Podcasts about Advent

Advent E4 — We're ending our short Advent series with a reflection on love. In the Hebrew Bible, the word “ahavah” involves faithfulness to God and living by his wisdom, but it also means showing practical care to others—especially the vulnerable. Jesus views this love for God and neighbor as the greatest command, and he expands it to be indiscriminate, radical kindness and generosity even toward our enemies. The New Testament authors were so blown away by this kind of love that they adopted an obscure Greek word for love, “agape,” and redefined it to be a self-giving, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrates in his life, teaching, death, and resurrection. In this episode, Jon and Tim explore the main biblical words for love, showing how the story of Advent characterizes agape as God's own essence and our calling. FULL SHOW NOTESFor chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.CHAPTERSThe Hebrew Bible's Understanding of Love (0:00–13:17)Agape and Jesus' Redefinition of Love (13:17–21:25)God Is Love (21:25–31:10)Reflections on Love With JoDee (31:10-36:12)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode's official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESThe Affections of Christ Jesus: Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology by Nijay GuptaAhavah / Love: Though not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical word ahavah.Agape / Love: Also not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical word, agape.Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.SHOW MUSIC“Clouds ft. ahmo” by Lofi Sunday“Warm Hugs” by Lofi Sunday & Cassidy Godwin“Snowflakes” by AvesBibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITSProduction of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today's episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Special thanks to our guest JoDee Atherton.Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From ancient days, God promised to send His Messiah. This Savior would bring redemption from sin for all who trust in Him. Today, R.C. Sproul describes the world-changing significance of Christ's incarnation in history. Request R.C. Sproul's devotional book The Advent of Glory, plus lifetime digital access to his teaching series Coming of the Messiah, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4514/offer   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Get the digital teaching series with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Listen to "The Word Became Flesh," a musical celebration of the incarnation of the Son of God, with narration by R.C. Sproul: https://store.ligonier.org/the-word-became-flesh-download   Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

By this point in December, love has been merchandised within an inch of its life. It jingles in ads that say if you really love someone, you should buy them a luxury car with a bow the size of a house. But Advent tells another story. God did not arrive in a grand gesture—no skywriting, no fireworks, no leather interior with heated seats. Love slipped into a Bethlehem stable, swaddled in rags. This is not the love we usually want. We’d prefer it to be shiny and obvious. Instead, God gives us the kind of love that chooses vulnerability. A baby who cannot even hold up his huge noggin. A terrified teenage mom. And a dad who's trying to believe this is not all a terrible mistake. And yet—this is the love that remakes the whole world. Not quick or efficient, but slow and human. Love that needs to be changed and snuggled. Love that grows up to sit with outcasts and weep at gravesides and promise that nothing—not even death—can separate us from God. So here we are, a few days from Christmas, and maybe the invitation is to look for love in small ways. In a text that says, “Made it home safe.” In a neighbor shoveling your walkway. Love in the God who came close, unnoticed but never unneeded. Subscribe to Kate’s Substack for blessings, essays, and reflections that hold what’s hard and beautiful. Join us for Advent over there, too!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Klein watched his son Logan hold a spirit board—just as Matt himself did thirty years ago—and speak in a voice that didn't belong to a ten-year-old boy. The demon Zurvan has found his new vessel, choosing the cruelest one possible: Matt's own child. For three decades, Zurvan has orchestrated this moment, first possessing the kind neighbor who ran toward the flames to help, then guiding Wilbur Ward's hands as he built the advent calendar from the charred remains of the original spirit board. Now the demon's patience has been rewarded. Matt's allies are few—Detective Davenport has finally seen too much to deny what's happening, and Father Olsen has confirmed they face an ancient entity whose methods are psychological torment followed by violence. But Anika believes her husband unfaithful, Matt's foster parents have arrived oblivious to the horror and bearing a spirit board as a gift, and the bodies continue to pile up: Steven's phantom crumbled to ash, Wilbur Ward's corpse rots in the crawlspace, Simon Welch lies dead from his own possessed fury. Four doors remain on the calendar. Four days until December 24th, when Zurvan's mid-winter celebration reaches its peak. The demon no longer hunts from the shadows—he wears Matt's son's face now.Get the print version of the novel: https://weirddarkness.com/AdventOfEvil#WeirdDarkness #ChristmasHorror #HolidayHorror #SupernaturalThriller #HauntedCalendar #DarkChristmas #HorrorStory #DemonicEvil #CreepyTales #YuletideTerror

