Podcasts about finding christmas

Finding Christmas Part 4 -- Noticing -- 573 ChristmasDecember 21st For links and more info, visit:https://www.meadowheights.com/hub

Tired of the stress, exhaustion, and impossible expectations of the "perfect Christmas"? This series, "Finding Christmas," cuts through the holiday noise to uncover the true substance of the season. We explore how to move beyond the fragility of **anxious wishing** to the rock-solid foundation of a **confident expectation** in God, redefining what Hope really means. Next, we challenge the idea that Peace is merely the *absence of chaos*, finding instead the **presence of wholeness** (*Shalom*) in the midst of life's mess. Finally, discover that Joy is not a feeling you must **manufacture**, but a profound **reality you receive**—the good news that a Savior has come for you, right where you are. Stop just trying to survive the holidays and start finding the eternal heart of Christmas.

Fluent Fiction - French: Finding Christmas Inspiration: Étienne's Artistic Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2025-12-20-08-38-20-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Dans le cœur de Montmartre, un quartier vivant et festif de Paris, les rues étincellent sous les lumières de Noël.En: In the heart of Montmartre, a lively and festive neighborhood in Paris, the streets sparkle under the Christmas lights.Fr: Une fine couche de neige recouvre le pavé, ajoutant une touche de magie à cette période de l'année.En: A thin layer of snow covers the pavement, adding a touch of magic to this time of year.Fr: Étienne, un peintre passionné mais souvent mélancolique, ressent une pression inhabituelle.En: Étienne, a passionate but often melancholic painter, feels an unusual pressure.Fr: Il doit terminer une peinture à thème de Noël pour une exposition imminente, mais il souffre de vertiges inexplicables.En: He must finish a Christmas-themed painting for an upcoming exhibition, but he suffers from inexplicable dizziness.Fr: Étienne est dans son petit atelier, entouré de ses toiles inachevées.En: Étienne is in his small studio, surrounded by his unfinished canvases.Fr: Il regarde par la fenêtre, observant les passants, espérant trouver l'inspiration.En: He looks out the window, observing passersby, hoping to find inspiration.Fr: Ses pensées sont interrompues par un autre vertige.En: His thoughts are interrupted by another bout of dizziness.Fr: Ça devient de plus en plus fréquent.En: It's becoming more frequent.Fr: Il s'inquiète.En: He is worried.Fr: Pourtant, la peur des médecins le retient.En: However, his fear of doctors holds him back.Fr: Marcel, son meilleur ami, est différent.En: Marcel, his best friend, is different.Fr: Toujours souriant et optimiste, il entre dans l'atelier avec une tasse de chocolat chaud.En: Always smiling and optimistic, he enters the studio with a cup of hot chocolate.Fr: "Mon ami, tu dois te reposer," dit Marcel avec un sourire chaleureux.En: "My friend, you need to rest," says Marcel with a warm smile.Fr: Étienne soupire mais ne peut s'empêcher de sourire en retour.En: Étienne sighs but can't help smiling back.Fr: Quelques rues plus bas, Sophie, la propriétaire de la pâtisserie locale, finit de décorer sa vitrine.En: A few streets down, Sophie, the owner of the local pastry shop, finishes decorating her shop window.Fr: Étienne passe souvent ici, prenant des croquis tout en savourant un café.En: Étienne often stops here, sketching while savoring a coffee.Fr: Mais aujourd'hui, il est hésitant.En: But today, he hesitates.Fr: La tête tourne un peu plus.En: His head spins a bit more.Fr: Marcel propose : "Allons chez Sophie.En: Marcel suggests, "Let's go to Sophie's.Fr: Un bon éclair au chocolat te fera du bien."En: A good chocolate éclair will do you good."Fr: À la pâtisserie, Sophie voit immédiatement qu'Étienne n'est pas dans son état habituel.En: At the pastry shop, Sophie immediately notices that Étienne is not his usual self.Fr: Elle lui sert du thé et l'écoute.En: She serves him tea and listens.Fr: Sa voix douce et ses paroles encourageantes apaisent Étienne.En: Her gentle voice and encouraging words soothe Étienne.Fr: Il partage enfin ses inquiétudes.En: He finally shares his worries.Fr: Elle a un regard compréhensif.En: She looks at him with understanding eyes.Fr: Étienne réalise qu'elle est plus qu'une simple source d'inspiration ; elle est une amie.En: Étienne realizes she is more than just a source of inspiration; she is a friend.Fr: Le jour de Noël approche.En: Christmas day approaches.Fr: Étienne met de côté sa peur et décide de consulter un médecin.En: Étienne sets aside his fear and decides to consult a doctor.Fr: Marcel et Sophie l'accompagnent.En: Marcel and Sophie accompany him.Fr: À l'hôpital, le verdict est rassurant : du stress et de la fatigue accumulée.En: At the hospital, the diagnosis is reassuring: stress and accumulated fatigue.Fr: Rien de grave.En: Nothing serious.Fr: Étienne se sent immédiatement soulagé.En: Étienne feels immediately relieved.Fr: Sophie murmure doucement : "Prends soin de toi, Étienne.En: Sophie gently murmurs: "Take care of yourself, Étienne.Fr: Ta peinture est belle quand elle vient du cœur."En: Your painting is beautiful when it comes from the heart."Fr: Ces mots résonnent en lui.En: These words resonate with him.Fr: Inspiré, il se met au travail, transporté par l'énergie retrouvée et le soutien de ses amis.En: Inspired, he gets to work, carried by the newfound energy and support of his friends.Fr: Le jour de l'exposition arrive.En: The day of the exhibition arrives.Fr: Montmartre brille sous la lumière des lanternes.En: Montmartre shines under the glow of lanterns.Fr: La toile d'Étienne est accrochée fièrement.En: Étienne's painting is proudly displayed.Fr: Elle capture la chaleur et la magie de Noël dans son quartier bien-aimé.En: It captures the warmth and magic of Christmas in his beloved neighborhood.Fr: Sophie et Marcel se tiennent à ses côtés.En: Sophie and Marcel stand by his side.Fr: Étienne sourit, reconnaissant de leur présence.En: Étienne smiles, grateful for their presence.Fr: Il a apprit à s'ouvrir aux autres, à accepter l'aide sans craindre de paraître faible.En: He has learned to open up to others, to accept help without fearing appearing weak.Fr: Sa peinture, teintée de cette nouvelle connexion, rayonne.En: His painting, tinged with this new connection, radiates.Fr: Et dans ce moment partagé, il trouve enfin le sens et la beauté dans son art.En: And in this shared moment, he finally finds meaning and beauty in his art. Vocabulary Words:the heart: le cœurlively: vivantthe neighborhood: le quartierthe painter: le peintremelancholic: mélancoliqueunusual: inhabituellethe exhibition: l'expositionthe dizziness: le vertigeunfinished: inachevéesthe studio: l'atelierthe passersby: les passantsto hesitate: hésitantreassuring: rassurantthe pavement: le pavéto interrupt: interrompreaccumulated: accumuléethe window: la fenêtreto sparkle: étincellerto finish: terminerthe layer: la coucheto find: trouverto savor: savourerthe fear: la peurto suggest: proposerthe understanding: le regard compréhensifto murmur: murmurerreassuring: rassuranteto worry: s'inquiéterinspiration: l'inspirationthe hospital: l'hôpital

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Finding Christmas Joy Beyond the Perfect Gift in Budapest Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-12-19-23-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A Budapest karácsonyi vásár forgatagában sűrűn kavargott a tömeg.En: In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas market in Budapest, the crowd swirled thickly.Hu: Levente, Eszter és Bence a Vörösmarty téren jártak.En: Levente, Eszter, and Bence were walking in Vörösmarty Square.Hu: Az éjszakai égbolt alatt a fények harsányan ragyogtak a bódék sora mögött.En: Under the night sky, the lights shone brightly behind the rows of stalls.Hu: A kürtőskalács édes illata mindent betöltött, és a távolban karácsonyi dalok szóltak.En: The sweet scent of kürtőskalács filled the air, and in the distance, Christmas songs played.Hu: Levente szíve hevesen vert.En: Levente's heart was pounding.Hu: Még mindig nem találta meg a megfelelő ajándékokat szeretteinek, pedig már csak néhány nap volt karácsonyig.En: He still hadn't found the right gifts for his loved ones, and there were only a few days left until Christmas.Hu: „Levente, gyere, nézd meg ezt a selyemkendőt!” – hívta Eszter gyakorlatias hangon, próbálva segíteni öccsének a választásban.En: "Levente, come, look at this silk scarf!" Eszter called with a practical tone, trying to help her brother with his choice.Hu: Levente azonban csak bámulta a vétkezést.En: However, Levente just stared at the temptation.Hu: A döntés teher volt a nyakán.En: The decision was a burden on him.Hu: Nem akart valamit, ami csak egy újabb tárgy lesz a polcokon.En: He didn't want something that would just be another item on the shelf.Hu: „Nézd, milyen csodálatos ez a karácsonyi dísz!” – kiáltotta Bence vidáman, akinek minden apróság lenyűgözte.En: "Look at this wonderful Christmas ornament!" shouted Bence cheerfully, who was amazed by every little thing.Hu: Ő élvezte az ünnep minden pillanatát; a vásár fényei, a hangok, a mosolygó arcok mind az ő bámulatos világát képezték.En: He enjoyed every moment of the holiday; the market's lights, the sounds, and the smiling faces all formed his enchanting world.Hu: „Nem tudom, mit vegyek” – vallotta be Levente kétségbeesetten.En: "I don't know what to get," admitted Levente desperately.Hu: „Mindent tökéletesre szeretnék, de itt túl sok a lehetőség.”En: "I want everything to be perfect, but there are too many options here."Hu: Eszter megfogta Levente karját.En: Eszter took Levente's arm.Hu: „Ne feledd, az ünnep nem a tárgyakról szól.En: "Remember, the holiday isn't about things.Hu: Az együtt töltött idő a legértékesebb ajándék.”En: The time spent together is the most valuable gift."Hu: Bence közben már fellelkesedetten próbálgatta a különféle forralt borokat.En: Meanwhile, Bence was already enthusiastically trying various mulled wines.Hu: Leventéhez fordult: „Vegyünk valami meleg italt, és nézzük meg együtt a karácsonyi fényeket!”En: He turned to Levente: "Let's get something warm to drink and look at the Christmas lights together!"Hu: Levente mélyet lélegzett, és beletörődött.En: Levente took a deep breath and resigned himself.Hu: „Igen, tiétek a legjobb ötlet. Vegyünk süteményeket, és élvezzük az estét.”En: "Yes, that's the best idea. Let's get some sweets and enjoy the evening."Hu: Az éjszaka hátralévő részében Levente együtt nevetett és beszélgetett Eszterrel és Bencével.En: For the rest of the night, Levente laughed and talked with Eszter and Bence.Hu: Vásárolt pár kisebb ajándékot, egyszerűbb dolgokat, amik valódi jelentéssel bírtak.En: He bought a few smaller gifts, simpler things that carried real meaning.Hu: Egy különlegesen díszített mécses a nagymamának, egy finom teakeverék az édesanyának, és egy kézzel készített naptár az apának.En: A specially decorated candle for his grandmother, a fine tea blend for his mother, and a handmade calendar for his father.Hu: Mind könnyű, szívhez szóló választás volt.En: All were easy, heartfelt choices.Hu: Mire a vásár zárni kezdett, Levente szíve könnyedebb lett.En: By the time the market began to close, Levente's heart felt lighter.Hu: Megértette, hogy nem a tökéletes ajándék teszi különlegessé az ünnepet, hanem az emberek, akikkel megosztja ezeket a pillanatokat.En: He understood that it's not the perfect gift that makes the holiday special, but the people with whom he shares those moments.Hu: Hazafelé menet, a fényszőnyeg alatt, Levente világos látással nézett maga elé: „Ez lesz a legjobb karácsony, mert veletek lehetek.”En: On the way home, under the carpet of lights, Levente looked ahead with clarity: "This will be the best Christmas because I can be with you."Hu: Eszter mosolygott, Bence pedig elégedetten bólogatott.En: Eszter smiled, and Bence nodded with satisfaction.Hu: És így, a vásár fényes ragyogásában, Levente végre megértette a karácsony valódi üzenetét: a szeretet, az együtt töltött idő, és az egyszerű örömök keresését.En: And so, in the market's bright glow, Levente finally understood the true message of Christmas: the search for love, time spent together, and simple joys. Vocabulary Words:hustle: forgatagcrowd: tömegswirled: kavargottstalls: bódékornament: díszenchanting: bámulatosdesperately: kétségbeesettenresigned: beletörődöttburden: tehertemptation: vétkezésglow: ragyogásmulled wine: forralt borsweet scent: édes illatshelf: polcokonheartfelt: szívhez szólóblend: keverékclarity: világos látásspecially decorated: különlegesen díszítettcandle: mécseslights: fényekusher: képviselmarket: vásársatisfaction: elégedettségchoices: választásactivity: tevékenységsmiling faces: mosolygó arcokmoments: pillanatokholiday: ünnepoverwhelmed: elárasztottvaluable: értékes

