In this Christmas season, we’re exploring how the story of Jesus’ birth continues to offer fresh lessons and encouragement for our lives. Join us as Elisa Morgan of Our Daily Bread Ministries shares profound insights from her book, Christmas Changes Everything, and helps us reflect on the transformative power of the Christmas Story.
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In this episode:
Leadership Transition and Ministry Work:
- Transition from MOPS Leadership:
- Elisa stepped down from MOPS International leadership in her early 50s. (04:32)
- Transition was challenging but rooted in sensing God’s call to pass leadership to the next generation. (05:05)
- Initial years involved exploring various roles, from serving on boards to extensive speaking engagements. (05:21)
- Current Ministry Roles:
- Joined Our Daily Bread Ministries, participating in Discover the Word (an on-air Bible study) and co-hosting the podcast God Hears Her. (05:50)
- Writes devotionals, speaks at events, and serves as President Emerita of MOPS (now The MomCo by MOPS International). (06:03)
- Lessons on Transition:
- Importance of relinquishing leadership to bless and support the next generation. (06:12)
- Emphasis on cheering others on, asking questions, and allowing new leadership styles to emerge. (06:25)
Insights on Christmas:
- The Spiritual Dimension of Christmas:
- Christmas is a transformative season, symbolizing hope, restoration, and change. (07:16)
- Importance of remembering the core meaning of Christmas: the advent of Jesus Christ. (07:33)
- Encouragement to reflect on when Christmas became personally meaningful and avoid letting busyness overshadow its spiritual significance. (07:49)
- Challenges of the Season:
- High expectations for a “magical” Christmas often lead to disappointment. (08:01)
- Ministry leaders face additional pressures with year-end goals, events, and family responsibilities. (08:06)
Elisa’s Book: Christmas Changes Everything:
- Exploring the Characters of the Christmas Story:
- Focus on how key characters were transformed through the Christmas Story. (10:20)
- Example: Mary’s transformation from a young, vulnerable betrothed woman to the mother of Jesus. (10:40)
- Mary’s Journey of Faith:
- Mary’s devout faith and obedience enabled her to say “yes” to God. (10:54)
- Her response to challenges involved treasuring and pondering God’s faithfulness. (12:34)
- Practical takeaway: Continuously reflect on and trust in God’s faithfulness when facing life’s uncertainties. (13:57)
Lessons from the Christmas Story
- Waiting and Fulfillment:
- Simeon's story highlights the joy of fulfilled promises and teaches us patience in waiting for God's timing. (16:04)
- Relatable examples like waiting for financial provisions or employment decisions emphasize the importance of trusting God during uncertain times. (17:53)
- Herod's Role in the Christmas Story:
- Herod's struggle for power contrasts with the humility of the other characters in the story. (19:27)
- Despite his rejection of Jesus, his story reminds us to reflect on our own choices and avoid clinging to worldly definitions of power and control. (21:16)
- The key takeaway is to learn from Herod's mistakes and allow Christmas to transform us. (22:04)
Navigating Family Challenges During Christmas
- Family gatherings often come with challenges, including differing beliefs, strained relationships, or logistical issues like blended family celebrations. (23:07)
- Elisa shared personal stories of surrendering control and empowering the next generation to lead family traditions. (23:39)
- The lesson is to embrace humility, grace, and adaptability in family dynamics. (23:52)
Finding Hope in Brokenness
- Christmas doesn't have to look "perfect." The first Christmas was marked by societal and personal struggles, yet it brought profound hope and beauty. (24:47)
- Elisa encourages focusing on the humanity of the Christmas characters and their respective lessons: (25:59)
- Mary: Accept
- Joseph: Yield
- Elizabeth: Rejoice
- Zechariah: Believe
- Shepherds: Share
- Simeon: Wait
- Anna: Worship
- Magi: Seek
- Herod: Learn
- Everyone: Welcome
- Reflect on these words during Advent to deepen your understanding of how Christmas can transform lives. (26:40)
Welcoming God's Gift of Change
- The word "welcome" serves as a central theme, inviting listeners to open their hearts to God’s healing, hope, love, and transformation during the Christmas season. (26:45)
- Elisa challenges listeners to ask how God wants to change them this year and to embrace His gifts of forgiveness, hope, and renewal. (26:55)
- Elisa emphasizes that we are all "in process" and continually growing in faith and understanding, no matter the season of life. (27:08)
Keeping Christmas Fresh
- Celebrating Christmas with a fresh perspective involves shifting focus:
- Consider what you can give to God this Christmas instead of just receiving. (28:05)
- Reflect on the hope and joy that Jesus brings, even if you’ve celebrated Christmas many times before. (28:47)
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