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In this warm and joyful episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, Dale welcomes first-time guest Mary Ángel Castillo Obando, a Berry College student from Costa Rica, to share two beloved Christmas traditions from her home country. She first discusses the all-day, extended-family ritual of making tamales—known in Costa Rica as La Tamaleada. Mary Ángel then describes the celebration of Las Posadas, a festive reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, this conversation offers a beautiful glimpse into how culture, family, and faith intertwine during the Christmas season. Along the way, Mary Ángel reflects on community, memory, and what it means to carry cherished traditions across borders while studying far from home. It’s a heartfelt, festive episode that captures the spirit of Advent as preparation, hospitality, and shared joy.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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What if the most audacious claim of Christmas isn’t the angels or the star—but the humility that God exhibits when taking on flesh?
In this reflective solo Advent episode of Church Potluck, Dale explores the astonishing pattern that runs from the manger to the cross: God choosing vulnerability over power. From shepherds as first witnesses, to refugees fleeing violence, to a Messiah who refuses wealth, status, and control, the nativity tells a story that challenges how we think about greatness, faith, and success. This episode invites listeners—believers, skeptics, and seekers alike—to look honestly at where we grasp for power in our own lives and to consider what it might mean to truly prepare the way of the Lord through humility.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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In this warm and quietly fascinating Advent conversation, Julianne Bailey introduces listeners to St. Lucy’s (St. Lucia’s) Day, a beautiful Scandinavian tradition centered on light in the darkness. Drawing on her Swedish family heritage, Julianne explains how December 13 is marked by candles, white garments, wreaths, and special sweet bread—customs shaped by both early Christian martyr stories and the deep winter darkness of northern Europe.

Julianne’s reflections are personal, thoughtful, and gently humorous as she traces how these traditions were passed down, adapted, and sometimes softened across generations. Along the way, she highlights how St. Lucy’s Day offers a meaningful Advent image: light carried carefully, shared humbly, and offered in service to others rather than wrapped in commercial excess.

This episode is perfect for listeners who love learning about lesser-known Christmas traditions, enjoy cultural storytelling, or are looking for Advent practices that feel ancient, grounded, and quietly profound.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.