Jolt of Joy

The world, especially during the Christmas season, is filled with busyness and chaos and impatience. That's why God sent His Son into the world--to help us slow down and "hear the angels sing" about the true meaning of Christmas.

During the time around Jesus' birth, shepherds, considering by many to be lowly had nothing to look forward to in life. Host Carol McLeod explains how that all changed with the birth of one precious baby.

If you think you're too busy during this Christmas season, just think back to Mary and Joseph and what they faced. Host Carol McLeod compels you to think about that, and how much you are blessed. 

Christmas can bring both frustration and joy. Have you allowed the enemy to frustrate you and upset your Christmas spirit? Host Carol McLeod shows us how we can avoid "traffic jams" of the heart during this holiday season. 

The timing of God couldn't have been better. While Elizabeth was 90 when she gave birth to John the Baptist, God knew it was the perfect timing for John to come into the world as a forerunner for Jesus. His ways are so much higher than ours.

Jealousy and envy have become the green part of the Christmas season. Learn from the story of Elizabeth as she blessed Mary at the news of baby Jesus. Let joy fill your heart this season instead of jealousy about what others have. Be a blessing to someone else.

Be challenged to leap for joy and seek His presence in this season of Christmas. Hear this story of how the joyful news of Jesus reached the womb of a baby, John the Baptist.

Joseph was an ordinary boy who loved an ordinary girl, but God did not have ordinary plans for these two. Listen how their story was not about the story of Jesus, it was about revealing the character and heart of God. Then find out how there are people who need you to reveal Christ to them.

This Christmas don't let disappointments get you down. Mary and Joseph's love was divinely interrupted with challenges. Listen as Carol shares their story and what they may have pondered at the time when Mary announced she was pregnant with Jesus. Imagine what could've happened by Jewish laws, disappointments faced, and challenges.

The song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" stirs the heart. Hear how you can come home for Christmas. This story from WWII about a doctor and his family may not be the idea of home for Christmas, but it will offer you peace and love. Find a place of joy today.

If you are going through a difficult season during Christmas and wanting to run away? Don't cease to exist, someone is looking for you. Listen to this story about two siblings, joined by the heart through adoption. Be encouraged to know God has not given up on you.

Christmas is not about having an opportunity to celebrate a holiday, it's about talking about the defiant joy of the meaning of Christmas. Hear this teaching on Luke 1:30-34, continuing the story of Mary.

What are you waiting and praying for this Christmas? Be encouraged to persevere by listening to this Christmas story of prayers of a prodigal to come home.

In Day 4 of her 25 Days of Christmas series, host Carol McLeod compels you to go beyond yourself and share the love of Jesus with someone who needs Him desperately. To who do you need to reach out and bring the gift of the precious Christ child this Christmas season?     

In Day 3 of her 25 Days of Christmas series, host Carol McLeod tells a gut-wrenching but heartwarming story of bitterness turned to forgiveness. Have you lost your joy for life? What needs to change in your life today?   

In Day 2 of her 25 Days of Christmas series, host Carol McLeod tells the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth, who lived for years with disappointment, unable to conceive a child. But because they lived righteously, however, God was faithful to answer their prayers. 

In beginning a new series leading up to Christmas Day, host Carol McLeod talks about the blessing of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and Joseph, and why God trusts righteous people with great blessings. 

Abigail's story is an example how one woman can change history. Hear how your life is not insignificant and God has a plan for you that can change the course of history. Listen now to the continued teaching on Abigail.

Have you ever been stuck in a situation and asked, "How did I get into this?" This is real life. Listen to this Bible study of Abigal who is the example of Murphy's Law. Hear the principles to apply on living with intelligence, wisdom and grace.

What is the meaning of this phrase, "The Lord of Hosts?" Listen as we continue the story of Hannah to find out the meaning and to never underestimate the power of a prayer and graciousness.

Have you thrown in the towel, believing that prayer does not work for you? If so, host Carol McLeod says it's time for you to get back on your knees and pray again and again and again. Here's why you can never over pray.

The family triangle of Elkanah, Hannah and Peninna was never meant to be God's will because the dynamic made Hannah miserable. Host Carol McLeod how Hannah overcame this adversity to find her spiritual victory.   

Have you ever had to deal with a fractious person, especially in your own family or under your own roof? Host Carol McLeod reveals what the Bible says about dealing with the difficult people in our lives.  

Host Carol McLeod says if you have been waiting a long time for something to come to pass, continue to stay faith. When you listen to the promises of God, Carol says, your miracle is on its way. 

Even if you've encountered years of discouragement, host Carol McLeod says, God wants you to keep on keeping on. Here's why your continued prayers do make a difference.