Podcasts about christmas god

Christmas- God came for you by David Antwi

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12/15/24 Christmas - God is With Us by Heritage Church

POV Christmas, part 4

Ponder the meaning of young Jesus' teaching in the temple with The Reverend Amanda Bourne in a reflection for the First Sunday of Christmas. Listen to her reflection and find out more about Advent and Christmas at Westminster Abbey at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/services-times/advent-and-christmas/

In this message, Dr. John reflects on the powerful moment when God broke into human history through the birth of Jesus. The humble birth in Bethlehem was not just a historical event—it was the beginning of God's plan to bring salvation to the world. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the significance of this moment, where God's love and grace entered our world in the most unexpected way, offering hope and peace to all.A Well-Researched Christmas: You can't tell the story of the birth of Jesus without telling the story of impossible problems, political intrigue and a great ancient promise being fulfilled among unsuspecting people. It's a hope so real and solid and explains why this amazing story of Christmas never gets old and will not pass away. In this 10-message Christmas series, Dr. John Neufeld unpacks the first two chapters of the book of Luke.

Luke 2:1-20In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah,* the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,* praising God and saying,‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!'*When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.' So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Christmas has a way of feeling extraordinary. All the gathering, feasting, and laughing — it's a day when memories are made and traditions are cherished. For many of us, it's the kind of day that feels just right, filled with a sense of joy and meaning that lingers long after the wrapping paper is cleared away. And nearly every year, as the lights glow and the laughter fades, I find myself asking the same question the late great theologian Elvis Presley asked: “Why can't every day be like Christmas?”And if not every day, what about most days, or even more days than not? Because in reality most of our days are not like Christmas. Most of them are quite ordinary, mundane even. Of course, there are valley and mountain-top moments, but the sum of those days pales in comparison to the days we would consider routine. Or at least that's how my life has felt lately; not in a bad way, but if my days were put into a novel, you wouldn't pick it up, or at least not twice. They aren't quite boring, because I'm not sure life with a “near two-year-old” can ever be called such. But when I reflect on the best moments of my life—the memories I cherish most or the life I aspire to live—it doesn't look like the majority of my days. Most days feel unimportant in comparison. Get up, help get everyone off to where they need to go, go to work, come home, make dinner, say I'll clean or read but do neither, go to bed, and do it all over again. Does this sound familiar?Yet, what if those ordinary days aren't unimportant at all? What if those moments, mundane as they seem, are exactly where God chooses to meet us?One of those nights while I was neither cleaning nor reading and the babe was asleep, this video stopped my scrolling. It made me question what I was seeing. Take a look: Thomas Deininger is an artist who lives on a farm in Rhode Island. In his early twenties, he went on a surfing trip to some remote islands in the Pacific. While there, he was shocked to see all the trash and plastic washed up on the beaches. At the time, he was a painter, but when he returned home, he couldn't get the image of all that garbage out of his head and wanted to do something about it. So he began scouring beaches, parks, and dumpsters, collecting trash, particularly pieces of nostalgia: toys, cassette tapes, old phones. And from this waste, he started creating beautiful, mind-altering sculptures of the creatures endangered from that same trash.These works start with an illusion. At first, you see a brilliant, yet familiar sight: a parrot in all its colorful splendor. Then as you step to the side, the illusion shatters and you see something you never expected; what you once thought was the head of a beautiful bird becomes bottle caps, action figures, plastic netting, and a floppy disk. Step closer and the scene turns bizarre. The whole thing is made up of material you never expected, put together in ways that make no sense. “I am fascinated with perspective and illusion,” Thomas said in an interview. “I value finding potential in the mundane and the overlooked.”Deininger's work shows us that beauty can come from what's overlooked, what's forgotten, what seems like trash. This is the lens of Christmas: God's ability to take what seems ordinary—even broken—and create something extraordinary.Consider the nativity. At first glance, it's serene and familiar: Mary cradles her sleeping, or at least content, baby, Joseph gazes with admiration. The shepherds gather to see what had been told them, and the animals crowd around too. It is a beautiful, picturesque scene.But step to the side, come closer, and see it differently. Mary, a young, unwed, lowly woman with no great characteristics or influence, travels with her not-yet-husband Joseph, a poor carpenter, to Bethlehem, a tiny, impoverished town in the hills of Judea, to give birth in a room where the animals stayed, and places her fragile, newborn baby in a feed trough, surrounded by animals and shady shepherds from the nearby fields. You see, when we step to the side just a bit, this pristine, beautiful image of the nativity transforms and we see Jesus' birth from a new perspective: God chose to come among us through ordinary, overlooked people in a forgotten, unimportant place.And then if we look closer still, the whole thing becomes bizarre, because that baby lying in the manger, swaddled and helpless, is none other than God. The almighty, ever-powerful, Creator of the heavens and the earth, chose to give it all up to live with us as a poor peasant from Palestine. God in the manger doesn't just show us humility; it shows us that no part of life is too small, no person too ordinary, for God to transform it into something sacred.God takes unimportant people, an overlooked place, and weaves them together in ways we never expect to create something remarkable—Jesus Christ the Savior of the World.The good news of Christmas is that God does the same with us. Like those sculptures made of discarded toys and plastic, God takes the scattered, seemingly insignificant pieces of our lives—our routines, our mistakes, even our struggles—and transforms them into something beautiful and life-giving. In the people we overlook, in the places we least expect, in the seemingly unimportant days after all the gatherings and festivities, the Christmas story tells us this is exactly where God chooses to come among us. In our rising and our resting, our labor and our leisure, there is more than what meets the eye. God is in the faces we love and the strangers we meet. There is hope in the children we care for, grace in the routines we endure, light even in the darkest places.The Christmas message comes to tell us that how we see this life of ours is all wrong. What we take to be unimportant or worthless is really beautiful and purposeful because it comes from God. Our eyes are at fault, that is all. God is in the manger. Beauty in routine, strength in weakness, meaning in the mundane.The gift I pray you receive this Christmas is a new perspective — to step to the side, to come closer and to find God's grace in the routines and messiness of your life. Because the good news is this: God is already there, waiting to transform it all into something beautiful. Amen

