Podcasts about advent season

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 Chloë Elmore, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Where do your good gifts come from? Meditate on James 1:17. 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.

With the Advent Season behind us, Pastor Brad preaches from Psalm 103 to remind us who God is and what Jesus came to accomplish: a gracious God who forgives sinners.

Message from Joe Catoe on December 28, 2025

Message from Joe Catoe on December 28, 2025

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 Jonathan Cooke, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. What could have been going through Zechariah’s mind? Listen to his perspective from Luke 1. 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.

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. How much do you need to know in order to obey? Meditate on Luke 1:30-34. 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.

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 Bonnie Curry, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. In this sleep story, travel along as we recall the Magi from the east who said, “We saw His star…and have come to worship Him.” Relax to this peaceful journey through Scripture that will comfort and guide you. 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

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. The Little Drummer Boy and the story of the widow who gave all she had both have lessons for us this Christmas season. Meditate on Mark 12:43-44. 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.

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. During this holiday season, take time to think about who Jesus is. Meditate on Luke 2:34-35. 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.

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. God is always ready to surprise us. Hear the angel’s message in Luke 2:11. 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.

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 Rachel Vega, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. Be lulled into a time of deep, peaceful sleep as you journey to the fields where shepherds kept their flocks by night. Envision the glorious news delivered by the angel, announcing Jesus’ miraculous birth. 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

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. What if God came to your town in human form, and you didn’t even notice it? Meditate on John 8:12. 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.

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 Chloë Elmore, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Celebrate God’s multiplying power. Meditate on John 10:22-23 and learn about Hanukkah. 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.

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.

This message invites us into the tension of Advent—a season where we celebrate hope while honestly acknowledging the brokenness surrounding us. Drawing from Romans 8, we're reminded that all creation groans in anticipation of redemption, and we ourselves wait eagerly for restoration. The contrast between Zechariah and Mary in Luke's Gospel reveals two fundamentally different responses to God's promises. Zechariah, despite his religious authority and priestly status, demanded proof and certainty before believing. Mary, a powerless young girl from Nazareth, simply asked how she could participate in God's plan. Her question wasn't rooted in doubt but in faithful submission: 'How will this be?' versus 'How can I be sure?' This distinction transforms everything. We're challenged to stop acting as God's consultants, trying to figure out whether His promises are realistic, and instead become His servants, asking what role we can play in His redemptive work. God consistently chooses the vulnerable, the overlooked, and the seemingly powerless to accomplish His greatest purposes. Our weaknesses aren't barriers to God—they're often the very places where His glory manifests most clearly. This Advent season calls us beyond superficial celebration into authentic engagement with both our grief and our hope, trusting that we live not in the time of earthly powers, but in the time of Christ.

During the beauty of the Advent Season there is little focus on the brutality going on with Herod massacring all the male children 2 years old and under born in Bethlehem and the surrounding districts. There was a spiritual war going on attempting to get rid of Jesus and that spiritual war is still going on today. While the enemy failed at destroying Jesus at His birth, the enemy is still trying to get rid of the message of Jesus. Satan thought he succeeded through the crucifixion of Jesus only to find out that all backfired. Now that Jesus lives within us the enemy targets us. Fear not, God has provided us spiritual armor that gives us the power to withstand these attacks and to continue the work of defeating the enemy the same way Jesus did, with God's Word. If you ever wondered how we actually “put on the full armor of God” you might be surprised how simple it really is to become armed and dangerous! William Smith

The holidays can be a wonderful time of year. Yet they can also serve as a reminder of the areas in our lives where we feel stuck. We hope the season will bring change, but after the rush of excitement, our same struggles often remain. What we truly need is not more festivities, but a clearer vision of the One our souls were made for. Join us this Christmas Sunday as we celebrate the Advent of Glory and Grace.

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 Johnathon Eltrevoog, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Learn from the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Meditate on Luke 1:46-55. 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.

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. Is Jesus really God? Meditate on John 1:1-18. 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.

From the archive! Dr. Tom and Kari Curran explore family customs and traditions for the Advent Season. The Currans list their favorite Advent activities with kids: seasonal prayers, puzzles, light shows, movies, books, and more!

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 Lonein Lara, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Losing sight of Christmas? Meditate on Luke 2:10-11. 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.

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 byTyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Do you know you have a wonderful life? Meditate on 2 Peter 1:3-4. 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.

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. Mr. Grinch can’t steal your joy. Meditate on John 1:1. 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.

Matthew 1:1-3 Tyler Dunn // Journey Pastor

This week, Jonathan and Jedidiah wrap up their discussion about how we can engage in missions within our small-town context. They then shift their focus to discussing how we can find joy regardless of our circumstances by looking to Christ, who provides us with true lasting joy.   If you have a question for us feel free to send us an email at "questions@fbcforestcity.org"

Fr. Dan Reehil discusses the challenges to the Advent Season with the hussle and bussle of Christmas preparation.Radio Maria is a 100% listener supported radio station. If this broadcast has touched your life, please consider donating at https://rmusa.civi-go.net/donateStream live episodes of Battle Ready with Fr. Dan Reehil at https://radiomaria.us/ at 9:00 am cst or tune in on radio in Louisiana (580 AM Alexandria, 1360 AM New Iberia, 89.7 FM Natchitoches, 91.1 FM Lake Charles) in Ohio (1600 AM Springfield, 88.7 FM Anna, 103.3 Enon/Dayton) in Mississippi (88.1 FM D'Iberville/Biloxi) in Florida (91.9 Hammocks/Miami) in Pennsylvania (88.1 FM Hollidaysburg/Altoona) in Texas (1250 AM Port Arthur) in Wisconsin (91.3 FM Peshtigo), 1280 AM Columbia, TN (98.9 FM Columbia, TN)Download the Radio Maria Play app to any smart device:Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radiomaria.v3&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/radio-maria-play/id848153139 

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 special Christmas biblical meditation, narrated by Bonnie Curry, to center yourself on the truth in God's word this season. What do you want most this Christmas? Meditate on Romans 6:23. 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.

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.

By Jack Sharman

As the Advent Season continues David talks about Joy. Today, he is in Luke 2:8-20. Sermon titled "The God of Joy" 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. 

In the midst of the busyness of the Christmas season do you ever wonder if all the hustle and bustle is really worth it? Is Christmas really that big of a deal? Join us this Sunday as we continue in our Advent series, "God With Us." This week we have the joy of hearing from Pastor Warren Boettcher. He is the lead pastor of the church that sent out the team that started Christ Church, but more importantly, he is Pastor Jeff's dad. He will be preaching a sermon entitled "Christ Our Champion" from Hebrews 2:14-18.

Send us a textToday, I welcome back a great friend of the show—ethicist, professor, pastor, and prolific author, Dr. David Gushee. Over the years, David and I have talked through several of his groundbreaking works: The Moral Teachings of Jesus, Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies, Introducing Christian Ethics, and After Evangelicalism. But today, we're returning to the book that started a movement—Changing Our Mind—a book that, remarkably, has never stopped selling since its first release ten years ago.Industry veteran David Crumm recently reminded us that fewer than 1 percent of all books ever reach 40,000 copies sold. Most don't even hit 2,000. And yet Changing Our Mind continues to travel—passed hand to hand, heart to heart—because people still need it. David tells me he receives messages every week from readers whose lives have been transformed. That kind of impact is rare.We're diving into the story behind this book: what prompted David to write it, the initial response, and the personal price he paid. Lost invitations, Christian booksellers who wouldn't carry his work, and critics who lined up to condemn him. But also, we talk about the courage of those who dared to praise the book—and the remarkable stories that have come back from readers.We'll explore the deep divides in today's church—the boardroom wrestling matches, the “holy haters,” and the rise of Christian nationalism. And, in this Advent season, we'll ask: What needs to come to an end? And what new future are we longing for?We'll also hear what David is working on now, what he's seeing in the classroom, and what he hopes for in 2026. Join us!SHOW NOTESSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you! Ken's Substack Page The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

Enjoy the sounds of the Advent Season at the Ad Lucem Christmas Concert. Sarah is joined by founding member Alison Seeber with all the details.Subscribe to the Morning Blend on your favorite podcast platform.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Morning Blend is a production of Mater Dei Radio in Portland, Oregon.

The Gospel writer Mark is not alone in his portrayal of the pivotal role that John the Baptist plays as the forerunner of Jesus Christ.  John the Baptist stood at the intersection of the Old and New Covenant; a true man of conviction that God had shaped and molded in the classical prophetic tradition.  The truth about the coming Messiah concealed in the Old Testament prophecies would be revealed through John's ministry and through the life, death and resurrection of the One John bore witness to.  This message inspires us during this Advent Season to do what John did – stand for the Truth, stand with the Truth and stand by the Truth!  

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 Ben Little, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. From Jesus’ first cry in a lowly stable to His last breath on a wooden cross, every moment of His life is worth celebrating! This Christmas season, turn your eyes to Jesus, remembering the miracle of his humble birth. 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

SummaryIn this conversation, Nathan Crankfield emphasizes the significance of the Advent season as a time for spiritual preparation and reflection. He discusses the importance of evaluating who we listen to and how that influences our spiritual growth. Crankfield encourages listeners to prepare for the new year by focusing on their spiritual lives, maximizing their time during Advent, and embracing silence amidst distractions. He challenges listeners to make Advent meaningful and to set goals that align with their faith and personal growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Advent and Its Importance03:50 Living with Urgency: Spiritual Preparation06:34 We Need Silence09:43 Maximizing Time for Spiritual Growth12:13 Make Advent Great Again15:28 Conclusion and Call to ActionFind Waiting Well with Father Mike Schmitz here!Join Pray25 on Hallow here!If you enjoyed this content, please follow this podcast and find us on your socials! LinkedIn: @seeking-excellenceTikTok: @nathancrankfieldYoutube: @seekingexcellence_Instagram: @seekingexcellence_Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-excellence-with-nathan-crankfield/id1528863617Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3E5Y4v5btc2OGYuoWVbRGM?si=832c88f869484f09&nd=1&dlsi=01e09bb1226e4bacFind exclusive content on Locals as a paid or unpaid supporter: https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/.

Everyone has received bad news. This week the Reverend Kahlil Carmichael shows us how there's a promise and a purpose in our pain. We begin in Matthew 1 with the message, “A Promise Fulfilled.”Live Well, your spiritual family, gathers every Sunday at 11 a.m. at 51 Church Street, Robbinsville, Windsor, NJ. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this faith journey with you.Thank you for givingpushpay.com/g/itiswellchurchVisit our website at livewellchurch.orgFollow us on Facebook @pastorkahlilFind us on Instagram @livewellwithpastorkahlil

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.

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

Tom Logue - December 7th 2025 The blessing of God flows to the needy, the humble, and the childlike who come to Jesus. This week, Tom continues our King and His Kingdom series in Matthew 19:13–15, where parents bring their children to Jesus for Him to lay His hands on them and pray. Drawing deeply from Scripture, Tom teaches on the biblical pattern of laying on of hands—how throughout the Bible God transfers wisdom, healing, empowerment, spiritual gifts, and the Holy Spirit through ordinary people who make themselves available. He challenges us not to decline the blessing God wants to give because we avoid the means through which He gives it. Tom also unpacks the difference between childishness and childlikeness: childishness is impulsive, self-focused, prideful, and tantrum-prone—while childlikeness is marked by humility, dependence, awe, wonder, trust, and quick forgiveness. Jesus says the kingdom belongs to people like this. We were made for the kingdom the way fish were made for water; when we exit it through pride or self-reliance, we spiritually suffocate under anxiety, fear, bitterness, or despair. But Jesus wants the needy to come to Him—He delights to bless, touch, heal, and restore His children. Tom calls every listener—parent, youth, child, and spiritually suffocating adult—to come back into God's presence, receive blessing, and breathe again. Learn more about our church: https://restoredtemecula.church Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restoredtemecula  and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoredtemecula #Matthew19 #ChildlikeFaith #Blessing #LayingOnOfHands #Prayer #KingAndHisKingdom #RestoredTemecula Share this message with someone who needs to hear it. Chapters (00:00:00) - Wonders of Restored Church(00:00:53) - Advent Season 2018(00:03:29) - King and His Kingdom(00:04:13) - Jesus at the Temple(00:06:51) - Lay on of Hands in the Bible(00:10:47) - Paul's Blessing Through the Lay on of Hands(00:15:27) - Jesus' Blessings for You(00:15:59) - Tony Evans: Blessing is the Ability to Enjoy God's Grace(00:21:13) - Bringing Your Kids Into God's Presence(00:25:41) - Pastoral Counsel to Young People(00:31:12) - What Makes Kids So Childlike(00:34:22) - The Child's Love for God(00:38:39) - Needy People in the Kingdom of Heaven(00:42:07) - 7 Reasons You're Not in the Kingdom of God(00:46:36) - Welcome Back, Satan(00:47:07) - Jesus Wants the Needy to Come to Him for Blessing(00:53:03) - The Parents Bringing the Parents to Jesus

Mary's song reveals a powerful truth: God fills the spiritually hungry and elevates the humble. Acknowledging our need for His presence over earthly achievements opens us to abundant grace. Listen now and be inspired to magnify God through humble dependence.

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

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

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!

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.

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