In this heartwarming episode, Catherine Segars sits down with Jill Wagner, a beloved actress known for her work in Hallmark movies and now on Great American Family, to discuss her latest project and her passion for family, faith, and community. Together, they explore Jill’s dedication to creating entertainment that reflects her core values—especially during the holiday season.

Jill delves into her deeply personal new Great American Family documentary "Christmas on the Farm," premiering on December 23rd. This unique project offers an intimate glimpse into Jill’s life, highlighting the profound role her faith and close-knit community play in shaping her journey. For Jill, this isn’t just another holiday special; it’s a heartfelt reflection of the joy, love, and togetherness that define the Christmas season.

In this uplifting episode, Jill discusses:

·       The inspiration behind "Christmas on the Farm," revealing how this special project unfolded.

·       Her incredible journey from being a Hallmark favorite to becoming a cherished part of the Great American Family community, a network that champions family-oriented, faith-filled entertainment.
The heartwarming story of inviting a family affected by Hurricane Helene into her home for Christmas dinner and the community who banded together to provide for their needs.

Catherine and Jill delve deeply into the role of faith in their lives, reflecting on how it shapes their personal and professional decisions. Jill expresses her gratitude to Bill Abbott, the CEO of Great American Family, for fostering a network that prioritizes values-driven content and supports creators who are committed to producing wholesome, family-friendly entertainment.

This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a celebration of the importance of aligning personal values with creative pursuits. Catherine and Jill remind listeners that Great American Family is an incredible resource available for those seeking uplifting, faith-forward, and family-centered entertainment for the holidays and beyond.

About the Guest:  Jill Wagner is an accomplished actress and producer, known for her work in various television shows and movies. She has recently turned her focus towards faith-based projects, aiming to bring authentic and uplifting stories to the screen. Through her work on Great American Family and her involvement in community-focused initiatives, Jill continues to inspire and spread messages of love, faith, and hope.

 

EPISODE RESOURCES: 

Great American Family
Jill Wager Instagram & Facebook

Streaming Services: Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu

In this heartwarming episode, Catherine Segars sits down with Jill Wagner, a beloved actress known for her work in Hallmark movies and now on Great American Family, to discuss her latest project and her passion for family, faith, and community. Together, they explore Jill&rsquo;s dedication to creating entertainment that reflects her core values&mdash;especially during the holiday season.
Jill delves into her deeply personal new Great American Family documentary "Christmas on the Farm," premiering on December 23rd. This unique project offers an intimate glimpse into Jill&rsquo;s life, highlighting the profound role her faith and close-knit community play in shaping her journey. For Jill, this isn&rsquo;t just another holiday special; it&rsquo;s a heartfelt reflection of the joy, love, and togetherness that define the Christmas season.
In this uplifting episode, Jill discusses:
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The inspiration behind "Christmas on the Farm," revealing how this special project unfolded.
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her incredible journey from being a Hallmark favorite to becoming a cherished part of the Great American Family community, a network that champions family-oriented, faith-filled entertainment.
<ul>
<li>The heartwarming story of inviting a family affected by Hurricane Helene into her home for Christmas dinner and the community who banded together to provide for their needs.</li>
</ul>
Catherine and Jill delve deeply into the role of faith in their lives, reflecting on how it shapes their personal and professional decisions. Jill expresses her gratitude to Bill Abbott, the CEO of Great American Family, for fostering a network that prioritizes values-driven content and supports creators who are committed to producing wholesome, family-friendly entertainment.
This episode is more than a conversation&mdash;it&rsquo;s a celebration of the importance of aligning personal values with creative pursuits. Catherine and Jill remind listeners that Great American Family is an incredible resource available for those seeking uplifting, faith-forward, and family-centered entertainment for the holidays and beyond.
About the Guest:&nbsp; Jill Wagner is an accomplished actress and producer, known for her work in various television shows and movies. She has recently turned her focus towards faith-based projects, aiming to bring authentic and uplifting stories to the screen. Through her work on Great American Family and her involvement in community-focused initiatives, Jill continues to inspire and spread messages of love, faith, and hope.
&nbsp;
EPISODE RESOURCES:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/">Great American Family</a> Jill Wager <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jillwagner/?hl=en">Instagram</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jillwagnerofficial/">Facebook</a>
Streaming Services: <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome">Fubo</a>, <a href="https://tv.youtube.com/?utm_campaign=ytv_dr_yttv_fy_2024&amp;utm_source=cpc&amp;utm_medium=&amp;utm_content=txt&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAjp-7BhBZEiwAmh9rBdlmkT5--VZkq0TwARSFl2P7qI8NEzHxqCubS2sdM-AtsYY0bolKrBoC1uQQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">YouTube TV</a>, <a href="https://www.hulu.com/welcome?orig_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F">Hulu</a>

