Podcasts about Holy Spirit

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

In this episode, we end our journey at the Stable, the humble place where God chose for us to meet His Son. We reflect on the stable of our own hearts, how Jesus chooses to meet us in our own poverty now, and why His very presence brings healing. We also talk about how when we sit in our emptiness, release control, and surrender each part of our lives to God, He is able to work more powerfully in our lives. Finally, we ponder Mary's quiet and loving gaze upon the Christ Child and how we are invited to slow down and notice Jesus smiling back at us.  Friends, we've deeply enjoyed journeying with you this year. As we take a break, please know you are in our prayers. We will see you on January 19th, 2026 when Season 18 begins! Have a blessed and merry Christmas!   Heather's One Thing - Our Abiding Together staff: Camille, Kate, and Kristina! Heather's Other One Thing - The Sisters of Life new St. Francis convent in Steubenville Heather's Third One Thing - Every Sacred Sunday's Edition of the  Catechism of the Catholic Church Sister Miriam's One Thing - Our listeners and Patreon supporters. Thank you! Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - Philosophy and Healing (with Fr. Matthew Rolling) from the Restore the Glory Podcast Michelle's One Thing - The beauty of the different religious orders!   Finally, we arrive at the Stable — the poorest of places, and yet, the holiest of all. Here, in straw and silence, the Infinite takes on skin. The cry of a newborn splits the night open, and suddenly, everything is sacred again The invitation into the mess  Into our own poverty… The cry of our humanity … Worship is not what we think it will look like.    Other Resources Mentioned:  The Nativity Painting by Caravaggio Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You by Dr. James Friesen   Journal Questions: Where do I find myself in "unsatisfactory condition"? What are the scandalous places within me that I want to keep away from the Lord? How am I managing my own creativity rather than welcoming the Holy Spirit into my creativity? What beliefs am I carrying deeply about God? How does God want to heal these beliefs? Where am I afraid? How can I make space for Jesus and spend time with Him in this Christmas season?   Discussion Questions: How are you tempted to sanitize the Mystery of the Incarnation in your own life? Where in my life do I need a new perspective? When have you experienced God coming to you in a way you weren't expecting Him to? How am I seeking control in this season? How can I surrender that control? What are the stables of my life that God is inviting me into deeper surrender?   Quote to Ponder: "I am so glad Jesus was born in a stable, because my soul is so much like a stable. It's poor and in unsatisfactory condition - Yet, I believe that if Jesus can be born in a stable, maybe he can be born in me." (Dorothy Day)   Scripture for Lectio: "In 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." (Luke 2:1-7)   Sponsor - Fully Mediterranean: Our sponsor today is Fully Mediterranean, a company dedicated to helping people discover the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, a way of eating and living that is both deeply nourishing and beautifully simple. At Fully Mediterranean, they believe that good health and good food go hand in hand—and that both of these begin in the same place: around the table, where we slow down, gather, connect, and are reminded of God's goodness in the everyday moments of life. It's where we feed not only our bodies, but also our relationships. And it's often where we rediscover joy, connection, and presence. Fully Mediterranean was built on a mission to help people discover a simple, nourishing way of eating and living—a way that brings peace, beauty, and balance into everyday. Their approach is not about pressure or perfection. It's about gently integrating habits that help you live fully, with a sense of gratitude and mindfulness that aligns beautifully with our Catholic faith. What makes the Mediterranean lifestyle so special is that it's not just a way of eating; it's a way of living. It's a lifestyle shaped by mindfulness, by community, and by gratitude. It's about slowing down, savoring what God provides, and sharing meals with the people He places in our lives. It's about choosing foods that nourish the body He entrusted to us—vibrant  vegetables, wholesome grains, fresh herbs, lean proteins, and healthy fats—while also embracing the joy and connection that come from preparing and enjoying meals with others. Fully Mediterranean provides practical, realistic tools, guidance, and inspiration to help you bring these values into your kitchen and everyday life. Through recipes, programs, workshops, and practical nutrition guidance, we help women simplify healthy eating, feel confident in the kitchen, and rediscover the joy that comes from preparing meals that are both good for the body and soul-satisfying. In a world filled with noise, pressure, and quick fixes, the Mediterranean lifestyle offers something gentler and more grounded—an invitation to live intentionally, joyfully, and wholeheartedly. It encourages us to choose foods that honor the bodies God created, to gather more often with the people we love, and to find celebration in simple, nourishing routines. Whether you're looking to support your long-term health, gain energy for your daily responsibilities, or create more meaningful rhythms in your home, Fully Mediterranean is here to guide you every step of the way. We want to help you build a lifestyle that supports your well-being and draws you closer to living the full, abundant life God desires for you.  Because at Fully Mediterranean, we believe that when you nourish your body well, you nourish every part of your life. And when you gather at the table with gratitude, intention, and love, you reflect God's goodness in the most natural, beautiful way. If you're ready to bring more peace, health, and joy into your kitchen—and your life—we invite you to explore all that Fully Mediterranean offers. Discover delicious recipes, practical tips, and inspiring resources designed to help you integrate the Mediterranean way of living into your daily routine with ease and grace. Join us and use the code Abidingtogether20 to receive 20% off any of our products, including our course, ebooks and Substack membership. Join the 30-day Mediterranean challenge starting January 1st for just $8. Visit us at www.fullymediterranean.com, Substack: fullymediteranean.com.substack.com and @fullymediterranean   Chapters:   00:00 Fully Mediterranean  01:37 Intro 02:30 Welcome to the Stable 05:56 Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse 07:12 The Poverty of Our Hearts 11:26 Surrendering the Messy Parts of Our Lives 15:30 Healing Our Image of God 19:31 What it Means to Ponder 21:37 Making Space in the Midst of a Busy Season 28:27 Season 18 Announcement! 28:58 One Things   Music used under license i94Cr0 

(Matthew  1:3,5,6) Four ladies are placed by the Holy Spirit in the lineage of Christ. Each of them are a reminder of our need and an object lesson of God's mercy. Listen to them tell their story and you will hear your own testimony. (09307251222) Keep Studying  Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. 

We would love to pray for you! Please send us your requests here. --------This Christmas, you can shine the light of Christ into places of darkness and pain with a purchase from the Joni and Friends Christmas catalog. You are sending hope and practical care to people with disabilities, all in the name of Jesus! Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: John 12-14 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode for December 22nd, Hunter, your Bible Reading Coach, warmly invites you to join him as he guides us through an uplifting passage from the Gospel of John, chapters 12 through 14. As we near Christmas, Hunter reflects on the themes of increasing light, exploring Jesus's final days, his teachings, and the transformative gift he offers—peace of mind and heart. Through heartfelt readings and thoughtful prayers, Hunter encourages listeners to embrace the peace that only Christ can give, even amidst life's anxieties. You'll hear about the power of spiritual habits, the depth of Jesus's love, and practical encouragement for nurturing peace in your own heart and home. So find a quiet moment, settle in, and let today's journey through God's word infuse your day with hope and light. TODAY'S DEVOTION: He offers us a gift—his peace. In today's reading, Hunter shares how Jesus says, "I am leaving you with a gift, peace of mind and heart." At this time of year, when gifts are on our minds and hearts can be weighed down with anxiety or trouble, Jesus offers something that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It's a unique peace, his peace. Not the fleeting peace the world tries to offer, not the absence of trouble or the guarantee of comfort, but a settled confidence that comes from him alone. It's easy for our minds to be troubled by so many things—our future, our families, our finances, our health. Yet Jesus, the living Word, the miracle worker, the one who raised the dead and gave himself for all humanity, comes to us and says, "I have a gift for you." He, the Creator of all things, offers to quiet those anxieties and bring peace to the places in our lives that are unsettled, wounded, or confused. This isn't just a theoretical peace—it's an invitation to open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Advocate Jesus promised would be with us. The Spirit helps us to recognize and receive the gift that Jesus is giving—a peace not as the world gives, but as only he can give. We are invited to take time, especially today, to sit with this generous gift and allow ourselves to live in the light, joy, and love of it. We are invited to let this peace shape our hearts and lives. That's a prayer Hunter has for his own soul. It's the prayer he has for his family. And it's the prayer he has for you. Peace of mind and heart—may it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

