Our culture is fascinated with the supernatural, and a lot of what we see and hear points back to God! Lee Strobel conquers some pretty interesting topics when it comes to our faith…things like miracles, mystical dreams, angels, and even ghosts! You’ll hear some solid evidence of God’s presence in the supernatural, and through this conversation, you will be encouraged to grow closer to Him.

Washing up for dinner is something we all learn as children. But in spiritual terms, there’s a banquet you’re invited to, which requires more than just soap and water—it takes blood.

God controls every single world event but His sovereign influence extends into every aspect of your life, as well. Chuck Swindoll offers assurance that the all-powerful God knows and cares about the intimate concerns of your heart.

From the Series: The Greatest Words

read more

When Christmas expectations fall apart, the ache can feel overwhelming—but Proverbs 13:12 (often paired with this theme) reminds us that deferred hopes don’t have to end in despair. This devotional explores how to navigate a Christmas that looks nothing like you imagined while staying rooted in hope, prayer, and meaningful connection. Whether a loved one can’t come home, financial strain reshapes your traditions, or grief is pulling at your heart, God meets you in the disappointment and offers strength for a new kind of holiday.

Highlights

• How to process the grief of missing loved ones during Christmas

• The emotional weight of hope deferred—and God’s ability to redeem hard seasons

• Practical ways to create new traditions when the old ones are no longer possible

• The role of prayer when circumstances feel impossible

• Why staying connected—digitally or in person—still matters

• Simple ways to support others who are grieving or struggling this season

• A reminder that Christmas is ultimately about presence, not perfection

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:

When Christmas Doesn’t Look the Way You Hoped
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:16

I'm not coming home for Christmas.

These words hit hard when my husband and I realized my son would not be home for Christmas this year. In his third year of college, he has a girlfriend and wants to spend Christmas with her and her family. While we love who he's with and want him to have a good relationship with her family, it hurts us deeply that we won't get to see him during one of our favorite times of the year. 

For me, my favorite part of Christmas is not opening presents for myself, but watching my children open their presents on Christmas morning. It just won’t be the same without him. 

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one or a loved one won't be at Christmas like you'd hoped, you are not alone. Many of us will have a different type of Christmas this year. Sometimes it's because family and loved ones can't make the trip to see you. For others, it's a financial issue, and relatives can't afford to buy presents like they used to. 

A great way to make the most of the holidays, even if they don't look like you remember, is to create new traditions. While it's OK to have feelings like anger and sadness over the loss of years pas

After long years of judgment in exile, God proclaims comfort for his people. He will bring them into the land of promise, he will lift their judgment, and he himself will come to them as a gentle shepherd gathering his flock. In the incarnation, God has come to his people in the Person of his Son—the one who calls himself the good shepherd and who lays his life down for the sheep.

God is with us in the midst of our suffering—comforting us with His matchless love.

Donate: https://store.intouch.org/donate/general

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.