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"Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things that don't really matter." — Francis Chan
Hello festive souls! As the twinkling lights adorn our streets, the air fills with the scent of pine, and the holiday season whirls into full swing, many of us find ourselves caught in a cycle of activity and expectation. Christmas, a season meant for unbridled joy and togetherness, can often feel overwhelmingly stressful. But what if we told you there’s a way to unlock joy even when the pressure builds? Welcome back to the Interviewing Jesus Podcast, where we’re revisiting our Christmas Stressless Toolkit—a gentle guide to help you find calm and divine wisdom amidst the holiday hustle. Today, we are blending practical steps and profound reflection, inspired by the hands of our perfect carpenter, Jesus, to transform stress into genuine celebration. Remember, we put the hammer away and we do not disqualify ourselves from all of the goodness that Jesus has given us on our not so good days. That's when we really need him. Amen."—Kristen Wambach
In this episode, host Kristen Wambach uses a metaphorical toolkit—featuring a hammer, a measuring tape, and a screwdriver—to address the pervasive issue of self-inflicted pressure during the holidays. Kristen encourages listeners to stop using the metaphorical "hammer" on themselves by setting impossibly high standards and instead, to apply extra grace. Drawing on Ephesians 4 (from the Mere Translation), she reveals that meekness, tenderness, and compassion are already woven into our spiritual fabric. The measuring tape’s true function is to show that our worth is defined solely by the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s grace—not by performance or a holiday to-do list. The episode powerfully reminds us that God is "head over heels in love with you," infusing us with grace and that His faith is the moving mechanism of our identity and worth, making us "equally advantaged" in His love, regardless of a "good day or a not so good day."  A man who is a master of patience is master of everything else." - George Savile The season of giving often becomes the season of doing. We find ourselves in a whirlwind, and inevitably, that stress starts to show up. In our Christmas Stressless Toolkit, the first item we pull out is the hammer. This is a tool we use frequently for decorating—tacking up garland and hanging wreaths. But we need to ask ourselves a crucial question: Are you using this metaphorical hammer on yourself? With that measuring tape, our measurement is about what Many of us are hard on ourselves, placing towering expectations, especially in a season dedicated to serving others. If you’ve ever been the last person you dole out a little extra grace to, this conversation is for you. Our to-do lists can quickly monopolize our brain space. Kristen suggests a helpful tip: take a moment to list out your Christmas activities, but then value the reason for them. Value the value in your gatherings. When you highlight the joy—the celebration of Jesus’s birthday in an attitude of togetherness—you see the purpose behind the pressure. Note to self: hammers are not intended for human use. We must put that tool away and refuse to come down hard on ourselves. Next, we discover the measuring tape and screwdriver. This is where we talk to Jesus, the perfect carpenter. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4 (Mere Translation), speaks of how our spiritual makeup is already attached, bound, and woven with meekness and tenderness. This enables us to show compassion—even to those irritating issues, and most importantly, compassion to self.  Thank You for Supporting and Encouraging this Podcast, Kristen Note to self, hammers are not intended for human use... Do you ever find that you're using this metaphorical hammer on yourself? What do I mean? Are you being hard on you?" —Kristen Wambach FESTIVE LIVE RECORDING for your big screen TVThe measuring tape has a profound spiritual meaning. Our measurement is not based on how many tasks we complete or how perfectly we execute the holidays. Our measurement is about what God believes about you and I. It’s about His faith, which resides on the inside of you. The gift of Christ measures the extravagant dimensions of grace, where every single person is equally advantaged. Our individual value is defined by His gift, not by our performance on a good day or a not-so-good day. Remembering the story of Mary, who was told by the angel Gabriel to have no fear because "God is head over heels in love with you," we grasp the sheer magnitude of our infused grace. Like Mary, we are mystically captured by a dream, a desire, a hope God has placed within us. Jesus’s love and grace are the best measurements attached to our lives. The episode closes with a beautiful, personalized adaptation of Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1:46-54): “My spirit bursts with joy over my life-giving God, for he set his tender gaze upon me... I have been favored and blessed.” This is a powerful declaration of your innate worth and God's unwavering presence. This Christmas, let us put the hammer away. Let us measure our lives by the extravagant dimensions of grace that Jesus has already bound and woven into our very being. Your toolkit is already full of the power of His love. BINGE LISTEN
What is my favorite Christmas Memory? So many to choose from, today - Years ago, I volunteered to be the bell ringer for Salvation Army Donation sites, the red bucket and bell you hear, which brings in the holiday spirit. I sang Christmas carols until I couldn't sing anymore... such a joy to put a smile on people's faces, sing their personal favorite by request, and give my beloved talents to the community. Call to Action Don't let the pressure steal your peace! If this episode encouraged you to put the "hammer" away, please share it with a friend who needs a dose of grace this season. Comment below, subscribe to the 25 Advent Days of Christmas for exclusive freebies and daily encouragement! 
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I'm Kristen WambachI'm all grown up (I think?) Along my journey of searching for answers, I found them. I went from spiritual blindness to OMG! With a driving niche as an entrepreneur. I love hanging out with our four sons, riding with my husband on his Harley, and creating all things hospitality. My mission? To help others see "beyond" and own their awesomeness within!
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"Kristen Wambach, Ordained Pastor & Spiritual Coach, Author and host of the Interviewing Jesus Podcast."
