Podcasts about advent week

Today, we continue our Advent journey by stepping into Anna's quiet yet powerful moment of worship in Luke 2:36–38. As a widow shaped by years of loss, prayer, fasting, and devotion, Anna's eyes had been trained to recognize Jesus when He appeared in the temple. Her story invites us to consider how a life turned toward God forms our ability to truly see Him. Drawing from Bette Dickinson's devotional Making Room in Advent, this episode explores what it means to make room for worship — to offer our grief, longing, and faithfulness to God. Through Anna's witness, we're invited to see how worship clarifies our spiritual vision so that when God shows up in our own stories, we'll recognize Him — and help others see Him too. I hope you'll listen in. Get Faith & Feeling's weekly resource email Watch this episode on YouTube Grab a copy of my book Stop Saying I'm Fine Connect with me on my website Find me on Instagram @__taylorjoy__ Key words: Advent season, spiritual formation, vulnerability, listening, creativity, emotions, curiosity, presence, process, courage, self-awareness, emotional health, personal growth, waiting, hope, connection, worship

In the final message of Advent, from our Christmas Eve service, we look at the joy available in Christ because of his first coming, and the future joy that awaits us in his second coming.

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In this episode we carry on into Jonah 3:1-10 (again the entire chapter). Finally, here in Jonah 3, we see both Jonah's obedience as he arrives in Nineveh and shares the message from God and the response of the Ninevites. Together we talk about the miracles of obedience, belief, repentance, humility, and salvation found throughout this chapter. We reflect on God's loving nature as the God of second chances and examine the depth and completeness of Nineveh's repentance. Ultimately, we recognize that as people sent by God, our calling is not to condemn, but to offer salvation to those around us through Christ.

Tique wraps up our Advent Conversation Series and the Nativity story in Luke 2 using the carol, Go Tell It On the Mountain.

Advent Week 5

Week 4 of Advent and the fourth candle represents love. Listen as Krissy Bakke the hippie Chrisitan shares exactly why LOVE is the greatest gift we will ever receive. The Beatles got it right, we can't buy love. We absolutely must share it and give it to as many people as we can. Happy last day of Advent better known as Christmas Eve.

Join us in our Advent series to learn about the four themes of Advent. In this short episode, we explore the theme of love and the love of Christ that we experience in the Advent season and beyond. Subscribe to our Podcast Newsletter! Connect with us:  The Daily Grace Co. | Facebook | Instagram | Daily Grace Blog | 

As Advent draws to a close, Saint Joseph invites us to make room—not just in our homes, but in our hearts.In Week Four of A Quiet Light, we reflect on Saint Joseph, Most Obedient, and pray with Matthew 1:18–24. This Gospel reminds us that obedience isn't about having all the answers—it's about trusting God enough to take the next step. Joseph heard the call, woke up, and did what the Lord asked. No hesitation. Just love in motion.The word we're sitting with this week? ✨ Trust. The kind that chooses surrender over control, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.Our invitation this week is simple: notice where God may be knocking. Where might He be asking you to make room for Him—again or for the first time? Ask for the grace to say yes, even if it feels uncomfortable or unfinished.

In our final week of Advent, Richard and Daniel talk about the most important commandment: love.  TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 4:45 Are there any statements or quotes you've particularly hung onto as a leader? 9:07 As a leader, what does it look like practically to be defined by love?  14:08 How do you not fall into the trap of people pleasing? 18:09 How is love connected to servant leadership? 21:05 How can loving people be powerful and good for business? 24:25 Why is it so hard for many leaders to love those they lead? 30:00 What is love, what isn't love, and how do we love our employers/employees? 35:08 Advent Ending and What's Next! DONATE: If you have enjoyed this podcast and want to support our ministry into the next 20 years, click here: https://bit.ly/382Exi3 RESOURCES: Mark your calendars for May 18-20, 2026 when Richard will be presenting Experiencing God – Part 2 at the Cove in Asheville, NC. More info to come. Join Blackaby Ministries' next Spiritual Leadership Coaching Workshop here: https://www.blackabycoaching.org/workshop CONNECT: X: @richardblackaby Facebook: https://bit.ly/2WvZPzw Read Richard's latest blog posts at www.richardblackaby.com

Advent Week 3

This Sunday marked the close of our Advent season as we glory in Christ's righteousness, behold the goodness of His work, and marvel at the love of God—seen now in part, but one day fully revealed. Christ has come, and He will come again.

This Sunday, Kai closed our Advent journey by reminding us that love is the why behind Christmas. From 1 Corinthians 13, we were invited to see love not as a feeling, but as an enduring act—one that draws us deeper into knowing Jesus and becoming more like Him. We were created to be His beloved, and we're encouraged to keep praying that God would form us into a more loving people each day. Merry Christmas, Genesis

Check out KINDLE's Advent Devotional series, highlighting portions of Holden's Evening Prayer and strands, practices and outcomes that help us live as Christ-like Servant Leaders.Aaron Grube shares his reflection on the light of Jesus shining in the darkness through the first five verses of Genesis 1 and John 1  Check out all KINDLE practices here.  Check out all the devotions on KINDLE's Youtube Channel.Merry Christmas! Connect with us! Instagram: @emilyphoenix or @kindle_social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KINDLEServantLeaders If you have a question to ask or story to share about one of this season's topics, we would love to hear from you. Send an email to emily.phoenix@kindleservantsleaders.org and we will share it along the way! Download episode discussion guides at: https://www.kindleservantleaders.org/podcast/

Matthew 1:18-25 Austin Damron // Student Pastor

Series Title: 2025 Advent Series Scripture Passage: John 1:1 Stream Date: December 21, 2025

Love doesn't wait for the right conditions—it breaks in and changes everything. In this final Advent message, Pastor Joshua Brown reflects on the intrusive, disruptive love of God revealed in the manger: a love that finds room even when there is none. Through the story of Christ's birth, we're invited to consider whether we will make space for a love that turns darkness into light and beginnings out of what once felt like the end.

The passage for lectio divina today comes from Matthew 1:18-25. Follow along in your practice guide or grab a journal before you begin, if you'd like. Special thanks to Lem LeRoy for recording Come Thou Long Expected Jesus for the intro, and to Naomi Leenhouts for reading the passage for week four. ⁠⁠Find the practice guide for Joy of Every Longing Heart here⁠⁠.

In this final episode of the Advent season Ruth and Marilyn discuss the unique spiritual invitations and soul work of the winter season. They touch on the inward journey of self-examination, processing grief, and embracing the transformation in life's dormancy. They conclude with a deep discussion on themes of letting go, living in the present, and the spiritual significance of endings and new beginnings. The episode also features a poignant poem by Robert Hayden and an Advent-themed prayer by Ted Loder.   Questions for Reflection: How would you name or characterize the season that you're in?  How can we be present in the season that we're in versus clinging to something else?  How  can we trust the letting go process of one season, letting go of one in order to embrace the next?    In this season of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership podcast, Ruth invites listeners to embark on a unique journey during Advent 2025. Departing from traditional liturgical approaches, we will focus on the overlap between the seasons of Advent and winter, inspired by Marilyn McIntyre's book 'Midwinter Light: Meditations for the Long Season.' Ruth will be joined all through Advent by Marilyn McIntyre, herself. Together they will explore themes such as inner reflection, the significance of silence, and the profound connections between spirituality and the physical season of winter.    Marilyn McEntyre is an author of over 20 books, including Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies (2021) and Speaking Peace in a Climate of Conflict (2020). Her book, What's in a Phrase? Pausing Where Scripture Gives You Pause won the Christianity Today book award in spirituality. Midwinter Light, reflections on poems for the “long season,” has just been released. A former professor, now writer, writing coach, speaker, and retreat leader, her deepest interests lie in connections between spirituality, language, healing earth, and each other. She teaches regularly for programs at Western Seminary, New College Berkeley, and the Oblate School of Theology.   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Joseph's Prayer from Advent Music in Solitude   We're starting a Substack! This will be “a new home for reflection, conversation, and connection with our transforming community.” Our new Substack is called “On the Journey with the Transforming Center,” and it will include thoughtful reflections from Ruth Haley Barton and the Transforming Center team, as well as alumni and friends of the Transforming Center, occasional special video teachings and guided practices, and space to interact with our content and respond with how God is working in your life through the posts. This will also be the new home of all of our podcast patron content! There will be free and paid tiers. We'd love for you to join us over on Substack. (Existing patrons, check Patreon for a special link to provide you with a discounted rate!) Support the podcast! This season patrons will receive spiritual practices tethered to the lectionary readings to accompany them through Advent. Become a paid member of Substack today to receive these practices and so much more!   The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! Learn more and apply HERE.   *this post contains affiliate links

Today, we continue our Advent journey by stepping into the shepherds' moment of wonder in Luke 2:15–20. As they hurry to Bethlehem and behold the newborn Jesus lying in a manger, we are invited into a deeper way of seeing — one that moves beyond surface-level observation and into holy perception. Drawing from Bette Dickinson's devotional Making Room in Advent, we explore the difference between simply seeing with our physical eyes and truly perceiving with hearts open to awe. This episode invites us to rediscover a sense of holy astonishment this Christmas. To make room for wonder and to perceive God's presence with fresh eyes. I hope you'll listen in. Get Faith & Feeling's weekly resource email Watch this episode on YouTube Grab a copy of my book Stop Saying I'm Fine Connect with me on my website Find me on Instagram @__taylorjoy__ Key words: Advent season, spiritual formation, vulnerability, listening, creativity, emotions, curiosity, presence, process, courage, self-awareness, emotional health, personal growth, waiting, hope, connection, wonder

What if joy isn't something you chase—but something you receive? In this Advent message, Pastor Aaron McRae explores the deep, lasting joy that Jesus brings—a joy that is often unexpected, received by faith, and anchored in eternity.Drawing from Luke 2 and the Christmas story, this message reframes joy beyond temporary happiness, success, or comfort. Pastor Aaron contrasts the world's pursuit of happiness with the biblical invitation to joy—one that meets us in brokenness, suffering, uncertainty, and fear. From the unlikely joy announced to shepherds, to reflections from thinkers like C.S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and modern neuroscience, this message shows how true joy is not circumstantial, but relational.This sermon speaks directly to those navigating stress, grief, anxiety, financial pressure, health challenges, or spiritual dryness. It reminds us that Jesus came not only to save what is lost, but to heal what is broken—and His joy is available here and now, regardless of circumstances.If you are searching for meaning beyond happiness, longing for hope this Christmas season, or wondering where to anchor your joy, this message will help you make room for the lasting joy found only in Jesus.Scriptures ReferencedLuke 2:1–14Psalm 16:11Psalm 51:12Galatians 5:22Philippians 4:4–6Psalm 119:14Romans 15:13Hebrews 12:2Resources & References MentionedArthur Brooks — Leadership and Happiness (Harvard Business School)Dietrich Bonhoeffer — Conspiracy and ImprisonmentC.S. Lewis — Mere ChristianityC.S. Lewis — Surprised by JoyFrieson, Wilder, — Living from the Heart Jesus Gave YouSerenity PrayerFor the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel. Stay Connected With Hillside Community Church.Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/c/HillsideCommunityChurchInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/hillsidechurches/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/hillsidechurchesWebsite | https://hillsidechurches.com

Peace isn't found in the absence of problems, peace is found in the wholeness of God's presence.

Advent is the time each year when the church slows down to focus on the words of the angels in Luke 2: "For behold I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." What is this good news and why does it cause great joy? This holiday season, we will take a dive into both, explore their meaning, and why it can bring breakthrough in each of our lives!

Advent Week 4 LOVE Aaron Wallace by Pastor Aaron Wallace

In this week's Advent sermon, Pastor Stephen Mizell challenges us to rethink everything we thought we knew about love. As we light the fourth Advent candle, discover why love isn't just a warm feeling or sentimental decoration—it's a Person you meet and a divine action that changes everything. Drawing from 1 John 4:7-12, Pastor Stephen unpacks the profound truth that God doesn't just love—He IS love. This means love existed before creation, before redemption, and before the incarnation. We don't manufacture love; we can only reflect it. We don't generate it; we can only distribute it. IN THIS EPISODE: Why the Bible never treats love as a decoration The difference between sentimental love and sacrificial love How the manger and the cross are inseparably connected Why your theology is only as good as your relationships The challenge of being God's "full expression" of love to the world A special word for those finding this Christmas season difficult KEY QUOTE: "Christmas is not about God shouting from the mountaintops, 'I love you.' It's about Him whispering it from a manger." This sermon includes a salvation invitation and a tender moment addressing those experiencing a "Blue Christmas"—anyone grieving loss, waiting for answered prayer, or finding the season less joyful than expected. Pastor Stephen reminds us that the good news of Christmas isn't that God avoided darkness, but that He stepped into it. SCRIPTURE: 1 John 4:7-12, Romans 10:9 ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Pastor Stephen Mizell serves as the lead pastor of Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. His teaching combines biblical depth with practical application, helping people encounter Jesus in real and transformative ways.

