As we celebrate the birth of our Savior and prepare for a new year, this Christmas message is a reminder of God’s faithfulness, presence, and great joy for all people.

“Do not be afraid… I am bringing you good news of great joy.” — Luke 2:10 (NRSVUE)

May this message encourage you to walk forward with faith, trust God’s timing, and remember—you are never alone.

God cares for you.

Merry Christmas and blessings for the New Year.

— Sarita Bernadette

Joy in Every Step

In this episode of 'Joy in Every Step', Sarita explores the themes of love and joy, particularly during the holiday season. She discusses the importance of finding joy in small moments and human connections, emphasizing two types of love: agape (unconditional love) and phileo (brotherly love). Through biblical references and personal insights, Sarita encourages listeners to practice love in all its forms, highlighting the physical and spiritual benefits of loving others.

Takeaways

• Finding joy in small moments is essential.
• Agape love is selfless and unconditional.
• Phileo love represents deep friendship and loyalty.
• The story of David and Jonathan exemplifies brotherly love.
• Love is a commandment, not just a suggestion.
• Demonstrating love can have physical health benefits.
• We should love through all seasons of life.
• Compassion defines who our neighbors are.
• Acts of kindness stimulate positive hormones.
• The greatest virtue is love.

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In this episode of 'Joy in Every Step', Sarita Bernadette discusses the pressures of holiday expectations and the importance of human connection during this season. She emphasizes the need to focus on meaningful relationships, drawing on biblical examples of friendship and love. The conversation highlights how human connection can enhance mental health, foster joy, and deepen our spiritual lives. Sarita encourages listeners to prioritize time with loved ones and to find joy in the little moments together.

Takeaways

• It's okay to say no to some things this season.
• Human connection nourishes the brain and the body.
• Love is a command from the Lord.
• Strong relationships enhance longevity.
• Get yourself some friends who will give you life.
• Spend some time deepening your relationships with God.
• True worship involves unconditional love.
• There is much joy in human connection.
• Seek out those you love and spend time together.
• Our joy may be complete when we connect face-to-face.

In this episode, Sarita emphasizes the importance of finding Joy in small moments and practicing gratitude, especially during the holiday season. She encourages listeners to recognize God's presence in everyday life and to transform mourning into Joy through thankfulness. The discussion highlights the importance of prioritizing meaningful connections and self-care over the season's chaos, advocating for intentional living and focusing on the simple pleasures that bring happiness.

Takeaways

• Find joy in the small moments and the little things.
• Jesus demonstrated the importance of being thankful.
• Practicing gratitude helps develop a heart filled with joy.
• Look for God in the details of everyday life.
• It's the bonds and experiences that matter most.
• Prioritize small moments of worship and self-care.
• It's okay to say no to big duties and responsibilities.
• Focus on quiet pleasures and meaningful connections.
• Be intentional about your time during the holiday season.
• Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Hello, beloved! As we gather for Thanksgiving, remember that gratitude is more than a holiday posture—it's a spiritual strategy. May your home be filled with peace and your heart with the assurance of God's love. Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, ‘Give thanks in ALL circumstances.’ Not FOR all things, but IN all things — because gratitude realigns our hearts with God’s goodness.

In this episode, Sarita discusses the often challenging concept of waiting, particularly from a biblical perspective. She explores how modern society's fast-paced nature contrasts with the spiritual practice of waiting on God, emphasizing the importance of patience, hope, and obedience. Through the story of the prophet Habakkuk, she illustrates how waiting can be an active process filled with faith and trust in God's timing and justice. The episode concludes with practical strategies for listeners to navigate their own waiting periods with grace and gratitude.

Takeaways

• Most of us hate to wait.
• Biblical waiting involves hope and trust in God.
• Waiting requires obedience and action.
• Habakkuk's story reflects our struggles with waiting.
• God's plan may not align with our expectations.
• The Lord is sovereign and in control.
• Waiting can lead to spiritual growth and understanding.
• We should seek God's presence while we wait.
• Practicing gratitude can help during waiting periods.
• Trusting God's timing is essential.

In this episode, Sarita discusses the importance of shutting out distractions and inner chatter to focus on divine guidance. She emphasizes the need to prioritize God's opinion over societal approval, highlighting how external judgments can hinder personal growth and decision-making.

Matthew 6:6 NLT "But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."

Takeaways

• Shut the door to the inside chatter.
• Shut the door to the distractions.
• Distractions can pull attention away from essential instructions.
• Caring about others' opinions can lead to self-doubt.
• God's opinion is the only one that really matters.
• External judgments can hinder personal growth.
• Focus on divine guidance for better decision-making.
• Inner peace comes from ignoring distractions.
• Seek approval from God, not from people.
• Embrace your unique path without fear of judgment.

This week on Joy in Every Step, we’re revisiting one of Sarita Bernadette’s most loved messages — a reflection on the peace and renewal found in solitude. In a world filled with noise, Jesus calls us to step away, be still, and rediscover the beauty of prayer in private.

Sarita explores the significance of solitude and healing through conversations. She discusses the importance of being present with oneself and with God, emphasizing the need for quiet reflection in a busy world. The dialogue highlights Jesus' example of seeking solitude for prayer and connection with the Father, illustrating how solitude can lead to peace, self-reflection, and rejuvenation. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace solitude as a way to find joy and clarity in their lives.

Takeaways:

• Conversations can lead to healing and closure.
• Solitude is often misunderstood in today's busy society.
• Being alone can be a choice for reflection and prayer.
• Surrendering anxiety allows for a deeper connection with God.
• Jesus exemplified the importance of solitude in his ministry.
• Solitude provides comfort and reassurance in God's presence.
• Time spent alone with God can activate creativity.
• Even short moments of solitude can be beneficial.
• Creating a dedicated space for solitude enhances the experience.
• Persistence in seeking solitude is key to spiritual growth.

Released initially as Episode 6 in 2023. Re-released in November 2025 with updated reflection and renewed encouragement.