Ellen and her friends, Susannah Goodman and Jane Burke, discuss the new family’s escape to Egypt and return to Nazareth found in Matthew 2:13-23. They explore connections between their journey and the journey of the Israelites in Genesis and Exodus. They talk about Joseph’s example of trust and action and how we today can hear and discern what the Lord is saying to us. They touch on aspects of discernment and decision-making even in the context of marriage. Resources mentioned in the podcast: AD Chronicles series by Bodie Thoene: https://www.thoenebooks.com/shop-1?Series+Title=A.D.+Chronicles, That the World May Know by Ray Vander Laan: https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/category/volumes, The Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/, Living Insights Matthew by Chuck Swindoll: https://amzn.to/3580j4d

Ellen and her friends, Laura and Jarod Jones, discuss how the magi desired to worship the baby extravagantly in response to the overwhelming joy they had found. They display “all-in,” lavish devotion regardless of what others might think of them even at risk to their own lives. They consider how the magi’s example can move us to prioritize what is important over what is immediate in our own lives. Scriptures and resources mentioned on the podcast: Mark 14:1-9, Luke 7:36-50, Luke 6:45, Philippians 2:5-11, Exodus 30:22-38, John 3:1-15, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis: https://amzn.to/3n52sUq, Precept Austin commentary: www.preceptaustin.org

Ellen and her friends, Laura and Jarod Jones, unpack the meaning of the story of the magi following the star in Matthew 2:1-8. They discuss the differing responses of those involved as well as the practical hope that God’s faithfulness gives in the details of everyday life and even in parenting. God’s care in every minute detail of the star indicates that he remembers each of us and that we can rest in his omniscience. Scriptures mentioned on the podcast: Daniel 5:11, John 14:27, Colossians 1:17, Luke 2:35, Hebrews 4:12, Hebrews 6:19

Ellen and her friends, Jennifer Galloway and Robin Hearn, take a peek into the behind-the-scenes drama that quietly takes place between the new little Christmas family and some true God-followers found in Luke 2:21-38. They discuss what challenges and encourages them about how Simeon and Anna position themselves to hear from God, and they unpack some ancient details about God, his attention to detail, and how he loves to guide in a practical and personal way. Resource mentioned during the podcast: Experiencing God Bible Study by Henry Blackaby: https://amzn.to/2KlHELf