Luke 1v26-38 with Tyler Staton Centered on Mary's encounter with the angel in Luke 1, the story of the Annunciation shows grace interrupting darkness and God's promises taking root in ordinary lives. It invites a posture of waiting, trust, and openness to receive what God is forming within us. bridgetown.church/teaching

Was Jesus really an illegal immigrant, or is that a modern political slogan forced onto the Christmas story?    In this LIVE FREE Christmas episode, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham have an honest, thought-provoking conversation that goes beyond the traditional nativity story, uncovering surprising historical and biblical insights like a Roman coin tied to the word Advent, why the opening of John's Gospel reads like a “new beginning,” and why Jesus was mistaken for a gardener after the resurrection. They also address common questions skeptics ask: why Jesus' family tree looks different in the Gospels. The episode wraps with a candid discussion about leadership, politics, and why no political figure, left or right, should ever take the place of Jesus.

Luke 2:16

In today's very special episode, we take a look back into The Crossway Podcast archives and put together our favorite clips of authors talking about Christmas. Check out the interviews featured in the episode below: ❖ The Gettys' Favorite Christmas Hymns (Keith and Kristyn Getty) Apple Podcasts | Spotify ❖ Distinguishing Christmas Tradition from Truth (Andreas Köstenberger) Apple Podcasts | Spotify ❖ What Was the Trinity Doing on Christmas Day? (Matthew Emerson and Brandon Smith) Apple Podcasts | Spotify ❖ There's More to the Christmas Story Than You Think (Benjamin L. Gladd) Apple Podcasts | Spotify ❖ Navigating Grief during the Holidays (Nancy Guthrie) Apple Podcasts | Spotify ❖ How to Wait for Christmas in an Age of Instant Gratification (Jonathan Gibson) Apple Podcasts | Spotify Authors featured in this episode: ❖ Keith and Kristyn Getty are award-winning hymnwriters who co-cofounded the Getty Music organization. In partnership with Crossway, Keith and Kristyn worked with their team to create the 'Sing! Hymnal', which features nearly 500 of the best Christian hymns, past and present, is specially curated and organized by the Getty Music Team. ❖ Andreas Köstenberger is the theologian in residence at Fellowship Raleigh, a cofounder of Biblical Foundations, a host at Oak Tree Cottage, and the co-author of 'The First Days of Jesus: The Story of the Incarnation' from Crossway. ❖ Matt Emerson serves as co-provost and dean of theology, arts, and humanities at Oklahoma Baptist University, where Brandon Smith also serves as an associate professor of theology & early Christianity. Together, they're the authors of 'Beholding the Triune God: The Inseparable Work of Father, Son, and Spirit' from Crossway. ❖ Benjamin Gladd is the executive director of the Carson Center for Theological Renewal. He has written several books, including 'From the Manger to the Throne: A Theology of Luke' from Crossway. ❖ Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally, including her Biblical Theology Workshop for Women. She is the author of numerous books, including 'What Grieving People Wish You Knew about What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts)' from Crossway. ❖ Jonathan Gibson is an ordained minister in the International Presbyterian Church, United Kingdom, and associate professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is also the author of 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to Epiphany' from Crossway. ⁠Read the full transcript of this episode.⁠⁠ Previous compilation episodes: ❖ On Marriage: The Best of ‘The Crossway Podcast' | ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ | ⁠Spotify⁠ ❖ On Apologetics: The Best of ‘The Crossway Podcast' | ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ❖ On the End Times: The Best of ‘The Crossway Podcast' | Apple Podcasts | Spotify If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show! ⁠⁠Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung!

