Podcasts about mary and joseph

Chris Bartlett shares a What Would Taylor Do segment & discusses his recent conversation with a phone scammer that went way different than you would expect! Taylor talks about managing conflict within friendships & shares a story of when he felt closest to the parents of Jesus. Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! YouTube Check out the show and other exclusive videos on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/fortecatholic Connect

“Did Mary and Joseph doubt Jesus?” This question leads to a discussion about their understanding of His identity, especially during the incident at the temple. Other topics include the appropriateness of repeating prayers for healing, navigating faith in the context of divorce, and clarifying the status of the Ethiopian Bible. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:10 – Did Mary and Joseph not trust or know who Jesus was by the time they lost him at the temple? 14:15 – Is it wrong to repeat prayers? For example, to ask many times for a sick friend to be healed? 28:40 – I'm a godparent to a child in a family where the husband and wife are divorcing. 36:50 – What is the status of the Ethiopian Bible? Is it considered inspired? 44:30 – I was born and raised Catholic and am starting to get back into it. My wife was raised non-Catholic and just converted. In OCIA we got a lot of answers that contradicted Church teaching. Different people are giving different answers that contradict. How do I know what is right?

It's good to follow Jesus. It's good to do Marian consecration. And many people are waking up to the value of devotion to St. Joseph. But what happens if you honor the Holy Family as a whole? Explore this and other profound insights into devotion to the Holy Family with Scott L. Smith, co-author with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, of a new consecration to the Holy Family from Marian Press. Are you enjoying this podcast? I invite you to listen to more shows brought to you by the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Join us daily for enriching, spiritual content which will help you on your journey with Jesus Christ. Simply visit DivineMercyPlus.org for a complete list of our shows. That's DivineMercyPlus.org. Please “follow” or “subscribe” to this podcast to receive the latest episodes and updates. If you have been blessed by this podcast, please consider leaving a review. Reviews greatly improve our podcast ranking, and will help spread this podcast to other people throughout the world. Thank you and God bless you! 

Spiritual maturity is reflected in our responses to life's challenges. Mary and Joseph, said 'Yes' when the Holy Spirit spoke a difficult word to them. This right response resulted in the favor of God on their lives, catapulting them into the extraordinary. Join us on this study from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 1:1-23. Date of service March 12, 2026 www.cathycoppola.org www.houseofglorychurch.org #spiritual maturity, #Matthew, #gospel, #Mary, #Joseph, #favor, #Biblical teaching, #Christian

Spiritual maturity is reflected in our responses to life's challenges. Mary and Joseph, said 'Yes' when the Holy Spirit spoke a difficult word to them. This right response resulted in the favor of God on their lives, catapulting them into the extraordinary. Join us on this study from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 1:1-23. Date of service March 12, 2026 www.cathycoppola.org www.houseofglorychurch.org #spiritual maturity, #Matthew, #gospel, #Mary, #Joseph, #favor, #Biblical teaching, #Christian

On today's episode, Johnnette Williams walks us through the roles of Mary and Joseph in salvation history! Listeners call in wondering about acupuncture and if Mary and Joseph ever consummated the marriage.

On today's episode, Johnnette Williams walks us through the roles of Mary and Joseph in salvation history! Listeners call in wondering about acupuncture and if Mary and Joseph ever consummated the marriage.

Today's Scripture passages are Genesis 34 - 35 | Luke 2:41-52 | Mark 1:1-8. (*Please note that today's reading includes a reference to an incident of sexual violence.*)Read by Ekemini Uwan.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPWORD40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeTo reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Father Smith preaches the homily on the traditional Solemnity of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Reading ISirach 3:2-6, 12-14God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons.Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them.When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother.Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard.Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives.Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life;kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins —a house raised in justice to you.Reading IIColossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17Brothers and sisters:Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.And be thankful.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord.Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them.Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.GospelMt 2:13-15, 19-23When the magi had departed, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,and stay there until I tell you.Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by nightand departed for Egypt.He stayed there until the death of Herod,that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,Out of Egypt I called my son.When Herod had died, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared in a dreamto Joseph in Egypt and said,“Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel,for those who sought the child's life are dead.”He rose, took the child and his mother,and went to the land of Israel.But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judeain place of his father Herod,he was afraid to go back there.And because he had been warned in a dream,he departed for the region of Galilee.He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth,so that what had been spoken through the prophetsmight be fulfilled,He shall be called a Nazorean.

Catholic homilies and Mass readings from St. Anne Roman Catholic Parish in Gilbert, Arizona

Catholic homilies and Mass readings from St. Anne Roman Catholic Parish in Gilbert, Arizona

Catholic homilies and Mass readings from St. Anne Roman Catholic Parish in Gilbert, Arizona

Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, December 28th - 1st Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 - 2nd Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 - Gospel Reading: Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fr. Eric's homily on the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Homily from the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

On this feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we recognize that our families become blessed when we welcome Christ into our hearts and homes. (Lectionary #17) December 27, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Father Grodecki, SJ, preaches the homily on the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Father Tomlinson preaches the homily on the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Father Davison preaches the homily on the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Send us a textCycle A

Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14; Colossians 3: 12-21; Matthew 2: 13-15, 19-23; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family

Here is a family that understands our families.

Read OnlineWhen the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. Matthew 2:13–14Today we honor and ponder the family life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The love within their home exceeded that of any other household, and the love within their family poured forth upon their extended family and wider community. Scripture gives us limited details about the life of the Holy Family. What we do know is that from the very beginning, they suffered through enormous challenges.Mary's pregnancy was the first challenge they faced. She conceived the Christ Child before she and Joseph lived together. Though she knew how she conceived the Son of God, Joseph did not understand until the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. We can imagine that relatives and members of the community expressed their disapproval, given that the angel of the Lord did not reveal the truth to everyone.Jesus was born far away from their home, in the little town of Bethlehem, in a cave, where animals dwelt. Humble shepherds were their first guests, and the magi from the East soon followed. Within a year or two after Jesus' birth, this family had to uproot from their home and flee to Egypt, find accommodations, and earn a living because Herod sought to kill the child Jesus.After Herod's death, Joseph was instructed in two subsequent dreams that he could return to Israel and was to move his family to the small and unremarkable village of Nazareth. Though Nazareth was not held in high esteem, it was within this simple setting that Jesus was raised and learned the virtues of hard work, obedience, and humility. Nazareth, though overlooked by the world, became the sacred ground where the Savior of the world was prepared for His mission. Finally, given that Saint Joseph is not mentioned during the time that Jesus exercised His public ministry, it is commonly believed that Jesus and His mother experienced the human sorrow of Joseph's earthly death.Despite the hardships the Holy Family endured, the love in their home overshadowed every challenge, making their family life a source of the utmost consolation and joy. Amidst the trials they faced, the Holy Family found joy, not in worldly comforts, but in their deep union with God and with each other. Their home was a sanctuary of love, prayer, and mutual support, where God's presence was always felt. How fascinating it will be one day, in Heaven, if God reveals to us the details about the earthly and hidden life of the Holy Family. Though the angels witnessed their lives as they unfolded in time, we can hope and imagine that God, in His goodness, will share these mysteries with the saints, revealing the true beauty of the Holy Family's earthly life together. Their conversations, interactions, charity, prayer, fun, work, and all that made up their family life will be a source of eternal admiration and gratitude.Reflect today on the Holy Family. Ask God to give you insight into their lives together. As you do, use any insights as a source of inspiration for your own life and relationships with those closest to you. Though we will all fall short of the charity that permeated the home of the Holy Family, we can work to imitate them by allowing God to increase our charity toward one another. Through daily prayer, acts of sacrifice, and a commitment to love one another, we can create a family life that reflects the holiness and unity of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Your family life was holy beyond imagination. In your daily interactions, Your love was manifest and inspiring to each other and to Your relatives and friends. Please draw me into Your family life and teach me to love those in my family so that we will become a stronger community of love. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Angelica Kauffmann, 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.

Kathleen's published picture book about a young Hispanic boy who gets a part as the innkeeper in the school nativity, but on opening night he becomes so swept up in this long ago world that when Mary and Joseph ask him, "Do you have any room at your inn? he comes up with his own answer that causes chaos on the stage.  An enchanting Christmas tale filled with beauty, faith, and the innocence of childhood.  (duration 12 minutes)   Our Journey with Story teeshirts are now available for purchase from our website .https://journeywithstory.printify.me   To download this month's free coloring sheet,  simply subscribe to my Patreon here, it's free! By subscribing, you not only support our mission to ignite imagination through enchanting fairy tales but also receive exclusive benefits like monthly free coloring sheets corresponding to our podcast episodes, and more! Your support means the world to us and enables us to continue creating captivating content for children everywhere. Thank you for joining us on this adventure!   If you are enjoying this podcast you can rate and write a review here   Be sure and check out some terrific resources for raising kids who LOVE to read by  signing up for my newsletter at www.journeywithstory.com If your little listener wants to ask us a question or send us a drawing inspired by one of our episodes, send it to us at instagram@journeywithstory.  Or you can contact us at www.journeywithstory.com.  We love to hear from our listeners. If you enjoy our podcast, you can rate, review, and subscribe at here Did you know Kathleen is also a children's picture book author, you can find out more about her books at www.kathleenpelley.com    

A Bible study on Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23, the Gospel reading for the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph - Cycle A.

SummaryIn this episode of All Set for Sunday, hosts Scott Williams and Jeff Traylor, along with Father Drew Ferrin, explore the significance of the Holy Family and the role of family in the Catholic faith. They discuss the importance of honoring parents, the Christian dress code for family life, and the challenges fathers face in leading their families. The conversation also touches on the controversial aspects of scripture regarding submission in marriage, emphasizing mutual respect and the beauty of family life. The episode concludes with lighthearted moments and reflections on the joys and challenges of family life during the Christmas season.TakeawaysHonor your parents all the time, not just when convenient.Holiness is lived out in our families, not just in churches.Joseph's role in the Holy Family is a model for fathers.Obeying parents is a way to practice being like Jesus.Fathers are called to lead and guide their families.Submission in marriage is a mutual gift, not a power struggle.Every family has a role to play in God's plan.The beauty of family life is revealed in scripture.Understanding context is key to interpreting controversial scripture.Family life is a journey of love, respect, and growth.Chapters02:51 The Importance of Family Honor04:01 Living Out Christian Values06:02 The Role of Joseph in the Holy Family10:00 Understanding Family Dynamics13:35 The Call to Holiness in Family Life17:08 The Role of Fathers21:24 Submission and Mutual Respect in Marriage25:53 The Holiness of Family Life28:14 Fun and Lighthearted Moments

Here are some of the themes that we find in the Mass readings for the feast of the Holy Family. (Lectionary #17) December 22, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

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

We often read the Christmas story for its beauty, its mystery, and its message of hope… but hidden inside the lives of Mary and Joseph are some of the most powerful leadership lessons you'll ever find. In this episode, we explore the kind of faith-filled leadership God modelled through two ordinary people who said “yes” in extraordinary circumstances. You'll discover what their journey teaches us about courage, integrity, adaptability, and leading through uncertainty — lessons every Christian woman needs in today's unpredictable world. We talk about: Mary's courage and conviction when the assignment didn't make sense Trusting God's vision when your circumstances feel overwhelming Joseph's integrity and servant leadership when faced with costly decisions Decisiveness and obedience in moments where the stakes are high Protecting the vulnerable and leading with compassion and strength If you want a fresh, biblical perspective on leadership — one that inspires you to lead with greater faith, courage, and clarity — this Christmas episode will bless you. Your Next Step For more Scripture-rooted confidence and Christlike leadership tools, grab The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint at:

Fr. John Ehrich, STL Frjohnteaches.com Fr. John's Music

Discover five powerful lessons from the Christmas story as we explore how God stepped into the lives of Mary and Joseph—and how He still steps into ours today. In this episode, we unpack themes of surrender, unexpected life, God's provision, community, and the peace Jesus brings, all through the lens of biblical parenting. Learn how these timeless truths can shape your family, strengthen your faith, and guide you as you raise children who walk closely with God. Perfect for Christian parents, faith‑based families, and anyone wanting to live the wisdom of the Nativity all year long.Join the Prayer Tribe https://mailchi.mp/24bba9787d3e/raisingkidsonyourknees Step Free! My Journey of Healing After Abortion https://www.amazon.com/Free-Journey-Healing-After-Abortion/dp/1729681484?crid=2ORR6PWEPZCF2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T3HxNVbLECDJ4DlgKY0CAeMBkT3W9tHrBOP2f-hl5bkT0yw200ng6yGWtXxgeLPB01zVWP6OxKVo7j_jwoaZSVbNraaWUrJu3YPTj2Gd8S_ZYtiW_9XWryfBYwbJIDW63N9uUtVRb-qFwCf0OpjkN3C9u-AuBoD5hYasRKEGbwb-SAWr9DK6canpxR5NLtT86LV8Dt7qs-u1yK_XzB3cUddA1Zbzyxud4ImmiMkAeio.NGgLFMozUhVkg2Ga6xXDYnNVter_BZmwlp7B6t7FJBU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Tina+Chamber+Smith&qid=1766165248&sprefix=tina+chamber+smith%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-12The Truth About Abortion Nobody Tells You, My Story https://www.amazon.com/Abortion-truth-testimony-resources-available-ebook/dp/B07643FF9T?crid=2ORR6PWEPZCF2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T3HxNVbLECDJ4DlgKY0CAeMBkT3W9tHrBOP2f-hl5bkT0yw200ng6yGWtXxgeLPB01zVWP6OxKVo7j_jwoaZSVbNraaWUrJu3YPTj2Gd8S_ZYtiW_9XWryfBYwbJIDW63N9uUtVRb-qFwCf0OpjkN3C9u-AuBoD5hYasRKEGbwb-SAWr9DK6canpxR5NLtT86LV8Dt7qs-u1yK_XzB3cUddA1Zbzyxud4ImmiMkAeio.NGgLFMozUhVkg2Ga6xXDYnNVter_BZmwlp7B6t7FJBU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Tina+Chamber+Smith&qid=1766165236&sprefix=tina+chamber+smith%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1Flying Arrow Productions

Send us a textLuke 2 tells us that Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem "to be taxed", and while there, the baby Jesus was born. But, what do we know about that taxing from history? Did everyone travel? What was the general tax environment in the Roman world at the time? Did they actually remit a tax, or, what was the purpose of this trip? Jeff and Scott chat with Roman historian Anna Dolganov about these questions, and more.Anna's previous appearance on the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1878989/episodes/17860482 . One note: On the podcast we talk about how burdensome the tax imposed by the Romans in situations like this was, in terms of days of labor (a la Tax Foundation's "Tax Freedom Day"). Here is a follow-up note from Anna: "A Roman legionary's salary was about 225 denarii per year, and the poll tax rate in Egypt was 8-40 drachmas per year (depending on location and tax privilege). So, not quite Austrian level taxation, but still quite a considerable sum."A denarii and a drachma are equivalent. So, Tax Freedom Day for Mary and Joseph, based only on the poll tax, may have been sometime in mid-February.

The Guy Benson Show 12-17-2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three of our five pastors sit down to talk through some Christmas music, great toys from our past, and the highlights from this week's Sermon about Mary and Joseph following God's Will.

