Christmas Stories

How do you make time to worship Jesus during the Christmas season? You'll hear from some people who share what helps them to focus on Christ during the demands of the holidays. Plus, John Fuller and Tony Wood discuss two songs that Tony wrote, including the title track for his new book he's written. You'll be sure to get into the Christmas spirit after listening to this episode.   Manger Thro...

Your family matters more than any gifts you'll buy for them. John Fuller and Tony Wood are back to relive some ways they've spent with their kids at Christmas, and how that's changed over time. If you can't be with your family this Christmas season, we'll also have some encouragement for you. At the end, we'll close out this episode discussing a powerful song Tony wrote with Scott Krippayne. &nbsp...

It's easy to get caught in the rush of holiday busyness. One more party to attend, presents to buy, and family members to visit. But what if you could pause and enjoy the season? John Fuller and Tony Wood open up about times they felt overly stressed around Christmas, and what helps them find joy. You'll also hear the story behind a song Tony wrote with Michael W. Smith on appreciating the moment....

What Christmas song did you love growing up? John Fuller and Tony Wood recount some of their favorite childhood Christmas songs, and Tony opens up about how he became a songwriter. Plus, you'll also hear about a song Tony wrote for Francessca Battistelli, and how some songs can gain meaning with time.   Manger Throne: Celebrating Christmas through Song   Visit the See our Christmas Stori...

When do you start listening to Christmas music? Some of us listen to it all year long, while others prefer to wait until after Thanksgiving. Whatever your preference, we're excited to tell you about season 9 of Christmas Stories. John Fuller shares about how music will play a big role in our upcoming podcast season.   If you enjoyed listening to the Christmas Stories, please give us your feed...

Grandparents have a profound influence on the next generation. To celebrate grandparents today, John Fuller talks with Diane Ingolia, who is herself a grandmother, about the joys of having grandchildren. Then, we hear from some friends on how their grandparents have impacted them. We'll then close out season 8 of Christmas Stories with a word of encouragement for keeping your focus on God, by tuni...

Almost half of the adult population is currently single. But even if you aren't married or don't have kids yet, Christmas can still be a wonderful time for you. Our Boundless Show host Lisa Anderson interviews some young adults on what it's like to be single during the holidays. Also, John Fuller and Georgia Dunham will discuss ways singles can have fun celebrating Christmas this year.   Sign...

Christmas is one of the most romantic times of year. John Fuller and Diane Ingolia remember what each of their first Christmases were like when they got married. Plus, Greg and Erin Smalley discuss some fun ways they've enjoyed the Christmas season together. And John asks Diane why it's good to reminisce on sweet memories with your mate.   Sign Up for Free Advent Content   Crazy Little T...

One of the biggest joys of Christmas is celebrating it with your kids. Join John Fuller and Paul Batura, as they recount ways they've enjoyed Christmas with their children. You'll also hear Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James share ideas for how to savor Christmas with your children. Finally, some members of our staff discuss memories and traditions they've made with their parents.   Sign...

How are you celebrating Christmas this year? As we get ready for season 8 of Christmas Stories, John Fuller shares how we will get you into the Christmas spirit, no matter what stage of life you're in!   Sign Up for Free Advent Content   If you enjoyed listening to the Christmas Stories Podcast, please give us your feedback.

The weather is warm outside, and it's the perfect time to celebrate Christmas in July! Join John Fuller, Georgia Dunham, and Diane Ingolia as they share some ideas for how to enjoy Christmas in July. You'll also hear from Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James who will discuss ways for parents to enjoy Christmas in July with their kids. Then, Greg and Erin Smalley give a few fun tips for couples. &nbs...

As we conclude season 7 of Christmas Stories, we decided to take a fun look at how Jesus interacted with kids. Kim, Jesse and John share how the tender ways Christ treated children inspires them today, and Jim Daly explains why the Christmas story encourages him to make a difference.     Receive the book 25 Days of the Christmas Story: An Advent Family Experience for your donation of any amount!  ...

How has parenting changed your perspective of Christmas? John, Jesse and Kim recount what each of their first Christmases were like as parents. Plus, we interviewed several people on what helps them keep a childlike wonder during the season. 1976701   Receive the book 25 Days of the Christmas Story: An Advent Family Experience for your donation of any amount!   Sign up for Our 2023 Advent Content...

Many boys wake up excited for Christmas day. To celebrate boys during the holidays, Kim, Jesse and John reflect on ways their sons have celebrated Christmas. You'll also hear Focus President Jim Daly read a story about a Christmas present he got as a young child.   Receive the book 25 Days of the Christmas Story: An Advent Family Experience for your donation of any amount!   Sign up for Our 2023 A...

Little girls have a special and unique way they contribute to Christmas. You'll hear a few girls share about what they're most excited about for Christmas this year. Plus, John, Kim and Jesse discuss lessons we can learn from Mary in the original Christmas story.   Receive the book 25 Days of the Christmas Story: An Advent Family Experience for your donation of any amount!   Sign up for Our 2023 A...

What are some of your favorite Christmas memories as a kid? For a lot of us, it was the simple things such as being with family, or even an unexpected surprise. John, Kim and Jesse discuss a few of their favorite Christmas memoires, and share why it's good to be reflective during the holidays. You’ll also hear from a number of guests on what they loved about Christmas as a child.   Receive the boo...

Welcome to Season 7 of the Christmas Stories podcast! Join John Fuller and his fellow co-hosts, Jesse Florea and Kim Trobee, as they preview the upcoming podcast season, and share some of their favorite childhood Christmas traditions. Throughout this season, we’ll be exploring what it means to have a childlike faith during the holidays.   Receive the book 25 Days of the Christmas Story: An Advent...

What helps you remember Jesus during the Christmas season? As we wrap up Season 6 of Christmas Stories, we’ll hear Kati read Luke 2: 22 – 40, and our hosts share why this passage reminds us of the kind of life Jesus would live on earth.   Receive the book "25 Days of the Christmas Story" for your donation of any amount   Prepare Yourself for Advent 2022   If you've listened to any of our podcasts,...

The birth of Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. And yet, more than two thousand years later, it still inspires us to make a difference. You’ll hear Megan read Luke 2: 1 – 21, and some stories from John and the co-hosts about how Christmas inspires them today.   Receive the book "25 Days of the Christmas Story" for your donation of any amount .   Prepare Yourself for Advent 2022   If you'v...

The characters of the first Christmas all played a role in helping bring Jesus to earth. John, Paul, Diane, and Lisa reflect on some of their favorite characters of Christmas. Plus, you’ll hear from some of our friends of the ministry who’ll discuss things they’ve learned from the characters of Christmas. Plus, Kennedy will read Luke 1: 57 – 80.     Celebrate Christmas: Giving My Kids a Holiday Le...

Becoming an adult has a unique way of helping you gain new perspectives on the story of Christmas. Our friend Kristin reads Luke 1: 39 – 56, and you’ll hear from some Focus staff and broadcast guests about things they now see in the Christmas story as they’ve gained life experience.   Prepare Yourself for Advent 2022   Celebrate Christmas: Giving My Kids a Holiday Legacy   If you've listened to an...

How did you first hear about the story of Christmas? For many people, it was in church or some other type of Christmas activity. John, Diane, Paul, and Lisa share what they’re looking forward to this year. And you’ll hear from a variety of guests on how they first learned about Christmas. Plus, Emerson, who works on our staff, reads Luke 1: 5 – 38.   Receive the book "25 Days of the Christmas Stor...

Welcome to Season 6 of the Christmas Stories podcast! Join John Fuller and his fellow co-hosts, Diane Ingolia, Lisa Anderson, and Paul Batura, as they preview the upcoming podcast season, and recall the first time they heard about the original Christmas story. Throughout this season, we’ll be reading portions of Luke chapters 1 and 2 and discuss how it still encourages us today. 

Christmas has a way of bringing family together like no other time of the year. As Season 5 of Christmas Stories concludes, we'll hear some encouraging stories about how family traditions bring people together and help families find meaning. Plus, John Fuller and Paul Batura chat about why they've loved spending time with their families.   Get the book "Keeping Christmas: 25 Advent Reflections on...

Having grandchildren has a way of bringing things full circle. To help bring a fun perspective on grandparenting, John Fuller talks with Roger and Diane Ingolia about their experiences as grandparents. We'll also hear from children on why they love grandma and grandpa.   Get the book "Keeping Christmas: 25 Advent Reflections on a Christmas Carol".   Read the article "No-Stress Grandparenting Durin...