The Christian Parent, Crazy World podcast with Catherine Segars is dedicated to helping you be a godly parent in an ungodly world. Catherine is an expert in Christian Apologetics for parents and every episode helps moms and dads understand what is going on in our current culture and how Christians can and should respond.

Topics covered on this podcast include:
What to Do If Your Child Walks Away from the Faith
Can Our Words Change the Future?
Why Are So Many Kids Falling Away from The Faith?
13 Ways To Be a Better Parent This Year
5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Gen Z
What Critical Foundation Do Many Parents Miss When Discipling Their Kids?
How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview 
Hope and Strategy for Parents of Prodigal Children

Want to read some of Catherine's most popular Christian parenting articles? Check them out here: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

The Christian Parent, Crazy World podcast with Catherine Segars is dedicated to helping you be a godly parent in an ungodly world. Catherine is an expert in Christian Apologetics for parents and every episode helps moms and dads understand what is going on in our current culture and how Christians can and should respond.
Topics covered on this podcast include:
<ul>
<li>What to Do If Your Child Walks Away from the Faith</li>
<li>Can Our Words Change the Future?</li>
<li>Why Are So Many Kids Falling Away from The Faith?</li>
<li>13 Ways To Be a Better Parent This Year</li>
<li>5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Gen Z</li>
<li>What Critical Foundation Do Many Parents Miss When Discipling Their Kids?</li>
<li>How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview </li>
<li>Hope and Strategy for Parents of Prodigal Children</li>
</ul>
Want to read some of Catherine's most popular Christian parenting articles? Check them out here: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Christian Parent, Crazy World is a podcast dedicated to helping you be a godly parent in an ungodly world.

Christian Parent, Crazy World

Christian Parent Crazy World

Faith-Centered Entertainment for the Holidays and Beyond (w/ Jill Wagner) - Ep. 131

This Holiday Season, Create a Tradition That Transforms Lives

What if this Christmas, your family could do something more meaningful than decorating the tree or exchanging gifts—something that plants seeds of kindness and changes lives across the globe? Imagine a tradition that not only brings joy to others but also shapes your children’s hearts with a lifelong spirit of generosity.

This holiday, make giving the greatest gift of all.

How can we make this a reality?

Catherine’s guest, Brian Frazier, shares his powerful journey of faith and purpose. With nearly 15 years at World Vision—a Christian humanitarian organization that brings hope to the poor and oppressed—Brian has witnessed firsthand the transformational power of generosity. Inspired by a life-changing trip to India, Brian left a successful career in engineering and banking to dedicate his life to helping others. His commitment even led his family to relocate to Bangalore, India, in pursuit of service.

In this episode, Catherine and Brian explore how families can embrace generosity and make an extraordinary impact through simple acts of giving.

Here’s what you’ll discover:
The Power of Family Giving: Brian shares how involving children in charitable activities—like choosing gifts through World Vision’s gift catalog—can create meaningful family traditions that inspire lifelong habits of giving.
World Vision’s Global Impact: Learn how World Vision has sparked transformative change—from creating Mongolia’s first Christian radio station to delivering clean water to villages in Rwanda.
Stories That Inspire Hope: Hear about Rachida, an 8-year-old Sudanese refugee who found hope through World Vision’s efforts after losing her family to war.
Lives Transformed: Experience the joy of a family in Zambia whose life was forever changed by a goat-herding program, offering them new opportunities and hope for the future.
Generosity as a Legacy: Discover how small acts—like sponsoring a child or giving a life-changing gift—can instill values of compassion and selflessness in your children, creating a lasting legacy of generosity.
Building Global Bridges: Reflect on how connecting with those in need—whether across the world or in your community—brings hope, fuels dreams, and reminds us of the profound difference we can make together.

This episode is an invitation to bring your faith to life this Christmas season through actionable, family-focused giving. Together, we can bridge the gap between affluence and need, offering hope to children around the world while creating cherished family traditions grounded in love and service.

