Do you find yourself feeling nostalgic, wistful, or drained going into Christmas? Perhaps frustrated, frantic, or lonely? Joni knows well that Christmas time doesn’t automatically induce joy, especially as you grapple with the challenges of disability, grief, or other hardships. This is why she invites you to think deeply about Christ’s coming, and his death on the cross, meditating on what this salvation message means to you personally. Because gratitude will prepare your heart to find joy and fulfillment in Christ’s coming, bringing light into the darkness, and joy that transcends the deepest of pain.

Learn more at joniandfriends.org/christmas

If you need hope today, Joni and Friends can help:

Sign up to receive encouraging daily devotionals written by Joni

Download Joni and Ken’s Bible-reading plan to journey with them through God’s Word

Tune in to Joni’s radio programs

KEY QUESTIONS:

How do you cultivate the Christmas spirit?

Who in your life could use a word of encouragement this season?

What (or whom) are you most grateful for today? Stop to give God thanks!

KEY SCRIPTURE:

Take time to read and meditate on the promises found in Isaiah 9:6–7:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”

You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.

Find all podcast resources and message our team.

Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Do you ever struggle to feel hopeful about your life? When suffering and pain get overwhelming, whether because of the challenges of disability, chronic pain, loss of a loved one, or even world events, hope can seem fleeting—or even impossible to find.

Today, in every hardship you or your loved ones face, Jesus offers you hope and is faithful to provide what you need.

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FIND HOPE THROUGH HARDSHIP:

· Order Joni’s book, Infinite Hope in the Midst of Struggles, for inspirational stories, hand-picked Scriptures, and breathtaking artwork that will stir hope in your heart. · Get your copy of Joni’s booklet, Hope: The Best of Things · For more Christ-centered encouragement from Joni, sign up to receive her daily devotional. 

KEY QUESTIONS:  

· Where do you turn for hope when life feels grim?

· How can you lean on Jesus today to find new hope?

· Who in your life needs fresh hope—and how can you connect them to Jesus?

KEY SCRIPTURES:  

· Hebrews 6:19: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”

· Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.

Find all podcast resources and message our team.

Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Carole Reitsma, loving wife to her husband Scott, and devoted mom to her adult son Scotty (who is now an ordained minister), came to faith at a young age, and in the midst of ongoing abuse. Through it all, God has shepherded Carole, leading her to wholeness through grace, and into ministry to others. She has been a pastor alongside her husband in an inner-city church, and for more than twenty-five years has provided Christ-centered counseling as a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is passionate about teaching Christians how to live authentic and emotionally healthy lives, rooted in the everlasting love of Jesus.

Get your copy of Carole’s book, Relationship Road: Authentic, Emotionally Healthy Christianity

Learn more about Carole’s work at Relationship Road, helping people find a fulfilling relationship with Jesus.

KEY QUESTIONS: 

Do you ever feel distant or burned out in your relationship with God?

How has your pain prepared you to meet someone else in their suffering?

KEY SCRIPTURES: 

John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Lamentations 3:22–23: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.

Find all podcast resources and message our team.

Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.