Uncommon Purpose

S4.E12 | Advent Week 4: Love

In this episode, the hosts reflect on the themes of Advent, focusing on God's love as revealed through the story of Jesus' birth. They discuss the significance of Mary's reflections, the shepherds' journey, and the unpredictable nature of God's love. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personalizing God's love, embodying it in our lives, and extending love to others, especially those who are difficult to love. The hosts explore how hope, peace, joy, and love interconnect during the Advent season, culminating in the celebration of love's embodiment in Christ. Takeaways Mary's reflection on God's love is profound and personal. The shepherds' immediate response to the angel's message is inspiring. God's love is often revealed in unexpected ways. Personalizing God's love can be a challenging but rewarding journey. Receiving God's love requires us to let go of feelings of unworthiness. Embodying Christ's love means showing gentleness and kindness to others. Loving the unlovable is a true reflection of Christ's love. Hope, peace, joy, and love are interconnected themes of Advent. The culmination of Advent is a celebration of love's embodiment in Christ. Love is the ultimate message of the Christmas season.

S4.E11 | Advent Week 3: The Joy That Comes After

In this week’s Uncommon Purpose Podcast, Mandy and Stephanie dive into the third week of Advent — Joy — exploring what it means to find joy that lasts beyond fleeting happiness. As the pink candle is lit, they reflect on how true joy often follows the hard work of hope and peace. Together, they talk about the difference between joy and happiness, the way God’s presence produces lasting joy, and how family traditions, even in seasons of grief, can become sacred reminders of God’s goodness. From Mariah Carey singalongs and Christmas lights to tears of gratitude and the reminder that “joy isn’t fragile,” this episode invites listeners to slow down, notice joy, and name it with gratitude. ✨ Whether your holiday feels bustling or bittersweet, you’ll be reminded that joy grows deep roots in the soil of faithfulness and gratitude. Scripture References: * Psalm 30:5 – “Joy comes in the morning.” * Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good… for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.” * Psalm 16:11 – “In Your presence there is fullness of joy.” * Luke 2:10–11 – The shepherds and the good news of great joy. Names of God Mentioned: * Messiah — The Anointed One who has come * Jehovah Rapha — The Lord who heals Practical Notes to Add: * Mention of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (music reference) * Traditions discussed: Christmas Eve pajamas + Christmas lights drive * Reflection practice: “Name what brings you joy this week and give thanks.” * Tag @uncommonpurposepodcast on Instagram when you share their joy moments on your social media

S4.E10 | Advent Week 2 — Peace: Shalom, Shalom (Wholeness you don’t have to chase)

In this Uncommon Purpose conversation, Mandy and Stephanie unpack Advent’s second candle—Peace—as shalom: wholeness, restoration, and right relationship with God and others. They wrestle honestly with hurry, rest, and why “peace” isn’t just the absence of conflict. You’ll hear practical rhythms (a weekly 24-hour Sabbath, breathwork, keeping Advent simple and consistent), tender stories (a mentor who reminded us Jesus already gave you peace), and a theology that moves toward redemptive, restorative living—owning our part, reconciling, and carrying God’s peace into chaotic rooms. They revisit Jesus’ way of peace (John 14:27), talk about being peacemakers in real relationships, and offer small seasonal practices—from breathing prayers to cutting December errands—that help you access the peace you already have in Christ. Scripture mentioned or clearly alluded to * John 14:27 — “My peace I give you…” * Matthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers…” * Isaiah 9:6 — “Prince of Peace” * ( Numbers 6:24–26 (Priestly Blessing), Colossians 1:19–20 (reconciliation) Names of God referenced * Jehovah Shalom — “The Lord is Peace” (Judges 6:24) * El Roi (spelled this way) — “The God Who Sees Me” (Genesis 16) Resources & cultural references * BEMA Discipleship Podcast with Marty Solomon (Sabbath “rules”: no work, all play; we rest; God loves us; trust the story) * The Chosen — Mary reflecting on Jesus’ birth (“He needed me.”) * Breathwork — breathing prayer as a restorative practice (physiological reset) * Advent practices: keeping a consistent, simple routine; lighting the Peace candle; nature/creation as a peace pathway * Holiday logistics that reduce chaos: front-loading shopping; avoiding crowded stores; blessing delivery drivers Practical prompts to include * “Light the Peace candle. Take three slow, deep breaths. Ask the Spirit to remind you of the peace you already have.” * “Peacemaking practice: own your side of the street, apologize quickly, pursue reconciliation.” * “Nature prompt: spend five minutes noticing creation (even through a window) and thank God for what you see.”

S4.E9 | Advent Week 1 — Hope: Remembering God’s Faithfulness, Receiving What’s to Come