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Four: Welcoming Christ with a Heart Fully Awake DAY 23 – Wonder “And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with ... Read more The post Day 23 – Wonder – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent by Dr. John Bergsma. Advent Weekday (O Rex Gentium) First Reading: First Samuel 1: 24-28 Responsorial Psalm: First Samuel 2: 1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd Gospel: Luke 1: 46-56   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america  

Sue Becker reflects on a recent article that deeply resonated with her during this Advent season. Through this reflection, she invites us to slow down and be more intentional in a busy world. Sue shares the 12 thoughtful questions the article's author proposed, offering space for silence, listening, and resting in the Lord's presence. LISTEN NOW and SUBSCRIBE to this podcast here or from any podcasting platform such as, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Alexa, Siri, or anywhere podcasts are played. For more information on the Scientific and Biblical benefits of REAL bread - made from freshly-milled grain, visit our website, breadbeckers.com. Also, watch our video, Only Real Bread - Staff of Life, https://youtu.be/43s0MWGrlT8. Visit our website at https://www.breadbeckers.com/ Follow us on Facebook @thebreadbeckers and Instagram @breadbeckers. *DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast or on our website should be construed as medical advice. Consult your health care provider for your individual nutritional and medical needs. The information presented is based on our research and is strictly that of the author and not necessarily those of any professional group or other individuals.

Advent invites us to slow down, quiet our hearts, and prepare for the coming of Christ.In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll reflect on Scripture and rest in God’s love as you anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Be Still: Advent Meditations for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love helps you create space in this busy season to experience the presence of Christ and the peace, hope, joy, and love He brings. Download your FREE Advent Guide here. This week, we focus on love—the great love of God that sent Jesus to us.God’s love is deep, unfailing, and unearned. It’s a love that reaches beyond what we can comprehend and invites us to love Him in return—and to love others with that same grace. Our passage today, Psalm 36:5–9, reminds us that God’s love reaches to the heavens and that in His light we see light. As you meditate, you’ll be invited to rest in that love—to remember that it is constant, abundant, and freely given. Take a few quiet moments to breathe deeply and let His love settle into your heart. Helpful Links:Download your FREE Be Still Advent guide here.This journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Find out more information and purchase the Guided Retreat at https://www.jodieniznik.com/guided-retreat Additional links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Meditation Scripture: Psalm 36:5–9 (NIV) 5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,your faithfulness to the skies.6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,your justice like the great deep.You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.8 They feast on the abundance of your house;you give them drink from your river of delights.9 For with you is the fountain of life;in your light we see light. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In the final week of our Advent series, we explore love as the gift of understanding. After three weeks of learning about hope, peace, and joy through the lens of our instincts, we arrive at what matters most: choosing to understand your partner's instinctual needs instead of judging their behavior. When you see that your SP spouse isn't being cheap but protecting security, that your SO spouse isn't people-pleasing but creating belonging, or that your SX spouse isn't being needy but protecting intimacy, everything shifts. This episode recaps the four-week journey and invites you into a practice of choosing curiosity over blame, understanding over fixing, and compassion over criticism. If you've been following along this Advent season, this is where it all comes together, the gift you can give your spouse this Christmas and every day after. Watch on YouTube! https://www.enneagramandmarriage.com/deeper-dives Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EnneagramandMarriage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Love what you're learning on E + M? Make sure you leave us a podcast review so others can find us, too⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Christa's Best-Selling Book, The Enneagram in Marriage, here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/df8SxVx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preacher: Jason Min Title: Advent: Worship Sermon Series: Advent Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV)