Finding Christmas - Searching December 14th For links and more info, visit:https://www.meadowheights.com/hub

Are you tired of the holiday stress and the gap between the "perfect Christmas" you want and the chaotic one you get? This season, stop chasing the fragile, conditional peace of an Instagram-perfect holiday and join our new series, "Finding Christmas." We'll trade in "anxious wishing" for the "confident expectation" of true biblical hope, and discover that real peace, or *Shalom*, is not the absence of chaos, but the unshakable presence of wholeness found in the Prince of Peace. It's time to let go of trying to manufacture calm and find the Savior who was born into the chaos of the first Christmas to show you He can handle yours.

Finding Christmas Part 2 -- Going December 7th For links and more info, visit:https://www.meadowheights.com/hub

In this message, kick off the "Finding Christmas" series by addressing the massive gap between the 'perfect' holiday we want and the stressful, often exhausting reality we get. We dive into the human wiring for desire and challenge the fragile nature of what we call "hope"—often just "anxious wishing" dependent on perfect circumstances. Discover the true, transformative nature of Biblical hope, which is defined as a "Confident Expectation" in a present God, as promised through the prophet Isaiah. The challenge is clear: stop wishing for a perfect Christmas and start expecting the God who is already here, offering peace and joy that can handle the real-life struggles of the season. Plus, hear the exciting announcement for our 2026 Global Impact Trips to Honduras, Ecuador, and Kenya.

Fluent Fiction - Korean: Finding Christmas: A Journey from Loneliness to Joy in Seoul Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ko/episode/2025-12-04-23-34-02-ko Story Transcript:Ko: 서울의 한 병원, 겨울이 깊어가는 어느 날이었다.En: It was a day in deep winter at a hospital in Seoul.Ko: 병원은 조용한 눈 내리는 거리와 달리 여전히 분주했다.En: The hospital remained busy, in contrast to the quiet, snow-covered streets.Ko: 긴 복도는 크리스마스 장식과 반짝이는 불빛으로 채워져 있었다. 병원의 차가운 하얀 벽을 감싸는 따뜻한 분위기였다.En: The long corridors were filled with Christmas decorations and twinkling lights, creating a warm atmosphere that enveloped the hospital's cold white walls.Ko: 민호는 젊은 의사였다.En: Minho was a young doctor.Ko: 긴 시간 동안 병원에서 일하며 지쳤다.En: He was exhausted from working long hours at the hospital.Ko: 크리스마스가 다가오면서 외로움을 더욱 느꼈다.En: With Christmas approaching, he felt more lonely.Ko: 가족과 떨어져 있는 그는 집을 그리워했다.En: Separated from his family, he missed his home.Ko: 그러나 병원에는 그의 따뜻한 가족인 수정 간호사가 있었다.En: However, in the hospital, there was Sujeong, a nurse who was like his warm family.Ko: 수정은 항상 긍정적인 에너지를 가지고 있었다.En: Sujeong always had a positive energy.Ko: 그녀는 병원 사람들과 환자들에게 크리스마스의 기쁨을 전파하려고 노력했다.En: She tried to spread the joy of Christmas to the hospital staff and patients.Ko: 어느 날, 민호는 수정에게 말했다. "크리스마스가 다가오는데 마음이 무겁네요."En: One day, Minho said to Sujeong, "Christmas is coming, but my heart feels heavy."Ko: 수정은 웃으며 대답했다. "우리 함께 병원에서 작은 크리스마스 행사를 열어보는 건 어때요? 제가 도와줄게요."En: Sujeong replied with a smile, "How about we hold a small Christmas event here at the hospital? I'll help you."Ko: 민호는 잠시 고민했다.En: Minho hesitated for a moment.Ko: 시간도 없고 일이 많아서 힘들다고 생각했다.En: He thought it would be difficult because he had no time and a lot of work.Ko: 그러나 수정의 밝은 미소에 마음이 열렸다.En: However, Sujeong's bright smile opened his heart.Ko: "좋아요, 같이 해봐요."En: "Alright, let's do it together."Ko: 두 사람은 크리스마스 행사를 준비하기 시작했다.En: The two began preparing for the Christmas event.Ko: 병원의 작은 회의실을 장식하고, 간단한 간식도 준비했다.En: They decorated a small meeting room in the hospital and arranged some simple snacks.Ko: 직원들과 환자들에게 초대장을 보냈다.En: They sent invitations to the staff and patients.Ko: 마침내 크리스마스 이브가 되었다.En: Finally, Christmas Eve arrived.Ko: 병원의 직원들과 환자들이 하나둘 모여들었다.En: The hospital staff and patients gathered one by one.Ko: 따뜻한 조명 아래에서 다 같이 웃고 즐겼다.En: Under the warm lights, everyone laughed and enjoyed themselves.Ko: 수정과 함께 민호도 여러 이야기를 나누었다.En: Alongside Sujeong, Minho shared many conversations.Ko: 민호는 어깨의 짐이 조금은 가벼워진 느낌이었다.En: He felt as though the burdens on his shoulders had been lightened a bit.Ko: 환자들의 웃음소리에 민호는 마음 깊이 기쁨을 느꼈다.En: In the laughter of the patients, Minho felt deep joy in his heart.Ko: 행사의 끝 무렵, 민호는 자신도 모르게 미소를 지었다.En: Towards the end of the event, Minho found himself smiling unconsciously.Ko: "제가 많이 부족했네요. 여기서 이렇게 따뜻한 마음을 받게 될 줄은 몰랐어요."En: "I've been inadequate in many ways. I didn't expect to receive such warmth here."Ko: 수정이 빙긋이 웃으며 말했다. "사는게 이런 거잖아요. 함께라서 좋은 거."En: Sujeong smiled gently and said, "That's what life is about. It's good because we're together."Ko: 그날 밤, 민호는 더 이상 혼자가 아니었다.En: That night, Minho was no longer alone.Ko: 병원에서 만난 사람들 덕분에 그는 크리스마스의 진정한 의미를 깨닫게 되었다.En: Thanks to the people he met at the hospital, he realized the true meaning of Christmas.Ko: 그의 마음 속에는 전보다 더 큰 온기가 자리했다.En: His heart held a greater warmth than before.Ko: 겨울의 추위 속에서도 민호는 새로운 희망과 함께하는 기쁨을 찾았다.En: Even amidst the cold of winter, Minho found joy in new hope and togetherness. Vocabulary Words:exhausted: 지쳤다corridors: 복도enveloped: 감싸는separated: 떨어져 있는missed: 그리워했다positive energy: 긍정적인 에너지spread: 전파하려고hesitated: 고민했다decorated: 장식하고lightened: 가벼워진unconsciously: 자신도 모르게inadequate: 부족했네요realized: 깨닫게togetherness: 함께하는atmosphere: 분위기였다approaching: 다가오면서burdens: 짐이event: 행사true meaning: 진정한 의미decorations: 장식과simple snacks: 간단한 간식invitations: 초대장을deep joy: 기쁨을 느꼈다arranged: 준비했다gathered: 모여들었다warmth: 온기smiling: 미소를nurse: 간호사shoulders: 어깨의together: 같이 해봐요