Christmas Day

In this final episode in our Advent “Make Room” Series, we are focusing on the greatest virtue of all: LOVE. Jamie Finn, author, advocate, and speaker joins us to discuss her ever evolving definition of love. We explore the sacrificial nature of love, the complexity of love, and what it mean to first receive love from God so we are enabled to truly love others, even when it's hard. The conversation culminates in a reminder of the essence of Christmas: God's sacrificial love for humanity. This is a great episode to listen to as you prepare your heart for Christmas week. MERRY CHRISTMAS! A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Jamie's Books Foster the Family Filled- Devotional QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE Who feels inconvenient for you to love this Christmas season, and how can you ask God to join you in loving them? How can you receive love from God this season? How will this better prepare you to love others? Where do you need to embrace humility? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier

Questioning your faith? Feeling spiritually lost? You're not alone. Ryan Pryor and I tackle radical theology in this 90-minute episode, exploring a faith that prioritizes authenticity, human experience, and fighting for a better world. Prepare to have your beliefs challenged.

This week Pastor Tim Schoen concludes the mini-series “Christ-Centered Christmas” with the third and final message “God With Us.” (Recorded December 21st, 2024)To get connected follow us on Instagram @HSRevolution

In this final episode of our Advent series, Herbie Newell reflects on the greatest gift of Christmas—God's love. He shares a powerful story from Lifeline Children's Services that beautifully exemplifies sacrificial love and the transformation it can bring. Exploring the scriptures from Luke and Mark, Herbie highlights how God's love is active, relational, and sacrificial, and how it compels us to love others in tangible ways. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember that God's love makes a way, transforms lives, and gives us hope. Join us as we reflect on the depth of God's love and how we can reflect that love this Advent season.ADVENT ACTIVITY GUIDEYou can enhance your experience with this podcast episode by downloading Lifeline Children's Services' Advent Activity Guide. Designed to complement the themes discussed in the podcast, this guide provides meaningful scripture reflections, discussion questions, and family-friendly activities. Each week's section helps deepen your understanding and celebration of Advent through interactive exercises like creating a "Hope Wall," preparing an "Advent Path," and more. Access the guide to make the season even more impactful for you and your loved ones!LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. FOLLOW USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

