Christmas Stories

There's nothing like celebrating the Christmas season as a newlywed. To reflect back on those early years, John Fuller chats with Greg and Erin Smalley about their first Christmas as a married couple. They'll also explain how those first few years together have set the tone for holidays since then.   Get the book "Keeping Christmas: 25 Advent Reflections on a Christmas Carol".   Read the article "...

Singles have a special place in God's family during the holidays. While it may feel lonely at times, Christmas can also be a season to create rich memories. Lisa Anderson joins John Fuller to discuss the unique opportunities singles have during the most wonderful time of the year.   Get the book "Keeping Christmas: 25 Advent Reflections on a Christmas Carol".   Read the article "A Single Adult's C...

There's something special about hearing why a child loves Christmas. John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta reflect back on the joys of Christmas as a child, and lessons they've learned now as parents. You'll also hear children tell what they're most looking forward to this year.   Get the book "Keeping Christmas: 25 Advent Reflections on a Christmas Carol".   Read the article "Welcome to Advent 2021"  ...

Welcome to Season 5 of the Christmas Stories podcast! Join John Fuller as he chats with a variety of Focus on the Family friends about why each member of the family plays a special role in making the holidays special. Throughout each episode, you'll also hear from some of our friends and broadcast guests as they share memories and heart-warming stories.   Get the book "Keeping Christmas: 25 Advent...

With Christmas just one week away, it’s important to take a step back and reflect on how the story of Jesus gives us hope. John, Diane and Paul discuss how they find comfort through the story of Christ’s birth, and evangelist J. John explains what the purpose of Christmas is.   Get the Advent Calendar   Join the AIO Club   Get More Episode Resources   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, ple...

During the holidays, it’s good to have fun with your loved ones. John, Lisa and Diane talk about their favorite activities to do with their family and friends; plus you’ll also hear part 2 of the Adventures in Odyssey drama, "It's a Pokenberry Christmas," based on the film, "It’s a Wonderful Life."   Get the Advent Calendar   Join the AIO Club   Get More Episode Resources   If you've listened to a...

With the Christmas season now in full swing, John, Diane and Lisa will talk about their favorite Christmas movies and what they’re most grateful for this year. You’ll also hear part 1 of the Adventures in Odyssey drama, "It's a Pokenberry Christmas," which is based on the classic movie, "It's a Wonderful Life."   Get the Advent Calendar   Join the AIO Club   Get More Episode Resources   If you've...

While Christmas can be a time to get together with family and friends, it’s also a beautiful opportunity to reach out to people in your community. John, Diane and Paul share about friends they admire for their willingness to reach out to others; and you’ll also hear the powerful audio drama, “When Christmas Came to Thorn Creek Bridge.”   Get the Advent Calendar   Join the AIO Club   Get More Episo...

While 2020 has been a year filled with lots of twists and turns, the Christmas and Advent seasons can still give us hope. John, Lisa, Paul and Diane share how they’re planning to celebrate Christmas this year; and author Asheritah Ciuciu gives some creative and inspiring ways to celebrate Advent with your family.   Get the Advent Calendar   Join the AIO Club!   Get More Episode Resources   If you'...

Welcome to Season 4 of the Christmas Stories podcast! John, Paul, Lisa and Diane are back this year to preview Season 4, and to share their favorite things of the holiday season.   Get the Advent Calendar   Join the AIO Club!   Get More Episode Resources   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Like a director behind a curtain, God is working in your life even when you can't see it. Today, John and Diane share stories about being surprised at Christmas; and you'll hear the incredible story of "The Innkeepers Dream," portrayed by the late David Shelton.   Get More Episode Resources

Serving God at Christmastime is a beautiful opportunity to shine light into a dark world. But you might be asking how? Today on Christmas Stories, you'll hear a powerful drama called "Shoemaker Martin" and John, Diane, and Paul share encouraging stories about serving God in simple ways.   Get More Episode Resources

