At the Coffee and Bible Time podcast, our goal is to help you delight in God's Word and thrive in Christian living.

Each week, we talk to subject matter experts who broaden your biblical understanding,

encourage you in hard times, and provide life-building tips to enhance your Christian walk.

We are so glad you have joined us.

Welcome back to the Coffee and Bible Time podcast.

This is Ellen, your host.

The holiday season can be overwhelming with every moment packed full of parties, decorations,

and endless to-do lists. And in the rush, we can lose sight of what we truly want to celebrate,

which is God's presence with us and the peace that Advent brings. And we just create,

we crave a season that is both joyful and restful, but finding that balance can feel out

of reach at times. Well, with us today, Linear Vester, her approach to Advent and Christmas

offers a beautiful alternative. In this episode, she invites us to craft a holiday that honors

both the highs and lows, embracing moments of joy and acknowledging sorrows. Her book, called Glad and

Golden Hours, provides gentle guidance on balancing the season's festivity with intentional rest.

It shows us how to celebrate in a way that makes space for God's peace. Without this intentional approach, the season can

often leave us feeling depleted, feeling as though we missed the meaning that we're searching

for. And we may even feel empty having our calendars filled, but not our hearts. So let's take a moment today to consider how we can

embrace both rest and joy this season. Lanier Ivester is a homemaker and writer in the beautiful

state of Georgia, where she maintains a small farm with her husband, Philip. She studied English

literature at the University of Oxford, and her special areas of interest include the intersection

of Christianity and art, the sacramental nature of everyday life, and the truth-bearing witness

of the imagination.

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