Youth Pastor Gary Jones continues a Christmas series. What if this Christmas, you rediscovered the joy that changes everything? Not just fleeting happiness, but great joy—a joy born in the most ordinary places, for ordinary people, like shepherds and like us. This joy isn't just a feeling; it's a response to the greatest news the world has ever heard: God came to us, broke through the mundane, and offered hope, peace, and purpose. Today, Pastor Gary will talk about embracing that great joy, responding to it, and sharing it boldly. Are you ready to experience the deeper, more durable joy of Christmas? Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on December 22, 2024, at 9:30am. You can find us online at nwhills.com. Key Moments 00:00 Welcome 01:00 Message: Rediscovering the Great Joy of Christmas 03:10 Biblical Story of Joy: Luke 2 07:23 The Deeper Meaning of Christmas Joy 13:22 The Shepherds' Response 21:38 The Call to Share Joy

Christmas - God's Invitation to Miracles- Mike Hudgins 12.22.2024 https://vccgn.org/s/2412Christmas.pdf Continue reading →

Immanuel-God with Us...Real not just a feeling or idea, truly personally fully present. Pastor David Love speaks about God desiring a deep and amazing relationship with each person. Issiah 7:14, 1 John 1:3, John 15:4, 17:26, 20:29

Renewing our love for God by beholding His love for us.

The Candy Christmas Podcast www.regenerationnashville.org #candychristmas #ifnoonehastoldyoutoday #letmebethefirst #regenerationnashville #marvelouswoman #Psalm139:14

In times of waiting, it can be hard to see God's hand at work. The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when it feels delayed. Dr. John Neufeld unpacks how their faithfulness in the face of disappointment led to the miraculous announcement of John the Baptist's birth, showing God's power to bring hope and purpose out of seeming hopelessness.A Well-Researched Christmas: You can't tell the story of the birth of Jesus without telling the story of impossible problems, political intrigue and a great ancient promise being fulfilled among unsuspecting people. It's a hope so real and solid and explains why this amazing story of Christmas never gets old and will not pass away. In this 10-message Christmas series, Dr. John Neufeld unpacks the first two chapters of the book of Luke.

Series: Rooted in Christmas Title: God's Glory Passage: Luke 2:8-25 Date: 12.15.24 Message By: David Adams

In this message, Pastor Harrison Conley unpacks the profound truth of Jesus as Immanuel—God with us. Through scriptures like John 1:1-5, Colossians 1:15, and 1 John 4:2, he explores why the Word became flesh: to save us, reveal God's love, model how to live, and invite us to share in His divine nature. As we reflect on these truths, we're reminded of the true meaning of Christmas—God's love and His desire to be near us.

Welcome again to Living Hope Church. We are located in Williamsburg, VA. Join us In this Christmas sermon, as Pastor Bill Francavilla takes us on a deep look into God's sovereignty over the entire spiritual realm as He prepared for the birth of His Son, Jesus. From the angels in Heaven rejoicing to the unexpected challenges faced by Mary and Joseph, we explore how God orchestrated every detail to fulfill His promises. Despite Satan's attempts to thwart God's plan, including King Herod's massacre and his efforts to disrupt Jesus' birth, God's purpose prevails. This sermon reminds us that no matter the obstacles, God's plan for salvation through Jesus could not, and will not, be stopped. Join us as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas: God's unstoppable love and ultimate victory through Jesus Christ.Welcome to Living Hope Church! These podcasts are our weekly Sunday sermons. We hope you enjoy them.

