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My daughter is part of the color guard at her high school. During band performances, they flip flags and wooden rifles in carefully choreographed routines.

A couple of weeks ago, the band and color guard had an all-day practice, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. That afternoon, we received a text inviting family and friends to watch a free performance. We arrived at the football field around 7 p.m., just as the sun began to set.

But nothing happened.

The stadium lights were off. The sky continued to darken. We wondered if the lights would come on at all—and if there would even be a show.

What happened next taught me something.

As the darkness settled in and the lights still hadn’t turned on, the band began to play. The color guard danced. Without knowing if the lights would ever come on, they continued doing what they knew to do. With youthful energy and joy, they played song after song together.

Eventually, the lights did come on, and we enjoyed their performance.

But God used that moment to challenge me. Do I praise Him in the darkness—before the light comes? God has promised that the dawn will arrive, that the light will shine again. But sometimes, He calls us to worship while we wait.

We praise Him because He is with us now, not only when circumstances improve. And we praise Him because He has always been faithful to fulfill His promises.

That night also reminded me of the power of community. It is easier to worship together. God designed us to praise Him alongside others, drawing encouragement from His people when the darkness feels heavy.

Even in difficult seasons, we have reason to worship. Christ, the Light of the world, is always present. And when we worship Him—together—we declare our trust that the darkness will not last. The light will come.

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:5

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
Teach me to praise You in the darkness. Even when the lights haven’t come on yet, help me lift my voice with joy and trust in Your promises. Remind me that You are present now and faithful to fulfill Your word in the future. Surround me with Your people so that together we may worship You for who You are and all You have done. Strengthen my heart to wait with hope until the dawn comes.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Think of a time you walked through a difficult season that eventually ended. How did God sustain you while you waited?

2. Reflect on ways God has fulfilled His promises in your past. How does His faithfulness then shape your hope for the future?

3. Recall how God’s people have encouraged you during dark times. In what ways have you been able to encourage others in theirs?

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Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated byTyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Do you know you have a wonderful life? Meditate on 2 Peter 1:3-4. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. 

For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace

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Ever wondered if that voice in your head is God, your own thoughts, or spiritual interference? In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Groll—author, podcaster, and two-time seminary graduate to unpack a solid, biblical approach to discerning God's voice. Rachel explains why Scripture must be your primary filter and how consistent obedience actually sharpens your spiritual discernment over time. She also points to powerful female prophets like Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah as biblical evidence that hearing from God isn't mystical nonsense—it's deeply scriptural. 

We dive into the difference between reading and truly meditating on God's Word, plus offer practical wisdom for navigating prophetic words with discernment and peace.

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Listen in to learn more :
(00:12) This podcast is for real-life faith in real-life chaos

(01:00) Hearing God’s voice starts with Scripture (not feelings)

(03:30) Female prophets matter: Miriam, Deborah, Huldah show God’s design

(06:45) Pride vs. humility affects your influence and obedience

(10:20)  Meditating on Scripture replaces worry with truth and peace

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith.

Connect with Rachel 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachael.d.groll/ 

Website - https://www.rachaelgroll.com

Listen to Rachel’s Podcast  -https://www.rachaelgroll.com/podcast 

Connect with Donna 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule:

https://donnajones.org/events/   

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A Prayer to Receive the Light by Stacey Thacker

Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world.” Everything we’ve learned about light—from Genesis through the prophets—points directly to Him.In today's episode by Stacey Thacker, we are reminded to keep walking with the Light of the world. He has promised us life in Him—and the best is yet to come.

Reference: John 8:12

Prayer: Father, thank you that you sent Jesus to be the true light of the world. We believe that when we walk with Him, we will never walk alone, and we will have true life in Him. Thank you for these precious promises. May we walk worthy of Him and all that we say and do, in Jesus' name. Amen.

LINKS:

Read the first five days of Everyday Prayers for Christmas 

Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms

Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! 

Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon.

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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When joy feels hard to find, pause for a few moments and pray.

This short Advent prayer for joy will help you breathe deeply, refocus your heart, and remember the joy Jesus brings.

Even in the middle of life’s mix of joy and sorrow, His presence remains steady.
Take a deep breath and rest in the joy that comes from being with Him.

Helpful Links:
Download your FREE companion journal for Advent here.
This beautiful guide includes:
• All the Scriptures for this series
• Weekly reflection prompts
• Space to record what God is revealing to you

Additional links:

You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik

Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here.

Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.

Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com.

Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

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In This Special Bonus Episode From Christian Parent, Crazy World: What if the greatest gift you give your kids this Christmas is a heart of generosity—and the chance to change someone else’s world?

Catherine Segars goes beyond stockings and wrapping paper to tackle one of the most pressing questions for believers during the holiday season: How do we practically teach our children the virtue of generosity, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime—and in a way that makes a true, eternal difference?

Answer: Plant seeds of generosity in your family with Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Gift Catalog, a unique way for families to give gifts that can transform lives around the globe.

Browse the catalog and get involved at www.samaritanspurse.org/parent.

