In today’s special year-end holiday episode, host Heather Creekmore welcomes author and speaker Cynthia Ruchti to the show for an uplifting conversation perfectly suited to the busy woman navigating the Christmas season. As the holidays approach, the to-do lists are long, and the “reason for the season” can easily get lost amid shopping, family obligations, and endless tasks. Heather Creekmore and Cynthia Ruchti encourage listeners to pause, ponder, and rediscover the wonder of Christmas, focusing on spiritual renewal rather than exhausting productivity.

Together, they discuss Cynthia’s Christmas devotional, her insights on noticing God’s presence, embracing lingering and pondering, and shifting our attitudes to receive what God has truly prepared for us—even in the midst of chaos, disappointment, and the “distribution of labor” that often falls to women during the holidays. The episode is packed with relatable holiday circumstances, biblical reflections, real-life stories, and practical encouragement to rest in the joy, awe, and wonder that Christmas offers.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why slowing down and observing brings more spiritual refreshment than staying busy

• The power of “lingering”—with God, with loved ones, and in the moment

• God’s upside-down kingdom and the abundance found in trusting Him with our time and resources

• Noticing God in both the seen and the unseen aspects of the Christmas story

• The message of redemption woven throughout Scripture, from Isaiah to the nativity

• What holiday mishaps (yes, even broken goblets!) can teach us about perspective and joy

• Reframing holiday serving as a gift for ourselves, not just for others

• How to keep awe and wonder alive in our hearts, even when Christmas feels like another item on the checklist

• Practical encouragement for busy moms and grandmas feeling the holiday load

• Using Cynthia’s 26-day devotional for a richer, more intentional holiday season

Resources & Links:

• Get Cynthia’s Christmas devotional book, Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence (available on Amazon and hemmedinhope.com) *Amazon affiiate link, a tiny portion of your purchase will support this ministry.

• Connect with Cynthia at hemmedinhope.com or cynthiaruchti.com

• Explore Cynthia’s other books—fiction and nonfiction—through her website

• Sign up for the next 40-Day Journey at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Don’t forget: Whether you’re listening on your way to pick up gifts, hauling kids to their next party, or just stealing a quiet moment, this episode will leave you refreshed and ready to focus on what matters most this holiday season!