The Christmas season may not slow down, but you can. Jim Daly shares how to take a break from the holiday’s usual hustle and bustle and devote yourself to what Christmas is really all about.

Support Family Ministry

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Commentary, please give us your feedback.

In this episode of Pray the Word on Jude 22, David Platt challenges us to be patient with those who struggle with their faith.

Over 3 billion people have never heard the gospel.

At Radical, we’re fueling 140 gospel projects in 42 countries to change that—equipping local leaders and mobilizing believers where Jesus is least known.

Through December 31, every gift is doubled up to $750,000.

Would you pray about being part of this?

Learn more at Radical.net/everywhere

Explore more content from Radical.

What happens when God’s good plan lobs an unplanned pregnancy into a blended family? Jay and Tammy Daughtry chat about shock, grace, and choosing love over shame. From unfiltered Day One reactions to faith-fueled healing, they offer a blueprint for both welcoming chaos and blessing it. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to turn unexpected blended-family moments into hope-filled family legacies.

Show Notes and Resources

• Ron and Nan's schedule 
• Learn about The Daughtrys coparentinginternational.com
• Unplanned Grandparenting 
• Give a year end gift and it will be doubled! 

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Advent E3 — In the third week of Advent, we’re reflecting on joy. Joy’s not only a feeling based on circumstances but a rich biblical theme expressed in song, celebration, and even shouts of delight in all seasons of life. In the Hebrew Bible, words for joy appear most often in Psalms and describe communal feasts, temple offerings, and weddings. In these moments, joy is about remembering God’s goodness in the past and anticipating his future rescue. The New Testament continues this story, with Luke and Acts in particular overflowing with joy at the arrival of the Messiah, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the resurrection of Jesus. In this episode, Jon and Tim find the theme of joy everywhere in Scripture, even before God’s work is ultimately finished.

FULL SHOW NOTES

For chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.

CHAPTERS

1. The Hebrew Words for Joy (0:00–15:24)
2. Joy in Psalms, Songs, and Processions (15:24–24:55)
3. New Testament Joy in Jesus and the Spirit (24:55–36:59)
4. Reflections on Joy With Alena (36:59-41:21)

OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

View this episode’s official transcript.

REFERENCED RESOURCES

• Chara / Joy: Though not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores one of the biblical words for joy, chara.
• Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here.

SHOW MUSIC

• “I'll Be Warm This Christmas” by Lofi Sunday & TBabz
• “Joy” by Lofi Sunday & CRFT
• “Snowflakes” by Aves
• BibleProject theme song by TENTS 

SHOW CREDITS

Production 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 Alena.

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.

FROM TODAY’S RECAP:

This week on the Christian parenting podcast The Bible for Kids, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer welcome returning guest Valerie Ellis to share all about her brand-new release, Wild Faith Devotional for Kids: 52 Amazing Animals That Point to One Great God.

In this inspiring episode, Valerie introduces families to a devotional packed with incredible animals—flamingos, snakes, capybaras, glass frogs, rock-climbing gobies, and more—that help kids understand God’s creativity, love, and design in the world around them. Parents and kids will discover how each creature reveals powerful spiritual truths that point young believers toward deeper faith.

Described as “a warm hug… perfect for starting meaningful conversations about kindness, faith, and the love of Jesus” by Mandy Arioto (President & CEO of The MomCo), this devotional blends Bible teaching, science, fun facts, and interactive activities to help children grow in their relationship with God.

• How Wild Faith Devotional for Kids helps families connect nature to biblical truth
• Valerie Ellis’s heart for teaching kids about God through the wonders of creation
• Why animals—from familiar pets to exotic creatures—make powerful faith illustrations
• Practical ways parents can use daily devotions to spark conversations about kindness, faith, and God’s love
• A behind-the-scenes look at the stunning artwork, photography, and “Make It Stick” / “Live It Out” sections included in every devotion

Packed with Scripture, prayers, scientific insights, and unforgettable facts, this devotional is perfect for:

• Christian families

• homeschoolers

• children’s ministry leaders

• Bible-loving kids who enjoy learning about animals

• parents looking for meaningful faith-building resources

If you're searching for a kids devotional that brings God’s creation to life and helps children grow spiritually, this episode—and Valerie Ellis’s new book—are musts!

------------------------------------------------------

The Bible for Kids is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and we'd love to have you join us in our mission of reaching kids with the message of the Bible. Visit TheBibleforKids.com to learn more today!

The Bible for Kids Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Hospitality is more than offering a meal or inviting someone into our home—it is a powerful witness to the love of Christ. Augustine’s journey toward faith began not with an argument, but with the gracious welcome of Bishop Ambrose, whose kindness opened the door for Augustine to encounter the truth of the gospel. Scripture reminds us that our lives testify to Christ just as much as our words do. When we walk in wisdom toward outsiders, extend grace, and make the best use of every moment (Colossians 4:5–6), God often uses our ordinary acts of love to draw others to Himself. Today, we are invited to imitate Christ’s hospitality by welcoming, serving, and loving those around us in His name.

Main Takeaways

• You’ll learn how hospitality can serve as a powerful form of evangelism.

• Discover how Augustine’s relationship with Ambrose illustrates the impact of gracious, Christlike living.

• Understand Paul’s call to walk wisely toward outsiders and speak with grace.

• Reflect on how daily interactions create opportunities to demonstrate the gospel.

• Be encouraged to model God’s welcoming heart by extending love, warmth, and attentiveness to others.

Bible Verse References

• Colossians 4:5 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/colossians/4-5.html

• Colossians 4:6 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/colossians/4-6.html

• Acts 4:19–20 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+4:19-20

• 1 Peter 2:12 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/1-peter/2-12.html

• James 4:14 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/james/4-14.html

• Romans 5:8 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/5-8.html

Your Daily Prayer

Lord of every moment, help me steward well the relationships and opportunities You place in my life. Teach me to walk in wisdom toward others, extending the same grace, warm

In this episode of Pray the Word on 1 John 5:13, David Platt encourages us to live in the certainty that we have received eternal life.

Over 3 billion people have never heard the gospel.

At Radical, we’re fueling 140 gospel projects in 42 countries to change that—equipping local leaders and mobilizing believers where Jesus is least known.

Through December 31, every gift is doubled up to $750,000.

Would you pray about being part of this?

Learn more at Radical.net/everywhere

Explore more content from Radical.

FROM TODAY’S RECAP: