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    <fireside:genDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:35:20 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Christmas”</title>
    <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/christmas</link>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 01:30:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <description>At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us.
Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ.
This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace.
</description>
    <language>en</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another. </itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us.
Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ.
This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace.
</itunes:summary>
    <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
    <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>Faith; Christ; Podcast; Catholic; Friends; Draw Near</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>drawnear.me@gmail.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality">
  <itunes:category text="Spirituality"/>
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<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality">
  <itunes:category text="Christianity"/>
</itunes:category>
<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"/>
<item>
  <title>Advent Reflection: Already and Not Yet</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/203</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 01:30:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/61bb477c-39e1-48d2-8c85-e576054ba1e9.mp3" length="55670402" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Jesus is coming... AGAIN! 
Advent is a time of Preparation! In this Lectio Divina Reflection Fred and Kara talk about preparing for the coming of Jesus! He was born of a virgin in a manger and so has ALREADY come. BUT also... not YET, because Jesus will come again. Are we preparing ourselves for Jesus to return? What if Jesus returned tomorrow? Are you ready? </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>38:02</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/6/61bb477c-39e1-48d2-8c85-e576054ba1e9/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Jesus is coming... AGAIN! 
Advent is a time of Preparation! In this Lectio Divina Reflection Fred and Kara talk about preparing for the coming of Jesus! He was born of a virgin in a manger and so has ALREADY come. BUT also... not YET, because Jesus will come again. 
Are we preparing ourselves for Jesus to return? What if Jesus returned tomorrow? Are you ready? 
Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)."
Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. 
"Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! 
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.  (https://www.drawnear.me/)
Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! 
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Advent, Catholic, Reflections, Meditations, Lectio Divina, Jesus' Birth, Christmas, Podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, Jesus' Second Coming, Baruch, Matthew 25, Matthew 7, 10 Virgins, Scripture</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Jesus is coming... AGAIN! <br>
Advent is a time of Preparation! In this Lectio Divina Reflection Fred and Kara talk about preparing for the coming of Jesus! He was born of a virgin in a manger and so has ALREADY come. BUT also... not YET, because Jesus will come again. <br>
Are we preparing ourselves for Jesus to return? What if Jesus returned tomorrow? Are you ready? </p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Jesus is coming... AGAIN! <br>
Advent is a time of Preparation! In this Lectio Divina Reflection Fred and Kara talk about preparing for the coming of Jesus! He was born of a virgin in a manger and so has ALREADY come. BUT also... not YET, because Jesus will come again. <br>
Are we preparing ourselves for Jesus to return? What if Jesus returned tomorrow? Are you ready? </p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Christmas Classic: Xmas and Advent Traditions</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/155</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 18 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/1ab32d42-844c-4421-a270-513e41684b16.mp3" length="74910817" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Pulling from the Draw Near archive for this one, please enjoy this classic "Draw Near Christmas Spectacular" where we talk about our favorite Christmas memories and share some of our families' traditions. BONUS: hear all new year-end updates from Fred and Kara.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>52:00</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/1/1ab32d42-844c-4421-a270-513e41684b16/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Pulling from the Draw Near archive for this one, please enjoy this classic "Draw Near Christmas Spectacular" where we talk about our favorite Christmas memories and share some of our families' traditions. BONUS: hear all new year-end updates. 
Thank you to everyone for making this year one filled with blessings. Blessing this Advent, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! 
Vision episode mentioned in the intro: I See a Movement (https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+g1VDUiWo) 
*To learn more about the summer missionary mentorship program or to apply, contact us at drawnear.me@gmail.com
*
Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)."
Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. 
"Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! 
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.  (https://www.drawnear.me/)
Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! 
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Christmas, episode, updates, archive, classics, Draw Near, podcast, Fred Shellabarger, Kara Kardell, catholic summer jobs</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Pulling from the Draw Near archive for this one, please enjoy this classic &quot;Draw Near Christmas Spectacular&quot; where we talk about our favorite Christmas memories and share some of our families&#39; traditions. BONUS: hear all new year-end updates. <br>
Thank you to everyone for making this year one filled with blessings. Blessing this Advent, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! </p>

<p>Vision episode mentioned in the intro: <a href="https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+g1VDUiWo" rel="nofollow">I See a Movement</a> <br>
*<em>To learn more about the summer missionary mentorship program or to apply, contact us at <a href="mailto:drawnear.me@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">drawnear.me@gmail.com</a><br>
*</em></p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Pulling from the Draw Near archive for this one, please enjoy this classic &quot;Draw Near Christmas Spectacular&quot; where we talk about our favorite Christmas memories and share some of our families&#39; traditions. BONUS: hear all new year-end updates. <br>
Thank you to everyone for making this year one filled with blessings. Blessing this Advent, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! </p>

<p>Vision episode mentioned in the intro: <a href="https://share.fireside.fm/episode/2wPRj5Ul+g1VDUiWo" rel="nofollow">I See a Movement</a> <br>
*<em>To learn more about the summer missionary mentorship program or to apply, contact us at <a href="mailto:drawnear.me@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">drawnear.me@gmail.com</a><br>
*</em></p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>BONUS: The Gift of the Magi</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/84</link>
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  <pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/5df6af98-ccde-4c41-8b4a-cdf0ce5bfd5a.mp3" length="16857399" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Continuing to share some of our favorite Christmas stories this holiday season, here is a a classic that may just bring you to tears: "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. For this reading, Fred is joined by Siouxland Catholic Radio's, Joanne Fox, who narrates. He is also joined by his wife, Krystal, in the role of Della and his daughter who plays the part of Mrs. Sofronie. 
We both love inviting listeners into our homes and into our families as we celebrate this year by sharing some of our favorite Christmas stories. This is a purely "sit back and relax," "story time" sort of "shorty" episode. We hope this reading will be a blessing to you this Christmas season. Thank you for listening and allowing us to be a part of your lives this year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>10:57</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/5/5df6af98-ccde-4c41-8b4a-cdf0ce5bfd5a/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
  <description>Continuing to share some of our favorite Christmas stories this holiday season, here is a a classic that may just bring you to tears: "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. For this reading, Fred is joined by Siouxland Catholic Radio's, Joanne Fox, who narrates. He is also joined by his wife, Krystal, in the role of Della and his daughter who plays the part of Mrs. Sofronie. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>christmas stories, the gift of the magi, meaning of christmas, draw near, podcast, bonus, Fred Shellabarger</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Continuing to share some of our favorite Christmas stories this holiday season, here is a a classic that may just bring you to tears: &quot;The Gift of the Magi&quot; by O. Henry. For this reading, Fred is joined by Siouxland Catholic Radio&#39;s, Joanne Fox, who narrates. He is also joined by his wife, Krystal, in the role of Della and his daughter who plays the part of Mrs. Sofronie. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Continuing to share some of our favorite Christmas stories this holiday season, here is a a classic that may just bring you to tears: &quot;The Gift of the Magi&quot; by O. Henry. For this reading, Fred is joined by Siouxland Catholic Radio&#39;s, Joanne Fox, who narrates. He is also joined by his wife, Krystal, in the role of Della and his daughter who plays the part of Mrs. Sofronie. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>BONUS: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/75</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">eb44d4ab-8410-4d4a-8bcc-c30a0db412cf</guid>
  <pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2022 01:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/eb44d4ab-8410-4d4a-8bcc-c30a0db412cf.mp3" length="3098584" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Following up on the surprising popularity of our reading of "Yes, Virginia There is A Santa Claus" last year, we decided to share some more Christmas stories this holiday season. We both will be inviting listeners into our homes and into our families as we celebrate this year by sharing some of our favorite Christmas stories. We invite you (and your family) to enjoy this timeless story that Fred reads to his children every year! This is a purely "sit back and relax," "story time" sort of "shorty" episode. We hope this reading will be a blessing to you this Christmas season. Thank you for listening and allowing us to be a part of your lives this year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 
</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>3:56</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/e/eb44d4ab-8410-4d4a-8bcc-c30a0db412cf/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Following up on the surprising popularity of our reading of "Yes, Virginia There is A Santa Claus" last year, we decided to share some more Christmas stories this holiday season. We both will be inviting listeners into our homes and into our families as we celebrate this year by sharing some of our favorite Christmas stories. We invite you (and your family) to enjoy this timeless story that Fred reads to his children every year! This is a purely "sit back and relax," "story time" sort of "shorty" episode. We hope this reading will be a blessing to you this Christmas season. Thank you for listening and allowing us to be a part of your lives this year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 
You can find a copy of the book we read from here: https://amzn.to/3HwGaZF  
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Christmas, Story, Reading, Twas the Night Before Christmas, Draw Near, Fred and Kara</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Following up on the surprising popularity of our reading of &quot;Yes, Virginia There is A Santa Claus&quot; last year, we decided to share some more Christmas stories this holiday season. We both will be inviting listeners into our homes and into our families as we celebrate this year by sharing some of our favorite Christmas stories. We invite you (and your family) to enjoy this timeless story that Fred reads to his children every year! This is a purely &quot;sit back and relax,&quot; &quot;story time&quot; sort of &quot;shorty&quot; episode. We hope this reading will be a blessing to you this Christmas season. Thank you for listening and allowing us to be a part of your lives this year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! </p>

<p>You can find a copy of the book we read from here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3HwGaZF" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/3HwGaZF</a> </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Following up on the surprising popularity of our reading of &quot;Yes, Virginia There is A Santa Claus&quot; last year, we decided to share some more Christmas stories this holiday season. We both will be inviting listeners into our homes and into our families as we celebrate this year by sharing some of our favorite Christmas stories. We invite you (and your family) to enjoy this timeless story that Fred reads to his children every year! This is a purely &quot;sit back and relax,&quot; &quot;story time&quot; sort of &quot;shorty&quot; episode. We hope this reading will be a blessing to you this Christmas season. Thank you for listening and allowing us to be a part of your lives this year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! </p>

<p>You can find a copy of the book we read from here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3HwGaZF" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/3HwGaZF</a> </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Christmas Bonus: Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Clause by Francis Church </title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/34</link>
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  <pubDate>Fri, 24 Dec 2021 04:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/b98acfb9-670e-4e27-8d79-a1872018f3fe.mp3" length="5698422" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Following up on our Christmas Spectacular episode, we invite you (and your family) to enjoy a timeless story that Fred reads to his children every year! </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>6:55</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/b/b98acfb9-670e-4e27-8d79-a1872018f3fe/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Following up on our Christmas Spectacular episode, we invite you (and your family) to enjoy a timeless story that Fred reads to his children every year! This is a purely "sit back and relax," "story time" sort of "shorty" episode. We hope this reading will be a blessing to you this Christmas season. Thank you for listening and allowing us to be a part of your lives this year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Virginia, Santa, Clause, Christmas, Bonus</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Following up on our Christmas Spectacular episode, we invite you (and your family) to enjoy a timeless story that Fred reads to his children every year! This is a purely &quot;sit back and relax,&quot; &quot;story time&quot; sort of &quot;shorty&quot; episode. We hope this reading will be a blessing to you this Christmas season. Thank you for listening and allowing us to be a part of your lives this year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Following up on our Christmas Spectacular episode, we invite you (and your family) to enjoy a timeless story that Fred reads to his children every year! This is a purely &quot;sit back and relax,&quot; &quot;story time&quot; sort of &quot;shorty&quot; episode. We hope this reading will be a blessing to you this Christmas season. Thank you for listening and allowing us to be a part of your lives this year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Draw Near Christmas Spectacular!</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/33</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">f6112ce7-67aa-47e6-bca5-c75b4ebfed6c</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 22 Dec 2021 02:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/f6112ce7-67aa-47e6-bca5-c75b4ebfed6c.mp3" length="41145224" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell invite you into their friendship and family lives this Christmas season… sharing a few tears from laughing so hard, favorite Christmas memories, traditions, and ways to make this season and Christ’s light shine in the home. Come laugh with us, enjoy Advent and Christmas, and pick up some traditions for your family. Draw Near, Podcast, New Year's, Resolutions, Chit chat and banter, interview</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>49:00</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/f/f6112ce7-67aa-47e6-bca5-c75b4ebfed6c/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>In this episode, we take a step back, relax, get a little bit silly, and invite you into our own lives and friendship. We discuss some of our favorite Advent traditions as well as some of our favorite Christmas memories and share how we celebrate this most beautiful time of year with our families. We also discuss New Year’s resolutions, what ours are, and offer some suggestions on how to approach the New Year. 
This episode was a lot of fun to record. We jokingly called it “Chit Chat and Banter: Christmas Edition,” but maybe “Christmas Spectacular” is better… a little? We invite you to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate… or eggnog if you prefer (see below for a great recipe) and enjoy our discussion! 
May the Lord bless you and keep you this holiday season and may his face shine upon you in the new year! 
Mentioned in this episode:
Want to learn more about the Jesse Tree? (Isaiah 11:1): 
Jesse Trees- What Is It And How To Get Started (https://www.catholicicing.com/jesse-trees/)
The Jesse Tree: Explanation for Catholic Families (https://catholicsprouts.com/jesse-tree-explanation-catholic-families/)
Holy Heroes Advent Adventure Jesse Tree Ornaments (https://holyheroes.com/pages/jesse-tree?gclid=CjwKCAiAh_GNBhAHEiwAjOh3ZM22zAlvuUWJtYtcIShnxNHwLO7LkR9h7HNTzlzXxLtJWbA8gRCLnxoCfrwQAvD_BwE)
Ornaments for the Jesse Tree (https://simplycatholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Jesse_Tree.pdf)
The Religion Teacher’s Jesse Tree Kit (https://www.thereligionteacher.com/jesse-tree-kit/)
The book Fred reads to his kids from every Christmas: 
Saturday Evening Post Christmas Book (https://amzn.to/3Dgbs4n)
The Gift of the Magi (https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/1-the_gift_of_the_magi_0.pdf)
Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Clause (https://www.newseum.org/exhibits/online/yes-virginia-there-is-a-santa-claus/)
Awesome Eggnog Recipe (https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog)
Need some help on making a good New Year’s Eve resolution, check these out!
10 Simple Spiritual Resolutions for the New Year (https://www.catholicdigest.com/amp/faith/spirituality/10-simple-spiritual-resolutions-for-the-new-year/)
Holy Habits: 20 New Year’s Resolutions (https://www.ncregister.com/features/holy-habits-20-new-year-s-resolutions)
8 (Spiritual) New Year's Resolutions for Catholics (https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/eight-new-years-spiritual-resolutions-6309#)
Support Draw Near Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/drawnear)
Scripture Passages:
* Isaiah 11:1 "There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots."
* 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 "Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."
Click to Donate (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a supporter! Join the community by following the Draw Near Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara/).
Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Draw Near, Podcast, Chit Chat, Banter, Christmas, Advent, Catholic traditions, Family traditions, Christmas Spectacular, New Year's, Resolutions, shave your face off</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we take a step back, relax, get a little bit silly, and invite you into our own lives and friendship. We discuss some of our favorite Advent traditions as well as some of our favorite Christmas memories and share how we celebrate this most beautiful time of year with our families. We also discuss New Year’s resolutions, what ours are, and offer some suggestions on how to approach the New Year. <br>
This episode was a lot of fun to record. We jokingly called it “Chit Chat and Banter: Christmas Edition,” but maybe “Christmas Spectacular” is better… a little? We invite you to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate… or eggnog if you prefer (see below for a great recipe) and enjoy our discussion! <br>
May the Lord bless you and keep you this holiday season and may his face shine upon you in the new year! </p>

<p><strong>Mentioned in this episode</strong>:<br>
Want to learn more about the Jesse Tree? (Isaiah 11:1): <br>
<a href="https://www.catholicicing.com/jesse-trees/" rel="nofollow">Jesse Trees- What Is It And How To Get Started</a><br>
<a href="https://catholicsprouts.com/jesse-tree-explanation-catholic-families/" rel="nofollow">The Jesse Tree: Explanation for Catholic Families</a><br>
<a href="https://holyheroes.com/pages/jesse-tree?gclid=CjwKCAiAh_GNBhAHEiwAjOh3ZM22zAlvuUWJtYtcIShnxNHwLO7LkR9h7HNTzlzXxLtJWbA8gRCLnxoCfrwQAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow">Holy Heroes Advent Adventure Jesse Tree Ornaments</a><br>
Ornaments for the <a href="https://simplycatholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Jesse_Tree.pdf" rel="nofollow">Jesse Tree</a><br>
<a href="https://www.thereligionteacher.com/jesse-tree-kit/" rel="nofollow">The Religion Teacher’s Jesse Tree Kit</a></p>

<p>The book Fred reads to his kids from every Christmas: <br>
<a href="https://amzn.to/3Dgbs4n" rel="nofollow">Saturday Evening Post Christmas Book</a><br>
<a href="https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/1-the_gift_of_the_magi_0.pdf" rel="nofollow">The Gift of the Magi</a><br>
<a href="https://www.newseum.org/exhibits/online/yes-virginia-there-is-a-santa-claus/" rel="nofollow">Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Clause</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog" rel="nofollow">Awesome Eggnog Recipe</a></p>

<p>Need some help on making a good New Year’s Eve resolution, check these out!<br>
<a href="https://www.catholicdigest.com/amp/faith/spirituality/10-simple-spiritual-resolutions-for-the-new-year/" rel="nofollow">10 Simple Spiritual Resolutions for the New Year</a><br>
<a href="https://www.ncregister.com/features/holy-habits-20-new-year-s-resolutions" rel="nofollow">Holy Habits: 20 New Year’s Resolutions</a><br>
<a href="https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/eight-new-years-spiritual-resolutions-6309#" rel="nofollow">8 (Spiritual) New Year&#39;s Resolutions for Catholics</a></p>

<p>Support Draw Near <a href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear" rel="nofollow">Patreon</a></p>

<p><strong>Scripture Passages:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Isaiah 11:1 &quot;There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.&quot;</li>
<li>1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 &quot;Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.&quot;</li>
</ul>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click to Donate</a> to become a supporter! Join the community by following the Draw Near <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Facebook page</a>.</p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we take a step back, relax, get a little bit silly, and invite you into our own lives and friendship. We discuss some of our favorite Advent traditions as well as some of our favorite Christmas memories and share how we celebrate this most beautiful time of year with our families. We also discuss New Year’s resolutions, what ours are, and offer some suggestions on how to approach the New Year. <br>
This episode was a lot of fun to record. We jokingly called it “Chit Chat and Banter: Christmas Edition,” but maybe “Christmas Spectacular” is better… a little? We invite you to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate… or eggnog if you prefer (see below for a great recipe) and enjoy our discussion! <br>
May the Lord bless you and keep you this holiday season and may his face shine upon you in the new year! </p>

<p><strong>Mentioned in this episode</strong>:<br>
Want to learn more about the Jesse Tree? (Isaiah 11:1): <br>
<a href="https://www.catholicicing.com/jesse-trees/" rel="nofollow">Jesse Trees- What Is It And How To Get Started</a><br>
<a href="https://catholicsprouts.com/jesse-tree-explanation-catholic-families/" rel="nofollow">The Jesse Tree: Explanation for Catholic Families</a><br>
<a href="https://holyheroes.com/pages/jesse-tree?gclid=CjwKCAiAh_GNBhAHEiwAjOh3ZM22zAlvuUWJtYtcIShnxNHwLO7LkR9h7HNTzlzXxLtJWbA8gRCLnxoCfrwQAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow">Holy Heroes Advent Adventure Jesse Tree Ornaments</a><br>
Ornaments for the <a href="https://simplycatholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Jesse_Tree.pdf" rel="nofollow">Jesse Tree</a><br>
<a href="https://www.thereligionteacher.com/jesse-tree-kit/" rel="nofollow">The Religion Teacher’s Jesse Tree Kit</a></p>

<p>The book Fred reads to his kids from every Christmas: <br>
<a href="https://amzn.to/3Dgbs4n" rel="nofollow">Saturday Evening Post Christmas Book</a><br>
<a href="https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/1-the_gift_of_the_magi_0.pdf" rel="nofollow">The Gift of the Magi</a><br>
<a href="https://www.newseum.org/exhibits/online/yes-virginia-there-is-a-santa-claus/" rel="nofollow">Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Clause</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog" rel="nofollow">Awesome Eggnog Recipe</a></p>

<p>Need some help on making a good New Year’s Eve resolution, check these out!<br>
<a href="https://www.catholicdigest.com/amp/faith/spirituality/10-simple-spiritual-resolutions-for-the-new-year/" rel="nofollow">10 Simple Spiritual Resolutions for the New Year</a><br>
<a href="https://www.ncregister.com/features/holy-habits-20-new-year-s-resolutions" rel="nofollow">Holy Habits: 20 New Year’s Resolutions</a><br>
<a href="https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/eight-new-years-spiritual-resolutions-6309#" rel="nofollow">8 (Spiritual) New Year&#39;s Resolutions for Catholics</a></p>

<p>Support Draw Near <a href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear" rel="nofollow">Patreon</a></p>

<p><strong>Scripture Passages:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Isaiah 11:1 &quot;There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.&quot;</li>
<li>1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 &quot;Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.&quot;</li>
</ul>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click to Donate</a> to become a supporter! Join the community by following the Draw Near <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Facebook page</a>.</p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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  </channel>
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