Here Am I

Music and Sound Effects from Storyblocks: Storyblocks.com 
A dramatic reading with music and sound affects.
The writer of the poem is Ray Boltz from his song "Watch The Lamb" on 1986 album
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management (The Lyric "Sons" has been changed to "Daughters" by the reader)
Image: By James Chan of Pixabay: pixabay.com:https://pixabay.com/photos/love-died-cross-thorns-crown-699480/

The twins have trouble falling asleep. Their mother shares a story she was told, by her mother, as a child. The twins learn of the 'Invisible String'.
The "Invisible String" written by Patrice Karst is read by the Frederick family. This is the final episode (4/4) of the "Stories for Advent" series. 
Music from Youtube Music Library: "Fairy Tale Waltz" written by Kevin MacLeod
FairyTale Waltz by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100232

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Episode #3/4 Stories for Advent. This week we celebrate Joy. Lola McVey reads, "Merry Christmas with Love" by Sandi Patty. Johnny and his friends are afraid of grumpy Old Lady Russell, until Johnny's sled lands him in the middle of her yard. Johnny must enter her home and learn a hard lesson about love and joy.
Music and sound effects are obtained from Sotryblocks with limited Licensing.
Produced by Joshua David McVey

Reverend Tanya Tyler of First Christian Church in Ruidoso, New Mexico reads "Amazing Peace" written by Maya Angelou. There is hope in the storm of life as the sky sets low, grey, and threatening. "In this climate of Fear and apprehension comes Christmas . . . the glad season." 
Music can be found in the Youtube Creator's library: Church Bell Celebration (Doug Maxwell Media Right Productions) Home for the Holidays (Christ Haugen)

Episode one, in a four part series for Advent 2020. Additional stories are added each week (Sunday at Noon). Each week's story illustrates the heart of the Advent season. David McVey, Pastor of First Christian Church El Paso, El Paso, TX reads from "The Light of Christmas" Written by Richard Paul Evans. Produced by Joshua David McVey
In the Christmas town of Noel, a torch is lit every Christmas Eve. This year, someone new will be chosen to light the flame. Alexander travels alone to see the lighting. In his heart, he wishes he could light the flame. 
Music can be found at Youtube Creator's Library: Christmas Homecoming (Aaron Kenny)

We have confidence in God’s faithfulness. He is not like shifting shadows, but consistent and faithful. We follow the teachings of Jesus and forgive when we don’t want to, or love when it’s our enemy because we are confident in the work God is doing. Our confidence is in His work, not our own. We have faith God has a plan and is moving in ways we cannot see. We have faith God knows how life is meant to be lived. We stop trying to decide what is good and bad. Instead, we put our faith in God allowing Him to direct our paths in good and bad. This includes humility, putting others first, finding value in everyone and loving our worst enemy. Our part of the contract is to love as Christ loved and fulfill our responsibilities producing fruit, leading to spiritual maturity. 

A teaser for the "Here Am I" Podcast

The Pharisees were an order of Israel who set themselves apart devoted to following and instructing on the Law of God. They also drew from the oral traditions of Moses. Josephus (historian) said they had the most "expert" and "accurate" interpretation of scripture. They held positions of power and honor among the people. Their understanding of the law boasted the authority of God. Jesus exposed the hypocrisy and inaccurate understanding regarding God's Kingdom. What can the church today learn from the Pharisees? Are there similarities? 

The English definition of "Meek" is quiet, gentle, one who is easily imposed on or submissive. We will find Scripture gives examples of the meek to be powerful, clever, and restrained. Far from the weak version we have come to know. How will this change the way we read scripture? What is expected for followers of Christ and how will it bring healing in a broken world? Let’s begin with Proverbs 16:23 He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.