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Finding Christmas Peace: Sindre's Journey Through Music Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2025-12-01-08-38-20-no Story Transcript:No: Det var en kald vinternatt i Oslo, og snøen dalte forsiktig ned fra himmelen.En: It was a cold winter night in Oslo, and snow gently fell from the sky.No: Sindre holdt skjerfet tettere rundt halsen mens han gikk mot Oslo Operaen.En: Sindre held his scarf tighter around his neck as he walked toward the Oslo Operaen.No: Byen hvit og stille, et bilde av ro i kaoset som var hans følelser.En: The city, white and quiet, was a picture of calm amidst the chaos of his emotions.No: Det var desember, og julelysene glitret om kapp med stjernene.En: It was December, and Christmas lights glittered in competition with the stars.No: Folk rundt ham smilte og lo, etter å ha den forventningsfulle energien som kjennetegner julen.En: People around him smiled and laughed, filled with the anticipatory energy that characterizes Christmas.No: Sindre var derimot ikke like begeistret.En: Sindre, on the other hand, was not so enthusiastic.No: hans hjertet var tungt.En: His heart was heavy.No: Minnene om julene han pleide å feire med sin familie, nå langt borte, presset på tankene hans.En: Memories of the Christmases he used to celebrate with his family, now far away, pressed on his mind.No: Han følte seg isolert, både avstandsmessig og emosjonelt.En: He felt isolated, both physically and emotionally.No: Allikevel hadde han bestemt seg for å tilbringe denne spesielle kvelden i operaen, i håp om at musikken kunne varme sjelen hans.En: Nevertheless, he had decided to spend this special evening at the opera, hoping that the music could warm his soul.No: Da Sindre kom inn i den storslåtte foajeen, ble han møtt av en varme som kontrasterte den bitre kulden utenfor.En: When Sindre entered the magnificent foyer, he was met with a warmth that contrasted with the bitter cold outside.No: Oslo Operaens moderne arkitektur strålte i det svake vinterlyset, dekorert med juleranker og stjerner.En: Oslo Operaen's modern architecture shone in the dim winter light, decorated with Christmas garlands and stars.No: Han fant plassen sin, satte seg ned og hørte lydene av orkesteret som stemte instrumentene.En: He found his seat, sat down, and listened to the sounds of the orchestra tuning their instruments.No: Konserten begynte.En: The concert began.No: Melodiene fløt gjennom rommet, og operaens vegger vibrerte med de kraftfulle og myke tonene.En: The melodies flowed through the room, and the opera's walls vibrated with the powerful and gentle tones.No: Sindre lukket øynene, lot musikken omslutte ham.En: Sindre closed his eyes, allowing the music to envelop him.No: Han hørte på sangene han hadde vokst opp med, men aldri fullt ut verdsatt før nå.En: He listened to the songs he had grown up with but had never fully appreciated until now.No: Da orkesteret begynte å spille "Glade Jul", skjedde det noe inni ham.En: When the orchestra started playing "Glade Jul," something happened inside him.No: Det var som om de åpningsnotene smeltet isen i hjertet hans.En: It was as if those opening notes melted the ice in his heart.No: Sindre følte hvordan en bølge av følelser vasket over ham.En: Sindre felt a wave of emotions wash over him.No: Rundt ham satt ukjente mennesker, men for første gang på lenge, følte han seg ikke alene.En: Around him sat strangers, but for the first time in a long while, he did not feel alone.No: Han kjente en forbindelse, en felles glede som strømmet gjennom rommet.En: He sensed a connection, a shared joy that flowed through the room.No: Tårene som steg i øynene hans var ikke lenger bitter sorg, men heller en bittersøt blanding av savn og skjønnhet.En: The tears that welled up in his eyes were no longer of bitter sorrow, but rather a bittersweet blend of longing and beauty.No: Sindre innså at selv om familien var langt borte, var de fortsatt en del av ham.En: Sindre realized that even though his family was far away, they were still a part of him.No: Tankene på dem ga ham styrke, og på det samme tidspunktet bestemte han seg for å bygge broer, ikke murer.En: Thoughts of them gave him strength, and at that moment, he decided to build bridges, not walls.No: Da konserten var over, reiste Sindre seg med en letthet i stegene.En: When the concert was over, Sindre stood up with a lightness in his steps.No: Utenfor var snøen fortsatt som et glitrende teppe over byen.En: Outside, the snow still lay like a glistening blanket over the city.No: Med et smil tok han frem telefonen sin for å ringe hjem.En: With a smile, he took out his phone to call home.No: Sindre hadde funnet veien tilbake til varmen, til forbindelsen han ønsket.En: Sindre had found his way back to the warmth, to the connection he longed for.No: Han visste at julens ånd bodde i hjertet, der man åpnet for kjærlighet og håp.En: He knew that the spirit of Christmas resided in the heart, where one opens up to love and hope.No: Og slik, i stillheten av vinterens natt, fant Sindre julefred.En: And so, in the silence of the winter's night, Sindre found Christmas peace. Vocabulary Words:foyer: foajeenmelodies: melodieneanticipatory: forventningsfulleglittered: glitretembrace: klememotions: følelserarchitecture: arkitekturbitter: bitrewarmth: varmetuning: stemteflowed: fløtvibrated: vibrerteenvelop: omslutteconnection: forbindelsebittersweet: bittersøtlonging: savnhope: håpmagnificent: storslåttegarlands: julerankercontrast: kontrasterteconsoled: trøstetblanket: teppeglistening: glitrendeshared: fellessorrow: sorgstrength: styrkerealized: innsåbridges: broercontentment: tilfredshetreside: bodde

November 30th - Bryan MillsFor links and more info, visit:https://www.meadowheights.com/hub

Fluent Fiction - Danish: Finding Christmas Magic in Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2025-11-21-08-38-19-da Story Transcript:Da: Det var en kold, klar eftermiddag i København.En: It was a cold, clear afternoon in København.Da: Tivoli Gardens sprudlede af liv.En: Tivoli Gardens was bustling with life.Da: Lysene glitrede i træerne som små stjerner.En: The lights glistened in the trees like little stars.Da: Duften af gløgg og ristede mandler fyldte luften.En: The scent of gløgg and roasted almonds filled the air.Da: Lars gik alene gennem de smalle stier.En: Lars walked alone through the narrow paths.Da: Selvom julen snart var her, havde han svært ved at mærke glæden.En: Although Christmas was soon approaching, he struggled to feel the joy.Da: Lars stoppede ved en bod.En: Lars stopped at a booth.Da: Han betragtede de glade mennesker omkring sig.En: He watched the happy people around him.Da: Skæve juletræer, fyldt med pynt, tårnede op på begge sider.En: Crooked Christmas trees, filled with decorations, towered on either side.Da: Børn lo, mens de krammede i deres tykke jakker.En: Children laughed as they hugged in their thick jackets.Da: Men Lars følte sig alene, som om en usynlig mur skilte ham fra resten.En: But Lars felt alone, as if an invisible wall separated him from the rest.Da: Lars sukkede og overvejede at gå.En: Lars sighed and considered leaving.Da: Men da hørte han en kvindes latter.En: But then he heard a woman's laughter.Da: "Nej, Mikkel, du holder det forkert!"En: "No, Mikkel, you're holding it wrong!"Da: stemte Ingrid ind, hendes stemme varm og indbydende.En: chimed in Ingrid, her voice warm and inviting.Da: Lars drejede hovedet mod lyden.En: Lars turned his head towards the sound.Da: Mikkel holdt et krus varm kakao i begge hænder og grinede.En: Mikkel was holding a mug of hot cocoa in both hands and laughing.Da: Lars tog en dyb indånding.En: Lars took a deep breath.Da: Det var nu eller aldrig.En: It was now or never.Da: Han gik hen til dem.En: He approached them.Da: "Undskyld?"En: "Excuse me?"Da: sagde han forsigtigt.En: he said cautiously.Da: Ingrid vendte sig mod ham med et venligt smil.En: Ingrid turned towards him with a friendly smile.Da: "Hej!En: "Hi!Da: Vil du med os?"En: Would you like to join us?"Da: spurgte hun, overraskende muntert.En: she asked, surprisingly cheerfully.Da: Lars tøvede, men noget ved deres åbne ansigter gjorde beslutningen lettere.En: Lars hesitated, but something about their open faces made the decision easier.Da: "Gerne," svarede han.En: "Sure," he replied.Da: Sammen fandt de en bænk og satte sig.En: Together, they found a bench and sat down.Da: De begyndte at snakke om deres juletraditioner.En: They began talking about their Christmas traditions.Da: Lars fortalte om sin barndom på landet.En: Lars spoke of his childhood in the countryside.Da: Ingrid og Mikkel delte historier om deres hjemlige juleaftener, langt væk fra Danmark.En: Ingrid and Mikkel shared stories about their Christmas Eves at home, far away from Danmark.Da: De drak varm kakao og spiste æbleskiver.En: They drank hot cocoa and ate æbleskiver.Da: Snakken flød let, og Lars følte en varme han længe havde savnet.En: The conversation flowed easily, and Lars felt a warmth he had long missed.Da: Det var som om, al hans frygt og ensomhed smeltede væk i lyset fra deres nye venskab.En: It was as if all his fear and loneliness melted away in the light of their newfound friendship.Da: Da natten faldt på, var Tivoli oplyst af tusindvis af lys.En: As night fell, Tivoli was illuminated by thousands of lights.Da: Lars sagde farvel til Ingrid og Mikkel med et smil, der kom helt fra hjertet.En: Lars said goodbye to Ingrid and Mikkel with a smile that came straight from the heart.Da: "Tak," sagde han, "for selskabet."En: "Thank you," he said, "for the company."Da: De nikkede, glade for den nye forbindelse.En: They nodded, happy for the new connection.Da: Lars gik gennem portene ud i natten, men han følte sig ikke længere alene.En: Lars walked through the gates into the night, but he no longer felt alone.Da: Han vidste nu, at åbne sig selv kunne føre til uvurderlige venskaber.En: He now knew that opening himself up could lead to invaluable friendships.Da: Lykkelig og tilfreds slentrede han bort, med en ny glæde for julen i sit hjerte.En: Happy and content, he strolled away, with a new joy for Christmas in his heart. Vocabulary Words:bustling: sprudledeglistened: glitredenarrow: smalleapproaching: snartstruggled: sværtbooth: bodcrooked: skævehugged: krammedeinvisible: usynligsighed: sukkedeconsidered: overvejedelaughter: latterchimed: stemtecautiously: forsigtigthesitated: tøvedebench: bænkCountry side: landetflowed: flødloneliness: ensomhedmelted: smeltedeilluminated: oplystgates: porteneinvaluable: uvurderligefriendship: venskabcontent: tilfredsstrolled: slentredejoy: glædepeace: rofear: frygtinviting: indbydende

Generous Hearts  December 22, 2024 Looking for community? Try our Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/midwayonline Need more info? Check out our website: https://www.midwaychurch.com/ Did you make a decision to follow Christ, get baptized, or join Midway Church? Click here:  https://midway.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/578/responses/new