A Brand New Chapter Starts RIGHT NOW For You | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com  SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™

Visiting people who are in the hospital - I'm guessing that's not your favorite thing to do. A lot of times it's hard to know what to say to the person; especially if their condition is serious. But there are some visits where it's easy to think of things to say - like when you're visiting a new mom or a new baby. All you have to say is, "Aww, she's beautiful!" "Oh, he looks so smart; so alert" or "That's the cutest baby I've ever seen!" See, you're supposed to say these things even if the baby still looks all red and bald and wrinkled. But that first Christmas...well, one of the first people to see Mary's baby did not follow the usual script. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Strange Words For a Christmas Mom." Following the Jewish custom, Mary and Joseph brought their baby boy to the temple to be circumcised, just eight days after that first Christmas. God had someone waiting for them there - an old man named Simeon who had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the One he called "the Lord's Christ." He actually held the baby in his arms and praised God for sending Him. But then came those strange words for a new mom. In Simeon's words we find the shadow of great pain for Mary but great hope for you and me. In Luke 2:34-35, our word for today from the Word of God, "Simeon...said to Mary, His mother: 'This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel...the thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul, too.'" That's not exactly what a new mom wants to hear. But eight days into Jesus' life on earth, Simeon is foreshadowing the end of Jesus' life. The Bible tells us that 33 years later "near the cross stood His mother" (John 19:25). And surely, as Mary saw her boy nailed to a cross and pierced by a soldier's spear, that sword Simeon spoke of must have pierced her soul. So as we sing our "sleep in heavenly peace" and "joy to the world" carols, let's not miss the shadow looming over the manger. It's the shadow of a cross. But that cross was not some tragic twist of fate. It was the plan of a God who loves you so very much. It was His plan to give you and me a chance to go to heaven instead of hell; to enjoy the relationship with God we were made for but we've missed because we're running our own lives. And if there had been any other way to erase your sin from God's book and pay for your sin, believe me, God would have done it. But all your goodness, and your religion, and your Christianity can't pay sin's death penalty. Someone had to die to pay for it, and Someone did - the Son of God. The writer of the classic carol, "What Child Is This" expressed it powerfully: "Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, the cross be borne for me, for you; hail, hail, the Word made flesh, the Babe, the son of Mary." So you've had your Christmases, you've celebrated Jesus' coming. Have you ever had your Good Friday where you stand at the foot of that cross and say the two words that are the difference between heaven and hell, "For me, Jesus. And I'm giving me to You." That's the only way you can receive the gift of eternal life that He died to give you. Have you known about Jesus all your life but maybe missed that step? If you've never done that, let this be your Jesus-day. You'll have a lot more to celebrate than just Jesus' coming to earth. This season you'll celebrate His coming into your life. If that's what you want, tell Him right now, "Jesus, I want to belong to You. I am taking for myself what You died for on the cross." What a new beginning this will be for you. A lot of people have found help in beginning that relationship at our website. And I want to invite you to check it out this very day. It's ANewStory.com. It wasn't just Mary's heart that was pierced on that awful day on Skull Hill. We can only imagine the anguish in God the Father's heart, watching His Son be broken for you. So you can be sure that God will never forget what you do with His Son.

A Prayer to Receive and Share God's Lavish Love by Rachael AdamsWe are invited to receive the lavish, generous love of God and to share it with others. This devotional reminds us that even the most impressive gifts, sacrifices, and acts of faith mean nothing without love. Love is the lens through which every gift from God is meant to be experienced and expressed. Reference: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Prayer: Lord, thank you for all you've given me in your son, the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternity. Help me to grasp the magnitude of the gifts you have lavished on me as your child. Remind me that it was never anything I earned or deserved, but your generosity to me. Help me to steward what you have given me well, and to share it cheerfully because it is not about me. It is all about you and for you. In Jesus' name, amen. LINKS: Read the first five days of Everyday Prayers for Christmas Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It's Christmas week—a week filled with meaning for those of us who follow Christ. Each day during this special week, I'll focus on one part of the Christmas story—perhaps a part you've never paused to consider before. My hope is we will spend this week centered on the true person of Christmas, Jesus Christ, and celebrate him with joy. Think about Mary's remarkable journey with Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was no short stroll or comfortable trip—roughly 90 miles over rugged terrain. In that day this certainly wasn't a one-day journey. Scripture doesn't tell us how long the trip took, but here's something we often overlook: Mary wasn't required to go. The census required men to return to their birth town to register, but the women were not obligated to accompany them. Yet, Mary goes with Joseph. Why? We're not told. But it's easy to imagine Joseph wanting to protect and care for her. A young woman—unmarried at the time she became pregnant—would likely have faced social rejection, suspicion, and perhaps even disbelief within her own family. We don't know whether her own family believed her story of the Holy Spirit's miraculous work. This young girl traveled miles from home under difficult circumstances, and while in Bethlehem, she gave birth—exactly fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Micah 5:2. But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times (Micah 5:2). I often wonder if Mary knew this prophecy—that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. From what is referred to as Mary's Magnificat in Luke 1, we see she had a strong grasp of Scripture, likely more than most women of her day. Today, reflect on Mary—her long journey, her courage, and her quiet, trusting submission to God's will. It was not easy for her to respond to Gabriel's message with such faith. Yet she said: I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled (Luke 1:38). Those are good words for us to say as well.