Catherine welcomes Kristy Graham, host of the On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse podcast and wife to Edward Graham, part of the legacy family behind this renowned global relief ministry. With firsthand experience raising four children and witnessing God’s faithfulness in some of the most challenging corners of the globe, Kristy brings unmatched insight and compassion to this timely discussion.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Transformative Giving - The Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift Catalog: Learn how families can open a new kind of catalog—one offering goats, honeybees, water filters, heart surgeries, and more—to provide desperately needed gifts to people across the globe.
• Real Stories, Real Impact: Kristy recounts emotional, hope-filled stories: families in Iraq whose lives are remade by a simple beehive; a mother shattered by tragedy in need of purpose and dignity, restored by a brood of baby chicks; and the power of a $9 donation to feed a hungry infant and spark the hope of the Gospel for a mother who feels forgotten.
• Generosity That Changes Hearts—Including Our Own: Discover practical ways to involve your kids in picking out gifts, writing cards for teachers in someone’s honor, or pairing a meaningful donation with something tangible.
• Biblical Parallels: Kristy and Catherine share how the work of Samaritan’s purse brings to life the stories of Ruth, who gleaned what benevolent benefactors left for those less fortunate, and Hagar, who met the God who saw her need.
• Seeds of the Gospel: Every gift given through Samaritan’s Purse meets physical needs—and intentionally opens doors for the life-changing message of Christ. Whether it’s a water well, a jar of honey, or a vital medical procedure, these gifts become vehicles for sharing hope and introducing recipients to the God who truly sees them.

Call to Action:

This Christmas, will your family give a gift that extends beyond your home?
Explore life-changing opportunities at samaritanspurse.org/parent as a family, and ask your kids: “How can we be part of God’s story of hope this Christmas?”
Let your generosity become a legacy of faith, planting seeds for eternity.

Episode Links:

• Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog: www.samaritanspurse.org/parent
• On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse Podcast
• Catherine's Resources for Christian Parents

About the guest: Kristy Graham hosts On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, a show she launched in 2019 to highlight God’s faithfulness through the ministry’s work. Each week, she brings listeners close to the stories

Joy at Christmas can feel distant, but Luke 2:10 reminds us that God brings “good news of great joy for all people”—a promise still alive and powerful today. This devotional explores how joy is expressed, shared, lived, and cultivated so believers can reflect the hope and goodness of Jesus throughout the Christmas season. Whether joy comes naturally or feels a bit rusty, Scripture offers practical ways to embrace God’s presence and spread joy in everyday moments.

Highlights

• Why joy is central to the Christmas message

• Four practical ways to express, share, live, and cultivate joy

• How joy becomes contagious through words, actions, and attitudes

• The connection between God’s presence and lasting joy

• Scriptures that anchor a joyful mindset (Luke 2:10, Psalm 21:6, Psalm 16:11, John 15:11–12, Galatians 5:22)

• Simple ways to nurture joy in others

• A reminder that joy is our inheritance in Christ

Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!

Full Transcript Below:

Spreading Joy Throughout the Christmas Season

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” - Luke 2:10

Great joy for all the people! What truly remarkable, good news for all of us down through the ages: an announcement thousands of years ago, still relevant today.

Yet, how many millions of people around the world are missing out on experiencing this great joy, not just at Christmas, but their entire lives?

How do we, like the angels, proclaim and spread this great joy throughout the Christmas season and all year round? What can we do to express it, share it, live it, and cultivate it in others’ lives, too?

Expressing, Sharing, Living, and Cultivating Joy

Because God calls us to joy, the following are four ways we can spread it while experiencing it for ourselves.

1. Express our joy. How do individuals express joy? Many smile, some laugh, others clap, and there are those who jump for joy.

Sadly, some Christians hold their joy in, perhaps feeling it on the inside, but it doesn’t make its way outward, causing some of the Christian sayings and critiques, such as “the frozen chosen.”

As a child, I loved singing the kids’ song, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy,” over and over again.

We would sing “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” Then we would follow it by shouting “whe

Saludos, queridos amigos,

Queremos dejarle saber que Palabras de Vida tendrá un nuevo horario a partir de enero de 2026. Pasaremos de estrenar nuevos episodios los domingos,  los días miércoles.

Después de investigar cómo mejorar la experiencia de nuestra audiencia, descubrimos que lanzar episodios entre semana puede hacer crecer nuestra comunidad y aumentar la participación. Por esta razón fue que decidimos pasarlo para los miércoles.

De parte de todo el equipo de Palabras de Vida, queremos darles las gracias por su fiel apoyo y sintonía a nuestro ministerio. Y si no estás recibiendo nuestros devocionales por WhatsApp, puedes hacerlo contáctanos al +1 470 593 6517

Les deseamos una Feliz Navidad y que Dios los bendiga por siempre!

https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/palabrasdevida

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The holiday season often arrives with full calendars, endless to-do lists, and mounting expectations that leave many feeling exhausted before the celebrations even begin. Yet Scripture reminds us that even in the midst of busyness, we are called to shine the light of Christ. Isaiah 60:1 invites believers to arise and shine because God’s glory is upon us. When we slow down, choose kindness, and bless others selflessly, we reflect Jesus to a world that desperately needs His light. This season is not about perfection or productivity—it’s about people, presence, and pointing hearts back to Christ.

Main Takeaways

• You’ll learn why shining the light of Christ matters even more during busy holiday seasons.

• Discover how slowing down and being present helps reflect Jesus’ love to others.

• Understand why kindness is one of the most powerful ways to witness for Christ.

• Reflect on how blessing those who cannot repay us mirrors the heart of Jesus.

• Be encouraged to keep Christ—not busyness or perfection—at the center of the season.

Bible Verse References

• Isaiah 60:1 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/60-1.html

• Acts 20:35 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/20-35.html

Your Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me resist the rush and pressure of this busy season. When my schedule feels overwhelming, remind me that my calling is to shine the light of Christ through love, kindness, and presence. Keep my heart centered on Jesus so I don’t overlook the people You’ve placed in front of me. Give me grace to slow down, care deeply, and reflect Your love in every interaction. Let me never be so busy that I forget to shine Your light.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Want More?

• Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily Scripture-based encouragement.

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• Visit LifeAudio.com for more Christ-centered podcasts and devotionals.

• Find more faith-building articles at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.co

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

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