For more information, to sponsor a child, or to explore the gift catalog, visit worldvision.org. Start a tradition of generosity today, and let this Christmas be remembered as the season your family gave the gift of hope.

About the Guest: Brian Frazier is the Executive Director of Team World Vision, a program of World Vision that mobilizes individuals—many of them non-runners—to conquer half and full marathons in support of ending the global water crisis in Jesus’ name. In his role, Brian passionately inspires people to take on physical challenges on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Brian’s unconventional career path began in engineering, transitioned to banking with a focus on microfinance, and ultimately led him to finding his calling in fundraising. Over the course of his career with World Vision, Brian has worked in more than 30 countries. His unique perspective and broad skill set fuel his commitment to advocating for the forgotten and marginalized.

Brian lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Colette. Together, they are the proud parents of four wonderful children: Corban, Haddon, Kai, and Niya.

Episode Links:

World Vision Gift Catalog.

Instagram: @worldvisionusa

Facebook: World Vision USA

Twitter: @worldvisionusa

This Holiday Season, Create a Tradition That Transforms Lives
What if this Christmas, your family could do something more meaningful than decorating the tree or exchanging gifts&mdash;something that plants seeds of kindness and changes lives across the globe? Imagine a tradition that not only brings joy to others but also shapes your children&rsquo;s hearts with a lifelong spirit of generosity.
This holiday, make giving the greatest gift of all.
How can we make this a reality?
Catherine&rsquo;s guest, Brian Frazier, shares his powerful journey of faith and purpose. With nearly 15 years at World Vision&mdash;a Christian humanitarian organization that brings hope to the poor and oppressed&mdash;Brian has witnessed firsthand the transformational power of generosity. Inspired by a life-changing trip to India, Brian left a successful career in engineering and banking to dedicate his life to helping others. His commitment even led his family to relocate to Bangalore, India, in pursuit of service.
In this episode, Catherine and Brian explore how families can embrace generosity and make an extraordinary impact through simple acts of giving.
Here&rsquo;s what you&rsquo;ll discover:
<ul>
<li>The Power of Family Giving: Brian shares how involving children in charitable activities&mdash;like choosing gifts through World Vision&rsquo;s gift catalog&mdash;can create meaningful family traditions that inspire lifelong habits of giving.</li>
<li>World Vision&rsquo;s Global Impact: Learn how World Vision has sparked transformative change&mdash;from creating Mongolia&rsquo;s first Christian radio station to delivering clean water to villages in Rwanda.</li>
<li>Stories That Inspire Hope: Hear about Rachida, an 8-year-old Sudanese refugee who found hope through World Vision&rsquo;s efforts after losing her family to war.</li>
<li>Lives Transformed: Experience the joy of a family in Zambia whose life was forever changed by a goat-herding program, offering them new opportunities and hope for the future.</li>
<li>Generosity as a Legacy: Discover how small acts&mdash;like sponsoring a child or giving a life-changing gift&mdash;can instill values of compassion and selflessness in your children, creating a lasting legacy of generosity.</li>
<li>Building Global Bridges: Reflect on how connecting with those in need&mdash;whether across the world or in your community&mdash;brings hope, fuels dreams, and reminds us of the profound difference we can make together.</li>
</ul>
This episode is an invitation to bring your faith to life this Christmas season through actionable, family-focused giving. Together, we can bridge the gap between affluence and need, offering hope to children around the world while creating cherished family traditions grounded in love and service.
For more information, to sponsor a child, or to explore the <a href="https://donate.worldvision.org/giftcatalog#activeuer%20half%20and%20full%20marathons%20in%20support%20of%20ending%20the%20global%20water%20crisis%20in%20Jesus&rsquo;%20name.%20In%20his%20role,%20Brian%20passionately%20inspires%20people%20to%20take%20on%20physical%20challenges%20on%20behalf%20of%20the%20world&rsquo;s%20most%20vulnerable%20communities.%20Brian&rsquo;s%20unconventional%20career%20path%20began%20in%20engineering,%20transitioned%20to%20banking%20with%20a%20focus%20on%20microfinance,%20and%20ultimately%20led%20him%20to%20finding%20his%20calling%20in%20fundraising.%20Over%20the%20course%20of%20his%20career%20with%20World%20Vision,%20Brian%20has%20worked%20in%20more%20than%2030%20countries.%20His%20unique%20perspective%20and%20broad%20skill%20set%20fuel%20his%20commitment%20to%20advocating%20for%20the%20forgotten%20and%20marginalized.%20%20%20Brian%20lives%20in%20Houston,%20Texas,%20with%20his%20wife,%20Colette.%20Together,%20they%20are%20the%20proud%20parents%20of%20four%20wonderful%20children:%20Corban,%20Haddon,%20Kai,%20and%20Niya.%20%20%20%20Episode%20Links:%20%20%20World%20Vision%20Gift%20Catalog.%20%20Instagram:%20@worldvisionusa%20Facebook:%20World%20Vision%20USA%20Twitter:%20@worldvisionusa">gift catalog</a>, visit <a href="https://www.worldvision.org">worldvision.org</a>. Start a tradition of generosity today, and let this Christmas be remembered as the season your family gave the gift of hope.
About the Guest: Brian Frazier is the Executive Director of Team World Vision, a program of World Vision that mobilizes individuals&mdash;many of them non-runners&mdash;to conquer half and full marathons in support of ending the global water crisis in Jesus&rsquo; name. In his role, Brian passionately inspires people to take on physical challenges on behalf of the world&rsquo;s most vulnerable communities. Brian&rsquo;s unconventional career path began in engineering, transitioned to banking with a focus on microfinance, and ultimately led him to finding his calling in fundraising. Over the course of his career with World Vision, Brian has worked in more than 30 countries. His unique perspective and broad skill set fuel his commitment to advocating for the forgotten and marginalized.
Brian lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Colette. Together, they are the proud parents of four wonderful children: Corban, Haddon, Kai, and Niya.
Episode Links:
World Vision <a href="https://donate.worldvision.org/giftcatalog">Gift Catalog</a>.
Instagram: @worldvisionusa
Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/worldvision">World Vision USA</a>
Twitter: @worldvisionusa