Fluent Fiction - Danish: Finding Christmas: A Journey Through Joy and Doubt Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2024-12-22-08-38-20-da Story Transcript:Da: Tivoli Gardens var fyldt med lys.En: Tivoli Gardens was filled with lights.Da: De små træer stod pyntet med kulørte lamper.En: The small trees stood adorned with colorful lamps.Da: Det duftede af gløgg og varme æbleskiver.En: The scent of gløgg and warm æbleskiver filled the air.Da: Sneen knirkede under fødderne.En: The snow creaked underfoot.Da: Mikkel gik gennem haven med en rygsæk på ryggen.En: Mikkel walked through the gardens with a backpack on his back.Da: Han skyndte sig.En: He hurried.Da: Klokken nærmede sig fem.En: The hour was nearing five.Da: Toget ville snart køre.En: The train would soon leave.Da: Mikkel arbejdede som ingeniør.En: Mikkel worked as an engineer.Da: Det var et godt job, sagde alle.En: It was a good job, everyone said.Da: Men han havde sine tvivl.En: But he had his doubts.Da: Var dette virkelig, hvad han ville med sit liv?En: Was this really what he wanted from his life?Da: Julen nærmede sig.En: Christmas was approaching.Da: Han glædede sig til at komme hjem.En: He looked forward to going home.Da: Til familien.En: To the family.Da: Til hyggen.En: To the coziness.Da: Men først skulle han nå toget.En: But first, he had to catch the train.Da: Han tjekkede sin telefon.En: He checked his phone.Da: Alle billetter var udsolgt.En: All tickets were sold out.Da: Hans hjerte sank.En: His heart sank.Da: Han havde ikke meget tid.En: He didn't have much time.Da: Garder tid til jul - det var hans mål.En: Be home for Christmas—that was his goal.Da: Men hvordan?En: But how?Da: Pludselig så han Sofie.En: Suddenly he saw Sofie.Da: Hun stod ved den store karrusel.En: She stood by the big carousel.Da: Sofie, hans gamle kollega, som nu rejste meget.En: Sofie, his old colleague, who now traveled a lot.Da: Måske kunne hun hjælpe.En: Maybe she could help.Da: Han nærmede sig hende.En: He approached her.Da: "Sofie!"En: "Sofie!"Da: råbte han.En: he shouted.Da: Hun vendte sig om, smilede.En: She turned around, smiled.Da: "Hej, Mikkel!En: "Hi, Mikkel!Da: Hvor skal du hen?"En: Where are you going?"Da: Mikkel forklarede sin situation.En: Mikkel explained his situation.Da: Toget.En: The train.Da: Familien.En: The family.Da: Julen.En: Christmas.Da: Sofie nikkede forstående.En: Sofie nodded understandingly.Da: "Prøv at spørge folk om hjælp," foreslog hun.En: "Try asking people for help," she suggested.Da: "Rejsende er ofte venlige."En: "Travelers are often kind."Da: Sofie ledte også efter sin egen rejse.En: Sofie was also looking for her own journey.Da: Hun overvejede muligheden.En: She considered the possibility.Da: "Vil du låne min kuffert, så du ser mere officiel ud?"En: "Do you want to borrow my suitcase so you look more official?"Da: sagde hun pludselig.En: she said suddenly.Da: En idé formede sig i Mikkels hoved.En: An idea formed in Mikkel's mind.Da: Med fornyet håb gik Mikkel hen til en gruppe mennesker, der stod i kø.En: With renewed hope, Mikkel went over to a group of people standing in line.Da: De lyttede til Mikkels historie.En: They listened to Mikkel's story.Da: Efter lidt tid gik Jonas, en ung mand med en togbillet til overs, hen til Mikkel.En: After a while, Jonas, a young man with an extra train ticket, approached Mikkel.Da: "Jeg har brug for at ændre mine planer," sagde Jonas.En: "I need to change my plans," said Jonas.Da: "Tag min billet."En: "Take my ticket."Da: Det var som et mirakel.En: It was like a miracle.Da: Mikkel takkede Jonas mange gange.En: Mikkel thanked Jonas many times.Da: Imens trak Sofie sin kuffert tilbage.En: Meanwhile, Sofie took back her suitcase.Da: Mikkel lovede at sende en hilsen fra familien.En: Mikkel promised to send greetings from the family.Da: Toget var næsten ved at afgå.En: The train was almost departing.Da: Mikkel tog plads.En: Mikkel took a seat.Da: Han sukkede lettet og stirrede ud ad vinduet.En: He sighed with relief and stared out the window.Da: Landskabet blev langsomt hvidt af sne.En: The landscape slowly turned white with snow.Da: Da han nåede hjem, var hans familie allerede samlet.En: When he reached home, his family was already gathered.Da: Middagen var parat.En: Dinner was ready.Da: Mikkel åbnede døren.En: Mikkel opened the door.Da: Han blev mødt med varme kram og latter.En: He was met with warm hugs and laughter.Da: Mens han sad ved bordet, følte han sig fredfyldt.En: As he sat at the table, he felt peaceful.Da: Det var okay at være usikker.En: It was okay to be uncertain.Da: Han kunne finde vej, når tiden var rigtig.En: He could find his way when the time was right.Da: For nu nød han nuet.En: For now, he enjoyed the present.Da: Klokkerne ringede ind til fest, og Mikkel vidste, at alt ville være godt.En: The bells rang in celebration, and Mikkel knew that everything would be okay. Vocabulary Words:adorned: pyntetscent: duftedecreaked: knirkedebackpack: rygsækhurried: skyndte signearing: nærmede sigengineer: ingeniørdoubts: tvivlcoziness: hyggentickets: billettersink: sankgathered: samletcarousel: karruselcolleague: kollegaapproached: nærmede sigunderstandingly: forståendeborrow: lånesuitcase: kuffertrenewed: fornyetline: kølistened: lyttedemiracle: mirakelthanked: takkededeparting: afgåsighed: sukkedepeaceful: fredfyldtuncertain: usikkergreet: hilsencelebration: festgazed: stirrede

Fluent Fiction - Danish: Finding Christmas Magic: A Rendezvous at Tivoli Gardens Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2024-12-20-08-38-20-da Story Transcript:Da: Freja gik ned ad stien i Tivoli Gardens.En: Freja walked down the path in Tivoli Gardens.Da: Det var vinter, og sneen dalede let fra himlen.En: It was winter, and snow was gently falling from the sky.Da: Lysene glitrede i træerne, og duften af gløgg fyldte luften.En: Lights glittered in the trees, and the scent of gløgg filled the air.Da: Hun kunne høre lyden af julemusik og børns latter i baggrunden.En: She could hear the sound of Christmas music and children's laughter in the background.Da: Det fik hende til at tænke på sine barndoms jul.En: It made her think of her childhood Christmases.Da: Hun savnede den simplicitet og glæde, som julen engang bragte.En: She missed the simplicity and joy that Christmas once brought.Da: På vej mod det store juletræ i midten af parken stødte Freja på Lukas.En: On her way to the big Christmas tree in the middle of the park, Freja ran into Lukas.Da: "Hej Freja!En: "Hey Freja!Da: Det er længe siden," sagde Lukas med et stort smil.En: It's been a while," said Lukas with a big smile.Da: Lukas havde altid været eventyrlysten.En: Lukas had always been adventurous.Da: Han strålede, mens han fortalte om sine planer for aftenen.En: He beamed as he talked about his plans for the evening.Da: Han ville udforske Tivolis magiske juleudstillinger, tage spontane ture i de sneklædte haver, og måske finde noget lækker varm kakao.En: He wanted to explore Tivoli's magical Christmas displays, take spontaneous tours through the snow-covered gardens, and maybe find some delicious hot cocoa.Da: Lidt længere fremme så de Emil.En: A bit further ahead, they saw Emil.Da: Han stod stille, tilfreds, men en smule tænksom.En: He stood still, content, but a bit pensive.Da: Der var noget beroligende ved Emils tilstedeværelse.En: There was something calming about Emil's presence.Da: Han var altid glad, men hans familieforpligtelser holdt ham ofte tilbage fra at følge sine drømme.En: He was always happy, but his family obligations often held him back from following his dreams.Da: "Skal I med til familiemiddag?En: "Are you coming to the family dinner?"Da: " spurgte Emil, og kiggede skiftevis på Freja og Lukas.En: asked Emil, looking alternately at Freja and Lukas.Da: Freja mærkede en konflikt indeni.En: Freja felt a conflict within.Da: Hun ville til middag, men Lukas' idé fristede hende.En: She wanted to go to dinner, but Lukas' idea tempted her.Da: Kunne hun finde den barnlige glæde, hun søgte, ved at bryde rutinen for en gangs skyld?En: Could she find the childlike joy she sought by breaking the routine for once?Da: Lukas rakte hånden frem.En: Lukas extended his hand.Da: "Kom nu, Freja.En: "Come on, Freja.Da: Lad os finde det eventyr!En: Let's find that adventure!"Da: " Hans ord var simple, men fyldt med løfte om noget nyt og spændende.En: His words were simple but filled with the promise of something new and exciting.Da: Hun tog en dyb indånding, kiggede på Emil og vidste, at han ville forstå.En: She took a deep breath, looked at Emil, and knew he would understand.Da: "Jeg.En: "I...Da: jeg tror, jeg vil prøve noget nyt i år," sagde Freja stille.En: I think I want to try something new this year," Freja said quietly.Da: Hun tog Lukas' hånd og sammen gik de gennem de sneklædte stier.En: She took Lukas' hand, and together they walked through the snow-covered paths.Da: Tivoli Gardens var som fra et eventyr.En: Tivoli Gardens was like something out of a fairy tale.Da: Deres latter blandede sig med musikken, og Freja indså, at glæden kun krævede, at hun åbnede sit hjerte for øjeblikket.En: Their laughter mixed with the music, and Freja realized that joy only required her to open her heart to the moment.Da: Efter en omgang skøjteløb og en tur med pariserhjulet fandt de tilbage til Emil.En: After a round of ice skating and a ride on the Ferris wheel, they found their way back to Emil.Da: De satte sig ved et lille bord med dampende kopper i hænderne.En: They sat at a small table with steaming cups in hand.Da: Historier og latter fyldte luften.En: Stories and laughter filled the air.Da: De delte erfaringer, drømme og øjeblikke, som skabte varme i det kolde vintervejr.En: They shared experiences, dreams, and moments that created warmth in the cold winter weather.Da: Freja smilede og indså noget vigtigt.En: Freja smiled and realized something important.Da: Lykkens magi lå ikke kun i fortiden.En: The magic of happiness was not just in the past.Da: Den fandtes også nu og her, midt i øjeblikkets spontane skønhed.En: It was also here and now, in the spontaneous beauty of the moment.Da: Og så blev denne aften en ny tradition.En: And so, this evening became a new tradition.Da: Ikke som de gamle, men alligevel fyldt med hjertevarme og fællesskab.En: Not like the old ones, but still filled with warmth and togetherness.Da: Freja lærte at omfavne forandring, og det blev en af de bedste jul nogensinde.En: Freja learned to embrace change, and it became one of the best Christmases ever. Vocabulary Words:path: stigently: letglittered: glitredescent: duftlaughter: lattersimplicity: simplicitetadventurous: eventyrlystenspontaneous: spontanedelicious: lækkercontent: tilfredspensive: tænksomobligations: forpligtelsertempted: fristedeextended: raktecalming: beroligendebreathtaking: dybexplore: udforskefairy tale: eventyrsparkling: stråledesteam: dampendeobvious: indlysendeobstacle: hindringembrace: omfavnealter alternately: skiftevispersist: vedholdeinebriated: berusetnourishment: ernæringwistful: længselsfulddisplays: udstillingerobscure: uklart