The Promise Already There: Advent episode on Luke 1:39-45In this episode Margaux shares a recent revelation from Luke 1:39-45. Waiting isn't always what we think it is. Did you know that the moment you believed, the promise began to grow? You are not waiting from something to happen- SOMETHING IS ALREADY HAPPENING. If God has given you a promise, you are already in process of receiving that promise. Even the very vibrations and experience of hearing Mary's voice ( in her greeting to Elizabeth ) was FULL of the Holy Spirit - to the point that Elizabeth was overcome by the presence of God. And it was what was growing inside of her that caused her to release such a spirit- saturated greeting.Reflection questions: Are we unaware of the same power that is being released in our voices? What are you carrying that God wants to be released into the world tthrough your voice? What are you waiting for? Who do you want to be while you are in the interim time?We are going TOGETHER: BREATHING UNDERWATER MEMBERSHIPSMore on Breathing Underwater Memberships HEREJoin the Community and Newsletter: HERE Email: margaux@permissiontoreign.comInstagram: @permission_to_reignIntro Music by Coma-Media from PixabayImage by Claire Fischer from UnsplashOleksii Kaplunskyi

The true Christmas story is far more powerful—and far more personal—than the version we often see wrapped in sentiment and tradition. Through Luke 2, Pastor Greg looks at how Christmas has been romanticized and even sidelined, yet the real story remains explosive: God stepped out of Heaven and into human history. Notes: Taking Christmas Back Luke 2 The real Christmas story is explosive. That’s because the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Christmas has been hijacked. Christmas has been emptied of its meaning. Portland, Oregon just had its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Christmas has perhaps been far too romanticized even by well-meaning Christians. The beauty of the true Christmas story has explosive power. The night when God Himself came to this earth. The first Christmas is when God stepped out of Heaven and entered history. Mary was living in Nazareth, a town known for its wickedness. Mary was a nobody in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere. The angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Luke 1:28–30 (NLT) Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! Read Luke 2:1–7 Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story. God’s selection of Joseph was just as significant as His selection of Mary. God, the Father in Heaven, chose Joseph to be a stepfather or father figure on earth for Jesus. Jesus grew up in many ways like any other child. We are in danger of becoming a fatherless society in America. That’s why Joseph matters. Hearing that Mary was pregnant, Joseph was willing to simply “put her away quietly,” to break the engagement. But the angel of the Lord came to Joseph, too. Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Luke is very meticulous in his reporting. Luke was not an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. He carefully researched and had first-person interviews with the principal characters of the story. It was his desire to bring a historical and accurate record of the life of Jesus. These are not fairy tales or legends Luke invented. Luke 1:3 Caesar Augustus was the first real Roman emperor. His real name was Caius Octavius. The Roman Republic was now the Roman Empire. One inscription that was found called Augustus Caesar “the savior of the whole world.” Luke 2:11–12 (NKJV) "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." The angel was saying, “Augustus is not the savior of Rome, Jesus is.” In a time when man wanted to be God, God became a man. God incarnate born on the dirt floor of a filthy cave. God became a fetus. Deity in diapers. Babies are so amazing and so helpless. You have to cradle their heads. “It was clearly a leap down— as if the Son of God rose from his splendor, stood poised on the rim of the universe irradiating light, and dove headlong, speeding through the stars over the Milky Way to earth’s galaxy . . . where he plunged into a huddle of animals. Nothing could be lower.” — R. Kent Hughes This symbolized Jesus’s whole life on this earth, from the cradle to the cross. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. Luke 2:7 (NKJV) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. That phrase became emblematic of Jesus’s life and ministry on earth. Christ said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” We didn’t have any room for Him, but He has many rooms for us. We effectively lose Jesus at Christmas. We say things like, “I would like to go to church, but I’m just too busy.” When Mary and Joseph got back home, they realized Jesus was gone. This can happen to us, too. Not that we lose our salvation, but we can lose sight of Jesus. It’s not about Christmas presents but His Christmas presence. The message of Christmas is, “let us worship.” We need a savior because we are sinners. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophia Holcomb joins Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller to explore how C. S. Lewis portrays a theology of creation, sin, redemption, sanctification, and new creation throughout The Chronicles of Narnia. From Aslan's creation song and the White Witch's curse to Aslan's substitutionary death and final restoration in The Last Battle, they trace how Lewis communicates the gospel through his most well-known books. PARTNER WITH US - https://solamedia.org/partner/?sc=AS2502V When you become a partner today, you'll receive two remarkable books as our thanks: Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Dr. Michael Horton and Praying with Jesus by Pastor Adriel Sanchez. We believe these books can guide you into a clearer understanding of the Spirit's work and a richer prayer life. FOLLOW US YouTube | Instagram | X/Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter WHO WE ARE Sola is home to White Horse Inn, Core Christianity, Modern Reformation, and Theo Global. Our mission is to serve today's global church by producing resources for reformation grounded in the historic Christian faith. Our vision is to see reformation in hearts, homes, and churches around the world. Learn more: https://solamedia.org/

The man was busy harvesting onions when we prayerfully approached him during the home visits we were conducting on our mission trip in Ecuador. In broken Spanish, I told him my friends and I’d like to briefly speak to him about the Bible. He paused to listen as we shared our testimonies with him. One of my teammates took out his Bible and started reading Scripture aloud (in English). What a sacred moment it was to hear Scripture being read on the side of the Andes mountains and to see the man reading along in Spanish with the booklet we had given him! We talked with him and his family who’d been working off in the distance, prayed for them, and continued to the next house. As we walked along the mountainside reading Scripture and talking to people about Christ, I thought of Jesus and His disciples walking along the hills and valleys of Israel during His earthly ministry. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.” The prophet was referring to the time when God’s people would return to their homeland after years in exile, but it still applies to us today whenever we share the Good News of Jesus with others. Our opportunities may not be in the spectacular Andes, but wherever God has placed us, the Holy Spirit can help us share the message of salvation with those He puts in our path.

4th Sunday of Advent  Gospel Matthew 1:18-24 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

The true Christmas story is far more powerful—and far more personal—than the version we often see wrapped in sentiment and tradition. Through Luke 2, Pastor Greg looks at how Christmas has been romanticized and even sidelined, yet the real story remains explosive: God stepped out of Heaven and into human history. Notes: Taking Christmas Back Luke 2 The real Christmas story is explosive. That’s because the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Christmas has been hijacked. Christmas has been emptied of its meaning. Portland, Oregon just had its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Christmas has perhaps been far too romanticized even by well-meaning Christians. The beauty of the true Christmas story has explosive power. The night when God Himself came to this earth. The first Christmas is when God stepped out of Heaven and entered history. Mary was living in Nazareth, a town known for its wickedness. Mary was a nobody in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere. The angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Luke 1:28–30 (NLT) Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! Read Luke 2:1–7 Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story. God’s selection of Joseph was just as significant as His selection of Mary. God, the Father in Heaven, chose Joseph to be a stepfather or father figure on earth for Jesus. Jesus grew up in many ways like any other child. We are in danger of becoming a fatherless society in America. That’s why Joseph matters. Hearing that Mary was pregnant, Joseph was willing to simply “put her away quietly,” to break the engagement. But the angel of the Lord came to Joseph, too. Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Luke is very meticulous in his reporting. Luke was not an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. He carefully researched and had first-person interviews with the principal characters of the story. It was his desire to bring a historical and accurate record of the life of Jesus. These are not fairy tales or legends Luke invented. Luke 1:3 Caesar Augustus was the first real Roman emperor. His real name was Caius Octavius. The Roman Republic was now the Roman Empire. One inscription that was found called Augustus Caesar “the savior of the whole world.” Luke 2:11–12 (NKJV) "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." The angel was saying, “Augustus is not the savior of Rome, Jesus is.” In a time when man wanted to be God, God became a man. God incarnate born on the dirt floor of a filthy cave. God became a fetus. Deity in diapers. Babies are so amazing and so helpless. You have to cradle their heads. “It was clearly a leap down— as if the Son of God rose from his splendor, stood poised on the rim of the universe irradiating light, and dove headlong, speeding through the stars over the Milky Way to earth’s galaxy . . . where he plunged into a huddle of animals. Nothing could be lower.” — R. Kent Hughes This symbolized Jesus’s whole life on this earth, from the cradle to the cross. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. Luke 2:7 (NKJV) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. That phrase became emblematic of Jesus’s life and ministry on earth. Christ said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” We didn’t have any room for Him, but He has many rooms for us. We effectively lose Jesus at Christmas. We say things like, “I would like to go to church, but I’m just too busy.” When Mary and Joseph got back home, they realized Jesus was gone. This can happen to us, too. Not that we lose our salvation, but we can lose sight of Jesus. It’s not about Christmas presents but His Christmas presence. The message of Christmas is, “let us worship.” We need a savior because we are sinners. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#10MinuteswithJesus ** Put yourself in the presence of God. Try talking to Him. ** 10 minutes are 10 minutes. Even if you can get distracted, reach the end. ** Be constant. The Holy Spirit acts "on low heat" and requires perseverance. 10-Minute audio to help you pray. Daily sparks to ignite prayer: a passage from the gospel, an idea, an anecdote and a priest who speaks with you and the Lord, inviting you to share your intimacy with God. Find your moment, consider you are in His presence and click play.