Creating Family Christmas Traditions That Can Change the World (w/ Brian Frazier) - Ep. 130

Few subjects present a greater challenge for parents than teaching children about God’s design for their identity. How do we start these vital conversations without overwhelming our little ones or feeding them information beyond their comprehension?

Catherine's guest, Elizabeth Urbanowicz, has developed a curriculum that helps parents navigate these challenging waters. Elizabeth is the founder of Foundation Worldview, an organization committed to providing Christian parents, educators, and church leaders with the resources they need to teach children to think critically and biblically.

In this enlightening discussion, Elizabeth introduces her new curriculum aimed at kids ages 4-8 called "God's Good Design." 

This episode emphasizes:

1.     The Importance of Being the First: Introducing children to these topics early helps parents establish authority and provide a biblical perspective.

2.     Maintaining Innocence While Informing: Teaching children about God's good design protects their innocence by providing them with the truth before encountering corrupted versions of identity.

3.     Living in Truth while Loving Others: Both Catherine and Elizabeth emphasize the need to always love those who disagree while we teach our kids God’s truth about their identity.

4.     Resources for Parents and Educators: Foundation Worldview's curriculum and other recommended resources for guiding children and teens in sexuality education from a Christian perspective are highlighted.

Listeners are invited to access these Foundation Worldview resources with a special $10 discount on family licenses using the code PARENT10.

About the Guest Elizabeth Urbanowicz holds a B.S. from Gordon College in Elementary Education and Spanish, an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education, and an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Elizabeth created Foundation Worldview to equip Christian parents with the resources they need to train children to soundly interpret Scripture, carefully evaluate every idea they encounter, and understand the truth of the biblical worldview.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

·       God’s Good Designcurriculum (Use code PARENT10 for a $10 discount on any family license)

·       “How Should Christians Talk to Their Kids about Sexuality” by Catherine Segars

·       Mama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality by Hillary Morgan Ferrer

·       God’s Design for Sex(series) by Stan and Brenna Jones

·       The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexualityby Luke Gilkerson

·       The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality

·       The Holy Sexuality Project by Christopher Yuan

Other Episodes with Elizabeth:

Ep. 57: How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview

Ep. 58: 7 Lies Culture is Spreading to Our Kids: Are They Buying?

Ep. 72 What Do Deconstructionists Often Get Wrong about the Faith

Ep. 73: How Can God Forgive Sins Like Abuse, Rape, and Murder?