With Christmas approaching soon, we continue to remember the story that gave us this holiday. You'll hear the second part of "Nine Months in Nazareth" as Mary and Joseph welcomed Jesus into the world. Plus, Liz Curtis Higgs talks about God working through impossible circumstances, and John, Lisa, and Diane share some inspiring Christmas memories.   Get More Episode Resources

Have you ever wondered what it was like walking in Mary and Joseph's shoes as they prepared for the birth of Jesus? John, Diane, and Lisa share the first part of a drama called "Nine Months in Nazareth" which re-tells Mary and Joseph's story. Plus, author Liz Curtis Higgs describes how the Nativity story can give you hope today.   Get More Episode Resources

Like a strand of colorful lights brightening a tree, getting a Christmas present can spark gratitude within your heart. John, Lisa, Paul and Diane share stories about their favorite Christmas presents; and you'll hear a heartwarming drama called "Such As I Have," about finding gratitude in a hospital room.   Get More Episode Resources

Christmas is almost here, and to celebrate we're launching Season 3 of the Christmas Stories podcast! Join John, Paul, Lisa and Diane as they preview Season 3, and for a fun conversation about the Christmas songs they love, and the songs that drive them crazy.   Get More Episode Resources

What makes a Christmas meaningful? Diane and Paul talk about what makes Christmas meaningful to them; while Pam McCune, Kim Wier and Bob Welch share practical ways to add joy to the season.   Download Kathi Lipp's Stocking Stuffer PDF   AIO Christmas Fun Pack   Link to Advent Calendar – Knowing Him by Name   Digital Download: Living in Peace with People Who Drive You Crazy   Digital Download: Fami...

Let's face it – family get-togethers at Christmas can be challenging. Diane, Mike, and the Smalleys will explain how you can get along with difficult family members and show them the love of Christ.   Download Kathi Lipp's Stocking Stuffer PDF   AIO Christmas Fun Pack   Link to Advent Calendar – Knowing Him by Name   Digital Download: Living in Peace with People Who Drive You Crazy   Digital Downl...

We've all heard about Jesus and Santa Clause, but there's much more to the story of Christmas. Phil Vischer talks with John about how Christmas became a holiday, and Diane shares fun ways to tell your children about Christmas.   Kathi Lipp’s Stocking Stuffer List   AIO Christmas Fun Pack   Link to Advent Calendar – Knowing Him by Name   The Purpose of Christmas   Fewer Toys, More Christmas Joy

Christmas can feel stressed and overly rushed, but it doesn't have to be that way. John and Lisa discuss ways for you to have fun in the midst of busyness, while Kathi Lipp gives advice for staying organized during the Christmas season.   Get More Episode Resources

Welcome to Season 2 of the Christmas Stories podcast! John, Paul, Lisa and Diane are back this year to preview Season 2, and to share their favorite things of the holiday season.   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Black Friday shouldn't be the day when your bank account turns red. Mary Hunt gives advice for handling money well at Christmas, while Diane explains how you can teach your family members about money management. Plus, Lisa offers financial advice for singles.   Reasons for Becoming Debt-Free   Your Christmas Money Plan   The Very Best Christmas Money Can’t Buy   Download Kathi Lipp's Stocking Stuf...

What makes Thanksgiving so important? Paul and John discuss the amazing story behind the holiday, and Eric Metaxas shares the importance of a man named Squanto.   Get More Episode Resources

Thanksgiving is more than just a catchy holiday name; it's a way of life. Join John, Paul and Lisa as they share what they're most thankful for this year, and special guests share stories of God's redemption.   Download Kathi Lipp's Stocking Stuffer PDF   AIO Christmas Fun Pack   Thanksgiving Gratitude   Thanksgiving Stories of Gratefulness   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give...

In celebration of Christmas, Phil and Kay Robertson of the hit reality TV show Duck Dynasty share heartwarming and funny holiday stories from their famous family, and their faith in Jesus who is the true reason for the season.   Get More Episode Resources