Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast

The Presentation in the Temple Painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1648 The Feast of the Presentation You can be filled with joy and led by the Spirit! Join the podcast today as we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation with Anna and Simeon. These two seniors, guided by the Holy Spirit and filled with joy when they recognized the Savior, will show us how. Jesus Came to Fulfill All the Law Today, we will discuss these points: (1) Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary follow the Mosaic Law for the presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s purification; (2) the meaning of the presentation and redemption; (3) the humble Blessed Mother offered “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” as prescribed in Leviticus 12:8; (4) although their lives differed, hope-filled seniors Simeon and Anna saw the Lord and had much in common; (5) Simeon prayed the “Nunc Dimittis,” now a canticle in the Liturgy of the Hours; and (6) you too can be led by the Spirit and filled with joy and peace. Links The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Find Karen’s  books: Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life The post The Joy of Advent & Christmas #7~ The Presentation of Jesus with Anna & Simeon: Be Filled with Joy & Led by the Spirit appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Adoration of the Shepherds, painting by Domenico Zampieri, 1610 Jesus Christ is Born Today, we return to the book of Luke. There, we join Blessed Mary and Joseph on their 80-mile trek to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they find it crowded with people who, like them, had come at the command of Caesar Augustus. We will encounter the Angels and Shepherds who have much to share. Connecting your heart with the Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherd’s praises will help you find more JOY and peace. No Home for the Creator of Creation Join us today as we discuss these points: (1) Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the City of David, prophesied over 700 years earlier by the Prophet Micah (Micah 5:1-3). (2) Emperor Caesar Augustus issued a decree requiring a public enrollment of his subjects. (3) Joseph, a descendant of King David, had to travel to Bethlehem because he was of David’s lineage. Mary also went along—she might have been required to register, or Joseph wanted her with him. (4) Finding no room in an inn, Jesus, God Incarnate and the Savior of the World, was born and wrapped tightly in cloth by His Mother Mary, then laid in a manger where animals eat. (5) We join the Angel’s “Gloria” (Luke 2:14-20), named because the first word in St. Jerome’s Latin translation is “Gloria,” and then visit the Baby in the manger with the shepherds. (6) This is the night to create a “manger” for Jesus in your heart by inviting Him to be your Savior and Lord now and forever. Bishop Fulton J. Sheen notes: Joseph “searched in vain for a place where He, to Whom heaven and earth belonged, might be born. Could the Creator not find a home in creation? …  A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it”(Life of Christ, 1958, p. 13-24). Links The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Find Karen’s  books: Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life The post The Joy of Advent #6 ~ Jesus Christ is Born: Join the Angels & Shepherds in Praise appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Dream of St. Joseph, Painting by Anton Raphael Mengs, 1773 Joseph’s Dream from God to Take Mary as His Wife Today, we turn to Matthew’s Gospel and hear about Joseph’s dream to take Mary as his wife, and how he joyfully embraced God’s plan. Mary and Joseph often changed their plans  as they listened to God. They serve as an example to us of how to trust in God’s plan rather than our own. Join the podcast today as we learn about an angel sent to Joseph in a dream and discover how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! The Family Record & Embracing God’s Plans Today, we will discuss these points: (1) the genealogical record or family tree, of Jesus through Joseph, (2) how Jewish lineages around the time of Christ often did not include women’s names, but Christ’s ancestry in Matthew mentions five women, (3) Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba were four women in Christ’s lineage who turned from sin or idolatry to God, (4) Joseph’s dream involving communication from an angel and his response to embrace God’s plans, and (5) how we can trust in God’s plan.  Links The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Find Karen’s  books: Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life The post The Joy of Advent #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary as His Wife & Joyfully Embraces God’s Plans appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Birth of John the Baptist: “Zachariah wrote, His Name is ‘John’.” Painting by Jacopo Pontormo, 1526, USA Celebration at Zechariah’s Home and Naming of the Baby The Scriptures invite us to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s time to name his newborn boy and perform the baby’s circumcision. You can imagine yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby born to the old couple, the priest Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. What would you say? Maybe this: “The boy is a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Shockingly, Zechariah has been muted since the last time he served in the temple. I wonder if he will ever recover his speech.” Zechariah’s tongue is freed Today, we will cover these points: (1) John’s circumcision, (2) the neighbors choosing the name Zechariah to honor his father, (3) Zechariah wrote, “his name is John” and immediately, his tongue was freed, (4) Zechariah praises God for the promises that will be fulfilled  in His son John and the coming of the Messiah, and (5) we can pray the Benedictus with joy every day of Advent. The post The Joy of Advent #4 ~ Joy at the Birth of John the Baptist & Zechariah’s Benedictus appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Visitation Painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1643-1648 The Visitation of Mary & Sharing Joy with Elizabeth Do you need more JOY  in your life this Advent? Today, Mary and Elizabeth will show you how to share and receive more joy. In this podcast, we join Blessed Mary on her journey from Nazareth to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem. There she visits her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting, celebrating the upcoming births, and excited to see each other. Previously, we read that God supernaturally conceived His Son Jesus in the Virgin Mary and granted a child to be born to old Zechariah and Elizabeth. “For nothing is impossible with God!” Today, we cover these inspiring events: (1) John the Baptist leaps for joy, (2) Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaims words of great joy, (3) Mary praises and skips with joy in the Magnificat Canticle, (4) and the two share joy-filled fellowship around stories of Gabriel and Scriptural promises about to be fulfilled with their sons, including Jesus, the Messiah. Links The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Find Karen’s  books: Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life The post The Joy of Advent #3 ~ Filled with JOY: The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Joy of Advent – Gabriel’s Annunciation to Mary & Nothing is Impossible with God The Annunciation and Nothing is Impossible with God With God, nothing is impossible! If God can supernaturally conceive the Son of God in a virgin and grant a child to an elderly couple, then He can make your impossible become POSSIBLE. Join us today as we travel to Nazareth. We will hear the Great Annunciation of JOY to Mary as well as Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy. “For nothing is impossible with God.”  