Speaker: Corey Johnston

December 21, 2025: Casey Knue

Welcome to Life Church! This week Pastor Drew Tucker continues our observance of Advent by teaching from Luke 2:1-20For more news and updates or to sign up for our weekly emails, please visit our website: https://www.lifechurchclt.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechurchclt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifechurchcltYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifechurchcharlotte1632

We wait in joyful expectation that what God promised will actually happen—for his second coming when he will appear in glory and we will worship him with cries of “Hallelujah!”Sermon Discussion Guide: https://kingspark.org/guide/dec2125

What does it really mean when we say “God is love”?In this final week of Advent, we reflect on the powerful truth that love is not something we climb up to — it's something God came down to give. Christmas isn't about humanity reaching for God; it's about God stepping into our darkness through Jesus.This message walks through how, in Christ, God's love is revealed, defined, received, and reflected. Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness — not to condemn us, but to rescue us, restore us, and invite us into life.Keep up to date with what God is doing at Creekside Church!Website: https://creekside.churchInstagram: @creeksidechurchnp

Advent - Week 4

Message - Kevin Dean  Scripture - Colossians 1:19-23, John 14:27 Date - December 22nd, 2025

Message - Kevin Dean  Scripture - Colossians 1:19-23, John 14:27 Date - December 22nd, 2025

In today's episode, we learn about the Wise Men or Magi that came to visit Jesus! We also have our last advent challenge so make sure you listen! Email us at kids@portcitychurch.org if you have something you want to share!

Sermon by Pastor Jamie Noling-Auth

Part 4 of a 4-week Advent series released every Sunday.There comes a point in the spiritual journey where effort quietly runs out.Where striving no longer works.Where something in you longs not for improvement, but for rest.If you've ever felt like love was something you had to earn—through goodness, productivity, spirituality, or self-control—this final Advent episode is for you.Welcome to the fourth week of Advent on the Holy Rebels Podcast, where we make space for grounded spiritual practices, nervous system awareness, and the deep wisdom of the Christian mystical tradition.This week is all about Love.Not romantic love.Not approval.Not love as a reward.But the love you don't have to earn—the love you can rest in.Nina Hirlaender OFS brings together Franciscan spirituality, mystical theology, and psychology to explore Love not as a feeling we chase, but as the ground of being itself—the presence that holds when joy rises and falls, when faith feels strong or thin.Across the contemplative tradition, love is not something added to life after we get it right. It is the deeper reality already giving itself to us—before achievement, before repair, before worthiness. This episode traces how Advent has been gently leading us here all along: from trusting, to resting, to tasting… into abiding. What you'll take away from this episode:the meaning of Love as the fourth and final theme of Adventwhy love is not a wage, reward, or outcome—but a giventhe difference between original sin and original grace—and why it matterswhy receiving love can feel unsafe when the nervous system is burned outa practical re-script for the belief “If I'm good enough, then I'll be loved”how love takes flesh in ordinary life—boundaries, giving, receiving, and restLove isn't something you rise up to. It's something you lean back into. It is already here—beneath the noise, beneath the effort, steady as your breath.Advent doesn't end by asking you to try harder or become better. It ends by inviting you to rest in what has been holding you all along.Press play to enter the final week of Advent with more spaciousness, more honesty, and a deeper trust in the love that does not withdraw. This is the love you don't have to earn.Send Nina a text message.Support the showRate, Review & Follow“I love Nina and Holy Rebels Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please rate and review my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to practise their spirituality and nurture their inner wisdom. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a review.” Nina reads every single review and it always brings a smile to her face. Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. If you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Follow now Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.comConnect with me!facebookinstagram

Week 4 - Love

Our God so loved us that He sent His only begotten Son to the cross so that we might live and be accepted by Him. 

Matt Pearson, Senior Pastor of ClearView Baptist Church in Franklin, Tennessee speaks about Advent - Week 4.

Hebrews 1 & 2

Hebrews 1 & 2

Active Faith: Taking Possession of the PurposeMike Mantooth