You may have heard that Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season, and that's true but so are you! On the very first Christmas God blessed the world with a different kind of king who came to save us by entering into our mess. Support Your Move with a tax-deductible gift: http://yourmove.is/give/ Sign up for exclusive email content every month: https://bit.ly/32SQKoE Find more episodes and other free resources on our website: yourmove.is Check us out on Instagram https://bit.ly/3DZ2q96 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The good news that was initially proclaimed to lowly shepherds would eventually reach the pious ears of Paul… and for both, the good news about Jesus was simply too good not to be shared.

A Basic Christmas: God Became Man John 1:1-14 - Pastor Chad Hertler

700 years before the first Christmas- God reveals His plan for the Suffering Servant through Isaiah. The Human Condition, God's Commitment because of that condition, and God's Righteousness.

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: What do you do to prepare for Christmas to come?  Years ago we had a two-story house, our kids were young and they REALLY wanted Christmas lights on the house.  Jenni gave me the whole, “It would just mean so much if you'd put them up”.  So, I put the ladder on our back deck off the second story and started to climb up onto the roof.  I got up there and looked about 25 ft from the roof to the ground and I did what any reasonable person would do.  I sat there for about 20 minutes deliberating on if my life was worth putting lights up for the kids…  Lol.  I'm such a weenie, but I knew if I fell off that roof, it would be lights out for Kent.  I finally came off the roof and said, “I've got a great idea!”  Let's put the lights in the yard.  We strung the lights all over the ground and when it would snow, it was the coolest thing to see the light coming up through the snow… WE: Most people have traditions for getting ready for Christmas, don't they?   -In our family, we do all of our Christmas decorating after Thanksgiving -Some of you monsters out there do it after Halloween lol What's your tradition for getting ready for Christmas? All along the way in the first Christma,s there was someone who was getting things ready… Before Jesus was even born his mother Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was also pregnant and this happened: Luke 1:41-44 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Elizabeth's baby, John (the Baptist), was moved in the womb when Jesus came into his presence. This was what John the Baptist did, he got things ready for Jesus… Mark 1:1-4 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah,[a]the Son of God,[b]2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”[c]— 3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'” 4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with[e] water, but he will baptize you with[f] the Holy Spirit.” John the Baptist was a wild guy. He seems to be fierce and fearless in his pursuit of God and His Kingdom. One of my favorite passages in scripture comes from Johnny B… Listen to what he says when his disciples come to him to tell him that Jesus is getting and gaining more disciples than John… John 3:29-30 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.” Somehow, John was content to play second fiddle. He was content to become less and let Jesus become more… Here's my question: What was it about John that allowed him to take a back seat? b I think it's because John knew the part he played in the story. When John was asked who he was, this is what he said about himself John 1:23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.'” John knew that his role was to make way for Jesus - so He could bring salvation to everyone. b John was knocking down barriers and opening doors for the message to get out. b He was, all along, the one who was getting us ready for Christmas - God coming into the world to save us from our sins. CLOSING ILLUSTRATION: When Jenni and I got engaged we had this sweet guy in our church who had a photography studio.  He invited us to the studio and took these pictures of us for our engagement and at our wedding gave us a huge portrait of ourselves.  Now, I'm saying nothing, but we are not the kind of people to keep giant pictures of ourselves on our walls.  So, we did what anyone would do.  We started giving the picture away at Christmas parties as a white elephant gift.  What's super funny is for years that picture would show up at different parties as a white elephant gift as someone regifted it… lol I was thinking about all that John did to bring the message and hope of Jesus into our world.  You know he ended up dying because of his message, don't you?  His head got severed from his body and grossly displayed as a party favor at a birthday party.  Just sickening… John paid a price for the message of Jesus to enter the world. He gave us the gift of making the way for Jesus. b What if each of us this Christmas decided to regift the message in our own lives? b In what ways could you knock down barriers and open doors for the message of Jesus to get out in your world, your family, and your workplace? Here's a list of just a few practical ways I thought you could do this: Practical ways to regift the message of Jesus and prepare the way for others to know Him: Practice “love of their neighbor” Literally:  bake cookies for neighbors, add a note about celebrating the birth of Jesus and invite them to church this Christmas Do a prayer challenge at work: Tell people you are taking a prayer challenge till Christmas.  If they have something you could pray for, to text or leave you a note and you'll pray for them. Do a daily devotion with your kids: Read through the gospel of John with your kids over the next month and ask questions/talk about it together. Start a bible study at work: Send encouraging texts: For the next month send a daily encouraging scripture to friends, let them know they can opt-out any time. John made a way for Jesus' message and it changed the world, what if we regift Christmas this year!

