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The True Story Behind Zurvan - The Demon From The Novel, "Advent of Evil"In Persian Mithraism, there was a deity associated with time and fate. His followers celebrated him during mid-winter festivals — festivals that reached their peak on December 24th. In the novel Advent of Evil, that deity appears as a demon who operates through a cursed advent calendar, enforcing strict rules: one door opened every day, no skipping, no ignoring. Break the rules, and there are consequences. Researchers tracing the object's history in the novel found it connected to a spirit board, a serial killer, a Christmas Eve fire, and thirty years of patient waiting. How much of the demon Zurvan has any basis in actual ancient mythology — and was there ever a real entity behind the fiction? We'll examine what archaeologists found on clay tablets dating back over three thousand years.CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = The Demon In The Advent Calendar00:05:13.171 = Show Open00:06:33.462 = A Thousand Years of Sacrifice00:18:20.446 = *** The Lion-Headed God In The Vatican00:41:40.408 = *** Kill Them All01:05:08.640 = *** The God Who Doesn't Care01:12:21.326 = Show Close*** = Begins immediately after inserted ad breakPRINT VERSION to READ or SHARE (Includes Sources):https://weirddarkness.com/zurvan=====(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: December 27, 2025EPISODE PAGE (includes sources): https://weirddarkness.com/zurvanABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all things strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold cases, conspiracy theories, and more. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “20 Best Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a blend of “Coast to Coast AM”, “The Twilight Zone”, “Unsolved Mysteries”, and “In Search Of”.DISCLAIMER: Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.#WeirdDarkness #AncientMythology #PersianMythology #Zoroastrianism #ChristmasOrigins #OccultHistory #AncientDemons #DarkHistory #MysteryReligions #WinterSolstice #Zurvan #AdventOfEvil
The Trump-appointed board of the Kennedy Center has sent a scathing letter with notice of a forthcoming million dollar lawsuit to the lead jazz musician who canceled a decades long Christmas Eve concert in protest of the decision to put President Trump’s name on the building. Meantime, a member of Congress has now sued the Trump administration for what she calls the illegal name change and two other members of Congress have introduced legislation to try and prevent a sitting president from naming any Federal asset after themselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Trump-appointed board of the Kennedy Center has sent a scathing letter with notice of a forthcoming million dollar lawsuit to the lead jazz musician who canceled a decades long Christmas Eve concert in protest of the decision to put President Trump’s name on the building. Meantime, a member of Congress has now sued the Trump administration for what she calls the illegal name change and two other members of Congress have introduced legislation to try and prevent a sitting president from naming any Federal asset after themselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Trump-appointed board of the Kennedy Center has sent a scathing letter with notice of a forthcoming million dollar lawsuit to the lead jazz musician who canceled a decades long Christmas Eve concert in protest of the decision to put President Trump’s name on the building. Meantime, a member of Congress has now sued the Trump administration for what she calls the illegal name change and two other members of Congress have introduced legislation to try and prevent a sitting president from naming any Federal asset after themselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if the miracle you're searching for this Christmas isn't found in magic, movies, or moments—but in a Person who came on a rescue mission for you? Christmas Eve reminds us of the stories we love—families reunited, wrongs made right, purpose restored. But the real miracle of Christmas isn't nostalgia or sentimentality. It's Jesus: fully God, fully man, the Messiah who came to reconcile us to the Father. In this powerful message, Pastor Joby walks through John 1 and the breathtaking reality of the Word becoming flesh—the God who spoke the universe into existence becoming small enough for us to know. Jesus came lowly and gentle, not with magic but with authority, compassion, and purpose. He thirsted, yet walked on water. He bled, yet healed with a touch. He died, yet rose again—so that we could have peace with God. If you've ever wondered whether God is both big enough to rule the cosmos and personal enough to love you, this message is for you. What would change in your life if you went all-in with Jesus this year?
Why Christmas? Discover the answer to that question in Waxer's Christmas Eve message. Reading from Isaiah 7:14, this message explores the profound promise given to the world: Immanuel, God with us. Spoken nearly 700 years before Jesus' birth, Isaiah's prophecy reveals that God's answer to fear was not strategy or strength, but His presence. Through the miracle of the virgin birth, God stepped directly into human history, declaring that salvation would come not by human effort, but by divine intervention. Through Mary's faith and obedience, we are reminded that God's promises often come before understanding, and that blessing flows from belief in His promises. Before Jesus preached or performed miracles, His very presence proclaimed the gospel—God is not distant, but near, present, and faithful. Christmas is the assurance that God keeps His promises, that He is with us in every season, and that Jesus came not merely to improve our lives, but to make it possible for us to be with Him now and forever.
During our Christmas Eve gathering this year we looked at the story of Jesus in John 1. Because Jesus came we have hope in the midst of a troubled world and we get to carry that hope to the world. We reflect on the fact that Christmas is a time to have hope even if the world seems dark. We pray that as your family gathers you would remember all that Jesus did for us on the Cross, and the miracle that we serve a God who came to us. Merry Christmas Saints' Hill
The Trump-appointed board of the Kennedy Center has sent a scathing letter with notice of a forthcoming million dollar lawsuit to the lead jazz musician who canceled a decades long Christmas Eve concert in protest of the decision to put President Trump’s name on the building. Meantime, a member of Congress has now sued the Trump administration for what she calls the illegal name change and two other members of Congress have introduced legislation to try and prevent a sitting president from naming any Federal asset after themselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Support the show
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.
On this Christmas Eve, Pastor Eric invites us to see the familiar nativity story from a surprising angle—revealing Christmas as a cosmic battle, not just a sentimental holiday. Drawing from Revelation 12, this message shows how the birth of Jesus marks God's decisive rescue mission against evil, with heaven breaking into earth in a moment of ultimate victory. This sermon reframes Christmas as a story of hope, courage, and peace rooted in the truth that the battle has already been won.
Between Christmas and the New Year. Christmas is over. We've done Christmas Eve, Christmas day, Boxing Day... Now, we only have the New Year to see in. And then, it's time to look forward to the spring!
hopeforvermont.orgIG @livinghopewesleyanFB @hopeforvermont.org
On the night of December 4, we went to Watkinson School in Hartford, put 11 performers together on the stage there, and let them rock their way through 27 holiday- and holiday-adjacent classics. We’re turning that two-hour performance into two radio shows over the two holiday weeks. Part onepremiered on Christmas Eve. And this hour, live from the Foisie Family Amphitheater at Watkinson, it’s part two of our annual holiday spectacular! GUESTS: Jim Chapdelaine: Guitar and vocals, The Shinolas Atla DeChamplain: Vocals, Atla & Matt Matt DeChamplain: Piano, Atla & Matt Lorne Entress: Drums and vocals, The Shinolas Latanya Farrell: Vocals Jim Henry: Guitar and vocals, The Shinolas Paul Kochanski: Bass and vocals, The Shinolas Steve Metcalf: Piano Molly Sayles: Drums, Atla & Matt Tyler Sherman: Bass, Atla & Matt The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Noseletter, an email compendium of merriment, secrets, and ancient wisdom brought to you by The Colin McEnroe Show. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. Colin McEnroe, Maegn Boone, Robyn Doyon-Aitken, Megan Fitzgerald, and Lily Tyson contributed to this show.Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We hope you've been blessed + encouraged today by this message from our Christmas Eve service. For all updates + news, head to www.denverunited.com. For more information or to submit a prayer request, head to www.denverunited.com or email us at info@denverunited.com.
Series: His Name Shall BeScripture: Isaiah 9:1-7We hope you enjoyed listening to this message! If you'd like to stay updated on what God is doing at Citylight Council Bluffs, be sure to follow us:Citylight Council BluffsFacebookInstagramCitylight Council BluffsSunday Gatherings at 9:00 & 11:00 AM at 2109 Railroad Hwy, Council Bluffs, IA 51503Livestream at 9:00 AMIf you feel led to mail in a tithe, you can do so at: PO Box 1055 Council Bluffs, IA 51502Support the show
Jesus birth was only the beginning of an amazing redemption story. His coming brought the joy of reconnecting with God through Salvation. He also modeled a life of intimacy with the Father and showed a people living as orphans what the Father heart for them really was.