The episode is based on my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Another Message from Gabriel and Mary’s Fiat Today, we will cover these points from Luke 1: 25-38: (1) The powerful Archangel Gabriel brings the second annunciation– this time to a young girl in Nazareth, (2) The Baby would be named Jesus, [Yeshua in Hebrew] after His Heavenly Father [Yahweh God in Hebrew], (3) Mary’s Fiat [Latin for Let it Be],  (4) The incarnation means God became man, reaching out to mankind, and (5) Mary’s example shows us to Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender. Links The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. For bookmarks or prayer points from The Joy of Advent Podcast series, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Find Karen’s  books: Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life The post The JOY of Advent #2 ~ The Annunciation of Mary: With God, Nothing is Impossible appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The JOY of Advent: Journey with the People, Prayers, and Events at Jesus’ First Coming Are you hoping for a Joy-filled Advent?  Join our podcast series and celebrate the joy of the people, events, and prayers at Jesus’ first coming. You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the Angels, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Magi.  It’s as if you will travel with them via Scripture and partake in the most meaningful events in their lives. In Episode #1, we will share the Joy of Zechariah and God’s answer to his prayers. Episode #1 ~ Zechariah’s JOY: God Answers Prayer Are you waiting for an answer to prayer? Stay hopeful this Advent!  In our Joy of Advent Episode #1, we meet Zechariah. He will teach us a joy-filled lesson in an unusual way: Don’t give up hope – God hears & God answers prayer. We will cover these points today: (1)  the meaning of Advent, (2) the two annunciations in Luke 1: 1-7, (3) Gabriel, the might of God- no puny angel, (4) God was preparing Joseph and Mary while Zechariah had to wait a little longer, and (5) prayer points for a new and fresh encounter God, asking for new joy and everyday miracles. Links For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Find Karen’s  books: Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life The post The Joy of Advent #1: Zachariah ~ Keep Hope Alive, God Answers Prayer appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Bible is: “A pharmacy open to all souls….with remedies just right for your cases.” A Pharmacy Did you know the Bible offers a “pharmacy open to all souls” with remedies for your worries and troubles? Saint Basil the Great tells us this and more.  Join us today to learn how WRAP – the acronym for Lectio Divina- can help you discover the medicine just right for your body, soul, and spirit. (Scroll Down to Listen.) WRAP – Simplified Guide to Lectio Divina The WRAP acronym stands for Write, Reflect, Apply, and Pray. It’s a simplified guide for the practice of Lectio Divina, which Christians have used in prayer since the third century. Pope Benedict XVI recommended Lectio Divina for all: If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime. … Lectio Divina should therefore be increasingly encouraged, also through the use of new methods, carefully thought through and in step with the times. It should never be forgotten that the Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (cf. Ps 119[118]:105). (International Congress on Dei Verbum (9- 16-2005). Four Stages of Prayer The four stages of prayer described by Rev. Mark Thibodeaux (The Armchair Mystic) include: . Talking at God, Talking to God, Listening to God speak to your heart –through reading & reflecting on Scripture daily, Resting in God’s presence, enjoying His company. Take the Self-report Prayer Survey in WRAP Yourself in Scripture, 4th Edition, by Karen & Lawrence Dwyer, or download the bookmark from WRAPYourselfinJoy.com. St. Basil the Great “The Holy Spirit composed the Scriptures so that in them, as in a pharmacy open to all souls, we might each of us be able to find the medicine suited to our own particular illness…and in the Books of Psalms we can find… remedies just right for their cases.” (Spidlik, T., & Drake, P. (1993). Drinking from the Hidden Fountain: A Patristic Breviary, Liturgical Press.) He reminds us that the Lord, encountered through the passages of Scripture, heals our cases. Cases can refer to problems, worries, anxieties, rejection, and much more. Personal Application Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible. Select a Scripture passage WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13 again. Go to a quiet place to be alone for 10 minutes. Pray, ask, and open your heart for God. Begin your prayer of thanksgiving. Acknowledge that the Lord is with you. Thank Jesus, that He wants to speak to your heart today through Scripture. Pray, Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten my mind to Your truth.” Spread out the W R A P in your journal over at least one page. Download the template bookmark from the website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and practice WRAP. Five Part Series Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice Books Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com  Check out more podcasts here! Find Karen’s books: Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #2 ~ The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

WRAP can lead you to hear Jesus Christ with a personal message just for you. Tips for Hearing God Every Day Have you ever thought, “Can I really hear from God every day?” The answer is, “Yes, you can!” But you have to pause. WRAP can help you hear Jesus Christ with a personal message meant just for you. With WRAP, you’ll discover that God’s Word is truly alive and that He wants to speak to you. But you have to pause and make room for Him. Being faithful in reading and praying the Word of God will transform your life forever! Join us today and discover the tips you need to hear from God every day, pausing for a message specifically for you. (Scroll Down for Podcast.) Practical Council in the Holy Spirit Fr. John Horn, in the foreword of our book, WRAP Yourself in Scripture, says,  “WRAP provides a way of receiving practical counsel in the Holy Spirit and a new, intimate relationship with Jesus and the Father. This method of prayer will awaken your inner desire to become more and more ‘filled with all the fullness of God’” (Ephesians 3: 19). Today, we will cover these tips for hearing God every day, pausing, and being ‘filled with all the fullness of God.” How Much Time Does WRAP Take? You can follow this method for as little as 10 minutes or much longer. For example, you could take your Bible and journal with you to WRAP in Adoration. Where should I WRAP? Try to pause for a few minutes every day to practice WRAP. To pause means to intentionally slow down and step away from the chaos of daily life. Spiritually, it’s more than just taking a break; it means you take time to be with God in prayer-a time free of distractions, to pray and connect to His peaceful presence. Go to a place where you can be alone to pray and listen for God’s voice; you may simply shut the door. What Supplies Do I need for WRAP? You will need an empty notebook to use as your journal, a pen or pencil and of course, your Bible. Keep a zippered notebook or tote bag that holds these supplies so you will have them handy How do I Select Verses for WRAP? Choose a section from a daily or Sunday Mass reading. You could choose a Psalm. Choose a passage that’s about 5 to 10 verses. How do I Begin? Close your eyes and picture in your mind that the Lord is sitting with you, and you can sense his loving, sustaining presence. Offer a simple prayer of thanksgiving and invite the Holy Spirit to guide and speak to you. Personal Application Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible. Turn to Psalm 27  in your Bible and WRAP with it. Four Part Series Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation Part 4 Tips for Hearing God Every Day Books Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com  Check out more podcasts here! Find Karen’s books: Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life Cup of Joy Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends.  It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast. CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.   The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #4 ~ Tips for Hearing God Every Day appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

WRAP with the “Four M’s of Christian Mediation” will guide you in Prayer and Reflection Meditation & WRAP Have you ever wondered if meditation could really be part of prayer? It can! Meditation on Scripture can bring you into a two-way conversation with God. Join us today to learn how to approach the Word of God with Holy Heavenly Meditation and prayer, guided by WRAP. (Scroll Down for Podcast.) Distinctions Among Prayerful Meditation and Other Forms There is a big distinction between prayerful Biblical meditation and other forms of meditation. Eastern or New Age meditations have an inward focus on the deepest self. Biblical meditation, on the other hand, brings us into a closer encounter with God and His presence around Scripture. We will cover the “Four M’s of Christian Meditation” and these points: Straightforward and Uncomplicated WRAP Christian meditation “engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire” (CCC 2708). You speak to God from your thoughts, feelings, and desires as you contemplate the message in the verse. What does it mean for the way you act, live, and treat others? The Bible Encourages Meditation Joshua 1: 8: “You shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful Psalm 1: 1-2: Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord. Psalm 119: 97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.  Luke 2: 10: Mary treasured all these words [the words from God] and pondered them in her heart. The Old Testament Hebrew Words translated “Meditation” HÂGÂH, translated “meditate,” means “to murmur or mutter or to repeat over and over,” “to ponder,” and “to deeply imagine” God’s word. SIYACH means to meditate upon, study, ponder, to talk, to speak aloud, and even to sing. The 4 M’s of Meditation MULL OVER means positively pondering and intensely considering the meaning of the verse. MUTTER means repeating the verse and words aloud and to yourself in order to chew them. MENTALLY IMAGINE means to put yourself in a scene as you read it. MEMORIZE comes easily after mulling over, muttering, and mentally picturing the verse or verses. Personal Application Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible. Turn to Psalm 1: 1-6 in your Bible and WRAP with it. Five Part Series Part 1 Hearing God’s Voice Part 2 The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” Part 3 Holy, Heavenly Meditation Books Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com  Check out more podcasts here! Find Karen’s books: Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life Cup of Joy Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends.  It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast. CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.   The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #3 ~ Holy, Heavenly Meditation appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

St. Basil: The Bible is: “A pharmacy open to all souls….with remedies just right for your cases.” A Pharmacy Did you know the Bible offers a “pharmacy open to all souls” with remedies for your worries and troubles? Saint Basil the Great tells us this and more.  Join us today to learn how WRAP – the acronym for Lectio Divina- can help you discover the medicine just right for your body, soul, and spirit. (Scroll Down for the Podcast.) WRAP – Simplified Guide to Lectio Divina The WRAP acronym stands for Write, Reflect, Apply, and Pray. It’s a simplified guide for the practice of Lectio Divina, which Christians have used in prayer since the third century. Pope Benedict XVI recommended Lectio Divina for all: If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime. … Lectio Divina should therefore be increasingly encouraged, also through the use of new methods, carefully thought through and in step with the times. It should never be forgotten that the Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (cf. Ps 119[118]:105). (International Congress on Dei Verbum (9- 16-2005). Four Stages of Prayer The four stages of prayer described by Rev. Mark Thibodeaux (The Armchair Mystic) include: . Talking at God, Talking to God, Listening to God speak to your heart –through reading & reflecting on Scripture daily, Resting in God’s presence, enjoying His company. Take the Self-report Prayer Survey in WRAP Yourself in Scripture, 4th Edition, by Karen & Lawrence Dwyer, or download the bookmark from WRAPYourselfinJoy.com. St. Basil the Great “The Holy Spirit composed the Scriptures so that in them, as in a pharmacy open to all souls, we might each of us be able to find the medicine suited to our own particular illness…and in the Books of Psalms we can find… remedies just right for their cases.” (Spidlik, T., & Drake, P. (1993). Drinking from the Hidden Fountain: A Patristic Breviary, Liturgical Press.) He reminds us that the Lord, encountered through the passages of Scripture, heals our cases. Cases can refer to problems, worries, anxieties, rejection, and much more. Personal Application Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible. Select a Scripture passage WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13 again. Go to a quiet place to be alone for 10 minutes. Pray, ask, and open your heart for God. Begin your prayer of thanksgiving. Acknowledge that the Lord is with you. Thank Jesus, that He wants to speak to your heart today through Scripture. Pray, Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten my mind to Your truth.” Spread out the W R A P in your journal over at least one page. Download the template bookmark from the website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and practice WRAP. Links Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com  Check out more podcasts here! Find Karen’s books: Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life Cup of Joy Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends.  It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast. Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up. The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture #2 ~ The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls” appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Have you heard from God today? He wants to speak to you. Hearing God’s Voice Have you heard from God today? He wants to speak to you. Are you listening? Join the podcast this week and learn how to hear from God and “WRAP yourself in Scripture.” Two-Way Conversation You can have a personal two-way conversation with your heavenly Father through prayer and Scripture. Begin today to practice the original WRAP method for reading, reflecting on, and praying Scripture with Karen Dwyer, the author with husband Larry, who created the WRAP acronym and book WRAP Yourself in Scripture© with Imprimatur in 2005, (originally published by IPF Publications) and now in its Fourth Edition. We will cover these points: Method Promoted by the Catholic Church Fathers WRAP is based on the principles of Lectio Divina (pronounced Lect-see-oh Di-vee-na), an ancient, yet rediscovered, method of reading, reflecting on, and praying Scripture. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Lectio Divina as a method “where the Word of God is so read and meditated on that it becomes prayer” (CCC 1177). This method has been practiced for centuries by the Desert Fathers, the Benedictines, the Carmelites, and various Doctors of the Church, including St. Gregory the Great, St. Jerome, St. John of the Cross, and St. Teresa of Avila, among others. Defined by the Catechism The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Christian prayer as “a covenant relationship between God and Man in Christ” (CCC 2564). Inherent in this relationship is a two-way conversation. The Second Vatican Council points out: “In the sacred books [of Scripture] the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children and talks with them” (Dei Verbum 21). WRAP – Simplified Guide to Lectio Divina Lectio Divina is Latin for “divine reading” of Scripture. It is much more than simply perusing the chapters of Scripture as if reading a novel or a newspaper or reading a history book. The Latin word lectio means deeply consuming a reading.  The four steps of WRAP is a simplified version of Lectio Divina, which includes lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio in the original Latin. WRAP,  the Acronym WRAP is an Acronym that stands for: W=WRITE the verse(s) down when the words jump out to you. R = REFLECT or meditate on the words, reread them, mutter them, and imagine the meaning in dialogue with Jesus. A=APPLY by continuing to ask the Lord if there is an application and response. P= PRAY & PRAISE, by making the verse your prayer. Praise the mighty name of Jesus your Savior, God your Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit, your Guide Enhance your joy by cultivating a deeper relationship with God. Personal Application Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible. Select a Scripture passage. Go to a quiet place to be alone for 10 minutes. Pray, ask, and open your heart for God. Begin your prayer of thanksgiving. Acknowledge that the Lord is with you. Thank Jesus, that He wants to speak to your heart today through Scripture. Pray, Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten my mind to Your truth.” Spread out the W R A P in your journal over at least one page. Download the template and 14 Days of WRAP bookmark from my website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and start by practicing WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13. Links Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com  Check out more podcasts here! Find Karen’s books: Wrap Yourself in Scripture: A Guide to Lectio Divina, Fourth Edition Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life Cup of Joy Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with friends.  It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast. CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up. The post Wrap Yourself in Scripture ~ Hearing God’s Voice #1 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Presentation in the Temple Painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1648 Are you seeking more joy at this time?  Join our podcast at the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Anna and Simeon will show you how to find joy and consolation today and everyday. At the Temple Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #7, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.  Today, we travel with Mary and Joseph to the Temple and the Presentation of the Lord. There we meet Anna and Simeon for this very special event. We will cover the following points: Circumcised, Redeemed, and Purified (Luke 2: 21-23) At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Old Testament Mosaic Law required every firstborn Jewish male to be circumcised at 8 days after birth The naming of the baby took place at the same time as the circumcision. Mary and Joseph by divine appointment knew what the Child was to be called. And so “He was named Jesus” which means the Lord saves- the name told to both Mary and Joseph via an angel (Luke 1: 30 and Matthew 1: 20). Jesus Came to Fulfill All the Law (Luke 2: 23-24) Now, forty days after Jesus’ birth,  Joseph and Mary again follow the Mosaic Law for the Presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary’s Purification. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said He came to “fulfill the law,” which begins at His birth. For Mary’s Purification, the sweet Blessed Mother of humble means offers “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” which Leviticus 12: 8 prescribed for a new mother who could not afford a sheep to offer. The Presentation or Redemption of Jesus (Luke 2: 25-38) This “redemption of the firstborn” meant that the parents redeemed Jesus or bought Him back from God. Isn’t it amazing that almost 33 years later, it would be Jesus who would pay the price for our redemption by dying on the cross? The Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord on February 2 every year. The readings also appear near December 29th during the Christmas season. Simeon & Anna Although their lives differed, Simeon and Anna had much in common. Both Simeon and Anna were described as deeply spiritual people. They loved the Lord, practiced their faith, and did not allow themselves to become bitter or decrepit with the times. Both were “senior citizens” active in serving God. Pope Francis says of the Presentation:  It is a meeting between the young, who are full of joy in observing the Law of the Lord, and the elderly who are full of joy in the action of the Holy Spirit. It is a unique encounter between observance and prophecy, where young people are the observers and the elderly are prophets! (The Feast of the Presentation, Vatican, 2-2-2014).   Both knew the Scriptures. Both believed in the Scriptures and were looking for the Messiah. Bible scholars and theologians say Jesus has fulfilled at least 300 Old Testament prophecies. Both were looking forward with HOPE. The words looking for indicate they were actively waiting for the Savior with hope. Both worshiped, prayed, and adored God. Their eyes went more to God than to the news of the day. That brought consolation. The Spirit of God guided both. Both Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah. Both received Jesus and were changed. Both Simeon and Anna received a message about Jesus from the Holy Spirit, and they shared it. Simeon’s Prayer – The Nunc Dimittis Reflects Isaiah’s Prophecies (Luke 2: 29-32) Simeon’s prayer is one of the Church’s great prayers, or canticles (little songs). It is called the Nunc Dimittis because v. 29 in the Latin translation of the Bible begins with the words “Nunc Dimittis,” which means “now dismiss your servant.” In other words, Simeon was saying to the Lord, “Now I am ready to die; you can dismiss me, Lord; I have seen the Savior.” Every evening, all priests, religious, and laypeople who pray the Liturgy of the Hours pray the Nunc Dimittis prayer. Today and every day, you can pray the Nunc Dimittis from Luke 2: 29-30. Personal Reflection & Application Why not spend some time with these verses of Luke 2? Reflect on the lives of Simeon & Anna who practiced their faith, were filled with joy in the Holy Spirit, knew the Scriptures, looked for the Savior in hope, praised and adored the Lord daily, were guided by the Holy Spirit, recognized the Messiah, received Jesus and were changed plus shared the message of Jesus with others. Ask the Lord how you can be filled with Holy Spirit as they were. Using your holy imagination, see yourself receiving Jesus from Mary’s arms as Simeon did. Look into the face of Jesus and give Him your shame and sadness. In exchange, receive His Love and JOY. Jesus has come for YOU. You will be consoled. Like Anna, praise God because you have seen the Savior of the World. He has come to give You JOY. In John 15: 11, Jesus says he gives you His joy that “your joy may be complete.” Receive peace & consolation. Luke 2: 14 says Jesus comes to give Peace on earth, good will toward to ALL.  He has come to give you peace so pause and receive His peace and His comfort. A Joyful Advent Journey~  The Seven-Part Series  A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds   You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy  Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation. Cup of JOY Women Consider forming a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy Women’s small group-you will meet for seven weeks.  