Finding Christmas: Week 3 December 15, 2024 Looking for community? Try our Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/midwayonline Need more info? Check out our website: https://www.midwaychurch.com/ Did you make a decision to follow Christ, get baptized, or join Midway Church? Click here:  https://midway.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/578/responses/new

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: Finding Christmas Spirit: Lars' Journey from Weakness to Warmth Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2024-12-16-08-38-19-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Lars låg i sin säng och stirrade upp i taket.En: Lars lay in his bed and stared up at the ceiling.Sv: Han hade precis genomgått en operation, och hans kropp kändes fortfarande svag.En: He had just undergone surgery, and his body still felt weak.Sv: Trots att det var vinter och kallt ute, hade han svårt att komma i rätt stämning för julen.En: Despite it being winter and cold outside, he had a hard time getting into the right mood for Christmas.Sv: Lars älskade alltid julen, men i år kändes det annorlunda.En: Lars had always loved Christmas, but this year felt different.Sv: Hans syster Anna hade föreslagit att de skulle besöka den livliga marknaden, Kbright Marketplace.En: His sister Anna had suggested they visit the lively market, Kbright Marketplace.Sv: Hon trodde att hans humör skulle bli bättre av att omges av julens glädje.En: She thought his mood would improve by being surrounded by the joy of Christmas.Sv: Men Lars tveka.En: But Lars hesitated.Sv: Han var inte säker på om han orkade med det.En: He wasn't sure if he had the energy for it.Sv: Det var en kall lördagsmorgon när Anna och deras bror Johan kom över för att hämta honom.En: It was a cold Saturday morning when Anna and their brother Johan came over to pick him up.Sv: "Kom igen, Lars," sa Anna med sitt varma leende, "det kommer att bli kul.En: "Come on, Lars," said Anna with her warm smile, "it will be fun.Sv: Vi kan dricka glögg och titta på julpynt!"En: We can drink glögg and look at the Christmas decorations!"Sv: Lars satte sig sakta upp och kände den välbekanta smärtan i magen när han rörde sig.En: Lars slowly sat up and felt the familiar pain in his stomach as he moved.Sv: "Jag vet inte, Anna," svarade han tveksamt.En: "I don't know, Anna," he replied hesitantly.Sv: "Jag är inte säker på om jag orkar med alla människor och buller."En: "I'm not sure if I can handle all the people and noise."Sv: Johan, alltid optimisten, lade handen på Lars axel.En: Johan, always the optimist, placed a hand on Lars's shoulder.Sv: "Vi är här för dig.En: "We're here for you.Sv: Vi tar det lugnt.En: We'll take it easy.Sv: Julstämningen kommer att pigga upp dig."En: The Christmas spirit will cheer you up."Sv: Efter mycket tvekan och en del övertalning följde Lars med.En: After much hesitation and some persuasion, Lars went along.Sv: När de kom till marknaden blev han överraskad.En: When they arrived at the market, he was surprised.Sv: Stånden var dekorerade med glimrande ljus, och luften var full av doften av pepparkakor och varmt, kryddigt glögg.En: The stalls were decorated with shimmering lights, and the air was filled with the scent of gingerbread and hot, spiced glögg.Sv: Människor gick omkring med leenden, insvepta i varma halsdukar och mössor.En: People walked around with smiles, wrapped in warm scarves and hats.Sv: Medan de promenerade bland stånden, blev Lars överväldigad av känslor.En: As they strolled among the stalls, Lars was overwhelmed by emotions.Sv: Han stannade till framför en liten bod som sålde handgjorda julsaker.En: He stopped in front of a small booth selling handmade Christmas items.Sv: "Anna," sa han plötsligt, "jag har inte känt mig som mig själv sedan operationen.En: "Anna," he said suddenly, "I haven't felt like myself since the surgery.Sv: Det är svårt att vara svag och behöva hjälp hela tiden."En: It's hard to be weak and need help all the time."Sv: Anna kramade hans hand.En: Anna squeezed his hand.Sv: "Lars, det är okej att känna så.En: "Lars, it's okay to feel that way.Sv: Vi är här för dig.En: We're here for you.Sv: Du behöver inte vara stark hela tiden."En: You don't have to be strong all the time."Sv: Hans ord kändes som en lättnad.En: His words felt like a relief.Sv: All den vikt han burit inombords började släppa.En: All the weight he had been carrying inside began to lift.Sv: Stödet från Anna och Johan gav honom styrka.En: The support from Anna and Johan gave him strength.Sv: De tunnade snöflingorna föll mjukt omkring dem och skapade en magisk känsla.En: The light snowflakes fell softly around them, creating a magical feeling.Sv: Tillsammans njöt de av marknadens värme och kärlek.En: Together, they enjoyed the warmth and love of the market.Sv: Lars kände en ny energi och önskade att inget annat än detta ögonblick.En: Lars felt a new energy and wished for nothing other than this moment.Sv: Efter att ha gått runt hela marknaden, känt den atmosfäriska julstämningen och öppnat sitt hjärta, insåg Lars en viktig sak.En: After walking around the entire market, feeling the atmospheric Christmas spirit, and opening his heart, Lars realized something important.Sv: Han förstod att sårbarhet inte var en svaghet.En: He understood that vulnerability was not a weakness.Sv: Istället ledde det till en djupare förståelse och närmare relationer med de han uppskattade.En: Instead, it led to deeper understanding and closer relationships with those he cherished.Sv: När de gick hemöver, leende och fyllda av julstämning, insåg Lars att vinterkylan kunde ersättas av värmen från dem han älskade mest.En: As they walked home, smiling and filled with the Christmas spirit, Lars realized that the winter cold could be replaced by the warmth of those he loved most.Sv: Julen var tillbaka, och Lars var redo att omfamna den, precis som han var.En: Christmas was back, and Lars was ready to embrace it, just as he was. Vocabulary Words:stared: stirradeundergone: genomgåttmood: stämningsuggested: föreslagitsurrounded: omgeshesitated: tvekaenergy: orkapick up: hämtadecoration: julpyntfamiliar: välbekantaoptimist: optimistenpersuasion: övertalningshimmering: glimrandegingerbread: pepparkakorwrapped: insveptascarves: halsdukaroverwhelmed: överväldigadbooth: bodhandmade: handgjordascent: doftenvulnerability: sårbarhetcherished: uppskattadeembrace: omfamnarealized: insågsnowflakes: snöflingornamagical: magisklight: tunnadecarrying: buritsupport: stödsoftly: mjukt

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Finding Christmas Magic: Lorenzo's Heartfelt Gift Quest Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2024-12-15-08-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: Lorenzo camminava lungo la via principale del quartiere, i suoi respiri visibili nell'aria fredda.En: Lorenzo walked along the main street of the neighborhood, his breaths visible in the cold air.It: Era il 23 dicembre, e l'ansia di trovare i regali perfetti per la sua famiglia cresceva.En: It was December 23rd, and the anxiety of finding the perfect gifts for his family was growing.It: Le luci di Natale illuminavano il marciapiede, rendendo tutto magico, mentre la neve copriva i tetti delle case alte intorno.En: The Christmas lights lit up the sidewalk, making everything magical, while the snow covered the roofs of the tall houses around.It: "Sbrigati, Lorenzo!"En: "Hurry up, Lorenzo!"It: esclamò Giulia, la sua sorellina, mentre faceva attenzione a non scivolare sul ghiaccio.En: exclaimed Giulia, his little sister, as she carefully avoided slipping on the ice.It: Giulia era sempre una ventata d'energia in confronto al riflessivo Lorenzo.En: Giulia was always a burst of energy compared to the reflective Lorenzo.It: "Non abbiamo tutto il giorno."En: "We don't have all day."It: Al loro fianco camminava Marco, con un sorriso disteso.En: Walking beside them was Marco, with a relaxed smile.It: "Non preoccuparti, Lorenzo.En: "Don't worry, Lorenzo.It: Troveremo qualcosa di speciale.En: We'll find something special.It: Devo dirti che ho sentito parlare di un nuovo negozietto artigianale più avanti."En: I must tell you, I've heard about a new artisan shop up ahead."It: Lorenzo sospirò, guardando le borse vuote che teneva in mano.En: Lorenzo sighed, looking at the empty bags he was holding.It: Voleva qualcosa che mostrasse veramente quanto amasse la sua famiglia.En: He wanted something that truly showed how much he loved his family.It: I negozi sembravano quasi vuoti, presi d'assalto dalle orde di clienti in cerca di ultimi regali.En: The shops seemed almost empty, having been stormed by hordes of customers searching for last-minute gifts.It: Il suono delle campanelle delle porte era continuo mentre altre persone entravano e uscivano dai negozi.En: The sound of the bells on the doors was constant as other people entered and exited the shops.It: Finalmente, i tre arrivarono davanti a una piccola vetrina decorata con ornamenti natalizi fatti a mano.En: Finally, the three of them arrived in front of a small window decorated with handmade Christmas ornaments.It: Sembrava quasi dimenticata nel caos delle vie principali.En: It seemed almost forgotten in the chaos of the main streets.It: Era quello il negozio di cui parlava Marco subito?En: Was this the shop Marco had mentioned earlier?It: Una piccola sensazione di speranza nacque in Lorenzo.En: A small feeling of hope arose in Lorenzo.It: Entrando, furono avvolti dal calore del negozio.En: Upon entering, they were enveloped by the warmth of the store.It: Gli scaffali erano pieni di oggetti unici: candele profumate, gioielli in ceramica e piccole opere d'arte.En: The shelves were full of unique objects: scented candles, ceramic jewelry, and small works of art.It: Ogni oggetto raccontava una storia, e Lorenzo sentì finalmente che quel posto aveva quel "qualcosa in più" che cercava.En: Each object told a story, and Lorenzo finally felt that this place had that "something extra" he had been searching for.It: Giulia si avvicinò a dei piccoli pupazzi di legno, perfetti per la loro nonna che adorava i lavori artigianali.En: Giulia approached some small wooden figures, perfect for their grandmother who loved crafts.It: Marco suggerì un set di tazze decorate a mano, ideali per i sereni pomeriggi in famiglia.En: Marco suggested a set of hand-decorated mugs, ideal for serene family afternoons.It: Lorenzo trovò una collana con un ciondolo che rappresentava un albero, simbolo della loro famiglia e dei legami che li univano.En: Lorenzo found a necklace with a pendant representing a tree, a symbol of their family and the bonds that united them.It: "È perfetto," mormorò Lorenzo con un sorriso, sentendo il peso del compito svanire.En: "It's perfect," murmured Lorenzo with a smile, feeling the weight of the task vanish.It: Ogni regalo sembrava pensato apposto per ognuno dei suoi cari.En: Each gift seemed perfectly thought out for each of his loved ones.It: Con gratitudine, si diressero alla cassa per pagare.En: With gratitude, they headed to the cashier to pay.It: La proprietaria, una vecchina gentile, impacchettò i loro acquisti con cura.En: The owner, a kind old lady, carefully wrapped their purchases.It: Arrivati a casa, Lorenzo, Giulia e Marco riuscirono a donare un Natale pieno di calore e sorprese.En: Once home, Lorenzo, Giulia, and Marco managed to give a Christmas full of warmth and surprises.It: La famiglia si riunì intorno all'albero, sorseggiando cioccolata calda e apprezzando i regali che Lorenzo aveva scelto.En: The family gathered around the tree, sipping hot chocolate and appreciating the gifts Lorenzo had chosen.It: Quella notte, Lorenzo imparò che l'amore e l'attenzione erano il vero cuore di un dono.En: That night, Lorenzo learned that love and attention were the true heart of a gift.It: Promettendosi di organizzarsi meglio l'anno successivo, era grato di aver trovato un modo speciale per esprimere il suo affetto.En: Promising himself to organize better the following year, he was grateful to have found a special way to express his affection.It: Il Natale finì in un abbraccio condiviso, con tutti meravigliati dall'attenzione posta nei regali.En: Christmas ended in a shared hug, with everyone amazed by the care put into the gifts.It: Giulia disse ridendo: "Il prossimo anno, Lorenzo, iniziamo prima!"En: Giulia laughed and said, "Next year, Lorenzo, let's start earlier!"It: E con il cuore leggero, Lorenzo annuì, pronto a vivere ogni momento con lo stesso calore che aveva appena imparato a dare.En: And with a light heart, Lorenzo nodded, ready to live every moment with the same warmth he had just learned to give. Vocabulary Words:the anxiety: l'ansiathe neighborhood: il quartierethe breaths: i respirito slip: scivolarethe energy: l'energiathe sidewalk: il marciapiedethe roof: il tettothe hope: la speranzathe warmth: il calorethe shelf: lo scaffalethe candle: la candelathe jewelry: i gioiellithe art: l'artethe pendant: il ciondolothe cashier: la cassathe owner: la proprietariathe affection: l'affettothe craft: i lavori artigianalithe shop: il negoziothe reflection: il riflessivothe customer: il clientethe horde: l'ordathe bells: le campanellethe chaos: il caosthe task: il compitothe gratitude: la gratitudinethe surprise: la sorpresathe gift: il regalothe tree: l'alberothe opportunity: l'opportunità

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: Finding Christmas Magic: A Heartwarming Family Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2024-12-15-23-34-02-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Snön låg som en mjuk filt över villakvarteret.En: The snow lay like a soft blanket over the suburban neighborhood.Sv: Fjärran blinkade färgglada julbelysningar från husens fönster.En: In the distance, colorful Christmas lights blinked from the houses' windows.Sv: Det var vinter, och kylan bet i kinderna, men inne hos familjen Andersson var det varmt och fyllt av hopp.En: It was winter, and the cold bit at the cheeks, but inside the Andersson family's home, it was warm and filled with hope.Sv: Johan, en ung pojke med tindrande ögon, såg fram emot julen.En: Johan, a young boy with sparkling eyes, looked forward to Christmas.Sv: Ända sedan han var liten hade Johan älskat julen.En: Ever since he was little, Johan had loved Christmas.Sv: Alla traditioner, dofter och ljus fyllde honom med en speciell glädje.En: All the traditions, scents, and lights filled him with a special joy.Sv: Men i år var han orolig.En: But this year, he was worried.Sv: Skulle tomten verkligen komma i år?En: Would Santa really come this year?Sv: Familjen hade det svårt ekonomiskt och kunde knappt köpa några julklappar eller dekorationer.En: The family was having financial difficulties and could barely buy any Christmas presents or decorations.Sv: Det kändes fel att det viktigaste försvann.En: It felt wrong that the most important things were missing.Sv: Men Johan hade en plan.En: But Johan had a plan.Sv: Om tomten kanske inte kom med stora presenter kunde han ändå hjälpa till att skapa en magisk känsla i huset.En: If Santa might not come with big presents, he could still help create a magical feeling in the house.Sv: Johan plockade fram gamla tidningar, klister och färg.En: Johan gathered old newspapers, glue, and paint.Sv: Han började klippa snöflingor av papper och målade dem vita.En: He started cutting paper snowflakes and painted them white.Sv: Han hittade gamla glasburkar i skåpet som han fyllde med små kottar och torkade löv – så blev de vackra julsmycken.En: He found old glass jars in the cupboard which he filled with small cones and dried leaves—thus they became beautiful Christmas ornaments.Sv: Hans lillasyster Maja hjälpte till.En: His little sister Maja helped.Sv: Hon skrattade när de målade pepparkakor tillsammans.En: She laughed as they painted gingerbread cookies together.Sv: Mamma Elin kom in i köket och log när hon såg deras arbete.En: Mom Elin came into the kitchen and smiled when she saw their work.Sv: Trots bekymren kunde de ändå dela dessa stunder.En: Despite the worries, they could still share these moments.Sv: Dagen före julafton gick Johan till vinden.En: The day before Christmas Eve, Johan went to the attic.Sv: Han letade efter mer papper till sina dekorationer.En: He searched for more paper for his decorations.Sv: Där, gömt bakom en gammal låda, fann han en överraskning.En: There, hidden behind an old box, he found a surprise.Sv: En kista full av juldekorationer.En: A chest full of Christmas decorations.Sv: Det var saker som mamma hade sparat – glitter, stjärnor och gamla julljus.En: These were things that mom had saved—glitter, stars, and old Christmas candles.Sv: Hjärtat hoppade av glädje!En: His heart leapt with joy!Sv: När Johan bar ner lådan till köket såg han hur Elins ögon glittrade.En: When Johan brought the box down to the kitchen, he saw how Elin's eyes sparkled.Sv: Hon berättade att hon hade sparat allt i hop om de skulle behöva en extra glädje.En: She explained that she had saved everything in case they needed extra joy.Sv: Det var magiskt.En: It was magical.Sv: Tillsammans dekorerade de hela huset – fönster, bord och julgranen.En: Together, they decorated the whole house—windows, tables, and the Christmas tree.Sv: Maja fnissade lyckligt när hon hängde en stjärna på toppen av granen.En: Maja giggled happily as she hung a star on the top of the tree.Sv: På julaftonskvällen satt familjen samlad runt bordet.En: On Christmas Eve night, the family sat gathered around the table.Sv: Luddet av ljus och doften av julmat fyllde hela rummet.En: The glow of candles and the smell of Christmas food filled the entire room.Sv: När Johan såg runt sig insåg han den sanna meningen med julen.En: When Johan looked around, he realized the true meaning of Christmas.Sv: Det handlade inte om saker eller paket.En: It wasn't about things or packages.Sv: Det handlade om dem – om kärleken och gemenskapen i familjen.En: It was about them—about the love and togetherness in the family.Sv: Johan log för sig själv.En: Johan smiled to himself.Sv: Oavsett om tomten kom eller inte, så var detta en jul att minnas.En: Whether Santa came or not, this was a Christmas to remember.Sv: Hjärtat var fyllt av värme, och han förstod att julens sanna ande bodde mitt ibland dem, i varje leende och varje skratt.En: His heart was filled with warmth, and he understood that the true spirit of Christmas resided among them, in every smile and every laugh. Vocabulary Words:suburban: villakvarteretblanket: filtcheeks: kindernasparkling: tindrandetraditions: traditionerscent: dofterworry: oroligfinancial difficulties: svårt ekonomisktdecorations: dekorationermissing: försvannmagical: magiskcupboard: skåpetcones: kottarornaments: julsmyckengiggle: fnissadeattic: vindenhidden: gömtshimmer: glittradecandles: julljusleapt: hoppadegathered: samladtogetherness: gemenskapenresided: boddeglow: luddetextra: extraheart: hjärtatpresent: presenterhope: hoppexplain: berättadesurprise: överraskning

Lifted Hands December 8, 2024 Looking for community? Try our Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/midwayonline Need more info? Check out our website: https://www.midwaychurch.com/ Did you make a decision to follow Christ, get baptized, or join Midway Church? Click here:  https://midway.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/578/responses/new