Few subjects present a greater challenge for parents than teaching children about God’s design for their identity. How do we start these vital conversations without overwhelming our little ones or feeding them information beyond their comprehension?
Catherine's guest, Elizabeth Urbanowicz, has developed a curriculum that helps parents navigate these challenging waters. Elizabeth is the founder of Foundation Worldview, an organization committed to providing Christian parents, educators, and church leaders with the resources they need to teach children to think critically and biblically.
In this enlightening discussion, Elizabeth introduces her new curriculum aimed at kids ages 4-8 called "God's Good Design." 
This episode emphasizes:
1.     The Importance of Being the First: Introducing children to these topics early helps parents establish authority and provide a biblical perspective.
2.     Maintaining Innocence While Informing: Teaching children about God's good design protects their innocence by providing them with the truth before encountering corrupted versions of identity.
3.     Living in Truth while Loving Others: Both Catherine and Elizabeth emphasize the need to always love those who disagree while we teach our kids God’s truth about their identity.
4.     Resources for Parents and Educators: Foundation Worldview's curriculum and other recommended resources for guiding children and teens in sexuality education from a Christian perspective are highlighted.
Listeners are invited to access these <a href="https://foundationworldview.com/">Foundation Worldview</a> resources with a special $10 discount on family licenses using the code PARENT10.
About the Guest Elizabeth Urbanowicz holds a B.S. from Gordon College in Elementary Education and Spanish, an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education, and an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Elizabeth created <a href="https://foundationworldview.com/">Foundation Worldview</a> to equip Christian parents with the resources they need to train children to soundly interpret Scripture, carefully evaluate every idea they encounter, and understand the truth of the biblical worldview.
EPISODE RESOURCES:
·       <a href="https://foundationworldview.com/curriculum/gods-good-design">God’s Good Design</a> curriculum (Use code PARENT10 for a $10 discount on any family license)
·       “<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/how-should-christians-talk-to-their-kids-about-lgbtq-issues.html">How Should Christians Talk to Their Kids about Sexuality</a>” by Catherine Segars
·       <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mama-Bear-Apologetics%C2%AE-Guide-Sexuality/dp/0736983813/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PHQ5OD7DSHC7&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9e49_X8aO9Ha4FhJ4s5dEPA243saYj6urhc6bpREtGEu_PTPUpkaAMPQofvzED65X9dleikvUdylvOnzOHgDJCI_C_jj7MjE3C1xZp1d1NY.r3UhP7LKKbngUdwivKd0VkKOxCTjwNW0xLZi1XmXlI0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=mama+bear+apologetics+guide+to+sexuality+and+gender+identity&amp;qid=1733711433&amp;sprefix=Mama+Bear+Apol%2Caps%2C146&amp;sr=8-1">Mama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality</a> by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
·       <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Full-Set-Design-Revised-Paperback/dp/B00O5DIVTU/ref=sr_1_1?crid=261M2ZHTOGFDI&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.k0Dn7cOU57PsBsmRxLU2v4jH3EUSbUubtuMN_PrudE4NUnQwukF3aDjT8WVZeg5B34iu1QX7NSkHqyrBQsgrkoWtXzFlaBZIBuE8EBuQa9biayGKuj59pXI7daFeFev6igNBmD7N_sWqEBV7lE2i9VbRVLH33iYRtLn40Pf5MQg.juHovFmmcETyutTYDi_Be5m5a3Eml0JpsjyNMlnIgHE&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=God%27s+Design+for+Sex+Stan+and+Brenna+Jones&amp;qid=1733711527&amp;sprefix=god%27s+design+for+sex+stan+and+brenna+jones%2Caps%2C167&amp;sr=8-1">God’s Design for Sex</a> (series) by Stan and Brenna Jones
·       <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Lessons-Introduce-Biblical-Sexuality/dp/1500659444/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SIL4CX11RTG&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JPWGnchr9JNdqffR9Luv1-c-meflYcDpTmxTgFQzWmALiTK0Z8Uyx27v00LmIM3Zm6PYv1eI4yOOizjMXhO2TXv49pfnV5Z6r7S1BL_HSGYhmNpoOgBoq3ioI1DyQUGSQWg3g_cLXF3Yh1o40dJEaU6mz4cC6qa6dSRdOCYRp2DtrZyUEGscZRXxlOOpFvTZ.D0ez-IqIuuHnUeLRn089Zs4aAuXHsPNtCCRemXCx46U&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+talk+7+biblical+lessons+on+sexuality&amp;qid=1733711595&amp;sprefix=The+Talk%2Caps%2C137&amp;sr=8-1">The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality</a> by Luke Gilkerson
·       <a href="file:///The%20Talk/%207%20Lessons%20to%20Introduce%20Your%20Child%20to%20Biblical%20Sexuality">The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality</a>
·       <a href="https://holysexuality.com/">The Holy Sexuality Project</a> by Christopher Yuan
Other Episodes with Elizabeth:
Ep. 57: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/christian-parent-crazy-world/how-to-teach-your-kids-the-christian-worldview-with-elizabeth-urbanowicz-episode-57">How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview</a>
Ep. 58: 7 L<a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/christian-parent-crazy-world/7-lies-culture-is-selling-our-kids-are-they-buying-with-elizabeth-urbanowicz-episode-58">ies Culture is Spreading to Our Kids: Are They Buying?</a>
Ep. 72 <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/christian-parent-crazy-world/what-do-deconstructionists-often-get-wrong-about-god">What Do Deconstructionists Often Get Wrong about the Faith</a>
Ep. 73: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/christian-parent-crazy-world/how-can-god-forgive-sins-like-abuse-rape-and-murder-w-elizabeth-urbanowicz">How Can God Forgive Sins Like Abuse, Rape, and Murder?</a>