In this Uncommon Purpose episode, Mandy and Stephanie open Advent with Hope—not wishful thinking or “hope in people,” but biblical hope rooted in God’s character and promises. They reflect on the long silence before Christ’s birth, Mary and Joseph’s steadfast obedience, and how generational preparation forms a hopeful posture. Practically, they share simple Advent rhythms: lighting the first candle, keeping devotions un-fussy, using a family Jesse Tree, and weaving Scripture into ordinary pauses with the YouVersion Bible app. You’ll hear why remembering past faithfulness fuels present hope (Romans 15:13), how to start small if you’re late to Advent (“no shame”), and names of God that anchor hope—El Shaddai (All-Sufficient God) and Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide). Expect a warm nudge to journal specific memories of God’s faithfulness and tuck that journal into your Christmas box to revisit each year—because His faithfulness before is evidence of His promises going forward. Scripture * Romans 15:13 — “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…” * Advent context: Intertestamental silence & Messianic prophecy (e.g., Luke 1–2, Isaiah 7:14; 9:2,6–7) * Obedience/faithfulness themes: Matthew 1:18–25 (Joseph), Luke 1:26–38 (Mary), Luke 1:46–55 (Magnificat) Resources the episode names * Advent devotional: “Shadows and Light” [https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Light-Journey-into-Advent/dp/0736980601/ref=sr_1_3?adgrpid=185637487399&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DB8SoI4dtINU5Va1Hr3wnTI0u7xfXjd00sVIab0AD0tt0aFS5MHX9VRrcH5Ox4wKsFNSKd9oqNbiXTDNOVaOKMkn4ARVTGljfzodHJ79UtgU7rhfduaIx1C0c0d2uF_mayQHweZXq0I83f9ogR99GOyBdjyVmm3cquK5QwF43NOPHVRT3iVtcm9OsedCHcCEu-4roumMiioPdoSl7gsZO7r5lXcVHqUfFmMDXE2v5KM.VAKdlkLIgRDExkd4QttVWif6hj29_aFNsrhKK2PG94k&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779680908146&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9016066&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=5968813962267701254--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5968813962267701254&hvtargid=kwd-1001530840046&hydadcr=20715_13327174_2060609&keywords=shadow+and+light+advent&mcid=88435e499a393ff5b228658f251cb0ae&qid=1764617450&sr=8-3]— * Jenni Keller — “Love Comes Near” [https://www.amazon.com/Love-Comes-Near-Advent-Bible/dp/151876665X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2UYZB6KOQHK5X&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lV0KBwfYWuJ4wVV25LKXTFtLf8f6dq7oV08zbu9zmrhIxKSfaEZ2n5euKRAhfPvteGBO87OwDFAOPBU14uAmneCRJpwHkUnH-7K8zIqDgM4shTyBgvcAvf201S6gOz9sPhwEV6t7ukSdsO6U2eqWJhZYbVbFuhIBpvkZNYJTxYpOGwLqYIDbKo7AnvhDok_6Zx8YwJOQQv7WfrlyeWA15n2yUIoqSoZB7Gn--MDv_zo.00_niVE9ZVcF_VRPR6ONn8icG9hMrk8tAOXgsbQMIro&dib_tag=se&keywords=love+comes+near&qid=1764617490&sprefix=love+comes+near%252Caps%252C171&sr=8-1] * YouVersion Bible App [https://www.youversion.com/bible-app] * Jesse Tree [https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/] Practical prompts for listeners * “Light the Hope candle. Spend five minutes remembering a time God was faithful; write it down.” * “Start small: one Advent moment this week is better than a perfect plan you never use.” * “Create a Hope Journal and store it with your Christmas decor to revisit each year.”

S4E8.1 | Bonus Episode: Advent Kickoff — Slow Down, Wait Well, and Make Room for Jesus

In this Uncommon Purpose Advent kickoff, Mandy and Stephanie reframe December from “do it all” to intentional celebration. They unpack what Advent means (“coming”)—both the first coming of Jesus and His promised return—and why the season is a spiritual preparation that helps us practice presence in a hurry-prone month. You’ll hear honest reflections on waiting (trusting God’s timing), simple ways to build anticipation (lighting candles, short daily readings, breath prayers), and how to choose traditions that point to Christ rather than “more stuff.” The hosts outline a four-week mini-series on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, and invite listeners to use the extra time from these shorter episodes to actually practice Advent. Scripture referenced / alluded to * Revelation 22:20 — “Come, Lord Jesus.” * Isaiah 9:2,6–7 — Light in the darkness; Prince of Peace (Advent prophecy) * Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 1–2 — Nativity accounts (hope/obedience in waiting) * John 8:12 — Jesus, Light of the World (fits the candle imagery) Names of God mentioned * Emmanuel — “God with us” * Alpha and Omega — beginning and end * Messiah — the Anointed One * Light of the World Practices & resources discussed * Advent candles (weekly or daily lighting; colors optional—use what you have) * Short daily devotion + breath prayer (presence over perfection) * Traditions that build anticipation (versus “just more presents”) * Jenny Keller — Love Comes Near (family-friendly Advent devotional) [https://www.amazon.com/Love-Comes-Near-Advent-Bible/dp/151876665X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UM0NOIM97SJI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4EGcSrE7jO4W24kvTcJx0w.ADAKSHbVoy1IkM5d-UN74_o2IcKHcT4uBmSS8tBGIEM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Jenny+Keller+%E2%80%94+Love+Comes+Near&qid=1764035481&sprefix=jenny+keller+love+comes+near%252Caps%252C110&sr=8-1] * Optional: Advent spiral/wreath tools for daily counting (Mandy mentions a movable spiral; add a generic link to an Advent spiral product or note “pictured on socials”) Helpful clarifications for your listeners * Advent = “coming” (both first coming of Jesus and His return) * 12 Days of Christmas run Dec 25–Jan 5, concluding with Epiphany (Jan 6) * Many put magi in nativity sets, but historically their visit is associated with Epiphany (a fun “did you know?” you raise in the episode) Practical prompts to add * “Name what you’re waiting for this Advent. Write it on a card and place it beside your candle.” * “Trade one December task for ten minutes of quiet with Scripture (YouVersion plan, one psalm, or Luke 1–2).” * “Breathe: 4 in / 4 hold / 6 out while praying, ‘Come, Lord Jesus.’” Cultural references worth noting * Advent calendars (Lego/socks/chocolate) as means of anticipation—great if they point to Christ National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation advent-calendar gag (lighthearted nod)