Brief study guides accompany this podcast series, and you can begin anytime.  It’s free! Pray about accepting this opportunity to engage others and gently evangelize by meeting with one or more friends over coffee or tea in your home or church. For information, email me or go to Cup of Joy Women. MORE For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Other Joy Books by Karen. The post A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Adoration of the Shepherds painting by Domenico Zampiere, 1610 Jesus Christ is Born Join us today for the birth of Jesus and meet the Angels and the Shepherds who have a lot to share. Uniting your heart with the Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherd’s praises will help you receive more JOY and peace. Looking for More JOY and Peace?  Join our Trek to Bethlehem Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #6, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.  Today, we return to the book of Luke. There we join Blessed Mary and Joseph on their 80-mile journey to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they find it crowded with people, who like Mary and Joseph, had come at the command of Caesar Augustus. Join us today for these points: No Home for the Creator of Creation (Luke 2: 1-7) Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, in the City of David, as prophesied by the Old Testament prophet Micah over 700 years earlier and recorded in Micah 5: 1-3. Emperor Caesar Augustus, a master bookkeeper and statistician, likely wanted to keep track of his subjects and kingdom by public enrollment. Joseph had to go to Bethlehem, as he was a descendant of King David. Mary went along too – she may have been required to register, or Joseph wanted her with him. Bishop Fulton J. Sheen explains: Joseph “searched in vain for a place where He, to Whom heaven and earth belonged, might be born. Could the Creator not find a home in creation? …  A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it. (Life of Christ, 1958, p. 13-24. Jesus, God Incarnate and the Savior of the World was born and then tightly wrapped in bands of cloth by his mother, Mary, and laid in a manger where animals ate. The Good News (Luke 2: 8-11) The angel’s message of “Good News” is summarized (v. 10-11): “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the We can say with assurance that Jesus is our Savior, who delivers us from sin and makes us right with God. He is our Messiah, the anointed one who will reign as KING forever. The Fields Outside of Bethlehem (Luke 2: 12-20) Amazingly, God chooses shepherds—the little, the lowly, the less important of the world (1 Corinthians 1: 28), but also calls himself a shepherd (e.g., “I am the Good Shepherd,” John 10:11). In Ezekiel 34:12-16, God describes himself as one who “shepherds right.” He tends sheep, rescues them, leads them, gives them rest, brings back the lost, binds up the injured, and heals the sick. Jesus is our Shepherd: If at times you feel “lowly,” please know that Christ is YOUR Savior and Shepherd. He came for you! You are His little lamb, and He loves you. Some shepherds around Jerusalem took care of the temple lambs used in the temple sacrifices. Shepherds would wrap lambs born without blemish in swaddling cloths and place them away from the others  (e.g., Leviticus 4-5). Amazingly, the shepherds caring for the temple lambs used for sin offerings would be the first to recognize Jesus Christ, who came as our sin offering forever! The Angel’s Gloria and the Shepherds Praises (Luke 2: 14-20) We find two beautiful choruses in Luke 2:14-20. First, there’s the Angel’s “Gloria” (v. 14), which is so-called because the first word in  St. Jerome’s Latin translation is “Gloria.” This song of the angels proclaims peace to a world that needs peace as we do now. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; the peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, NABRE). The only place of true peace is in Jesus; today, we must remind ourselves of this. We can join the angels in praise: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward all.” The second chorus includes the shepherds’ praises (v. 20). They praised God for the good news from the angel and the song of the heavenly host of angels. From them, we learn that praising God for His goodness is a wonderful way to evangelize and get other’s attention on our Savior. Mary Treasured and Pondered God’s Words (Luke 2: 19) Mary “treasured and pondered” these things in her heart. She gives an example for us in treasuring, pondering, and delighting in the things God has revealed, especially because we have God’s Word in Scripture. Personal Reflection & Application Try to put yourself in the scenes with Mary, Jesus, the angels, and the shepherds. Then in prayer: Praise God for sending Jesus, like the angels and shepherds did. Make a “manger” for Jesus in your heart by inviting Him to be your Savior and Lord? Receive the true joy and peace that Jesus offers? Just ask and take time to receive. Treasure God’s Word in your heart like Mary did? Ask Jesus to help you do this. Start by reading Luke 2. Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds   You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy  Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation. Links Cup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Other Joy Books by Karen. The post A Joyful Advent Journey #6 ~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

“The Dream of St. Joseph” Painting by Anton Raphael Mengs, 1773 A Joyful Advent Journey Today, we travel with Matthew’s Gospel and hear of Joseph’s dream to take Mary as his wife and how he accepts God’s plan joyfully. Mary and Joseph changed their plans often as they listened to God. They show us an example of leaning into God’s plan not our own. Join the podcast today as we hear of an angel sent to Joseph in a dream and learn how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! The Family Record (Mathew  1: 1-7, 16-17) So, we start with Matthew 1. At the time of Jesus, families kept a genealogical record (or family tree) to distribute inherited property and other rights under Jewish laws. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI points out that Matthew 1 is not a perfect historical account, including every single member of the ancestry of Jesus Christ. He explained, ”This was not Matthew’s goal.”  (Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, 2012, p. 8). Matthew wrote to appeal to the Jews by placing Jesus first and foremost as the Son of Abraham. Thus, he was the Patriarch and Father of Israel, part of God’s everlasting covenant  (Genesis 17: 6-7). Plus, he was the Son of David, the priestly King of Israel, whose ancestors were prophesied to reign forever (2 Samuel: 7:13). Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba in the Lineage of Jesus Jewish lineages, at the time of Christ, usually did not contain names of women. Christ’s ancestry lists five women in Matthew 1. Of course, we would expect the  Blessed Virgin Mary to be named. But there were four others listed—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba.  All were Gentile women who turned away from immoralities or idolatries or  had converted to become faithful to God. Even if your “family tree” seems dishonorable, Jesus offers you forgiveness, grace, mercy, and a new beginning when you turn to Him. You are part of the family of God. Every day you can have a new life in Christ. Hebrews 2: 11: God is not ashamed to call them [or you] brothers and sisters.” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote on the deeper meaning of the genealogies of Jesus and said:“[T]hose who believe in Jesus enter through faith into Jesus’ unique new origin, and they receive this origin as their own…Joseph did not beget Jesus but was truly born of the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary, so it can now be said of us that our true ‘genealogy’ is faith in Jesus who gives us a new origin and …to birth ‘from God” (Jesus of Nazareth, p. 12-13). Found with Child (Matthew 1: 18-25) Dreams were a common way God communicated with His people in the Old Testament. Joseph did not hesitate in his response to the angel in the dream. He trusted God to work everything out. He willingly exchanged his plans for God’s plans. We could say he leaned into God’s plans. Joseph, from the tribe of Judah and the house of David, a carpenter by trade, became the legal head of this precious family (Abbott Ricciotti, The Life of Christ, 1947).  Joseph is a role model to families—looking for God’s plans and leaning into them. This was the beginning of Joseph’s mission for life. Some have said it this way, Joseph was born for this vocation — to be the father of Jesus and Mary’s most chaste spouse. Like Mary, Joseph said “yes” to his vocation. His entire happiness was in knowing what God wanted him to do and carrying it out to the end ( Fernandez, Conversation with God, Vol. 1, 1997). He was devoted to God and his family. Personal Reflection & Application Lean into God’s Plans. Can you picture Joseph’s perplexity when his plans suddenly changed? He was likely building the house, planning the wedding, or earning extra money for the marriage, but he was unprepared to hear Mary’s announcement.  Then God gave him more direction through an angel in a dream.  He leaned in the changes. You can ask yourself: Am I open to changing my plans to fit God’s plan? Talk to Jesus about how you can stay open to God’s plans. What changes will you lean into? Accept Your Place in God’s Family. If you feel unworthy or unqualified to be part of God’s family, remember Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. These women changed direction to follow God, joined God’s family, and are part of the lineage of Jesus. It is not too late  to come to God.  Ask Jesus to forgive you and your family. Ask him to help you change directions.  And your family too. Then do what he tells you. Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds   You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy  Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation. Links Cup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Other Joy Books by Karen. The post A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Birth of John the Baptist: “Zachariah wrote, His Name is John” Join our Advent journey today as Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born and he sings a joyous prayer.  Celebration at Zechariah’s Home The Scriptures invite us to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s the circumcision and naming of his newborn boy. You can picture yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby boy born to the old priest Zechariah and his aged wife, Elizabeth. What would you say? Maybe this: “The boy is a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth!  Shockingly, Zechariah has been mute since the last time he went up to serve in the temple. I wonder if you will ever recover his speech.” Today, we will cover these points. The Circumcision and the Sacrament of Baptism (Luke 1: 56-59) The neighbors come to celebrate the birth and help with the circumcision. Circumcision is a rite by God under the Old Covenant, usually performed on the 8th day after birth. It was a mark on a male and a sign that he was in covenant with God, sanctified for divine service, and a member of the Jewish people. Under the New Covenant, circumcision is not a religious ritual for us (Galatians 5: 6). The circumcision ritual is similar to the Sacrament of Baptism, celebrated with family, friends, and godparents. For the Christian, baptism is a sign one belongs to Christ, is united with Him in His death, and is incorporated into the Church (Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary). The Neighbors Want to Name the Baby Zechariah (Luke 1: 60-66) Zechariah confirms that His name is JOHN. Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth was open, and his tongue was freed.  Zechariah’s Silent Retreat Results in Joyous Benedictus Blessings (Luke 1: 67-79) Zechariah grew in faith, peace, and trust in stillness with God. Benedictus means Blessed be...the Lord. Zechariah’s prophecy is called a canticle, which means “little song”- a liturgical song from a Biblical text. Most importantly, he thanks God for the promises to be fulfilled in the Messiah and for His Son John, who would go before the Lord to prepare His way, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by forgiving their sins. Personal Reflection & Application Seek God in stillness. It was in Zechariah’s stillness with God for 9 months that helped him sort out who God really is, and how much God loved him and his people. Prayer. Choose a quiet morning or evening during Advent. Turn off all media and be present with the Lord in adoration, prayer, and Scripture. Sit with God and LISTEN. You may find a new vision, peace, and a deeper relationship with God – the one He wants with you. Let God redeem you. If you are living in any darkness or carrying baggage, Jesus wants to carry your baggage, forgive your sins, and give you peace. Trust him today. Prayer.  You can pray the Benedictus every day this week. “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace…” Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds   You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy  Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.   Links Cup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Other Joy Books by Karen. The post A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth painting  by Philippe de Champaigne, 1643-1648 The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy Do you need more joy in your life? Today, Mary and Elizabeth will show you how to share and receive more joy. Join the podcast as we travel with Mary 90 miles to visit Elizabeth and experience their overflowing joy and delight. They truly show us the power of sharing joy as we drop in on the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. Welcome to A JOY-Filled Advent Podcast #3, based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.  Previously, we read that God supernaturally begot His Son Jesus in the Virgin Mary and gave a child to an old woman, Elizabeth.  “For nothing is impossible with God!” Advent JOY in the Hill Country Today, we travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem.  Mary visits her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting, rejoicing over the births to come, and thrilled to see each other.  We will cover these exciting points: The Visitation – Leaping for JOY (Luke 1: 39-45) John the Baptist leaps for Joy Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims words of JOY. Mary praises and skips with JOY. Jesus is always joy-filled—even in the womb! The JOY of Sharing Fellowship – God Knows Our Need (Luke 1: 31-33) Fellowship in the Scriptures is translated from New Testament Greek Koinonia, occurring 20 times in the New Testament. Elizabeth brought out Mary’s JOY, and Mary brought out Elizabeth’s JOY. True fellowship strengthens and encourages faith. The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb to Elizabeth as John leaps for joy. The Magnificat – Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1: 46-56) First, Magnificat was the first word in Luke 1: 46 found in St. Jerome’s Latin translation of the Bible (4th-century common language of the people) and it means “my soul magnifies.” Second, Canticles are liturgical songs from a Biblical text. Third, Mary’s Song shows Mary’s love for Scripture. She knew the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) well. Finally, Mary’s Canticle reflects themes from many Old Testament Scriptures,  including the powerful arm of God, His mercy to all, His justice and faithfulness, and His care for the poor and afflicted (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Psalm 34:2, 35: 9, 103: 17, 107: 9, 132: 11, 138: 6).  