Helping Your Kids Understand God’s Good Design for Their Identity (w/ Elizabeth Urbanowicz ) - Ep. 129 (

Keeping Christ at the center of the Christmas season is always a challenge. The hectic pace of life intensifies during December, and often our focus shifts to the never-ending list of responsibilities and chores to complete before the big day.

Strategically celebrating Advent is a wonderful way to keep Christ central in all the commotion of gatherings, parties, concerts, baking, and buying. Utilizing Advent calendars, candles, and books help us to focus on the magnitude of what Christ accomplished in coming to earth while pointing us toward his return.

Catherine’s guest in this episode, Laurie Christine, has accumulated a wealth of devotional resources that will help enrich your Christmas season by celebrating Advent. Catherine and Laurie start by digging into the history of Advent, and then they highlight the great gift of celebrating God’s hope, peace, joy, and love in line with each candle lit. Laurie also offers devotional and book recommendations for all ages to participate in the wonderful celebration of Advent.
The Meaning of Advent: Learn about the rich historical roots of Advent, dating back to the 6th century, and how its observance can enhance the anticipation of both the first and second coming of Christ.
Dive into The Action Bible Christmas: Laurie introduces this fantastic book featuring 25 imaginative stories related to the biblical Christmas story suitable for young children aged 3-9, providing delightful and engaging ways to teach the story of Jesus' birth.
Discover Jotham's JourneySeries: Catherine and Laurie delve into Arnold Ytreeide’s four-book series that follows fictional accounts of Jesus' birth through the eyes of four different children. With devotional sections and intertwined stories, it’s perfect for family Advent readings!
Celebrate with Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: Laurie shares her love for Asheritah Ciuciu’s devotional, which explores the various names of Jesus over four weeks, providing structured readings and activities for each Sunday of Advent.
Creating a Jesse Tree: Laurie explains the tradition of the Jesse Tree, tracing Jesus's lineage with ornaments representing biblical figures. A beautiful way to journey through the anticipation of Christ's birth as a family.
Resource Roundup: Laurie and Catherine recommend various devotional books and family activities, including "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift" by Ann Voskamp and "Remarkable Advent" by Shauna Lettler to help make your Advent season more meaningful.

Catherine also shares a heartfelt personal story of finding hope during a difficult time, underscoring the essential themes of Advent: hope, peace, joy, and love.

Laurie Christine’s Bio: Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four loud, adventurous boys. Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her on the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ.  In addition to hosting a podcast, Laurie writes devotions and Bible stories for families. Her passion is to raise strong, courageous warriors for the Kingdom of God, and to help families like yours do the same!  Her new devotional book for boys, Rise of the Enemy, just released on Amazon in November.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Laurie Christine's website

Laurie Christine's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/laurie.christine.author/?hl=en