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!Is the hustle of the holidays making it hard to hear God’s voice? In this special Christmas meditation, Jaime invites you to pause and embrace the holy work of waiting during Advent. In a world wired for instant gratification, waiting can feel like a burden, but Jaime reveals how the entire Gospel story—and the Christmas season itself—is steeped in patience. She challenges the fear that God’s silence means He is absent, offering a fresh perspective on how to trust His plan when the answer hasn't come yet. Drawing from Biblical Christmas stories, Jaime explores the tension of waiting on God's promises. She reflects on the 400 "silent years" before Christ's birth and the incredible suspense of Mary’s pregnancy, illustrating how God is often working behind the scenes long before we see the results. She also cautions against taking "spiritual shortcuts"—like Abraham and Sarah did—urging listeners to trust God’s perfect timing rather than settling for less than His best in their relationships or careers just to end the wait. If you are struggling with unanswered prayers, loneliness, or the weight of past mistakes this holiday, this episode offers a gentle message of Christmas hope and redemption. Jaime reminds us that God delights in blessing us right in the "messy middle" of our circumstances. Tune in to shift your focus from the frustration of delay to the peace of Jesus, finding courage in surrender and the assurance that God is actively working on your behalf this Christmas.Get "Wonder of the Greatest Gift" advent book with ornaments by Ann Voskamp (mentioned in this episode) here! Discover More: Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Connect with Us: Stay updated and engage with our community: On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Given on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, 2025.

Thirty years ago, Matthew Klein escaped a fire that killed his family. He's been running ever since. Now, with five doors left on a cursed advent calendar and a demon named Zurvan orchestrating chaos across Marshport, the flames have finally caught up. His friends are dead. His wife believes him a liar. His son has been poisoned by demonic whispers. And as Christmas Eve draws near—the culmination of Zurvan's ancient celebration—Matt realizes the demon needs a new host. Someone close. Someone vulnerable. Get the print version of the novel: https://weirddarkness.com/AdventOfEvil#WeirdDarkness #ChristmasHorror #HolidayHorror #SupernaturalThriller #HauntedCalendar #DarkChristmas #HorrorStory #DemonicEvil #CreepyTales #YuletideTerror

What does the star have to do with your soul? What does it mean to "make room" in your heart?In this episode, Josh and Christi each offer a personal Christmas reflection and message to you, our Famous at Home family.  May this Christmas be filled with wonder and awe for you and your family. Merry Christmas from Famous at Home!Show Notes: Register for Tender & Fierce 2026! https://www.famousathome.com/tenderandfierce Want a marriage you love in 2026? Fill out this form and we'll be in touch: https://www.famousathome.com/loveyourmarriage Sign up for our email list and Famous at Home Starter Bundle: https://www.famousathome.com/newsletter Download NONAH's single Find My Way Home by clicking here: https://bellpartners.ffm.to/findmywayhome

For this week of Advent, Pastor Jeff Henderson reflects on the silence between Malachi and Matthew and how God is still present and at work even when He feels absent.

Dive into the heart of Advent with Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner as he explores the profound meaning of love that stays. This episode unravels the essence of Advent love — a presence that refuses to distance, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. Join us in embracing a love that transforms through vulnerability and presence, inviting us to remain faithful and connected. Perfect for leaders seeking inspiration and depth in their spiritual journey.Advent love, presence, vulnerability, Isaiah, Romans, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner, faith, connection, transformationTakeawaysAdvent love is about presence, not power.God's love is embodied, not abstract.Presence transforms fear into trust.Advent invites us to remain faithful.Love is entering pain without abandoning it.God's answer to fear is presence, not domination.Advent love is quiet and transformative.Presence matters more than ever in a noisy world.Faith is trust lived out, not mere agreement.God's love invites response, not control.Mentioned in this episode:Peace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnershipPeace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnership

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Four: Welcoming Christ with a Heart Fully Awake DAY 22 – Mercy “His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.” Luke 1.50 RSV Mercy is the tenderness ... Read more The post Day 22 – Mercy – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on Mary as the faithful woman prepared from all ages to receive the Word made flesh. Through her obedience, God enters human history in a new and intimate way. The Incarnation is presented not only as an event in the past, but as a living reality that continues through those united to Christ. Drawing from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, Msgr. Esseff speaks about incorporation into Christ through baptism and the call to live as Christ in the world today. The post The 4th Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Read OnlineMary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior… He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.”  Luke 1:46; 52–53The last two sentences quoted from our Blessed Mother's song of praise give us much to ponder. She, who is the Mother of God and full of grace, rejoiced that God “cast the mighty down from their thrones” and “the rich he sent away empty.” It's understandable that she rejoiced in God Who “has lifted up the lowly” and “has filled the hungry with good things,” but the first two statements might give us pause.In this context, when people are “mighty” and “rich,” we must understand this to mean those who act in a self-sufficient way, not recognizing their need for God. This tendency is easy to fall into. It is especially tempting for those who are successful in life. Without a deep prayer life and awareness of God's activity in our lives, we can easily fall into the trap of thinking that we are in charge of our own destiny. When this happens, the most merciful thing God can do for us is to cast us down from our self-sufficient throne and send us away to experience the emptiness of our worldly riches. The key to happiness in life is not attaining great power or riches.The key is found in humility, by which we recognize our absolute need for and dependence on God. Why? Because as the great Saint Augustine wrote in his book Confessions, “You have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You, oh Lord.”Would you be happier if you were rich or poor? Powerful or powerless? Famous or unknown? These questions cannot be answered because neither riches nor poverty, power nor powerlessness, fame nor obscurity have anything to do with true happiness. Though each person falling into any of these categories can find happiness, the categories themselves do not determine that happiness. True happiness comes by discovering God within one's spiritual poverty and hunger. When we perceive our souls correctly, we will understand Saint Augustine's famous quote. We will realize that God alone fulfills us, and that doing His will enables us to become who we were created to be. When that discovery happens, we will hunger and thirst for God, and doing the will of God will become the all-consuming desire of our souls. Our God, in His great mercy and love for us, loves such a humble and hungry soul, lavishing spiritual riches upon it. Reflect today on the intense interior fulfillment our Blessed Mother had. She did not live in a lavish castle with numerous servants. She was not the governor of her town, exercising great temporal power. But she was happy beyond what we can imagine because in her lowliness, humility, and hunger for God, she found perfect satisfaction. As you ponder her happiness, seek her intercession and strive to follow her example, no matter what temporal or worldly situation you find yourself in. Dearest Mother Mary, you rejoiced and proclaimed God's greatness, not because of any material or passing blessings God gave you but because of the spiritual richness you possessed within your soul. Please pray for me, that I will discover God's presence in my life as the true source of fulfillment and will hunger for Him with every desire of my soul. Mother Mary, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Magnificat by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO to this reflection from Fr. Ron

Fr. Patrick Setto - 3rd Sunday of Advent 2025 by Chaldean Diocese

Fr. Matthew Zetouna - 4th Sunday of Advent 2025 by Chaldean Diocese

Fr. Pierre Konja - 4th Sunday of Advent 2025 by Chaldean Diocese

Advent 3, 2025. Isaiah's prophecy speaks of a day when God will arrive with vengeance, but then what that God does looks far more like the ministry of Jesus than it does of wrath and mayhem. This sermon looks at Jesus as the arrival of God's goodness, and the road he has us on as the way of heaven on the earth. Paul White preaching from The Garden Church of the Midlands in Irmo, SC.

This is Wade's sermon at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI for the second Advent Vespers. The text is Matthew 1:18-25. We'd love to have you join us at Resurrection for a Sunday service sometime at 9am. As always, if you are enjoying the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, or TuneIn Radio. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.  And, of course, share us with a friend or two! If you'd like to contact us we can be reached at podcast@LetTheBirdFly.com, or visit our website at www.LetTheBirdFly.com. Thanks for listening!

Isaiah 55 Advent    

Christmas invites us into the ancient tradition of Advent, a season of anticipation that points to both the birth of Jesus and His promised return. We are reminded that Christmas is more than tradition; it is a divine rescue story. In our brokenness and need, God sent His Son, the light of the world, to bring forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life. As recipients of that grace, we are called to remember Christ's coming and reflect His light together as a community marked by love and hope in a dark world. Speaker: Brad Bell

God with us brings love.

From Genesis to John, this sermon traces the story of a God who creates out of delight, draws near in love, and refuses to give up on his people—even when he's rejected. When humanity writes itself out of the story through sin, God writes himself in through Jesus, becoming flesh to bring us back home. This is Christmas: love made visible, inviting us to receive Christ and carry his light into the world.Catch the sermon on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or bridge.tv/sermons.To support this ministry and help us continue our God given mission, click here: http://bit.ly/2NZkdrC Support the show

  Sermon Title: Advent: Saviour Promised Series: Advent Passage: Isaiah 11:1, Micah 5:2-5, 2 Samuel 7:11-16 Speaker: Christ de Monye   Full Service: https://youtu.be/9oAXzcgs7aE Apple Podcast: http://thisisvillage.church/podcast/apple Spotify Podcast: http://thisisvillage.church/podcast/spotify   Your Next Steps: http://thisisvillagechurch.com/nextsteps Village Kids Online: http://villagekids.online Give: https://thisisvillagechurch.com/give   Website: https://thisisvillagechurch.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillageChurch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisvillagechurch/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/thisisvillage TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisvillagechurch.com  

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 24, 29, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: Genesis 3:8-15, The Rev. Gia Hayes-Martin, First Canticle: 11, New Testament: Revelation 12:1-10, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Second Canticle: 16, Gospel: John 3:16-21, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.

This is the Sunday evening liturgy during the season of Advent for the Compline podcast from the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University. For more about the Center for Worship and the Arts, as well as the resources we provide, visit us at https://www.samford.edu/worship-arts/.CREDITS:© 2020 Center for Worship and the Arts, Samford University.Engineered and produced by Wen Reagan for the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University.SPOKEN WORD:Wen Reagan, Stacy Love, Tracy Hanrahan, Meagan Kennedy, Pierce Moffett, Eden Walker.MUSIC:“Compline #6 - Advent” by Wen Reagan, © 2020 Sursum Corda Music (BMI).“How Long?” by Emily Hanrahan, © 2020 Emily Hanrahan.“The Son Forsook the Father's Home” by Samuel John Stone and Bruce Benedict, © 2010 Cardiphonia Music, CCLI # 6571188.TEXTS:The liturgical words for this podcast series include original phrasings, but were primarily curated and designed from several public domain sources, including “An Order for Compline” from the Anglican and Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and collects collected from Grace Cathedral and the University of Notre Dame.SOUNDS:The following sound effects were used in this podcast series and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA."Door, Front, Opening, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org."Door, Front, Closing, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org.“06 – Crackling Candle.wav” by 14GPanskaLetko_Dominik of Freesound.org.“Lights a Candle Light with a Match” by straget of Freesound.org.The following sound effects were used in this podcast series and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.“Soft Shoes Walking on a Dirt Road” by Nagwense of Freesound.org.“Match Being Lit.wav” by Jeanet_Henning of

Ericka Graham reflects on the candle of love and what it means to truly see one another as God sees us. Ericka explores how love multiplies when it is shared, how stories move us to action, and how faith calls us to run toward people in their lowest moments rather than away.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

In this episode, host Jessica Woodbury returns for a special Christmas episode interviewing Maxine Hanks on the significance of Mary in the Christmas narrative. They discuss the importance of Advent as a time for personal reflection and spiritual growth, highlighting the metaphor of light emerging from darkness, or the spiritual womb. The conversation delves into the historical context of Christian Holy Days and how they can serve as spiritual practices, encouraging listeners to connect with the divine through rituals. Maxine also emphasizes that Mary's identity extends beyond motherhood, offering insights into her life through the Genesis of Mary, an apocryphal text. They delve into Mary's divine calling and her role as a priestess and prophetess. Additionally, they reflect on the concept of Mary as a queen and her connection to the divine feminine, as well as the idea of Sophia as a representation of higher femininity. The conversation encourages listeners to contemplate their own spiritual journeys and the divine light waiting to be born within them during the Christmas season.Maxine Hanks is on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mormonfeminisms

Officiant: Fr. Wiley Ammons, Psalm(s): Psalm 8, 84, Laura Ammons, Old Testament: Genesis 3:8-15, The Rev. Gia Hayes-Martin, First Canticle: 15, New Testament: Revelation 12:1-10, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Second Canticle: 17, Gospel: John 3:16-21, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Laura Ammons, used by permission.

On this fourth week of Advent, we reflect on what it truly means to behold. We explore a familiar passage of Scripture that invites us to slow down, pay attention, and focus on what matters most. Scripture Referenced: John 1:29

Friends of the Rosary,Today, December 21, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, marks the final week of waiting before Christmas, symbolizing Love, the ultimate gift of God, sending his Son, Jesus, to save humanity.This Sunday sees the lighting of the fourth candle on the Advent wreath (often called the "Angel Candle").As we await Christ's birth and anticipate his second coming, we reflect upon God's great love and His promise of fulfillment, bringing hope, peace, and joy.As the Angel told Joseph in a dream (and we read in the Gospel today, in Matthew 1;18-24), the Son of God is the one who saves his people from their sins.He will conquer humanity through the irresistible power of love, the same power with which he made the universe.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New York• ⁠December 21, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

DAY 21 — Good FridayThe manger leads to the cross, where Jesus carried our sin and opened the way back to God. Today we stand at Calvary and reflect on the darkest day that became the world's brightest hope. Why is the death of Jesus truly “good”? Advent helps us see Christmas in the shadow of the cross.

A new telling of a classic tale based on Slavic folklore, this special Three Ravens winter story is our bonus mini series for Advent 2025.Split into 21 parts, with one released every day up to Midwinter, the tale follows Vasilisa, a young girl who is uprooted from her life and thrown into adventures which carry her through the dark forest to find herself.Vasilisa reaches home at last...The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays, plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the profound intersection of science and spirituality, particularly as it pertains to the concept of light. We engage in an enlightening dialogue with Dick Foth, who shares his insights on the significance of light both as a scientific phenomenon and as a metaphorical representation of hope and divine presence. Throughout our discussion, we explore the multifaceted nature of light, its essential role in the universe, and its profound implications during the Christmas season, a time often associated with illumination and reflection. As we traverse this topic, we aim to draw connections between the scientific understanding of light and its spiritual connotations, emphasizing its importance in our lives and its capacity to bring clarity in times of darkness. Ultimately, we hope this conversation serves as an encouragement to our listeners, especially during this reflective season, to contemplate the illuminating power of light in both the physical and spiritual realms.Takeaways: The podcast emphasizes the significance of light as a metaphor for life, hope, and clarity. A conversation with Dick Foth illustrates how light serves as God's signature in the universe. The discussion includes how light is essential for life, both physically and spiritually, especially during the Christmas season. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their relationships and connections as sources of light in times of darkness.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent, we take one final familiar image from the Advent story, the miraculous virgin birth, and strive to see it through Old Testament eyes, examining other miraculous births in Scripture for what they might reveal about the coming of Jesus. Read Luke 1:26-38 and thanks for listening!