Andy Whitaker Smith will be preaching from Jeremiah 33:14-16, to kickoff the Advent series 'A Current Christmas.'

A Basic Christmas: God Keeps His Promises Matthew 1:18 - 2:23 - - - Pastor Chad Hertler

This Christmas season, we dive into the chaos surrounding Mary and Joseph during the birth of Jesus and discover how God's presence transforms even the most challenging circumstances.In this message, we explore:How Mary and Joseph faced political, relational, and physical turmoil.The difference between living near God and living in His power.The greatest news of Christmas: God is not just with us—He's in us!Need Prayer?

Pastor Kent Christmas Podcast www.regenerationnashville.org #kentandcandychristmas #KCMInternational #KentChristmasMinistries #PreachPrayProphesy #birthingamovement #regenerationnashville #shaketheearth #GodPortal #GodGates

The Candy Christmas Podcast www.regenerationnashville.org #candychristmas #ifnoonehastoldyoutoday #letmebethefirst #regenerationnashville #marvelouswoman #Psalm139:14

Pastor Kent Christmas Podcast www.regenerationnashville.org #kentandcandychristmas #KCMInternational #KentChristmasMinistries #PreachPrayProphesy #birthingamovement #regenerationnashville #shaketheearth #GodPortal #GodGates

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to Jesus! As we come to the end of the year and a new year stands on the horizon, I want you to take some time to sit with things as they are before rushing off to the next thing. Things in my life have been in chaos recently, but I trust in Jesus and know that He has my back and my life is going to be ok. In fact, it's going to be incredible! I'm sharing with you a very important story in my own life that both tested my resolve and solidified my faith. Many things that are hard for us are here to help us grow - they aren't for us to understand, but to trust that the sun will always rise.. You just have to know that God has got your back.Struggling with balancing your hormones? Grab your copy of the The Gutsy Gynecologist's Guide to Balancing your Hormones: https://drtabatha.com/free-guide/Support your hormone balance- EnergyLift! Connect with Dr. Tabatha:Work with us: Schedule a callDr. Tabatha's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrTabathaDr. Tabatha's IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegutsygynecologist/Dr. Tabatha's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWea1x1abLERehb5yn_nfow

We are dropping this one on Christmas because it is all about the whole reason we celebrate Christmas: God in the Flesh! We talk about why this understanding is SO important and why it matters that Jesus became ONE of US!

Music and verse capture, preserve, and allows the participant to access deep truths with a melody that matches the beauty, mystery and hope of the message. This is what we have in Christmas hymnody. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Katie Miller, Arlan Miller, Isaac Funk, Shauna Streitmatter and Matt Kaufmann share their favorite Christmas lyrics that capture the wonder of Christmas – God with us. Show notes: Arlan: O Little Town of Bethlehem by Phillips Brooks The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Isaac: In the Bleak Midwinter by Christina Rossetti, Angels and archangels may have gathered there, Cherubim and Seraphim thronged the air; but His Mother only, in Her maiden bliss Worshiped the beloved with a kiss.   Shauna: O Holy Night, by Placide Cappeau The King of kings lay once in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our friend; He knows our need, To our weakness is no stranger. Behold your king. Katie: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Henry W. Longfellow In despair I bowed my head “There is no peace on Earth,” I said For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men … Then rang the bells more loud and deep God is not dead, nor doth He sleep” Matt: Angels, From the Realms of Glory by James Montgomery Justice now revokes the sentence, Mercy calls you, break your chains.

By: Dr E. Allen Griffith. This is the one hundredth and eleventh episode of By the Book! Listening to this could change your life! New episodes every Friday!

What does Christmas — God becoming flesh — have to do with suffering and sadness? Well, it just happens to be the very goodness that allows any and all of us to say "Merry Christmas!"______________________________________________________________________Helping You Learn To Live Loved...Become a Lark Supporter: https://larksite.com/donateWeb: https://larksite.comLarkcast: https://larksite.com/larkcastBook: Reclaim (Available on Amazon) https://larksite.com/reclaimInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lark_social/

This episode highlights the eternal faithfulness of God who long ago promised to send the Christ and Savior into our needy world, and detailed in advance, through the prophets, the Messiah's extraordinary identity, bloodline, and birth. And then, exactly as described, God delivered on His promise by the giving of His own Son, born in Bethlehem, Israel, 2021 years ago. Scripture Referenced: Genesis 3:15, Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 49:8-10 (incorrectly cited as Gen. 48:8-10 in audio), 1 Chronicles 17:11-15, Psalm 2:1-12, Psalm 16:8-11, Psalm 23:1-3, Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 53:5, 11, Isaiah 61:10, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Ezekiel 34:11-16, Micah 5:2-5, Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 20:28, Matthew 24:4, 11, 14, 23-25, Matthew 28:18-19, Luke 1:26-35, Luke 2:1-14, Luke 24:44-49, John 8:56-59, John 10:9-31, John 11:25-26, John 14:6-9, Acts 1:1-9, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:20-25, Romans 6:23, Titus 1:1-2, Hebrews 1:1-13, Hebrews 10:11-13, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 1:20, Revelation 5:5

Philippians chapter two describes one of the most significant moments in human history and provides us the reason why we worship during Christmas: God became man. The Incarnation is the supreme act of God's selfless love and His greatest gift to humankind. In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss how Christmas is a perfect time to hold up Christ as the selfless example for our kids to follow. They also provide some very practical advice about helping our kids to give gifts to others, in ways that help cultivate unselfishness and generosity. 

Episode summary: Tired of the holiday hustle? Ditch the overwhelm and rediscover the joy of the season! In this podcast episode replay, Scott and I share practical ways to reduce stress and enjoy a more relaxed Christmas.  Learn how to simplify traditions, manage expectations, and focus on what truly matters. You can enjoy a restful, relaxing holiday! Join us for how! Quotables from the episode: So much of our stress at Christmas comes from several key areas: Keeping tradition for tradition sake  People pleasing Unrealistic & often unvoiced expectations of ourselves and others Trying to prove something to someone (or yourself) It's easy to talk about Christmas and refocusing on Christ at Christmas but what does that look like? Resting in His presence Spending time with The Gift (Jesus) and The Gift Giver (Our Heavenly Father) Letting Him take care of us Trading in our to-do list for rest Recognizing what the busyness means/truly reflects Practical Tips for Stressing Less This Christmas: Let each family member choose ONE kind of cookie to be baked and let them help make them Let the lights on the tree, and Christmas cards received, be the tree decorations Let the wrapping of the gifts be the love with which they were purchased Make the Christmas dinner be comprised of each family member's favorite dish Consider catering the Christmas meal Resolve to be okay with paper plates and napkins so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the people you love A hope-filled perspective for a less stressful Christmas: God doesn't put these heavy burdens on us God invites us into His rest, not for Him but for our benefit God offers us the chance to choose His rest, but He doesn't force us Fewer expectations means fewer disappointments Scripture References: Luke 10:41-42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Hebrews 4:1 “God's promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it…”    Recommended Resources:  Feeling Down this Holiday Season? Break Free from Unmet Expectations How To Get Organized and Simplify Your Christmas Holidays – Episode 189 Putting REST in the Christmas Holiday RUSH Focusing on What's Important to Reduce Holiday Stress – Episode 140 9 Tips for Handling Family Conflict and Stress During the Holidays How to Let Go of the Anxiety and Overwhelm of the Holiday Season – Episode 139 Ways to Create a More Peaceful Christmas Quit Striving for the Picture Perfect Christmas When Doing Less is Actually Doing More at Christmas How to Relieve Stress This Christmas What I Really Want This Christmas Content at Christmas  The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms   Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader's Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Host:   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson