibletime.comThanks for listening to Coffee and Bible Time, where our goal is to help people delight in God's Word and thrive in Christian living! Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Advent season offers unique opportunities for family and personal discipleship. So how can we prepare well? In this episode, The Gospel Coalition staff Kendra Dahl, Melissa Kruger, Jared Kennedy, and Bill Kynes share their experiences navigating the Christmas season as individuals, as families, and within church communities. They suggest resources, reflect on memorable traditions, and consider opportunities for outreach, connection, and celebration.Recommended Resources:Unto Us: 25 Advent Devotions About the MessiahJared Kennedy, “Why Advent Is a Time to Build on Family Traditions”Melissa Kruger, “Celebrating Advent: Looking Back and Looking Forward”Jared Kennedy, “Countdown to Christmas with These 6 Resources for Advent”Jared Kennedy, “The Good News That Jesus Came for You”GoodKind Advent BlocksHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together