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: Finding Christmas: A Journey Beyond Gifts in Stockholm Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2024-12-09-23-34-02-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Sven gick genom Gamla Stan, hjärtat av Stockholm, med snön lätt fallande omkring honom.En: Sven walked through Gamla Stan, the heart of Stockholm, with snow lightly falling around him.Sv: Gatorna var fyllda med glada besökare, och de små träbodarna lyste upp i vinternatten med färgglada ljus och dekorationer.En: The streets were filled with happy visitors, and the small wooden stalls lit up the winter night with colorful lights and decorations.Sv: Doften av rostade mandlar och glögg fyllde luften, och julmusik hördes från varje vrå.En: The scent of roasted almonds and glögg filled the air, and Christmas music could be heard from every corner.Sv: Sven kände en viss oro i magen.En: Sven felt a certain anxiety in his stomach.Sv: Det var många år sedan han hade sett Annika ordentligt.En: It had been many years since he had properly seen Annika.Sv: Gamla gräl och missförstånd hade skapat en osynlig mur mellan dem.En: Old arguments and misunderstandings had created an invisible wall between them.Sv: Men denna jul var speciell.En: But this Christmas was special.Sv: Han hade bestämt sig för att hitta den perfekta julklappen åt henne.En: He had decided to find the perfect Christmas gift for her.Sv: Det var hans sätt att säga allt som orden hade misslyckats med.En: It was his way of saying everything that words had failed to.Sv: Marknaden var en virvel av färger och ljud.En: The market was a whirlwind of colors and sounds.Sv: Sven stannade vid en bod med hantverk och övervägde ett vackert smycke, men tvekan smög sig in när minnen från deras bråk flimrade förbi.En: Sven stopped at a stall with crafts and considered a beautiful piece of jewelry, but hesitation crept in as memories of their quarrels flashed by.Sv: Han gick vidare, osäker och frustrerad.En: He moved on, uncertain and frustrated.Sv: När han tänkte på vad som skulle kunna göra Annika glad, kom han ihåg deras barndom.En: When he thought about what could make Annika happy, he remembered their childhood.Sv: De hade älskat en speciell typ av julprydnad, en som var handgjord och fylld med magi.En: They had loved a special type of Christmas ornament, one that was handmade and filled with magic.Sv: De brukade hänga dem tillsammans i julgranen varje år.En: They used to hang them together on the Christmas tree every year.Sv: Sven skyndade sig mellan stånden, och där, bland alla glittrande ornament, såg han den.En: Sven hurried between the stalls, and there, among all the shimmering ornaments, he saw it.Sv: Det var samma sorts prydnad som de hade älskat som barn.En: It was the same kind of ornament they had loved as children.Sv: Han sträckte ut handen för att ta den, men samtidigt gjorde Johan, en man Annika nyligen hade nämnt, detsamma.En: He reached out to take it, but at the same time, Johan, a man Annika had recently mentioned, did the same.Sv: Sven stannade upp och tog ett djupt andetag.En: Sven paused and took a deep breath.Sv: I det ögonblicket insåg han något viktigt.En: At that moment, he realized something important.Sv: Det var inte prydnaden som hade betydelse, utan det var hans närvaro, hans vilja att vara närvarande och delaktig.En: It wasn't the ornament that mattered, but his presence, his willingness to be present and involved.Sv: Han log vänligt mot Johan och nickade, lät honom ta prydnaden.En: He smiled kindly at Johan and nodded, letting him take the ornament.Sv: Istället stegade Sven till en annan del av marknaden och köpte biljetter till en gemensam upplevelse Annika alltid hade velat prova – en matlagningskurs i fransk matlagning.En: Instead, Sven strode to another part of the market and bought tickets for a shared experience Annika had always wanted to try—a cooking class in French cuisine.Sv: När han lämnade marknaden kände han lättnad.En: As he left the market, he felt relieved.Sv: Han förstod att detta, att skapa nya minnen tillsammans, var viktigare än någon sak de kunde hålla i sina händer.En: He understood that this, creating new memories together, was more important than any item they could hold in their hands.Sv: Julen närmade sig, och Sven såg fram emot att träffa Annika.En: Christmas approached, and Sven looked forward to seeing Annika.Sv: Inte bara för att ge henne gåvan, utan för att börja bygga upp deras förlorade relation.En: Not just to give her the gift, but to start rebuilding their lost relationship.Sv: Denna gång, sade han tyst för sig själv, skulle han vara där, i varje ögonblick.En: This time, he said quietly to himself, he would be there, in every moment. Vocabulary Words:whirlwind: virvelanxiety: oroarguments: grälmisunderstandings: missförståndinvisible: osynlighesitation: tvekanfrustrated: frustreradornament: prydnadshimmering: glittrandepresence: närvaromemories: minnenrelieved: lättnadexperience: upplevelsechildhood: barndomquarrels: bråknostalgia: nostalgipondered: övervägdedetermined: beslutenmiscommunication: kommunikationsbristcharming: förtjusandetranquility: lugnpersevere: uthärdaastonishment: häpnadeager: ivrigcommitment: engagemangintertwined: sammanflätaderesentment: aggforgiveness: förlåtelsereconciliation: försoningbittersweet: bitterljuv

Pastor Kyle Plew continues our Christmas series, "Advent-Tageous".-Live From Chelan, WA.Learn more about Real Life Church and how to attend live here: https://reallifencw.com/

Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, looks at recent arguments before the US Supreme Court around a Tennesee law that bans the use of puberty blockers and other medical interventions on youth that can permamently deform gender dysphoric children.  Apologist Daniel DeWitt offers hope and joy, even when we are filled with sorrow during the Christmas season. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Fluent Fiction - Danish: Finding Christmas Magic in København's Twinkling Market Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2024-12-06-08-38-20-da Story Transcript:Da: Frejas øjne lyste op, da hun gik ind på julemarkedet i København.En: Frejas eyes lit up as she entered the Christmas market in København.Da: Lyset fra de mange boder blinkede som stjerner, og duften af gløgg og kanel kærtegnede hendes næse med en indbydende varme.En: The light from the many stalls twinkled like stars, and the scent of gløgg and cinnamon caressed her nose with an inviting warmth.Da: Hun trak Viktor med sig gennem trængslen, mens hans latter rungede under de små juletræer, der prydede hver en hjørne.En: She pulled Viktor along through the crowd, while his laughter echoed beneath the small Christmas trees that adorned every corner.Da: "Se Freja," sagde Viktor med en begejstret stemme, mens han pegede på en bod fyldt med håndlavet legetøj.En: "Look, Freja," Viktor said excitedly, pointing at a stall filled with handmade toys.Da: "Min nevø ville elske det her trætog!"En: "My nephew would love this wooden train!"Da: Men Freja rystede tøvende på hovedet.En: But Freja shook her head hesitantly.Da: "Det er ikke lige passende til min lillesøster," svarede hun stille.En: "It's not quite suitable for my little sister," she replied softly.Da: Hun var fast besluttet på at finde en gave, der ville få hendes families øjne til at lyse op af glæde.En: She was determined to find a gift that would make her family's eyes light up with joy.Da: De fortsatte deres gang, mens Freja nu og da kiggede på de mange boder.En: They continued their walk, while Freja occasionally glanced at the many stalls.Da: Hun var begæret om ikke at lade Victors forslag forstyrre sin egen intuition.En: She was intent on not letting Viktor's suggestions disrupt her own intuition.Da: Fra tid til anden mærkede hun presset fra de mange valg, som truede med at overvælde hende.En: From time to time, she felt the pressure of the many choices, threatening to overwhelm her.Da: Da de kom til den del af markedet, hvor lysene glitrede lidt mere magisk, mødte de Astrid.En: When they reached the part of the market where the lights glittered a bit more magically, they met Astrid.Da: Frejas storesøster sluttede sig til dem med et roligt smil.En: Frejas older sister joined them with a calm smile.Da: Hun var altid praktisk, altid med et klart blik på, hvad der faktisk var nødvendigt.En: She was always practical, always with a clear view of what was truly necessary.Da: "Du behøver ikke købe den dyreste gave," sagde Astrid til Freja med sin velkendte, rolige stemme.En: "You don't need to buy the most expensive gift," Astrid said to Freja in her familiar, calm voice.Da: "Det vigtigste er tanken bag."En: "The most important thing is the thought behind it."Da: Freja tog et dybt åndedrag og tænkte over sine søsters ord.En: Freja took a deep breath and considered her sister's words.Da: Det fik hende til at indse, at der var mere ved gavegivningen end prisen eller størrelsen.En: It made her realize that there was more to gift-giving than the price or size.Da: Pludselig, mens markedets klokker begyndte at ringe for dagens afslutning, fangede noget hendes øje.En: Suddenly, as the market's bells started ringing to mark the day's end, something caught her eye.Da: En lille bod gemt mellem to større boder havde små håndlavede ornamenter hængende.En: A small stall nestled between two larger ones had little handmade ornaments hanging.Da: Et af dem, en lille keramisk engel med vinger i guldmaling, tiltrak hende straks.En: One of them, a small ceramic angel with wings painted in gold, immediately drew her in.Da: Den var enkel, men strålede af kærlighed og varme.En: It was simple, but radiated love and warmth.Da: "Dette er den perfekte gave," udbrød Freja med en følelse af lettelse i stemmen.En: "This is the perfect gift," Freja exclaimed with a sense of relief in her voice.Da: Viktor nikkede anerkendende, og Astrid sendte hende et opmuntrende smil.En: Viktor nodded approvingly, and Astrid gave her an encouraging smile.Da: Med posen fyldt med den lille skat og et par andre nøje udvalgte gaver, så Freja ud mod nattehimlen.En: With her bag filled with the little treasure and a few other carefully chosen gifts, Freja looked out at the night sky.Da: Sneen faldt blidt som hvidt slør i skæret fra de mange julelys.En: The snow fell gently like a white veil under the glow of the many Christmas lights.Da: Freja følte en varm ro indeni.En: Freja felt a warm calm within her.Da: Ikke kun fordi hun havde fundet de perfekte gaver, men også fordi hun endelig havde fundet balancen mellem at lytte til sine venner og sin egen mavefornemmelse.En: Not just because she had found the perfect gifts, but also because she had finally found the balance between listening to her friends and her own instincts.Da: Mens de gik væk fra markedet, arm i arm og latteren blandet med sneens stilhed, vidste Freja, at julens sande ånd ikke lå i genstandene, men i det kærlige bånd hun delte med sin familie.-END-En: As they walked away from the market, arm in arm and laughter mingling with the silence of the snow, Freja knew that the true spirit of Christmas wasn't in the objects, but in the loving bond she shared with her family. Vocabulary Words:lit up: lyste optwinkled: blinkedestalls: boderscent: duftcaressed: kærtegnedecrowd: trængslenechoed: rungedeadorned: prydedeexclaimed: udbrødhesitantly: tøvendesuitable: passendedetermined: fast besluttetoccasionally: nu og daintent: begæretdisrupt: forstyrreintuition: intuitionoverwhelm: overvældeglittered: glitredepractical: praktiskfamiliar: velkendteconsidered: tænkte overrealize: indresesize: størrelserang: ringedenestled: gemtornaments: ornamenterceramic: keramiskradiated: stråledeapprovingly: anerkendendeencouraging: opmuntrende