Laurie Christine has created a wonderful resource for CPCW listeners that contains all of the devotionals and books covered in this episode which can be accessed HERE:

https://lauriechristine.com/podcast-interview-resources/

Keeping Christ at the center of the Christmas season is always a challenge. The hectic pace of life intensifies during December, and often our focus shifts to the never-ending list of responsibilities and chores to complete before the big day.
Strategically celebrating Advent is a wonderful way to keep Christ central in all the commotion of gatherings, parties, concerts, baking, and buying. Utilizing Advent calendars, candles, and books help us to focus on the magnitude of what Christ accomplished in coming to earth while pointing us toward his return.
Catherine’s guest in this episode, Laurie Christine, has accumulated a wealth of devotional resources that will help enrich your Christmas season by celebrating Advent. Catherine and Laurie start by digging into the history of Advent, and then they highlight the great gift of celebrating God’s hope, peace, joy, and love in line with each candle lit. Laurie also offers devotional and book recommendations for all ages to participate in the wonderful celebration of Advent.
<ol>
<li>The Meaning of Advent: Learn about the rich historical roots of Advent, dating back to the 6th century, and how its observance can enhance the anticipation of both the first and second coming of Christ.</li>
<li>Dive into <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/action-christmas-stories-about-jesus-arrival/9780830784646/pd/784646?event=BRSRCG|PSEN">The Action Bible Christmas</a>: Laurie introduces this fantastic book featuring 25 imaginative stories related to the biblical Christmas story suitable for young children aged 3-9, providing delightful and engaging ways to teach the story of Jesus' birth.</li>
<li>Discover <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/jothams-journey/arnold-ytreeide/9780825441745/pd/441745?event=BRSRCG|PSEN">Jotham's Journey</a> Series: Catherine and Laurie delve into Arnold Ytreeide’s four-book series that follows fictional accounts of Jesus' birth through the eyes of four different children. With devotional sections and intertwined stories, it’s perfect for family Advent readings!</li>
<li>Celebrate with <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/unwrapping-the-names-jesus-advent-devotional/asheritah-ciuciu/9780802416728/pd/41672X?en=google&amp;event=SHOP&amp;kw=family-0-20%7C41672X&amp;p=1179710&amp;utm_source=google&amp;p=1237749&amp;dv=c&amp;cb_src=google&amp;cb_typ=shopping&amp;cb_cmp=21328467087&amp;cb_adg=169497696691&amp;cb_kyw=&amp;utm_medium=shopping&amp;snav=GMERCH&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA6aW6BhBqEiwA6KzDcxs8XWF0lvILAn0-AOqE22UfgxkXKaqffMwru5iMCQeewdwmcKmnexoCgkwQAvD_BwE">Unwrapping the Names of Jesus</a>: Laurie shares her love for Asheritah Ciuciu’s devotional, which explores the various names of Jesus over four weeks, providing structured readings and activities for each Sunday of Advent.</li>
<li>Creating a Jesse Tree: Laurie explains the tradition of the Jesse Tree, tracing Jesus's lineage with ornaments representing biblical figures. A beautiful way to journey through the anticipation of Christ's birth as a family.</li>
<li>Resource Roundup: Laurie and Catherine recommend various devotional books and family activities, including "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift" by Ann Voskamp and "Remarkable Advent" by Shauna Lettler to help make your Advent season more meaningful.</li>
</ol>
Catherine also shares a heartfelt personal story of finding hope during a difficult time, underscoring the essential themes of Advent: hope, peace, joy, and love.
Laurie Christine’s Bio: Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four loud, adventurous boys. Her podcast, <a href="https://lauriechristine.com/redeeming-the-chaos/">Redeeming the Chaos</a>, invites moms of boys to join her on the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ.  In addition to hosting a podcast, Laurie writes devotions and Bible stories for families. Her passion is to raise strong, courageous warriors for the Kingdom of God, and to help families like yours do the same!  Her new devotional book for boys, <a href="v">Rise of the Enemy</a>, just released on Amazon in November.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<a href="https://lauriechristine.com/">Laurie Christine's website</a>
Laurie Christine's <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurie.christine.author/?hl=en">Instagram page</a>: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurie.christine.author/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/laurie.christine.author/?hl=en</a> 
Laurie Christine has created a wonderful resource for CPCW listeners that contains all of the devotionals and books covered in this episode which can be accessed <a href="https://lauriechristine.com/podcast-interview-resources/">HERE</a>:
<a href="https://lauriechristine.com/podcast-interview-resources/">https://lauriechristine.com/podcast-interview-resources/</a>

Faith-Centered Entertainment for the Holidays and Beyond (w/ Jill Wagner) - Ep. 131

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