Welcome to the BE ENCOURAGED! Podcast. This is episode 119 and it's a solo episode with just me --- the host, Jackie Brindle.

With all the distractions of ads, reels, sales, seasonal movies, and more it's hard not to turn our eyes from why we celebrate Christmas in the first place!

I can remember my childhood memories of Christmas and how each year has made an impact on my life and shaped my view of how I see Christmas today.

I hope to remind us all to get back to the heart of why we celebrate Christmas, in the first place. I want to keep our eyes anchored on what's most important to God rather than what the world generally defines as the "Christmas Spirit."

I unpack some thoughts based on scriptures such as Ezekiel 33 and 34, Isaiah 9, Psalm 23, and Matthew 2.

I encourage us all to be the watchman, to tell others about the good news of Jesus and how God has extended them grace in their own personal lives.

I encourage us all to be the light, to be the candle that lights others through this season that might be filled with heartache, disappointment, loss, or brokeness.

I also encourage us all to see Christmas as an opportunity to look to our shepherd, our Father in Heaven, our Savior Jesus Christ who shepherds and saves His flock. Listen in to His voice, pray, and seek God for He has and is, all that we need.

Reminding others of our Christmas joys and past brings people together. More importantly, reminding people of the true HOPE, LOVE, JOY, and PEACE we have in Christ is the eternal gift that we have to offer to all that we encounter.

So go --- and encourage someone with the true Christmas Spirit, because of the gift that was given to us and for us that one Holy Night, our Savior was born.

BE ENCOURAGED! everyone!

- Jackie

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