The Questions of Christmas Luke 2:1-20The Village Chapel - 12/24/2025From Mary to the magi, from shepherds to kings, the first witnesses to Christmas were caught between wonder and resistance, worship and fear. And in the middle of their questions stood an answer none of them could have imagined: God came near.This Christmas Eve, we'll rediscover how the Incarnation restores wonder to a weary world, redirects our worship to the God who stepped into our story, and compels us to bear witness to good news of great joy. Not advice about what we must do—but an announcement of what God has done. Come, stand rapt in awe once more at the story of that first Christmas.Join Pastor Jim as we take another look at one of the greatest mysteries of all time; how on that holy night, the birth of a child was the invasion of a King—and it still changes everything.To find more resources like these, follow us:Website: https://thevillagechapel.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQVTzDbaiXVUAm_mUBDCTJAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tvcnashville/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tvcnashvilleX: https://twitter.com/tvcnashvilleTo support the ongoing mission of The Village Chapel go to https://thevillagechapel.com/give/. If you are a regular giver, thank you for your continued faithfulness and generosity!
Christmas often finds us tired, burdened, and carrying quiet fears beneath the lights and songs. In this Christmas Eve message from Luke 2, we hear the angel's announcement spoken straight into the darkness: “Do not be afraid.” Discover how true joy doesn't come from changed circumstances, but from God's gracious action—sending His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, Messiah, and Lord. Into real fear, God brings peace. Into real darkness, God sends light.Mission Church — www.missionlasvegas.com
Christmas at FCC Isaiah 9:1-7 -- REACH Resources Visit the REACH webpage | https://www.fcchudson.com/reach -- GET CONNECTED! https://www.fcchudson.com and click Next Steps! --- Stay connected! Website: https://www.fcchudson.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fcchudson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fcchudson YouTube: https://bit.ly/3twyuMN Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-community-church-hudson/id1815577020 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uQLVXLr6cig3TEgPYSpDL?si=e0175be24e1141b2 #fcchudson #churchonline Take your next step with us! https://bit.ly/3IJv7f1
The Thrill of Hope - Christmas EveDecember 24, 2025Teacher: Pastor Dave BrownJoy turns into rejoicing.Look, Charlie, let's face it. We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket. — Lucy van Pelt In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. — Luke 2:1-20 I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. — Luke 2:10 The good news is that the one true God has now taken charge of the world…The ancient sickness that had crippled the whole world, and humans with it, has been cured at last, so that new life can rise up in its place. Life has come to life and is pouring out like a mighty river into the world, in the form of a new power, the power of love. The good news was, and is, that all this has happened in and through Jesus; that one day it will happen, completely and utterly, to all creation; and that we humans, every single one of us, whoever we are, can be caught up in that transformation here and now. — N.T. Wright Joy turns into rejoicing. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. — Luke 2:20 Feelings are great liars. If Christians worshipped only when they felt like it, there would be precious little worship. We think that if we don't feel something there can be no authenticity in doing it. But the wisdom of God says something different: that we can act ourselves into a new way of feeling much quicker than we can feel ourselves into a new way of acting. Worship is an act that develops feelings for God, not a feeling for God that is expressed in an act of worship. — Eugene Peterson
Sermon from Christmas Eve 2025 at Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville, FL.
This weekend's weather is causing some major headaches at Logan Airport. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Service says the fatal fire in Needham on Christmas Eve was accidental. One local farm is giving Christmas trees a new life. Stay in "The Loop" with WBZ NewsRadio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
W/C 22nd December 2025I am going to split Christmas 2025 into three categories, the more, the less and the same.In the more bucket we have family cultural experiences, with the triple whammy of the cinema, the theatre and the panto in a five day period bookending the big day. I would also throw into the more pot, jigsaw-time, food-prep and possibly running.The consistent category is food and drink, no question. The annual appearance of the cheese board has been most welcome, and there has been very little in the way of intake discipline since Christmas Eve. Slightly more red than white, equal parts savoury to sweet.And the less has been screen time, scheduled group TV moments and snoozing. I don't think I have had one nap this time around.Oh and matching Christmas Pyjamas, at no point has this even been considered, as an insta-moment or as going-out attire.Stay safe.The Boy in the Bubble - Paul SimonTherapy For Me (or TFM as I now refer to it) is a bit of an audio curiosity. It started out as a mechanism for me to clear my head, with the hope that by saying stuff out loud it would act as a little bit of self-help. It's remains loose in style, fluid in terms of content and raw - it's a one take, press record and see what happens, affair.If you want to keep in touch with TFM and the other stuff I do then please follow me on Facebook, Insta, Twitter or Patreon. Thanks for getting this far.
Verse by verse teaching of Luke 2:1-20 titled “Christ Born of Mary” by Pastor Kevin Edwards of Calvary Chapel Clayton, NC on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025.https://www.calvaryclayton.com
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The message of Christmas is that God really loves..."Nobody". That's the subject of the Christmas Eve episode of TURNING HOME.
Christmas Eve 2025 | What Christmas Means to a Shepherd : Significance | Rev. Jenny McDevitt by Shandon Presbyterian Church
Luke 2v4-7 with Tyler Staton At Christmas, we reflect on the birth of Jesus and what it reveals about God's love. From Abraham to the manger, this teaching invites us to consider belief as a personal response to a God who comes near and makes his home with us bridgetown.church/teaching
For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, download the WMAL app, visit WMAL.com or tune in live on WMAL-FM 105.9 from 9:00am-12:00pm Monday-Friday To join the conversation, check us out on Twitter @WMAL and @ChrisPlanteShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
President Trump took calls on Christmas Eve, and his interactions with the kids are hilarious. Plus, the US launches strikes on ISIS in Nigeria. Visit the Howie Carr Radio Network website to access columns, podcasts, and other exclusive content.
In this special Christmas Eve edition of The Right Side, Doug Billings sets politics aside to tell the one story that actually matters.Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25? Was it stolen from pagans—or rooted in something far deeper? From ancient Church history to the manger in Bethlehem, this episode dismantles modern myths and reveals the profound theological beauty behind the birth of Christ.This is the story of the night heaven touched earth… and why it still changes everything.Subscribe to Doug's YouTube Channel: @TheRightSideDougBillingsSupport the show
Happy Holidays. It's Christmas Eve and Santa has made Jeremy sick and kept Reid from sleeping. Reid saw Oscar contenders including Sentimental Value and Hamnet but remember how amazing Phantom Thread is? Other topics include the fennel cake results and cookie stuff.◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠➩ WEBSITE ◦YOUTUBE ◦ INSTAGRAM ➩ SUPPORT:✨VIA VENMO!✨ or PATREON➩ REID ◦ JEREMY ◦ JACK◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠◠➩ withdanceandstuff@gmail.com
Christmas Eve 2025 Luke 2:1-20 Wednesday, December 24, 2025 The Rev. Andrew DeFusco, Rector Church of the Redeemer, Nashville, TN www.Redeemer-Nashville.net
Millions of Californians are under a state of emergency this Christmas Day as a deadly storm batters the Golden State with heavy flooding and high winds, with more severe weather on the way. Some residents are evacuating, while others are sheltering at home.Pope Leo delivered his first Christmas Day address at the Vatican Thursday, calling for an end to global conflicts, with particular emphasis on Ukraine and the Middle East. Meanwhile, Christians in Lebanon and Syria marked Christmas even as military clashes continue in both countries.On Christmas Eve, President Donald Trump surprised children by answering NORAD Santa calls. He also spoke with U.S. service members to thank them for their service, and to acknowledge the sacrifices they and their families make when duty separates them during the holiday season.
On our festive edition of the podcast, we have a good old chat about Christmas week in Weatherfield, covering the episodes of Corrie shown between the 22nd and the 26th December (Episodes #11,753 - 11,758). Christmas time is here, and you know what? It just wouldn't be the same without erratic broadcast schedules, cheesy opening music montages and a big old dollop of misery splatting down onto pretty much everyone unfortunate enough to live on Coronation Street. This year saw the showrunners putting most of their rotten eggs in the Driscolls' basket, with a family meal for the Street's newest residents turning pungent thanks to the mean-spirited machinations of manipulative Maggie. Meanwhile, Carla's having a pretty rubbish Christmas too after being kidnapped by Becky, who takes the opportunity to seduce Lisa into bed in her partner's absence - is it all over for Swarla? Also this week, Abi makes a shocking discovery about Carl and James, Sally gives Joanine and Shanice a Christmas Eve to remember and the Platts get a festive message from Gail. Unsurprisingly, there's not really been anything worth reporting on in terms of Corrie news this week, but we've still had plenty of feedback from listeners, so we round off the podcast with that. Street Talk - 00:12:00 Feedback - 03:13:45
In this Christmas Eve message, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund challenges our familiar assumptions by showing from John 8:36 that Christmas isn't a religious event—it's the announcement of freedom through Jesus Christ. Whether you've walked the straight and narrow your whole life or wandered far away, discover how the gospel offers real freedom from fear, pretending, and the exhausting treadmill of trying to earn God's love.Message Summary & Transcript - https://www.orchardhillchurch.com/blog-post/2025/12/25/christmas-eve-2025Subscribe to Orchard Hill Plus! - https://orchardhillplus.buzzsprout.com/shareConnect with Orchard Hill ChurchWebsite | https://www.orchardhillchurch.comMobile App | https://https://www.orchardhillchurch.com/appYouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/OrchardHillChurchPAFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/orchardhillchurch/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/orchardhillchurch/Twitter | https://twitter.com/orchard_hill
On Christmas Eve, we remember that God did not come with power or spectacle, but with a heartbeat. In the quiet vulnerability of a tiny heart, Jesus chose less so we could receive true peace—with God, within ourselves, and with one another.
Learn how by mid-December, 1776, the American Revolution was in desperate straits. Explore that after a series of defeats, the American Army had retreated through New Jersey and was stationed in Pennsylvania — with the British Army across the Delaware River. The Continental Army was on the verge of utter collapse.Overconfident, the British went into Winter Quarters. Congress gave George Washington enormous authority, and Washington used the lull in fighting and his new power to reorganize and strengthen his troops. Washington and his officers designed a daring attack on Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey. Before the battle, Washington inspired the troops through the reading of Thomas Paine's American Crisis. Follow Washington's troops through the winter storm, the crossing of the nearly frozen Delaware River, an arduous march, and the pitched battle. The fate of the new nation depends on it.Through divine intervention, Washington was able to mount a surprise attack on the hated Hessian troops in Trenton, winning an improbable victory, which became a critical turning point in the war.Highlights include David Hackett Fisher, Washington's Crossing, James McPherson, Christmas 1776, Delaware River, Hessian soldiers, Trenton New Jersey, Your Excellency, Battle of Bunker Hill, Battle of Long Island a/k/a the Battle of Brooklyn a/k/a/ the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, Continental Army, Brooklyn Heights, Battle of Harlem Heights, New York City, Thomas Paine, Common Sense, General Charles Lee, General William Howe, The American Crisis, Federalist Papers, Pennsylvania Journal, Second Continental Congress, Henry Steel Commager, Richard B. Morris, James Gant, Colonel Johann Rall, Colonel Joseph Reed, militia, Hessians, Hanoverians, Mechlenburghers, Christmas Day, Fifer John Greenwood, General James Ewing, Colonel John Cadwalader, Highlanders, General Israel Putnam, Christmas Eve, American Crisis No. 1, “These are the times that try men's souls,” Lieutenant Andreas Von Wiederholdt, Major Friedrich von Dechow, Captain Thomas Rodney, Daniel Hitchcock, Lieutenant Widerholdt, Victory or Death!, Sergeant Madden, General Nathanael Greene, Captain William Hull, the first use of synchronized watches to time a military battle, Captain George Wallis, Adam Stephens, Virginia's Fourth Regiment, Major John Sullivan, artillery barrage, future President James Monroe, General Henry Knox, Battle of Trenton, and many others.To learn more about George Washington the American Revolution & Patriot Week, visit www.PatriotWeek.org. Our resources include videos, a TV series, blogs, lesson plans, and more.Check out Judge Michael Warren's upcoming new book, The Revolutionary Words that Forged America - The Definitive Guide to the Declaration of Independence (Republic Books 2026), available for pre-order on amazon.com (release date, April 14, 2026).Merry Christmas!
This Christmas Eve message invites us into a profound truth that transcends tradition: Christmas isn't primarily about what we give, but about what God gave. Drawing from Luke 2 and John's declaration that 'the Word became flesh,' we're reminded that Jesus represents heaven's collision with earth—God stepping into our fractured, hurting world not because we deserved it, but because we desperately needed it. The sermon explores the three gifts of the Magi—frankincense pointing to Jesus as our high priest, myrrh revealing him as our suffering servant, and gold declaring him as king—yet redirects our focus to the ultimate gift: Jesus himself. What makes this gift extraordinary is its permanence in a world where everything else fades. While other presents create moments, Jesus creates life. The challenge presented is both simple and profound: a gift can be given yet never received. We can admire Jesus from a distance, appreciate the Christmas story culturally, without ever truly opening our lives to him. The invitation echoes Jesus' own words in Matthew 11:28—'Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Christmas isn't God adding weight to our already heavy lives; it's Jesus offering to carry that weight with us. We don't need to clean ourselves up first or fix our brokenness before approaching him. Like the shepherds who came as they were, we're invited to receive this gift in our current state—with our fears, wounds, regrets, and uncertainties fully exposed.Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@CelebrateChurchCelebrateChurch is led by Pastor Noah Rollins.Our vision is for people to MEET JESUS so they can go out and BE JESUS.Stay Connected! Visit us at 1000 South Sycamore Avenue in Sioux Falls, SD.Website: https://www.celebrate.church/CelebrateChurch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CelebrateSF/Celebrate Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebrate.church
Send JD a text message and be heard!KOLEK! Love @companyadjace @donna.fender saying that looks like @tchalamet in the pic. You are correct Donna! @rob.p1156 believes the @nyknicks have what it takes to win an #nba title! @tyler_kolek is playing well too. 21-9 overall and 15-2 @thegarden so far. @mrobinson23_ a rebounding machine. Wow so @jamesnnaji_ an NBA draftee in 2023 only played in summer league games & is eligible to go back to college & picked @baylormbb where he could suit up @tcumbb January 3rd. Knicks still hold his draft rights. @maryallen_14 taking her talents to @colbywomensbasketball & was recruited by @_coachsam_ whose Dad I met on Christmas Eve & would love Coach on a future show. Small world. @paddy_bailey @thomaswdonovan @call_me_tca_prez @brianbarnaby @kevdu_theman @matty_boy18 & @rho212 your @okcthunder have now lost to the @spurs three times in a row. #nflplayoffs are shaping up @will_ujones your @detroitlionsnfl go from 16-1 last year to 8-8 this year. Highly disappointing season. @nyjets Barns & Matty not Aaron Glenn fans. Should they trade up to go after @fernandomendoza or use the picks to fix the many holes? @jbrissett7 @malikwillis & @jaredgoff would make me very happy next year under center. Fifteen years no playoffs it's not changing overnight. @acastanio glad they fixed that wrong and are letting you kick for a chance at 100K. This organization just can't get things right. Paddy hopes @packers take care of @ravens sans @new_era8 tomorrow & wrap up #afcnorth tomorrow. @umichfootball got a proven winner in @utahcoachwhitt five yesterday contract. Now we see if @19bryce.__ stays or goes. @mets @yankees very quiet #fantasyfootball & #sportstrivia too.All sports. One podcast. (even hockey) PODCAST LINK ON ITUNES: http://bit.ly/JDTSPODCAST
CURRENT SERIES - Arrival: A Journey Through the Season of Expectation This Advent, we invite you to pause, reflect, and prepare your heart for the coming of Christ through our series Arrival. In a world marked by uncertainty, division, and constant noise, we yearn for signs that God is still breaking through—still showing up in unexpected ways to make good on ancient promises. Arrival explores the profound truth that God doesn't wait for perfect conditions to enter our lives. Hope arrives in seasons of waiting. Peace arrives amid chaos. Joy arrives independent of our circumstances. Love arrives in the most inhospitable places. And Light arrives to dispel every darkness. Over four weeks, we'll journey through the themes of Advent with fresh eyes, discovering that Christ's arrival isn't just a historical event we commemorate—it's an ongoing reality we can experience today.
On the HAT Podcast C.J. Miller and Greg Allen have the news including a look at the 2026 trade deficit projection and planning your weed control program for the coming season. HAT Chief Meteorologist Ryan Martin's Indiana Farm Forecast includes clouds and a mix of conditions in the coming days, and during the short Christmas Eve session Wednesday, grain and oilseed markets posted some nice gains. Andy Eubank has settlements and analyst Tom Fritz has commentary. It's all part of the #HATPodcast, made possible by First Farmers Bank & Trust - proudly serving local farms, families, and agribusiness for 140 years. Visit them online at FFBT.com to learn more.
Christmas Eve 2025 by First Pres Kingwood
Speaker: Rustin Smith --- Where the streets still have names.
Thank you for listening. Take a look at the sermon notes of this message on the church website: https://www.gatewayfranklin.com/sermonsTo find out more about Gateway Franklin Church, visit us at gatewayfranklin.com or join us online each week at gatewayfranklin.online.