christmas Archives

It’s a Pokenberry Christmas

One of the best things we’ve ever come up with here at Focus on the Family has been Adventures in Odyssey, our radio drama for children ages 8-12.

When it first began, a lot of people were skeptical the venture would be successful in the age of television, movies, and other visual entertainment. But our Adventures in Odyssey team members are some of the most talented people in the business. As a result of their creativity, this little radio program that could has been capturing the hearts of young and old alike for almost 30 years.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adventures in odyssey, christmas December 24, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our home at Focus on the Family to yours!

Topics: Family and Home Tags: christmas December 23, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

My Christmas in Isolation

As the COVID-19 global pandemic rolls on, Americans are faced with the prospect of spending a much quieter Christmas than usual.

Sadly, many will be celebrating it completely alone, isolated out of concern of infection or blocked from seeing loved ones unable to make the trip.

Forty years ago, halfway through my sophomore year at Cal State San Bernardino, I found myself in a difficult and similar situation. There was no pandemic or call for social distancing, but for me there may just as well have been.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: christmas December 21, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Seeing Christmas Through Women’s Eyes

Has it ever occurred to you how many holiday traditions sterilize the historical truth of Christmas?

This time of year, the joy of the season is everywhere. There are lights and decorations; the smell of cookies, pies, and freshly cut Christmas trees; and music that remind us of snow, sleighs, and reindeer.

But all of that beautiful imagery stands in stark contrast to the difficult circumstances surrounding the very first Christmas. Consider the lives of three women who lived it: Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: christmas, faith November 30, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Different Type of Christmas

What does your ideal Christmas morning look like?

For many years, the Dalys began in the pre-dawn dark around 6:00 A.M. Jean and I would hear the scampering sound of little feet running down the hall towards our room. Bursting through the door, Trent and Troy would leap onto our bed, urging us to get up and come down to the tree and all the presents that seemed to have mysteriously appeared overnight.

Little did they know we had gotten to sleep only a few hours earlier, just after the bikes had been assembled, the last present was wrapped, and the stockings filled.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: christmas, holiday December 23, 2019 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Unwrapping the Real Christmas

Christmas is all about the baby Jesus. We celebrate the truth that “unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

The Creator of the universe cloaked Himself in flesh and blood and submitted Himself to the care of human parents as a vulnerable, dependent child. It’s the ultimate expression of humility.

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Unwrapping the Real Christmas,” British evangelist Canon J.John has a challenge for you this Christmas: as you celebrate the baby Jesus, allow your heart to consider the rest of His life as well.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, christmas, holidays December 13, 2019 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

New Song Featuring Youth Choir Proclaims the Real Meaning of Christmas

“Sitting in the darkness they saw a great light. The doors of Heaven were opened wide. How much more … does God love you?”

That’s the opening line to the joyful new Christmas single, “How Much More.”

Sung by the Georgia Youth Choir, the song is filled with Biblical imagery and hope-filled reminders of God’s immense love for us.

It seems every year, winter brings out those who can’t get enough of Christmas – and those who can’t wait for the music to stop playing.

For those of you who may not hold Christmas music in very high esteem, especially those songs that are overplayed, “How Much More” is a new track you just might enjoy.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: christmas, holidays December 11, 2019 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How Advent Changed My Perspective on Christmas

Years ago, a friend asked Asheritah Ciuciu if she was excited that the Christmas season had arrived.

“Actually, no,” she said.

Christmas had both a joyful side and a dark side for Asheritah. She and her parents lived in Romania for ten years during the communist regime while her father pastored five churches – one officially recognized church and four underground churches. They lived under intense persecution and death threats.

Asheritah’s childhood Christmases had so many hard memories that she grew up wanting the season to be over with as soon as possible.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, christmas, holidays November 29, 2019 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Getting Organized for Christmas

Is it too early to start thinking about Christmas?

It’s not if you hope to have a smooth December and enjoy a stress-free Christmas season. That can be tough to do if you’re not organized.

Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy. A time for us to reflect on our Savior who came as a baby in a manger and soon took upon Himself the sins of the world.

Instead, we get caught up in all the “stuff” of Christmas: the lights, the decorations, the shopping.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, christmas, family, holidays November 12, 2019 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Reflecting on Christmas Memories

By now, you’ve already seen It’s a Wonderful Life two or three times (and if not Jimmy Stewart and the gang, then maybe Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, or A Christmas Story and Ralphie’s quest for a Red Rider BB gun in spite of every warning that he’d shoot his eye out).

That’s why on a special edition of our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Reflecting on Christmas Memories,” we’re sharing Christmas stories that you’ve not heard before.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, christmas, faith December 24, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura