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

Ellen and her family, Otis, Daniel, John and David, discuss the details of the angels coming to announce the birth to the shepherds in Luke 2:8-20. They discuss how the angel army comes not to the influencers but to the lowest shepherds in the fields. They highlight how the angels bring the great news that is for all people. He who would be called the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God was just nearby, available and approachable…for the shepherds then, and for us now. Scriptures mentioned in the podcast: Luke 5:31, Matthew 20:16, John 1:29, John 10:11-18, John 1: 9-13.

Ellen and her family, Otis, Daniel, John and David, read the birth of Christ in Bethlehem as recorded in Luke 2:1-7. They discuss the simple yet amazing details of the story, beginning with Caesar’s decree and ending with the baby being placed in a feeding trough. They look at prophecies, symbolism, and what the details can mean for our own lives. Scriptures mentioned in the podcast: Galatians 4:4, Micah 5:2-5, John 6:35, Isaiah 55:1-2

Ellen and her friends, Slate Fluker and Chris Montovino, discuss how Joseph responds to the astounding news that his fiancée Mary is expecting a baby—a baby that is not his. (Matthew 1:18-25). See also Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5.

Ellen and mother-daughter team, Katie Buckles and Rylie Newman, discuss the birth of baby John in Luke 1:57-80. They unpack clues that reveal truths of God and the coming Messiah and consider how those truths can strengthen us today. They also encourage each other to be alert to how God is moving in our time.

In this episode, Ellen and her friends, Courtney Turner and Christina Conner, discuss Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth in Judea in Luke 1:39-56. They reflect on the meaning of Elizabeth’s greeting, the encouragement of their relationship, and Mary’s attitude toward the challenge that God has given her in carrying and raising the Messiah. (See also Numbers 13 and Psalm 34.)

In this episode, Ellen and her friend, Niki Dishman, discuss the angel Gabriel’s appearance to Mary in Luke 1:26-38. They discuss Mary’s response as well as Gabriel’s encouragement to her, and Niki shares personal challenges and how she has seen God in what seems like impossible situations.