Three Months of Sharing Hearts We can only imagine the comfort Mary and Elizabeth must have been to each other. For example, the two talked of the Scriptures to be fulfilled because they knew well the promises regarding the Messiah and the one who would precede Him. Also, lingering over the stories about Gabriel, both knew he changed their lives forever. Advent Application We can respond to these verses of JOY shared between Mary and Elizabeth by taking these actions: 1) New JOY. Ask Jesus to open your heart to receive HIS new joy every day this Advent. 2) Rejoice in the Lord. Make it your goal to thank the Lord every day for all he has done for you and praise Him for his greatness. Remember, gratitude often precedes genuine joyfulness. 3) Quiet Prayer Time. Jesus is near to you, and He wants to be even nearer. Try to spend at least 5 minutes alone and in quiet with Jesus every day? You will notice the difference. 4) Share the Joy. Are you sharing your joys and encouraging others? Ask God, who needs your uplifting and strengthen the one who comes to mind. God has JOY for YOU and wants to share His JOY through you. Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds   You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy  Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation. Links Cup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Other Joy Books by Karen. The post A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Painting -The Annunciation by Beccafumi, 1545, USA. The Annunciation and Nothing is Impossible with God With God, nothing is impossible! The Annunciation should remind you of that. If God can supernaturally conceive the Son of God in a virgin and grant a child to an elderly couple, then He can make your impossible become POSSIBLE too. Join us today as we travel to Nazareth. We will hear the Great Annunciation of JOY to Mary and learn about Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy—because nothing is impossible with God.  The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.  Today, we will cover these points: Gabriel’s First Annunciation (Luke 1: 1-25) After 430 years of silence from heaven, the Archangel Gabriel appeared with an annunciation to Zechariah in Luke 1: 1-25. Zechariah just couldn’t believe he and Elizabeth could have a baby. After all, they were to old, past the time of child-bearing. It seemed impossible. Gabriel gave Zechariah a 9-month silent retreat to ponder the annunciation of what looked impossible. Next, Luke 1: 26 takes us to a small town in Galilee, the hometown of Mary and Joseph. Gabriel’s message here is what we call, The Annunciation. Another Message from Gabriel (Luke 1: 26-30) The powerful Archangel Gabriel brings the second annunciation– this time to a young girl in Nazareth. This most important heavenly announcement comes to a girl in a remote village. It’s where you might least expect it to occur. BUT God causes miracles to happen in the most unlikely and even ungodly places when people are open to Him. Mary is the recipient of this great Annunciation. She is a virgin and teenager who is engaged to Joseph. Joseph is in the lineage of David, which points to the Old Testament prophesies soon to be fulfilled. Jesus Name by His Heavenly Father (Luke 1: 31-33) The Baby would be named Jesus, which is Yeshua in Hebrew. Jesus is derived from Yahweh – the Most Holy Name of God in the Old Testament. The message is clear: Yahweh God would name His son Yeshua after Himself. Truly, Jesus would be the Son of God and fulfill  Isaiah 7: 14. Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel (God with us). Mary’s Fiat (Luke 1: 34-38) “Fiat” is the first word of Luke 1: 38 in the early Latin Bible translation and it means “let it be.” This was Mary’s “YES.”   Mary received the Word of God, surrendered, and entrusted herself and her life to God’s will. God’s Power Some may find it hard to believe in the virgin birth. But the virgin birth and incarnation are essential parts of our Christian faith. The incarnation means God became man, reaching out to mankind.  In no other religion does God “become flesh” (John 1: 14), “accept the limitations of humanity,” come to earth to show His love, and then die for the sins of all (Fulton Sheen, 1958, Life of Christ, p. 19). St. Augustine says that when we cannot understand this miracle, “Let us grant that God can do something which we confess we cannot fathom. God is the God of the impossible!” (John Willis, 2002, Teachings of the Church Fathers). Personal Reflection for Advent Prayerfully meditate on the marvelous encounter between the Angel Gabriel and Mary in “The Annunciation.” Picture yourself in the scene with Mary. How would she feel when she hears she will be the mother of the long-awaited Savior? How will she contain the joy? Mary gives us this example of how to seek and accept God’s will: Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender. Application & Prayer Points Mary gives us this example of how to seek and accept God’s will: Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender.  Imagine yourself as a humble one, like Mary—living in the obscurity of a town like Nazareth. Yet, you are open to all the ways of God. God shares His joy with you. Listen to the message God speaks to you. YOUR SAVIOR IS COME. Your joy overflows. Dialogue with Jesus about the Good News He is announcing. Share any doubts with Him. God became man to show his Love for you. Jesus died for your sins. God is with you! He loves you. Receive His joy. Surrender  your heart. Jesus wants to come more deeply into your life. Trust the Lord! Join Mary in her YES to God, “Let it be with me according to your Word.” I surrender my life to you. I trust you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I give you the control of my life. Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds   You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy  Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation. Links Cup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Other Joy Books by Karen.   The post A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

The JOY of Zechariah – Angel Gabriel Brings an Annunciation A Joyful Advent Journey: Meet the People, Prayers, and Events of Advent Are you hoping for a Joyful Advent Journey this year?  Join this podcast series to discover the joy of the people, prayers, and events so important to Jesus’ first coming. You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the Angels, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Magi.  It’s as if you will travel with them via Scripture and partake in the most meaningful events in their lives. Episode #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer Are you waiting for an answer to prayer? Stay hopeful this Advent!  Please listen today as we start our Advent Journey Episode #1 with the JOY of  Zechariah. He will teach us this lesson in an unusual way: Don’t give up hope – God hears & God answers prayer. We will cover these points today; Advent Celebrates Hope and the Coming of Christ The celebration of ADVENT often surprises us because it comes so quickly. It’s easy to miss it.  It was just fall, then Thanksgiving, and then within a few weeks, it’s Christmas. Advent helps us prepare our mind and heart to celebrate Christ’s coming anew this Christmas. The Meaning of Advent Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus, ” which means “coming.” The Advent season focuses on the present coming of Jesus in our lives and on increasing our desire for His presence every day. The First of Two Annunciations (Luke 1: 1-7) For 430 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, God had stopped speaking to His people because they had stopped listening to His prophets. Fast forward 430 years and we will drop in on the “first annunciation” in Luke 1.  The term “annunciation” in Latin means announcement. When God began speaking again, He sent announcements through His most important heavenly messenger – the Archangel Gabriel. In Luke 1, Gabriel brings the first announcement to Zechariah. He and his wife Elizabeth served God, trusted him for everything, while they waited and prayed for children, which overtime seemed more impossible (Luke 1: 5-7). Gabriel, The Might of God and No Puny Angel (Luke 1: 12-23)  Zechariah just couldn’t believe he would have a miracle with joy and gladness after all those years of waiting.  He said, “how can this be, we are old!” Poor Zechariah—the Archangel Gabriel just couldn’t take his unbelief so with one look he muted Zechariah for the next nine months. Gabriel is no puny angel –  “Gabriel” in New Testament Greek means “the Might of God,” but we will soon see he has a gentle side. Personal Reflection After listening to the podcast, please reflect on the powerful message of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and us in the first part of Luke 1: God hears. God answers.  Don’t give up on God. Have you ever prayed for something so long that you gave up? Have you ever received more than you expected – just as you were about to give up? St. Jerome wrote about Zechariah: “Your prayer is heard…that is to say you are given more than you asked for. You prayed for the salvation of the people and you have been given the Precursor” [John the Baptist] (Souvay, 1910, The Catholic Encyclopedia – Zacharias). While Zechariah was praying and waiting and giving up on prayer all those years, he did not know that God was preparing Joseph and Mary and so, he had to wait just a little longer. Application and Prayer Points Consider these prayer points because Jesus wants to share His joy while you wait for His answers: Ask Jesus for a  new and fresh prayer encounter with Him. Ask for new joy and to experience His presence while you look for everyday miracles.  Take Time. Make a point to take some quiet time every day to listen to the Lord, read LUKE 1, and stay connected to the joy of the Lord Converse. Share with Jesus what you are waiting for. Then keep an open attitude to receive heavenly surprises JOY. (For example, you could pray: Jesus, I have given up on… Please give me new insight. Show me the little places where I see your hand at work.) Start an ADVENT PRAYER Journal. Why not record your prayer and conversation with Jesus this Advent?  You may be surprised at the transformation to JOY you receive and will want to record during Advent. Thank God. Let the Lord know that you trust your life and circumstances to Him. Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and… A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God… A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country… A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer. A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His! A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds   You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior. A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy  Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation. Links Cup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com. Check out more podcasts here! Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Find Karen’s  books: Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life The post A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

If your life needs transformation, consider reading the Book of Ruth, where God powerfully transforms each character  and wants to do the same for you. God’s faithfulness can bring triumph out of tragedies, restoration from waywardness, and blessing out of loss. Join us oday as we conclude our series on the Book of Ruth.. Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Transformed by God’s Grace Episode #7 Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points. The Family The beautiful, gracious, and even joyous Naomi, according to the meaning of her name suffers great loss. (Ruth 1-3) Elimelech and family left Bethlehem, meaning house of bread to find more bread during the famine. Naomi’s husband died and the two sons married Moabite wives – Orpah and Ruth. They lived in Moab about ten years, and both sons died. In Ruth 1:16, Ruth made a declaration of loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel -it changed her life forever. Naomi Becomes Mara but returns to Naomi Naomi said, “Do not call me Naomi [pleasant, gracious, joyous]. Call me Mara [bitter], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty…the Lord has afflicted me, and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” (Ruth 1: 19) Ruth returned home after gleaning in Boaz’ fields with 30 pounds of grain. Naomi praises and blesses the Lord again; joy returns. Naomi sees God’s footsteps in their lives: Boaz to become the kinsman redeemer and agrees to marry Ruth and become her kinsman redeemer. Boaz, a Messianic Type of Christ Boaz’s loving-kindness shadows God’s love sent to us in Jesus Christ. As the kinsman redeemer, Boaz was a Christ-like figure. Ruth, the “Worthy Woman” Boaz described Ruth as one known as a “worthy woman” among the people. (Ruth 3:11) These exact words appear in Proverbs 31: 10-31. She is foremost “a woman who fears the Lord” and “to be praised” (v. 30). Boaz, her husband, was “known in the city gates when he sits among the elders in the land” (v. 23). “Her children rise and bless her; her husband too, her husband also, he praises her” (v. 28), as seen in the record of Matthew 1: 5 where she will be praised and remembered forever as a great-grandmother of King David and member of Christ’s lineage. The Marriage, the Lineage of David and Jesus Christ JOY multiplies for Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz as the town’s women pray a blessing over their lives and new life  Obed (Ruth 4). Boaz and Ruth are in the lineage of David (Ruth 4: 18-22) and of Jesus (Matthew 1). Once a prostitute and Canaanite, Boaz’s mother was Rahab, who helped Joshua’s spies. Blessings Blessing Prayers are themes of Ruth, and there are seven recorded blessings. Blessings are one of five types of prayer : 1) blessing or adoration, 2) petition, 3) intercession, 4) thanksgiving, and 5) praise . A blessing for another proclaims God’s goodness, kindness, and power and it includes a petition asking God to share His goodness, power, compassion, and favor to change a situation. Ruth includes blessings of Naomi praising God and asking for the daughters-in-law, Boaz blessing and praying for Ruth, the neighbors blessing and praying for Naomi, Ruth Boaz and Obed (Ruth 1: 17, 2:4, 12; 2:19–20; 3:10, 4:11-12, 14). God is the HERO of RUTH! Ultimately, God is the hero of the Book of Ruth. God directs each detail and composes everything according to His divine purpose. God’s grace leads us beyond the short span of our lives- He blesses us in our earthly lives and uses us to impact our immediate sphere and generation, as well as those in the generations to come. Let’s remember to look to God in impossible situations and allow him to impact the next generation through our witness and loving-kindness. Links Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times Part 1  Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (This podcast)   Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study accompanying each podcast series: 1) Esther for This Time, 2) Seek & Find Joy, 3) Joyful & Battle-ready (Dressing in the Armor of God), 4)Nehemiah0 Rebuilding Hope & Joy, 5) Ruth – Finding Joy in Tough Times and 6) A Joyous Advent.  Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study. CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up. Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: com Check out more podcasts here! Find my books: Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Transformed By God’s Grace ~ Ruth #7 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.