 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Original Airdate: December 18, 2022 Isaiah 7:10-14 | Romans 1:1-7 | Matthew 1:18-24 Pour forth, we beseech you, oh Lord, your grace into our hearts that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may, by his passion and cross, be brought to the glory of his, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever, amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sunday evening message from the pulpit of Falls Baptist Church

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

Join Pastor Landen Bosman for part 3 of our series, "The Wonder In The Manger"

This weekend, we're exploring the faithfulness of Simeon and Anna to learn that waiting on God is an active process of following the Holy Spirit's leading and responding to the arrival of the Messiah with worship and praise.Join us next weekend at The Branch Church and invite your friends and family!Find out what's going on at The Branch here: https://thebranch.org/eventsTo support this ministry, click here — https://rb.gy/rc53uxDownload Our App – http://thebranch.org/appCheck In — https://rb.gy/htq0qySermon Notes —https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=B1C-unZXbeSermon-Based Bible Study — https://thebranch.org/studyRequest Prayer — http://thebranch.org/prayerLike and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube — https://rb.gy/atpff4Like and Follow on Vimeo — https://rebrand.ly/d1ibt93Website — https://thebranch.org/Facebook — https://rb.gy/m4vhz6Instagram — https://rb.gy/p8g1blTwitter — https://rb.gy/xiwg68YouTube — https://rb.gy/icv7x2

This weekend, we're exploring the faithfulness of Simeon and Anna to learn that waiting on God is an active process of following the Holy Spirit's leading and responding to the arrival of the Messiah with worship and praise.Join us next weekend at The Branch Church and invite your friends and family!Find out what's going on at The Branch here: https://thebranch.org/eventsTo support this ministry, click here — https://rb.gy/rc53uxDownload Our App – http://thebranch.org/appCheck In — https://rb.gy/htq0qySermon Notes —https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=B1C-unZXbeSermon-Based Bible Study — https://thebranch.org/studyRequest Prayer — http://thebranch.org/prayerLike and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube — https://rb.gy/atpff4Like and Follow on Vimeo — https://rebrand.ly/d1ibt93Website — https://thebranch.org/Facebook — https://rb.gy/m4vhz6Instagram — https://rb.gy/p8g1blTwitter — https://rb.gy/xiwg68YouTube — https://rb.gy/icv7x2

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.”~C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe “Human beings are not self-referential. You don't make yourself feel loved by telling yourself ‘I love you.' We are relational beings, and so we need something outside of ourselves to tell us we have value and worth.”~Dr. John Ashley Null, Humboldt University (Berlin) and Anglican Bishop of North Africa “But where, say some, is the King of America? I'll tell you, friend, he reigns above….”~Thomas Paine (1737-1809) in “Common Sense” (pub. January 10, 1776) “There has not been a ‘when' when the Father was not in existence. This, then, is true of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Put another question and I will answer it.Since when has the Son been begotten? Since as long as the Father has not been begotten.Since when has the Spirit been proceeding? Since as long as the Son has not been proceeding but being begotten in a non-temporal way that transcends explanation.”~Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 329-390) in “On the Son” orations 29, chapter 3 “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible. “And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father, the only-begotten; that is of the essence of the Father, God of God, light of light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; by whom all things were made both in heaven and on earth. Who for us men and for our salvation came down and was incarnate and was made man; he suffered and the third day he rose again, and he ascended into heaven; from then he shall come to judge the living and the dead. “And in the Holy Spirit. “But those who say: ‘There was a time when he was not;' and ‘he was not before he was made;' and ‘he was made out of nothing,' or ‘he is of another substance' or ‘essence,' or ‘The Son of God is created,' or ‘changeable,' or ‘alterable'—they are condemned by the holy catholic and apostolic Church.”~The Nicene Creed (325 AD) “…we are not entitled to such license, I mean that of affirming what we please; we make the Holy Scriptures the rule and the measure of every tenet…”~Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335-c. 394), church leader from ancient Cappadocia; key participant in the Council of Constantinople (381AD), that confirmed and expanded the Nicene Creed (325 AD). SERMON PASSAGEselected passages (ESV)John 5 19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. Philippians 24 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Psalm 21 Why do the nations rage  and the peoples plot in vain?2 The kings of the earth set themselves,  and the rulers take counsel together,  against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,3  “Let us burst their bonds apart  and cast away their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;  the Lord holds them in derision.5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,  and terrify them in his fury, saying,6 “As for me, I have set my King  on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree:  The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;  today I have begotten you.8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,  and the ends of the earth your possession.9 You shall break them with a rod of iron  and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;  be warned, O rulers of the earth.11 Serve the Lord with fear,  and rejoice with trembling.12 Kiss the Son,  lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,  for his wrath is quickly kindled.  Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,but before they lived together,she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,yet unwilling to expose her to shame,decided to divorce her quietly.Such was his intention when, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,"Joseph, son of David,do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.For it is through the Holy Spiritthat this child has been conceived in her.She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,because he will save his people from their sins."All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,and they shall name him Emmanuel,which means "God is with us."When Joseph awoke,he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded himand took his wife into his home.

As a Jesus Follower, the Greatest Witness for the Gospel that You Can Give Is for Others to See Jesus IN You MESSAGE SUMMARY: We live in a hurting world, but God wants more for you. You need to live as a Jesus Follower in whatever you do – at home; in your job; in the way that you drive; and in the way that you treat your friends. To achieve God's desire for your life, you must stay in fellowship and communion with God; and you must let God work in your life. In Colossians 3:17, Paul challenges us: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”. If you live your life, in all places and situations, in the name of Jesus, you will live a better life in our hurting world. As Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.". Remember, the greatest witness for the Gospel, as a follower of Jesus, that you can give is for others to see Jesus in you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Colossians 3:16-17; Matthew 21:21-22; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalms 43:1-5. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Christmas Message – What God Has Done For Us” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Christmas celebrates God reconciling us to Himself… but that reconciliation changes how we live. Your relationship with God is inseparable from your relationships with people. Through the Holy Spirit's power, you're called to extend the same peace Jesus gave you. The reconciled should be reconcilers.

