Experience the Christmas story like never before — a peaceful, cinematic, Scripture-centered retelling of the birth of Jesus, read directly from the NLT with music, sound design, and visuals to help you slow down and reflect on the wonder of Christ’s arrival.

Whether you’re watching on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, with your family, or during a quiet moment alone — my prayer is that this reading centers your heart on Jesus, the hope of the world.

This dramatic Scripture reading includes:

✨ Gabriel’s announcement to Mary

✨ Joseph’s encounter with the angel

✨ The journey to Bethlehem

✨ The birth of Christ in the manger

✨ Angels appearing to the shepherds

✨ The heavenly host proclaiming good news

If this blesses you, consider sharing it with someone who needs hope today.

Merry Christmas! 🎄✨

—Josh

Chapters

00:00 — Intro & Atmosphere

00:30 — Gabriel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)

02:18 — The Angel Appears to Joseph (Matthew 1:18–25)

03:41 — The Journey to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1–5)

04:21 — The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:6–7)

04:50 — Angels Appear to Shepherds (Luke 2:8–14)

06:17 — Shepherds Visit the Manger (Luke 2:15–20)

07:17 — Closing Reflection

Credits:

Music:

• Heavenly Hurts — Abstract Aprils

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/abstract-aprils/heavenly-hurts

License code: OFMICJBWLKREGAVH

• River Of No Return — Kevin Graham

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-graham/river-of-no-return

License code: JYW3FJWM6F03Y52F

• Joy To The World — Brock Hewitt (Stories in Sound)

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/joy-to-the-world

License code: V8CVXXI0YCRESQSR

• Hark the Herald Angels Sing — Brock Hewitt (Stories in Sound)

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/hark-the-herald-angels-sing

License code: FW8SJD8MUYGEIH5T

• Snowbound Serenade — Giulio Fazio

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/giulio-fazio/snowbound-serenade

License code: OKRJVINXRA80XSD0

• Silent Night & Noel

Music provided by Pixabay — free for use.

⸻

Sound Effects:

Mixkit — free for use.

https://mixkit.co

⸻

Video Footage:

• Canva Pro (licensed assets)

• Pixabay — free-use video content

⸻

Scripture:

NLT — New Living Translation

#ChristmasStory #ScriptureReading #DramaticReading #Luke2 #NLT #ChristianPodcast #BibleReading #ChristmasEveService #JesusBirth #FaithContent #ChristianYouTube #PeaceOnEarth

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year — the lights, the nostalgia, the warmth.

But there was one Christmas where I completely missed Jesus.

Not because I didn’t love Him…

But because I was too busy doing things for Him to actually be with Him.

If you’re a pastor, leader, or volunteer who’s exhausted by Christmas services, productions, or ministry demands — this episode is for you.

We’ll explore:

✨ Why so many ministry leaders “miss” Jesus during Christmas

✨ What Bethlehem teaches us about spiritual busyness

✨ How to refocus your heart and rediscover peace this season

✨ What healthy, restful ministry looks like at Christmas

Don’t rush through this season. Don’t miss Jesus.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Beyond the Numbers — available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

#ChristmasMessage #ChristianPodcast #MinistryLeaders #BeyondTheNumbersPodcast #Jesus #Faith #ChristmasDevotional #ChurchLeaders #Burnout #Peace #Hope #NextGenMinistry #ChristianEncouragement #Advent #Bethlehem #PastorLife #ChurchLife #ChristianLeadership #FaithOverFear #MinistryBurnout #RestInJesus #Christmas2025 #MinistryHealth #ChristmasInMinistry #DontMissJesus

In this special wrap-up episode of Beyond the Numbers, I bring together three experienced ministry leaders — Katelyn, Ed, and Taylor — to answer the big question: What does a healthy church look like when you’re not just measuring attendance or revenue?

With several decades of combined service we unpack:

- How to spot signs of health that don’t show up on a spreadsheet

- What to do when the church culture chases numbers instead of people

- What leadership development looks in different ministry environments

- Building a strong christian community inside and outside of the the building

- The role of genuine relationships, spiritual depth, and volunteer care in real ministry

- Mistakes we’ve seen and how you can avoid them

If you’re a pastor, Next-Gen leader, or ministry team wanting to lead healthier, more sustainable church culture — this is for you.

🎙️ Listen, learn, and let’s together move Beyond the Numbers. 🔗 Subscribe & find full episodes here: https://linktr.ee/beyondthenumberpc

Katelyn Miner: https://www.berkshiredreamcenter.org/

Ed Pichetter: https://www.newenglandrevivalcovenant.org/

Taylor Williams: https://www.mosaicchurchevans.org/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-holiness/id1513040080

#BeyondTheNumbersPodcast #HealthyMinistry #ChurchLeadership #VolunteerCare #NextGenMinistry #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndChurchCulture #BuildingChurchHealth #MinistryWithoutNumbers

Beyond The Numbers Ep. 10

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, we dive into one of the most important questions every church and ministry leader must face: Is God’s Word truly our foundation—or has it become optional?

