Where does Jesus fit into all the Christmas festivitiesSanta, gifts, lights, and family traditions? Thats the heartfelt question explored in this special holiday episode of ASK THE GIRLS, a faith-based podcast featuring thoughtful middle school voices.

Sisters Samara and Shylah, ages 12 and 14, who live in the Washington, D.C. area, sit down with co-hosts Sister Cynthia Howie and Dr. Tamara Henry for an honest, age-appropriate conversation about Santa Claus vs. Jesus, faith and imagination, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Together, they explore how childhood traditions like Santa Claus can coexist with a growing Christian faithwhile still keeping Jesus Christ at the center of Christmas. The girls reflect on their own Christmas experiences, emphasizing that while Santa is a fun and imaginative tradition, the heart of the season is found in celebrating the miraculous birth of Jesus.

A particularly powerful moment comes as Samara and Shylah express awe that Mary was not much older than they are now when the angel visited her with the announcement that she would give birth to the Savior. This realization sparks a moving discussion about obedience, courage, and trusting Gods planeven at a young age.

This episode is perfect for families, parents, grandparents, educators, and listeners who want to help children and teens understand the real meaning of Christmas in a way that honors faith, imagination, and tradition.

Applicable Scriptures

• Luke 1:2638 The angel announces Jesus birth to Mary
• Luke 1:4655 Marys song of praise (The Magnificat)
• Isaiah 9:67 The prophecy of the coming Messiah

Key Takeaways

• Imagination plays an important role in developing faith
• Christmas traditions can strengthen family bonds
• Jesus birth is a miraculous, world-changing event
• Santa Claus can be funbut may distract from the true meaning of Christmas
• Marys obedience is a powerful example of faith and trust in God
• Children are gifts with God-given purpose
• The ultimate gift of Christmas is Jesus Christ
• Celebrating Christmas should intentionally include Jesus
• Faith and imagination can exist in harmony
• Teaching children the true meaning of Christmas matters

Join the Conversation

Emunah listenerswe want to hear from you!

Email: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com
Share your Christmas story and tell us when you first began to believe in Jesus.

Post your testimony on the Women of the Word website:
https://wordconsultingllc.com

In this special episode, Emunah (Hebrew for faith, belief) joins forces once again with the online Bible Study Ministry Restore, Refocus, and Refresh (RRR) for a rich, Scripture-centered conversation on the Book of Hebrews. Together, we explore five powerful themes that reveal why Jesus is betterbetter than cultural noise, identity labels, our weaknesses, self-effort, and the guilt or shame we try to carry alone.

This episode unpacks how Jesus speaks truth, gives purpose, meets us in our struggles, renews our hearts, and offers complete freedom through the New Covenant. Listeners will discover why Jesus is superior in every aspect of life and how Hebrews speaks directly to todays emotional, spiritual, and cultural challenges.

Featured Guests from Restore, Refocus, and Refresh (RRR)

Delores Cole Oak Ridge, TN

A lifelong songstress for the Lord and born in Middlesboro, KY, Delores surrendered her life to Christ at age 9. Her passion is to let others see Christ in her daily walk and to help draw people to salvation through the Holy Spirit.
Scriptures shared:
1 Corinthians 2:14 Hebrews 4:12 John 16:13 Jeremiah 33:3 John 10:27 Proverbs 8:58

Pastor Saltares Conyers, GA

Pastor Saltares and his wife Carol lead Unlimited Faith and Favor Ministries. In this episode, he highlights Galatians 2:20 and the transformative story of Saul of Tarsusonce a persecutor of Christians, later the apostle Paul who carried the gospel to the Gentiles.

Jennine King Atlanta, GA

An educator at Decatur High School, mother of four, and grandmother of one, Jennine describes herself as a praise-and-worshipper and a prayer warrior. She loves riding her e-bike in nature, spending quiet time listening for Gods voice.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Jesus is better than every competing voice demanding our attention.
• We must learn to discern what aligns with Christs teachings.
• Jesus calls us to a deeper purpose beyond self-centered living.
• The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth.
• Building our identity on Christ is essential for spiritual stability.
• Jesus is our eternal High Priest who continually intercedes for us.
• The New Covenant brings real heart transformationnot just behavior change.
• We must renew our minds each day to align with Gods truth.
• Jesus sacrifice frees us from guilt, shame, and condemnation.
• Our actions often speak louder than our words when witnessing to others.

Connect With the RRR Presenters

To reach the Restore, Refocus, and Refresh team, email: clubchrist718@gmail.com

Emunah listeners, we are anxious for your comments, response, reaction, and advice. Email us at wordconsultingllc@gmail.com or visit the Women of the Word website: https:wordconsultingllc.com

In this powerful episode of Emunah, Dr. Jessica Pepple, founder of The Reframe Institute in Worcester, Mass, shares her mission to heal generational trauma through historical truth-telling, community-centered learning, and a bold liberation framework. We explore the Reframe Journeys to sites of slavery and resilience, the Four Is of Oppression, and strategies for building empathy, equity, and shared humanity. This conversation brings together faith, justice, and hope and offers practical steps toward person and community healing.

Dr. Pepples announcement of this new, ambitious venture on Thanksgiving Day comes only months after her unsuccessful run for the Worcester City Councilor, at-large seat. Previously she was the inaugural chief diversity and culture officer at RFK Community Alliance in Lancaster. She was named one of the Worcester Business Journals Power 100 in 2024.

Dr. Pepple discusses the importance of redefining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the role of culture in shaping these concepts. She stressed the need for DEI practitioners to take ownership of the definitions and frameworks they use, particularly in the context of a liberation framework that highlights cultural influences on inclusion.

To learn more about The Reframe Institute (Reframe Journeys, The Freemans Circle, training programs), check out the website at https://reframeinstitute92.org/

Dr. Pepples email is: reframeyou92@gmail.com.

Emunah listeners, share your comments, reaction, advice at wordconsultingllc@gmail.com