Acts 2:1-13; Ephesians 2:19-22 // Brooks NesseThis sermon connects the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) with the imagery of the Church as God's Temple (Ephesians 2:19-22). Acts describes the arrival of the Holy Spirit with wind and fire, enabling believers to speak in other languages, breaking down barriers of nationality and race. Ephesians explains the profound result: we are no longer strangers but fellow citizens and part of God's household, being built together on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. Discover how the Spirit's power unites a diverse people into one dwelling place for God.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2509/responses/new25.12.21

12-21-25 | When God Breaks the Silence: The Holy Spirit by Plainfield Christian Church

The message starts with Matthew 1:18 "This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit."  Pastor explores today's question: "What about the Virgin Birth?" by tackling these 5 questions:     ⁃    Is the "Virgin Birth" really that important?     ⁃    Why do only Matthew and Luke mention it?     ⁃    Couldn't this have been a later development?     ⁃    This seems impossible to the modern mind!     ⁃    Isn't it based on pagan mythology? Importance of the Virgin Birth     ⁃    It is taught by clear Scripture throughout the Bible. Note: Matthew 1:18 (above) and Matthew 1:22-23 "…an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."     ⁃    It is foreshadowed in Genesis 3:15 - a Messiah from the seed of a woman.     ⁃    It is announced by angelic authority     ⁃    It explains the sinlessness of Christ     ⁃    It confirms Christ's two natures - that Jesus is both fully human - but also fully divine. He is God incarnate, became flesh. His nature shows the Good News, because God loved this world so much He offered up His only Son for each one of us. This is the Good News. Only in Matthew and Luke?     ⁃    Only 2 Gospels (Matthew and Luke) mention the Nativity     ⁃    John (from the Gospel of John) goes back to the beginning, "In the beginning was the Word and the word was made flesh and dwelt among us…"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning…"     ⁃    Mark repeatedly asserts Jesus' deity     ⁃    See Philippians 2:5 & Colossians 1:15-16 - these verse tell us Jesus was in the very form and nature of God and took on human flesh, died and rose. Makes it clear that God has come down to earth in the flesh and that the universe was created by the pre-incarnate Christ. A later development?     ⁃    Early dating of the New Testament - always been a part of the testimony from eye-witnesses     ⁃    Clearly taught by early authors (examples: writings by Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, and the great scholar Irenaeus,)     ⁃    Testimony of the early Christian Creeds - the virgin birth was from the early teaching of followers. Impossible for modern people to accept this?     ⁃    The ancients weren't gullible! Even Joseph didn't accept it until the angelic visit.      ⁃    The real issue is the miraculous. "If I haven't seen a miracle, then they don't happen!"     ⁃    God is supernatural! He does supernatural things. Pastor shares some miraculous stories.  When we, in our own wisdom, seek to remove and erase the miraculous, we are not proving our brilliance, we are showing, for all the world to see, our folly. Pagan mythology?     ⁃    Note the differences!  Example the "birth" of Athena from Zeus' head Pastor closes with a graphic showing: incarnation, virgin birth and deity of Christ stating that if these are true then that changes everything. And it changes each one of us because God loves us and wants us back.  He calls us to accept Him for who He really is: The Almighty Creator of the Universe who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for each on of us that we might live forever with Him! And THAT is the Good News! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

In 'Love Now: Love Described,' Chris Montgomery delivers a powerful sermon exploring the concept of love as defined by Jesus in John 14. The sermon emphasizes the relationship between love and obedience to Jesus' commandments, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit as a helper for believers. Montgomery challenges the congregation to reflect on their love for Jesus and discusses the importance of asking the Holy Spirit for guidance. This thought-provoking message is perfect for those seeking a deeper understanding of Christian love and faith.

A Christmas Message – What God Has Done For Us MESSAGE SUMMARY: The people in and around Jesus' birth were just ordinary people like us. In our celebration of Jesus' birth on this Christmas, we celebrate the event that transformed world history and many of our lives. The birth of Jesus was a supernatural birth and was God's intervention into the Universe's natural order. This birth was foretold hundreds of years before Jesus' birth, and these prophesies were written and recorded, for us, in the Bible. Jesus' birth was the birth, of a child, that did for the human race what the human race could not do for itself. Jesus was born for all people. This baby, Jesus, was born to be a Savior for all humankind. The birth of Jesus was the birth of God as both human and divine – the Incarnation, as the Angels told the Shepherds on the first Christmas Eve in Luke 2:9-11: “And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'". In Isaiah 53:4-6, Jesus, birth, death, and Resurrection, as our means for our Salvation, were foretold more than five-hundred years before Jesus birth: “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.". God, through His Grace, gave of Himself what we could not do for ourselves, thereby, providing, through the birth of Jesus, us with the means for our Salvation from our sins and for our Eternal Life. This Gift of and by God is what Christmas and Christianity are all about. Is Jesus your Savior? God has given you the greatest Christmas gift that you will ever receive. Have you accepted His Gift and opened His gift into your life? If not, then why not? With your hands open, you can accept God's Christmas gift by saying: “I am sorry; thank you; and please”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 2:9-11; Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 53:4-6; Colossians 1:15-19; Hebrews 1-3; John 1:4; John10:30; John 14:8-11; John 3:16-17. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “J As a Jesus Follower, the Greatest Witness for the Gospel that You Can Give Is for Others to See Jesus IN You”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

“For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth.” Psalm 26:3 NASB 95 Lovingkindness = “Checed” Favor, mercy, kindness, goodness “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds…“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7 NASB 95 His lovingkindness brought salvation to us “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men…when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” His lovingkindness leads us to repentance “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, Titus 2:11-12 NASB 95 “Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1 NASB 95 “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans 2:4 NASB 95 His lovingkindness will lead us home looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, Titus 2:13 NASB 95 “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 NASB 95

This Christmas, step out of the noise and into a sacred garden, the garden of your own life, where striving ceases and receiving begins. In this special guided Christmas encounter, I lead you through a Holy Spirit–centered visualization designed to help you:Rest in God's presenceRemember who you are, beloved daughter or sonRelease striving and receive His peaceExperience the security of His coveringFeel the overflow of His provisionEnter the New Year from rest, not rushThis episode is a gentle invitation to breathe again, reconnect with your identity in Christ, and receive the gifts God longs to place in your hands: peace, clarity, and the deep assurance of His love. Perfect for your morning quiet time, Christmas Eve reflection, or anytime your soul needs stillness and renewal.Join the 7-Day Praise & Presence Challenge (Free). If this encounter refreshed your spirit, join Donna for seven simple days of praising, pausing, and listening to God before the New Year begins.The challenge happens inside the Vibrant Living Community (Skool) and is completely free.

This section of Paul's description of the Christian life highlights an all too common experience - we fail to do the godly things we truly wish to do. And this conundrum baffles Christians time and again. It exists because we live in a spiritual war and the only way to effectually win any battles is by the Holy Spirit. By His grace and power, we can live victoriously over sin.

Explore the concept of 'praying without ceasing' as explained through 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing.” This insightful video delves into the idea of regular, heartfelt prayer and how it connects us to a divine 'live stream' from heaven. Discover the joy and power of prayer as more than a duty, but a delightful interaction with God's presence, supported by biblical references and historical anecdotes. God Himself is the initiator of prayer. Prayer begins in God and we are all just joining in the Live Stream of prayer that Heaven is already making available. All we have to do is to join it and be carried along with the Stream of Prayer that is flowing from Him. ‘Without ceasing' means REGULARLY, without any unnecessary gaps, as often as required. The word 'adialeiptos' (translated ‘without ceasing') was used to describe a tickling cough. A tickling cough is not one where you cough non-stop. It means that you cough without long gaps between coughs! *I. Let's move from RARE PRAYER to REGULAR PRAYER. Regular prayer doesn't mean that we are praying 24/7, but that we are in a constant flow of prayer. We are constantly accessing Heaven's Live Stream of prayer, which catches us up into God's Presence to walk with Him. “Praying at ALL TIMES (in every opportunity) with all kinds of prayer IN the SPIRIT (Ephesians 6:18). This is the key to joining Heaven's Live Stream of Prayer. We struggle to join it with our head! Our head is too limited. That's why we have the Holy Spirit living within our spirits, who makes us able to join that Live Stream. He helps us to tune into the bandwidth of Heaven and join in with what's flowing from God's Throne. We need to PRAY in the SPIRIT. Praying in tongues is one way we can pray in the Spirit, and join Heaven's Live Stream, but it is not the only way. Praying in the Spirit is praying from the Spirit within us, depending on the Spirit to lead and empower us in prayer. It is a way in which we pray, and a place from which we pray, more than it is a kind of prayer. *II. Let's move from HEAD to HEART. We will never be able to pray without ceasing, if we pray only from our HEAD. We have to go from prayer that only comes out of our HEADS to praying from our HEARTS, prayer in which we bring up from the core of our being, expressing God's life & heart of God within us. It's praying from our HEART. Martin Luther: “Prayer is climbing up into the heart of God.” God invites us to pray from His heart - praying from His lap, from His Father heart. We hear His heartbeat, as we put our head to His heart, like the beloved disciple (John) at the Last Supper, who laid his head on Jesus' chest (John 13:23). We can hear His heartbeat and pray His heart. The Holy Spirit will give us the right word to return to the Father in prayer. Prayer is joining God's Live Stream, so what pours out of Heaven through His Word & Spirit enters into us, and through prayer we offer it back to Him in Heaven. Then He responds in the Earth with answers: “So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 54:11). Man was never designed to live only from his HEAD. Man was designed to live from his HEART, from the core of his being. And so, let us PRAY from there. *III. Let's move from DUTY to DELIGHT. God wants us to take us from the DUTY of prayer to the DELIGHT of prayer. For many people, prayer is a CHORE, or worse a BORE, when it is so much MORE! Prayer is a DELIGHT. In Matthew 21:13, Jesus quoted from Isaiah 56:7: “I will make them JOYFUL in My House of PRAYER.” There is JOY in the House of PRAYER. Have we found joy in prayer? If not, let's get into Prayer's Live Stream. God's Live Stream will carry you on and carry you up! Psalm 34:5: “They looked to Him (in prayer) and their faces were light (radiant with joy).” When we look to God in prayer, rather than looking to ourselves and our own resources, we go beyond the DUTY and the DISCIPLINE of prayer, and get caught up in the DELIGHT (joy) of prayer. 1Thess 5:17 is the meat in the sandwich: “pray without ceasing.” 1Thess 5:16 & 18 are the bread. These 3 verses are a triptych of simple exhortations: “(1) REJOICE always, (2) PRAY without ceasing, (3) in everything GIVE THANKS” (1Thess 5:16-18). God doesn't want us in the DRUDGERY of prayer! He wants us to discover the DELIGHT of prayer. So, let us join Heaven's Live Stream of Prayer that God has made available to us.

When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose (Acts 11:23). Thank you, Holy Spirit!

Jesus promises his followers power from on high. What is that? Let's find out together as we read Luke 24:44-49 and Judges 6:11-35.#WaitForThePower #SpiritOfGod #PentecostalPower #ClothedWithPower #HolySpirit #SpiritEmpowerment #DivineEmpowerment #GideonStory #SpiritOfTheLord #PropheticPower #ApostolicPower #WitnessWithPower #PowerToWitness #GreatCommission #SpiritFilled

December 21, 2025Today's Reading: John 20:24-29Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 42:1-25; Revelation 9:1-12“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Thomas refused to believe his brothers' testimony of the risen Christ. He wanted concrete proof, a living body he could feel, a real visual for the eyes. This makes sense. Jesus had prophesied His resurrection, and Thomas wanted evidence. Why would he give up everything for a lie? He's doubting, thus the moniker “doubting Thomas”; still, no disciple abandons everything for a cause he knows is untrue. Jesus' words “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” are a gentle rebuke for Thomas and us who make demands on God when the Word is sufficient. Christ is merciful to give Thomas what He seeks and prompts that great confession, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas sees, believes, and goes on to exercise Jesus' charge to forgive and retain sins (John 20:22-23) in a firm faith only God can give.It's not hard to find people denying God while claiming a lack of proof. But how many stories are in the Bible recording miraculous events only for the people to continue in unbelief? The Israelites crossed the Red Sea in miraculous fashion, only to grumble about food. Jesus healed on the Sabbath before enemies seeking His death. Miracles, we find, don't always result in faith and a proper understanding of Jesus. The devil who masquerades as an angel of light would love to have us turn to something other than the Word, telling us we need proof and evidence before faith. But the Scriptures are clear to teach us the power of the Holy Word and its sufficiency, therefore to create faith that believes and thus one is blessed without the eyes, without reason's confirmation of God via the senses. The disciples' witness of the living Christ is foundational to the testimony today going forth, echoing what Thomas and the others saw—the risen Christ Whose scars mean forgiveness and life. The Church still echoes this testimony and responds to Jesus in the words “My Lord and my God!” The Holy Spirit, Who works still in His Word, is good to create such faith before our risen Savior, Who speaks, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and ever-living God, You strengthened Your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in the resurrection of Your Son. Grant us such faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that we may never be found wanting in Your sight; through the same Jesus Chris, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

Through the Catechism, we learn more about the Lord's Prayer and how it should be included in our personal prayers as well as in community during the liturgy of the Mass. In giving us the Our Father, Jesus models how we are to use this prayer to speak directly with the Father. Fr. Mike drives home that we receive the words to pray and also receive the Holy Spirit when saying this prayer. Together, the words and the Holy Spirit enable us to pray like Christ and become more like him. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 2765-2772. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

“Why is Judas’s Death Different in Acts?” This episode addresses the differences in accounts of Judas’s death found in Matthew and Acts, while also delving into how a non-literal interpretation of the creation story affects the concept of original sin. Additional questions include the implications of kneeling at statues and why God sent Jesus long after Adam and Eve. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:39 – Can you clear up why Judas's death differs in Matthew 27 and Acts? 05:47 – Does Revelation 22:8-9 where John bows down and worships the angel prove kneeling at a statue can be considered worship? 19:40 – Can you explain how if the creation story is not literal how would this impact original sin? 31:43 – Why did God send Jesus long after Adam and Eve not right after? 34:42 – Did Jesus participate in the last supper? Did he eat the bread with his disciple? 39:00 – How could you explain Mary’s need for a cleansing in the bible when she was without sin? 46:15 – Are translations considered inspired? Was this protected by the Holy Spirit? 51:55 – When the angel appeared to Zachariah and Mary they both seem to show disbelief. Why did only Zachariah get punished?

Read OnlineSuch was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.” Matthew 1:20Joseph knew that the penalty for adultery was death by stoning. His heart must have been deeply conflicted. On one hand, the virtues of his betrothed wife, Mary, were abundantly clear. Mary radiated holiness. Impurity was foreign to her Immaculate Heart. Yet she was pregnant, and Joseph was not the father. What should he do?To protect Mary from public shame, Joseph decided to do what he believed was the most merciful thing—he “decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention…” Though little is known about Joseph, this Gospel passage identifies him as “a righteous man.” Many saints, popes, and Church documents highlight his unquestionable sanctity. He was not immaculate and free from sin as was his wife, but God the Father would have chosen a righteous and holy man to be the foster father of the Son of God.Joseph's actions reveal his deep faith. As he slept, “the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.'” The angel explained to him that Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be born of a virgin (see Isaiah 7:14) and that Joseph was to take Mary and her unborn Son into his home and care for them. When he awoke, he did as the angel commanded.Joseph's dream was no ordinary dream. The Holy Spirit accompanied the angel and instilled the certitude of faith in Joseph's mind, empowering his will to obey God's will. Joseph became the father and guardian of the Savior of the World. On December 8, 1847, Pope Pius IX declared Saint Joseph to be the Universal Patron and Protector of the Catholic Church. Just as he protected the Son of God, so he intercedes for us who are members of Christ's body, the Church.As our Advent season enters its final week, we are reminded of the role that Jesus' foster father played not only in the life of the Holy Family, but also about the role Saint Joseph continues to play in the life of the Church and in each one of our lives. His intercessory power from Heaven is great, and we should not hesitate to call upon his prayers, especially when we need protection, struggle with fear, or face some grave challenge.Reflect today on your personal devotion to Saint Joseph. Ponder, especially, his deep faith and obedience to the will of God as was communicated to him in a dream. Strive to imitate that obedience in your own life, never hesitating to undertake the mission God has given you. Turn to Saint Joseph in prayer and know that his powerful intercession will help protect you and win God's grace in the areas you need it the most. Saint Joseph, you were a holy and righteous man, entrusted with the guardianship of the Mother of God and the Son of God. You fulfilled your role faithfully and continue that role from Heaven, protecting all of God's children through your intercession. Please pray for me, that I will imitate your obedience and will be protected from all sin so as to fulfill the unique role God has given me. Saint Joseph, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Gerard Seghers, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

But as he [Joseph] considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:20-23)

Today’s Topics: 1) Gospel – Luke 1:5-25 – In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. Once when he was serving as priest in his division's turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” Bishop Sheen quote of the day

Letting Go of Control Unlocks Your Next Season (TRUST GOD) | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start The DaySUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com  SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™

#10MinuteswithJesus ** Put yourself in the presence of God. Try talking to Him. ** 10 minutes are 10 minutes. Even if you can get distracted, reach the end. ** Be constant. The Holy Spirit acts "on low heat" and requires perseverance. 10-Minute audio to help you pray. Daily sparks to ignite prayer: a passage from the gospel, an idea, an anecdote and a priest who speaks with you and the Lord, inviting you to share your intimacy with God. Find your moment, consider you are in His presence and click play.

“As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’” (Matthew 1:20–21 NLT) When an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream in Matthew 1, he brought astonishing news. Mary had not been unfaithful, as Joseph had suspected. Instead, she was the virgin spoken of by the prophet Isaiah 750 years earlier. Joseph certainly would have been familiar with Isaiah’s prophecy. “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’)” (Isaiah 7:14 NLT). The idea that Isaiah’s well-known prophecy would be fulfilled by Mary surely would have met with some skepticism by Joseph if it hadn’t been for the awe-inspiring angelic being delivering the news. The child Mary was carrying was Immanuel: God with us. What a staggering thought that must have been for Joseph. And what a staggering thought it is for us. In fact, it is the essence of Christianity. If you compared the Christian faith to all other religious worldviews, this would be the clear distinction: Christianity is “God with us.” Christianity does not require that we try to somehow earn God’s approval. The Christian faith teaches that it is God with us, living inside of us, helping us to be the men and women He has called us to be. Christianity says that we are never alone. Jesus echoed this thought when He said, “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NLT). And in Hebrews 13:5, God said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (NLT). We may not always sense God’s presence, but that’s because of the work of our spiritual enemy. When life’s horizons turn dark and circumstances threaten to overwhelm us, the devil whispers in our ear that God has abandoned us. When we give in to temptation, the devil berates us and tries to convince us that God would never stand beside such a flawed person. But we need to see through the strategies of our enemy. We need to cling to the rock-solid promises of our heavenly Father. Maybe you need to be reminded of God’s presence in your life right now. Maybe you’re feeling alone. God is with you. Maybe someone close to you has let you down or disappointed you. God is with you. The great message of Christmas that we must always remember is this: “Immanuel: God with us.” Reflection question: How do you recognize God’s presence in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a tradition that it was the young boy Ignatius whom Christ took upon his knee to explain to His followers that they must become as children to enter the Kingdom. He knew the holy Apostles personally and, with St Polycarp (February 25) was a disciple of St John the Evangelist. He succeeded Evodus as second Bishop of Antioch, the capital of Syria and at that time one of the largest cities in the world. Here, during the persecutions of Domitian, he strengthened the faithful, brought many pagans to Christ, and prayed that he himself would be granted the crown of martyrdom. His flock called him the Godbearer, a title that he did not refuse, for he said that all Christians after their Baptism are truly Bearers of Christ, clothed in the Holy Spirit.   When peace was restored to the Church for awhile, the holy Bishop devoted himself to organizing the young Church on strong foundations at a time when the last of the Apostles had only recently passed away. He established the principle that the Grace imparted to the Apostles at Pentecost was handed down to the bishops appointed by them, and so on through the generations: the Apostolic Succession.   The Emperor Trajan, passing through Syria to make war in Armenia, spent some time in Antioch and initiated a persecution of Christians. Rejoicing that the time of martyrdom had at last arrived, Ignatius presented himself before the Emperor and eloquently declared his faith in Christ.   "So you are a disciple of the one crucified under Pontius Pilate?" asked the Emperor.   "I am the disciple of Him who has nailed my sin to the Cross, and has trodden the Devil and his devices underfoot."   "Why do you call yourself the Godbearer?"   "Because I carry the living Christ within me!"   "Therefore, let the bearer of the Crucified One be taken in chains to Rome, there to be fed to the lions for the amusement of the people."   And so it was. During the long and difficult journey to Rome, cruelly mistreated by his guards, the Saint wrote a series of letters to the young churches which remain one of the treasures of the Church. In Smyrna, he was able to meet with his fellow-disciple Polycarp and entrust to him the care of the churches whose shepherd he had been. As Trajan had ordered, in Rome he was taken to the amphitheater and, as the Synaxarion says, "entered the arena as though approaching the holy altar to serve his last Liturgy in the presence of the faithful, who were crowded among pagans on the steps of the amphitheatre." In a few moments he was completely devoured by the lions, save for a few bones. These were gathered by the faithful and returned to Antioch.   In his Letter to the Romans, the holy Bishop wrote to some who wished to rescue him from his martyrdom: "I am the wheat of God, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found to be the pure bread of God."

Gospel Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Reflection Of all the stories in Scripture of miraculous births, none is more important and more significant than the one that you have just heard about in this gospel. Mary, chosen before to be the Mother of God, is told by an angel that she will become pregnant. Her response is not, this can't be, this doesn't make sense. Her response is only, how will I do this with you? How will it happen? Tell me what it will be like. And then the angel makes it clear. Miraculous infusion of life into her womb, and this life is going to save the world. And she understands, I know on some level the importance of this and her humble response. I will do whatever you want. I am a handmaid of you, O Lord. Bless me with the ability to do this. She's the model of acceptance of grace. Closing Prayer Father, as we near this Christmas season, we know that we are invited to imagine this event happening within each of us. The gift is being given to us, and we need to be in that same disposition as Mary of saying, how can I be who you need me to be in my family and my friends, in my circle, at my work? Who can I be for you to make you present to them? It's an enormous gift and a beautiful, wonderful way of life. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gospel Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Reflection Of all the stories in Scripture of miraculous births, none is more important and more significant than the one that you have just heard about in this gospel. Mary, chosen before to be the Mother of God, is told by an angel that she will become pregnant. Her response is not, this can't be, this doesn't make sense. Her response is only, how will I do this with you? How will it happen? Tell me what it will be like. And then the angel makes it clear. Miraculous infusion of life into her womb, and this life is going to save the world. And she understands, I know on some level the importance of this and her humble response. I will do whatever you want. I am a handmaid of you, O Lord. Bless me with the ability to do this. She's the model of acceptance of grace. Closing Prayer Father, as we near this Christmas season, we know that we are invited to imagine this event happening within each of us. The gift is being given to us, and we need to be in that same disposition as Mary of saying, how can I be who you need me to be in my family and my friends, in my circle, at my work? Who can I be for you to make you present to them? It's an enormous gift and a beautiful, wonderful way of life. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trusting God rarely comes with all the details upfront, and Mary’s story reminds us just how costly obedience can be. Faced with fear, uncertainty, and the very real possibility of public shame, Mary chose surrender over self-protection. Her response shows that trusting God doesn’t mean understanding everything—it means believing He is good even when the path forward feels risky and unclear. Highlights Mary’s calling disrupted her plans, reputation, and future Obedience often requires surrender before clarity arrives Trust means saying yes even when the cost feels heavy Mary praised God in the middle of uncertainty, not after it passed God’s plans may not align with our expectations, but they are always purposeful Surrender positions us to participate in what God is doing, not just observe it Faith grows when we value God’s will over our comfort Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: How Mary’s Surrender Teaches Us to Trust By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” - Luke 1:46-49 ESV Have we ever stopped to consider how Mary may’ve felt when the angel Gabriel visited her? She was just a young girl, newly betrothed to Joseph. While the Bible doesn’t share with us her exact age, scholars speculate she may have been as young as 14. Now consider the fear that likely coursed through her veins when Gabriel delivered the news that she, an unmarried virgin, would bear a son. How scandalous! Perhaps questions ravaged through her mind: What would people think? No one would believe her if she told them the truth. With a pregnancy outside of marriage, the townspeople would stone her. And Joseph? Would he believe her? If he didn’t, surely he’d feel betrayed. Instead of arguing or begging the Lord to choose someone else, Mary simply asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (v. 34). Though the plan didn’t make sense to her, she chose to swallow her fears. Hard. As Luke writes in verse 38, Mary humbly responds: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word”. And the angel departed from her.” Sometimes, I wonder if Mary knew the full implications of what she was saying yes to. Surely, the possibility of public shame and stoning crossed her mind. But whether she understood the full danger or not, Mary surrendered her future as Joseph’s wife, her reputation, and even her life to the Lord. Despite the danger, she chose to sing the praises of the Lord, saying “my soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (v. 47). The Magnificat, as it’s often called, is the cry of Mary’s heart as she soaked in the goodness of God and shared how “he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (v. 49). Now, none of us has been asked to carry the Son of God inside of us the same way Mary did, but we have been asked to carry Him in our hearts. And following God does come at a cost. Are we willing to risk everything? To praise God no matter what? To surrender our future, whatever that looks like? To surrender our reputation and even our very life itself? Mary was willing. Did she know exactly why the Son of God came into the world? Perhaps, like the rest of the Israelites, she anticipated a Messiah who would rescue God’s people from their physical enemies. In this case, the Roman Empire. She didn’t need to fully understand why. Instead, she chose to embrace God’s plan, surrendering and yielding to His sovereignty even if it cost her. Intersecting Faith & Life: What may God be calling you to today? How might He want you to share the love of Jesus Christ with others? Are we willing to step out of our comfort zone even when it’s uncomfortable, to surrender and submit to His plan, and trust His promises? To long for the Giver more than the gift, the Promise-Keeper more than the promise itself? If we read the other Gospel accounts of Jesus’s birth, we know Joseph contemplated divorcing Mary (Matthew 1:19). Being a just man, he didn’t want to put her to shame. But before he could, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife and that the child was from the Holy Spirit (v. 20). God will always take care of each of us. When we walk in obedience, even when it looks impossible, or we may lose something we hold dear, we choose to walk in that obedience anyway. It doesn’t mean things will always turn out the way we want. Pain is a funny thing: it can either push us further from God or pull us closer to Him, depending on how we choose to respond. Mary could’ve never foreseen the plans God had for her or the role she would’ve ultimately played in bringing God’s Son into the world. Had she resisted, God’s plans still would’ve prevailed. Perhaps he would’ve chosen someone else for the task. But then Mary would’ve missed out on an amazing opportunity to be part of what God was doing. Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV) says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” When we face the unknown, we must remember we are not trusting what we can see, but in the One Who sees all things, Whose wisdom transcends our limited view and Whose thoughts are not our thoughts, and whose ways are higher than our ways. Do you think anyone ever imagined He would send the Messiah born miraculously through a virgin? Do you think anyone ever imagined that Jesus Christ would come to save us, not as a war hero but as a humble carpenter who would grow up and take the punishment we deserved by dying on the cross in our place? Pray with me: Dear Father God, sometimes I struggle to trust You. Please help me to learn from Mary’s surrender, to trust You, and to walk in obedience even if it looks like I may lose something else I hold dear. I know Your plans are higher than my own (Isaiah 55). Thank You for Your great, indescribable love for me! In Jesus’s Name, Amen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.