After spending months interviewing with churches, I was surprised to discover how often the authority and sufficiency of Scripture were treated as negotiable. But a healthy church cannot be built on shifting opinions or trends—it must be built on the infallible, inerrant Word of God.

We’ll explore:

• Why churches are drifting from the Bible as their foundation
• The dangers of treating Scripture as optional
• What a healthy, Word-centered ministry looks like
• Practical steps leaders can take to keep God’s Word at the center

If you’ve ever wrestled with where your church stands—or wondered how to lead with conviction in a shifting culture—this episode will equip and encourage you.

Brent has decades of ministry experience—and a unique journey that includes a few years in the NFL. In this conversation, he shares wisdom every Next Gen leader and youth pastor can benefit from: how to stop the comparison game fueled by social media, what he learned from over-ambition and zeal, and how to embrace long-term faithfulness in ministry.

Whether you’re new to ministry or decades in, Brent’s insight will encourage and challenge you.

✨ Topics we cover:

• Resisting comparison in ministry
• Lessons from mistakes and overzealous seasons
• Practical encouragement for Next Gen leaders
• Staying faithful for the long haul

What would you tell your younger self in ministry? In this Voices from the Field episode of Beyond the Numbers, Josh talks with Justin Lucas, Student Pastor at Mercy Hill Church in North Carolina, about the lessons they’ve learned from years of ministry — the good, the hard, and the humbling.

We open up about comparison, burnout, boundaries, and the danger of letting ministry become your identity. But most importantly, Justin shares how God brings healing and redemption through the process.

If you’ve ever questioned your calling, felt worn out, or wondered if health and growth can coexist — this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and take a deep breath. You’re not alone.

#HealthyMinistry #BeyondTheNumbersPodcast #YouthPastorLife #NextGenLeaders #MinistryHealth #ChurchLeadership #ChristianPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #FaithBasedLeadership

Beyond the Numbers | Episode 9

What if you could hop in a DeLorean and give advice to your younger self in ministry? 🚗⚡️

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, I reflect on the biggest lessons I wish I knew earlier. Ministry isn’t about chasing numbers — it’s about pursuing health:

in our souls, our families, our teams, and our churches.In this episode you’ll hear:

• The advice I’d give my younger self in ministry

• How performance-driven leadership sacrifices presence

• Why comparison robs us of shepherding well

• What it looks like to take Spirit-led risks instead of playing it safe

This conversation is for leaders who are tired, worn out, or ready to build healthier rhythms in ministry.

Question for you: If you could go back, what’s one thing you’d tell your younger self in ministry or leadership? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear.⸻

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on healthy ministry:https://linktr.ee/beyondthenumberpc⸻#MinistryLeadership #YouthPastor #HealthyChurch #NextGenMinistry #BeyondTheNumbersPodcast

Betrayal in ministry hurts in a way few people understand. In this episode, I share personal experiences of betrayal, manipulation, and loss—and how God has been faithful to redeem them.

We’ll explore:

• The reality of betrayal in ministry leadership

• The damage it causes to staff, volunteers, and churches

• What healthy leadership looks like instead

• Practical steps for leaders walking through hurt

• The healing and redemption God offers

If you’ve ever felt betrayed or broken in ministry, this episode is for you.

Beyond The Numbers Episode 7

In this episode, I wrestle with a tough question: are we building ministries, or are we building brands?

I share my own story of chasing views and influence, and how I had to shift back to faithfulness over follower counts. We’ll also dive into John 17 and Acts 8, where Philip left a thriving ministry to minister to just one person. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s metrics look different than ours.

This episode is for any pastor or ministry leader who feels the pressure to perform, produce, and “stay on brand.” You’ll walk away challenged to re-center on obedience, discipleship, and the people God has placed right in front of you.

Next week: “Leading Through Betrayal and Loss” — one of the most raw and personal episodes yet.

“God used my pain to reach others.”

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Josh sits down with Scott, a NextGen Pastor from Minnesota, to share how God turned a life marked by chaos, foster care, and despair into a testimony of redemption.

From battling depression and feeling unwanted, to discovering purpose and healing in Christ — Scott’s story is a reminder that no pain is wasted when placed in God’s hands.

If you’ve ever asked, “Why me, God?” or felt like your story was over, this episode will show you how God can take broken pieces and build something beautiful.

🎧 Listen now and be reminded: Your story still matters.

#ChristianPodcast #FaithAndHealing #PurposeInPain #BeyondTheNumbersPodcast #VoicesFromTheField