Today’s Bible Verse – John 1:14 (NIV)
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Hope feels different when the holidays don't look anything like you imagined. Yet the heartbeat of Advent is this: God draws near anyway. John 1:14 reminds us that the Word didn’t just visit—He moved into our world, our mess, and our unmet expectations. This reflection walks through the beauty of a Christmas we may not have chosen, and the surprising nearness of a Savior who meets us right there. Perfect for listeners longing for comfort, grounding, and the reminder that Emmanuel still arrives.

Meet Today’s Host: Carol Ogle McCracken

🎙️ Listen to more daily devotionals with Carol at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio

Carol Ogle McCracken is a dynamic Christian speaker, author, and Bible teacher known for her warmth, humor, and transparency. She brings biblical truths to life through real-world stories and relatable experiences—whether navigating alcohol recovery, parenting a child with special needs, or walking through divorce.

Today, she serves as Minister of Discipleship at her local church and shares God’s Word through women's retreats, conferences, and online devotionals. Her book, Wisdom: Where to Find It if You’ve Lost, Forgotten, or Never Had It, was released in 2020 and continues to encourage readers in their pursuit of godly wisdom.

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

Today’s Bible Verse
“For no word from God will ever fail.”
‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ — Luke 1:37–38 (NIV)

Advent invites us into the same posture Mary embraced—trusting God when His plans feel overwhelming, unexpected, or far beyond our understanding. In Luke 1:37–38, Mary receives a calling that would reshape her entire life. Her response isn’t rooted in certainty or comfort, but in surrender.

MEET YOUR HOST: Chaka Heinze at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Chaka Heinze is a writer, speaker, and lover of the Bible. She is actively involved in her local church on the Prayer and Healing team and mentors young women seeking deeper relationships with God.

After personally experiencing God's love and compassion following the loss of her eleven-year-old son, Landen, Chaka delights in testifying to others about God's unfathomable and transformative love that permeates even the most difficult circumstances.
Chaka and her husband of twenty-six years have five children ranging from adult age to preschool. Trained as an attorney, she’s had the privilege of mitigating sibling disputes for twenty-plus years.

Follow her on Chakaheinze.com.

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

Today’s Bible Verse
“After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. ‘The Lord has done this for me,’ she said. ‘In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.’” — Luke 1:24–25 (NIV)

Advent is a season of waiting, and Elizabeth’s story embodies the kind of waiting that feels long, heavy, and sometimes painful. After years of unfulfilled longing, God quietly begins a miracle in her life. These verses capture both the tenderness of her private joy and the relief of knowing God sees what others do not.

MEET YOUR HOST: Dr. Kyle Norman at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. Rev. Norman has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.

Find more from Rev. Norman at revkylenorman.ca

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

Today’s Bible Verse
“A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” — Isaiah 40:3 

Isaiah 40:3 is a prophetic announcement about preparing for God’s arrival—a spiritual construction project long before orange cones made it cool. Spoken originally to bring hope and readiness, it uses the powerful metaphor of clearing a path through a wilderness, symbolizing removing obstacles in our hearts so God’s purposes move forward without speed bumps.

Meet Today’s Host: Jennifer Slattery

Discover more devotions with Jennifer at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio

Jennifer Slattery is a national speaker, multi-published author, and founder of Wholly Loved Ministries. She’s passionate about helping believers live with bold faith, rooted in surrender to Christ’s purpose.

Jennifer co-hosts both Your Daily Bible Verse and Faith Over Fear, encouraging listeners to step into their God-given identity. Her teachings blend Scripture with personal insight to help others embrace God’s power over fear and move forward with confidence.

🌐 Learn more at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com

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

Today’s Bible Verse: “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” — Luke 1:17

Luke 1:17 highlights the mission God gives to His messengers, both past and present. This verse, referring to John the Baptist, illustrates God’s desire to reconcile relationships, restore hearts, and prepare people for His work in the world. The imagery of turning hearts and guiding the disobedient emphasizes God’s restorative power — not only in the spiritual lives of individuals but in the communities and families around them.

Meet Today’s Host: Reverend Jessica Van Roekel

🎙️ Listen to more daily devotionals with Jessica at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio

Rev. Jessica Van Roekel is a passionate Christian speaker, author, and worship pastor who shares how God brings beauty from brokenness. Her message centers on God’s power to rescue, restore, and renew, even after seasons of rejection or loss.

She is the author of Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything, a guide to seeing God’s purpose in life’s disappointments.

Jessica and her husband are raising a vibrant family, with two adult daughters, a college-aged son, and a high school daughter. You can explore her teachings, devotionals, and resources at WelcomeGrace.com.

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

Today’s Bible Verse:
“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. ” — Isaiah 9:1–2

Isaiah 9:1–2 sits at the beginning of one of the Bible’s most beloved Messianic prophecies and is a cornerstone passage during Advent. This verse speaks directly into seasons of gloom, spiritual darkness, national anxiety, and personal distress — and answers it all with light breaking in, not fading out.

Meet Today’s Host: Carol Ogle McCracken

🎙️ Listen to more daily devotionals with Carol at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio

Carol Ogle McCracken is a dynamic Christian speaker, author, and Bible teacher known for her warmth, humor, and transparency. She brings biblical truths to life through real-world stories and relatable experiences—whether navigating alcohol recovery, parenting a child with special needs, or walking through divorce.

Today, she serves as Minister of Discipleship at her local church and shares God’s Word through women's retreats, conferences, and online devotionals. Her book, Wisdom: Where to Find It if You’ve Lost, Forgotten, or Never Had It, was released in 2020 and continues to encourage readers in their pursuit of godly wisdom.

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

Today’s Bible Verse:
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14

This verse highlights a radical reality: God chooses closeness over distance. Jesus didn’t just visit humanity — He dwelled here. His glory, grace, and truth weren’t abstract concepts; they were tangible and witnessed in daily life, relationships, fragility, celebrations, interruptions, and the ache of being understood.

MEET YOUR HOST: Joy A. Williams

Joy A. Williams is a writer and speaker who is amazed her first name became her life’s mission. As life happens in ways that baffle us or bring us joy, she loves exploring how those moments can bring us closer to God. She is a member of the “First 5” writing team at Proverbs 31 ministries. As a licensed minister, she serves as a teacher for the Women’s Bible Study and the Married Couples Ministry at her church.

Joy is also a wife and mother and shares encouragement on the “Joy to the Soul” blog. Subscribe to receive the newest posts and updates at joyawilliams.com.

Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Get Joy’s 7-day Bible Reading Plans on YouVersion:
Live Your Joy Story
When Easy Doesn't Live Here: Living By Faith When Life Is Hard

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

Today’s Bible Verse:
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” — Isaiah 7:14

Isaiah 7:14 is one of the Bible’s most searched, quoted, and cherished prophecies — a promise tucked into a tense chapter of political fear and uncertainty. God responds to human anxiety with a person, not a plan. He offers a sign that doesn’t shout power or strategy, but presence: Immanuel, God with us.

MEET YOUR HOST: Dr. Kyle Norman at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. Rev. Norman has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.

Find more from Rev. Norman at revkylenorman.ca

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

A Special Bonus Episode From Bought + Beloved: How often do we take our own blessings for granted? And how much more often do we neglect to steward what we've been given to make a life-changing and Gospel impact for those in need? Kirby Kelly is partnering with Samaritan's Purse this holiday season and had the pleasure of interviewing Kristy Graham to discuss how their ministry is changing the world one donation at a time. From beekeeping to raising chicks, all to feeding starving babies and digging wells, I want to encourage my listeners to give alongside me this holiday season and to reflect the heart of Christ this Christmas!

CHECK OUT THE GIVING CATALOG HERE: samaritanspurse.org/Beloved

Kristy's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-ground-with-samaritans-purse/id1482448472 

ORDER KIRBY'S BOOK HERE: https://a.co/d/0vE5Cji

PRINT OUT KIRBY'S FREE "SHAME CYCLE WORKSHEET" HERE: https://kirbykelly.myflodesk.com/shamecycleworksheet

CHECK OUT KIRBY'S FREE RESOURCES: https://kirbykelly.myflodesk.com/kirbykelly 

For 10% off of Faithful Counseling, and to start your healing journey today, go to: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/kirbykelly

To sponsor a child in need alongside me with Compassion International, go to: https://www.compassion.com/kirbyisaboss  

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

Today’s Bible Verse:
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” — 1 Corinthians 13:6 (NIV)

This verse points us to a love that isn’t shaped by emotion or preference but by God’s character. True love refuses to celebrate what harms, divides, or deceives. Instead, it finds joy in what is right, pure, and aligned with God’s truth. In a world that often blurs the lines, this kind of love stands steady—choosing integrity over convenience and commitment over compromise. It’s the love we receive from God and the love He calls us to reflect.

Meet Today’s Host: Jennifer Slattery

Discover more devotions with Jennifer at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio

Jennifer Slattery is a national speaker, multi-published author, and founder of Wholly Loved Ministries. She’s passionate about helping believers live with bold faith, rooted in surrender to Christ’s purpose.

Jennifer co-hosts both Your Daily Bible Verse and Faith Over Fear, encouraging listeners to step into their God-given identity. Her teachings blend Scripture with personal insight to help others embrace God’s power over fear and move forward with confidence.

🌐 Learn more at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com

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