Send us a textThis podcast is dedicated to Father Mel D. Hemann who passed away on December 14, 2021. Hello and welcome to Day 16, of CGMissions Christmas Podcast. Today's podcast is entitled “We Are Mary and Joseph.” Today, we will hear portions of a message sent via email from Father Mel Hemann. His Christmas letter is a call for all of us to remember what Christmas is about and that we have certain responsibilities to ourselves and to each other. But first, we will start with our Christmas Memory Share from Regina from Des Moines. She will share her favorite Christmas gift and memory. Stay with us to the end of this podcast for Christmas music and announcements.If you want to contact us or comment on this podcast, please visit our website and select www.cgmissions.com/podcasts, where all episodes are available by category in series format. You can see some video and audio podcasts at: www.youtube.com/@cgmissionsinc then select from the video or podcast"Playlist." CGM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations may be made on our website:https://www.cgmissions.com/donate-here-general-and-wecare/

Stan Wilson, Minister of Christian Formation

The Christmas story is often viewed through the lens of a cozy Nativity scene—peaceful, beautiful, and picture-perfect. But was the journey of Jesus' parents, Mary and Joseph, truly that simple? Join Pastor Derek Holmes as he dives into the biblical account in Matthew 1:18-25 and unpacks the extraordinary, and often incredibly challenging, faith journey of this young couple. What You Will Learn: The Unexpected Call: Discover the immense personal and social difficulty Mary and Joseph faced when called to be part of God's redemption plan. This was a path filled with uncertainty, risk, and potential shame. The Reality of Following God: See how their story powerfully illustrates that faith is not always easy. Following God's will can be "hard to follow," demanding difficult choices and deep trust. The Greater Reward: Explore the profound truth that even when the path is difficult, the ultimate reward—participating in God's plan and experiencing His glory—is immeasurably great. God's Constant Presence: Be encouraged by the assurance that God is not absent in our trials. Just as He was with Mary and Joseph, His presence (Immanuel) is with us as we step out in faith. This message will challenge you to look past the stained-glass image of Christmas and embrace the courageous, messy reality of a life lived by faith. Key Takeaways from This Sermon: -Following God's will requires radical obedience and a willingness to embrace the difficult. -The life of faith is not a comfortable journey, but a transformative adventure. -The promise of "God with us" is the greatest strength in times of uncertainty. Press play and be challenged to trust God's plan, even when it's "Hard to Follow."

The Christmas story is often viewed through the lens of a cozy Nativity scene—peaceful, beautiful, and picture-perfect. But was the journey of Jesus' parents, Mary and Joseph, truly that simple? Join Pastor Derek Holmes as he dives into the biblical account in Matthew 1:18-25 and unpacks the extraordinary, and often incredibly challenging, faith journey of this young couple. What You Will Learn: The Unexpected Call: Discover the immense personal and social difficulty Mary and Joseph faced when called to be part of God's redemption plan. This was a path filled with uncertainty, risk, and potential shame. The Reality of Following God: See how their story powerfully illustrates that faith is not always easy. Following God's will can be "hard to follow," demanding difficult choices and deep trust. The Greater Reward: Explore the profound truth that even when the path is difficult, the ultimate reward—participating in God's plan and experiencing His glory—is immeasurably great. God's Constant Presence: Be encouraged by the assurance that God is not absent in our trials. Just as He was with Mary and Joseph, His presence (Immanuel) is with us as we step out in faith. This message will challenge you to look past the stained-glass image of Christmas and embrace the courageous, messy reality of a life lived by faith. Key Takeaways from This Sermon: -Following God's will requires radical obedience and a willingness to embrace the difficult. -The life of faith is not a comfortable journey, but a transformative adventure. -The promise of "God with us" is the greatest strength in times of uncertainty. Press play and be challenged to trust God's plan, even when it's "Hard to Follow."

Continuing our Christmas series Brittanie takes a step back and goes over the journey Mary and Joseph had to make before Jesus was born and why the events surrounding it are so significant!

Rev. Nathan Detering led our service on Sunday, December 7, 2025, with a sermon titled, "Mary and Joseph, What Were You Thinking? A Sermon on Parenting."

As we begin reading the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike draws our attention to Mary. He clarifies the difference between Zechariah's response and Mary's response to the angel Gabriel, and also explains why Mary is the Ark of the new Covenant. We learn that through Mary, God begins to fulfill his promises to the people of Israel. Today's readings are Luke 1-2, and Proverbs 25:24-26. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.