Finding Christmas: Week 1   December 1, 2024   Looking for community? Try our Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/midwayonline   Need more info? Check out our website: https://www.midwaychurch.com/   Did you make a decision to follow Christ, get baptized, or join Midway Church? Click here:  https://midway.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/578/responses/new

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: Finding Christmas Magic: The Gift That Changed It All Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2024-11-19-23-34-02-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Gamla Stan hade en magisk känsla denna tid på året.En: Gamla Stan had a magical feeling this time of year.Sv: De kullerstenslagda gatorna var täckta av ett tunt lager av frost, och små ljus glittrade som små stjärnor i fönstren.En: The cobblestone streets were covered with a thin layer of frost, and small lights glittered like tiny stars in the windows.Sv: Den intensiva doften av glögg och pepparkakor fyllde luften.En: The intense scent of glögg and gingerbread filled the air.Sv: Elsa, en nyfiken kvinna i trettioårsåldern, strosade genom marknaden.En: Elsa, a curious woman in her thirties, strolled through the market.Sv: Hon var på jakt efter något speciellt.En: She was on the hunt for something special.Sv: Något som kunde övertyga hennes bror att julen inte bara var kommers.En: Something that could convince her brother that Christmas was not just commercial.Sv: På en liten plads i hörnet fanns Johans bod.En: In a small corner spot was Johan's stall.Sv: Den var fylld med vackra träskulpturer och handgjorda dekorationer.En: It was filled with beautiful wooden sculptures and handmade decorations.Sv: Johan stod bakom disken, hans ögon glittrade av värme och entusiasm.En: Johan stood behind the counter, his eyes sparkling with warmth and enthusiasm.Sv: Han älskade sitt hantverk och var stolt över varje pjäs han skapade.En: He loved his craft and was proud of every piece he created.Sv: Elsa drogs till hans stall direkt.En: Elsa was drawn to his stall immediately.Sv: Hon stannade och beundrade hans arbete.En: She stopped and admired his work.Sv: "Är detta handgjort?"En: "Is this handmade?"Sv: frågade hon skeptiskt.En: she asked skeptically.Sv: "Allting ser så perfekt ut."En: "Everything looks so perfect."Sv: "Ja, allting är handgjort.En: "Yes, everything is handmade.Sv: Varje stycke har en historia," svarade Johan med ett leende.En: Each piece has a story," replied Johan with a smile.Sv: Elsa kunde inte låta bli att le tillbaka.En: Elsa couldn't help but smile back.Sv: Hon berättade om sin bror och hans avsky för julen.En: She told him about her brother and his disdain for Christmas.Sv: Johan lyssnade noggrant och visade sedan en liten skulptur, en som han hållit bakom disken.En: Johan listened intently and then showed a small sculpture, one he had kept behind the counter.Sv: Den föreställde en familj samlad runt en eldstad.En: It depicted a family gathered around a fireplace.Sv: På något sätt strålade den värme och hopp.En: Somehow, it radiated warmth and hope.Sv: "Denna pjäs är speciell för mig," sa Johan tyst.En: "This piece is special to me," Johan said quietly.Sv: "Den handlar om att alltid hitta ljuset i mörkret, även när allt känns hopplöst."En: "It's about always finding light in the darkness, even when everything feels hopeless."Sv: Elsas hjärta mjuknade.En: Elsa's heart softened.Sv: Hon kände något förändras inom sig.En: She felt something change within her.Sv: Det var som om Johans arbete talade direkt till hennes själ.En: It was as if Johan's work spoke directly to her soul.Sv: "Jag vill köpa den," sa hon beslutsamt.En: "I want to buy it," she said decisively.Sv: "Det är den perfekta presenten."En: "It's the perfect gift."Sv: När Elsa lämnade marknaden, kände hon sig lättare.En: As Elsa left the market, she felt lighter.Sv: Hon hade hittat det hon sökte - något äkta och meningsfullt.En: She had found what she was looking for—something genuine and meaningful.Sv: Johan log när han såg henne iväg, nöjd med att ha delat sin passion.En: Johan smiled as he watched her leave, pleased to have shared his passion.Sv: På väg tillbaka genom Gamla Stans ljusprydda gator, insåg Elsa att det var den genuina kärleken och omtanken som gjorde julen speciell.En: On her way back through Gamla Stan's light-adorned streets, Elsa realized that it was the genuine love and care that made Christmas special.Sv: Hon var glad hon inte bara hade funnit en gåva till sin bror, utan också en ny insikt och en liten gnista av julens magi.En: She was glad she had not only found a gift for her brother, but also a new insight and a small spark of the magic of Christmas. Vocabulary Words:cobblestone: kullerstenslagdafrost: frostglittered: glittradescent: doftengingerbread: pepparkakorstrolled: strosadehunt: jaktconvince: övertygacommercial: kommersstall: bodsculptures: träskulpturerenthusiasm: entusiasmcraft: hantverkskeptically: skeptisktadmired: beundradedisdain: avskyintently: nogadepicted: föreställdegathered: samladradiated: stråladedarkness: mörkrethopeless: hopplöstdecisively: beslutsamtgenuine: äktameaningful: meningsfulltglad: gladinsight: insiktspark: gnistaadorned: pryddacare: omtanke

(Talk by Joshua Ott)

What would it be like to successfully slow down this Advent season, and be able to truly focus on celebrating the birth of Jesus? One of the schemes of the devil in our culture is busyness, and it is a wildly successful one. At Cornerstone, we are aiming to slow down, and approach this Advent season a little differently than the usual way. We are going to discover several obscure passages where the bible foretold the birth of the Savior of the world. We invite you to join us this Advent season as we will be Finding Christmas in Unexpected Places.

Throughout 2023, we are reading and studying passages of scripture as a church family that speak about the topic of Growing in Christ. We continue this year-long series with Senior Pastor Dr. Tyler Smiley speaking from Luke chapter 2 about the role of love in the story of Christmas

We elevate the journey with catchy lines and good intentions, but the strategy isn't foolproof. The journey can be as painful, challenging, and lonely as the destination. It's uncertain. Our experiences and what we anticipate about our destination make up the journey. But our best efforts can't compare with the wonder-working power of journeying with Jesus. (Talk by Joshua Ott)

What would it be like to successfully slow down this Advent season, and be able to truly focus on celebrating the birth of Jesus? One of the schemes of the devil in our culture is busyness, and it is a wildly successful one. At Cornerstone, we are aiming to slow down, and approach this Advent season a little differently than the usual way. We are going to discover several obscure passages where the bible foretold the birth of the Savior of the world. We invite you to join us this Advent season as we will be Finding Christmas in Unexpected Places.

We elevate the journey with catchy lines and good intentions, but the strategy isn't foolproof. The journey can be as painful, challenging, and lonely as the destination. It's uncertain. Our experiences and what we anticipate about our destination make up the journey. But our best efforts can't compare with the wonder-working power of journeying with Jesus.

Throughout 2023, we are reading and studying passages of scripture as a church family that speak about the topic of Growing in Christ. We continue this year-long series with Senior Pastor Dr. Tyler Smiley speaking from Luke chapter 2 about the role of joy in the story of Christmas.

We elevate the journey with catchy lines and good intentions, but the strategy isn't foolproof. The journey can be as painful, challenging, and lonely as the destination. It's uncertain. Our experiences and what we anticipate about our destination make up the journey. But our best efforts can't compare with the wonder-working power of journeying with Jesus.

Check in as I kickstart your morning!! CHECK OUT EVERYTHING FIRESIDE TALKS!! https://linktr.ee/firesidetalks --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/firesidetalks/message

Behold here is your God. This inspiring message takes an amazing look at the character of God and the great comfort we can find in knowing Him. A timely message out of Isaiah 40 for our Christmas season. In the midst of all the chaos… Behold here is your God. (Talk by Don Baker)

What would it be like to successfully slow down this Advent season, and be able to truly focus on celebrating the birth of Jesus? One of the schemes of the devil in our culture is busyness, and it is a wildly successful one. At Cornerstone, we are aiming to slow down, and approach this Advent season a little differently than the usual way. We are going to discover several obscure passages where the bible foretold the birth of the Savior of the world. We invite you to join us this Advent season as we will be Finding Christmas in Unexpected Places.

Sung of as a “silent night,” we romanticize the Christmas story; a glorious star cuts through the darkness as the world's Savior is born. The reality of this beautiful story is riddled with trials, much like our own. A closer look reveals deeper beauty and meaning in the mess. It proves our need for a savior and promises hope. (Talk by Joshua Ott)

What would it be like to successfully slow down this Advent season, and be able to truly focus on celebrating the birth of Jesus? One of the schemes of the devil in our culture is busyness, and it is a wildly successful one. At Cornerstone, we are aiming to slow down, and approach this Advent season a little differently than the usual way. We are going to discover several obscure passages where the bible foretold the birth of the Savior of the world. We invite you to join us this Advent season as we will be Finding Christmas in Unexpected Places.

Sung of as a “silent night,” we romanticize the Christmas story; a glorious star cuts through the darkness as the world's Savior is born. The reality of this beautiful story is riddled with trials, much like our own. A closer look reveals deeper beauty and meaning in the mess. It proves our need for a savior and promises hope.

Throughout 2023, we are reading and studying passages of scripture as a church family that speak about the topic of Growing in Christ. We continue this year-long series with Senior Pastor Dr. Tyler Smiley speaking from Matthew chapter 1 about the role of hope in the story of Christmas.

Sung of as a “silent night,” we romanticize the Christmas story; a glorious star cuts through the darkness as the world's Savior is born. The reality of this beautiful story is riddled with trials, much like our own. A closer look reveals deeper beauty and meaning in the mess. It proves our need for a savior and promises hope.

What would it be like to successfully slow down this Advent season, and be able to truly focus on celebrating the birth of Jesus? One of the schemes of the devil in our culture is busyness, and it is a wildly successful one. At Cornerstone, we are aiming to slow down, and approach this Advent season a little differently than the usual way. We are going to discover several obscure passages where the bible foretold the birth of the Savior of the world. We invite you to join us this Advent season as we will be Finding Christmas in Unexpected Places.