As the year draws to a close and Christmas approaches, this episode is a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and reflect.

Join your Host Natasha Brownfield as you revisit the true meaning of Christmas through the story of Mary, a woman entrusted with carrying something sacred through uncertainty, risk, loss, and promise. Her journey reminds us that purpose can be carried through pain, and that God often works through ordinary women in extraordinary ways.

This episode also introduces a special “Pause & Play” reflection segment, where listeners are invited to stop, reflect, and honestly assess the year that was before stepping into the year ahead with clarity and faith. If 2025 stretched you, tested you, or reshaped you this episode is for you. It’s not about striving or fixing, but about acknowledging where you’ve been, honouring what you’ve carried, and preparing your heart for what’s next.

Take this moment to pause. Then press play when you’re ready.

Follow us for the journey ahead at www.raisedwomen.com.au.

(00:00:00) – Welcome to Raised Women

(00:01:25) – Why this season matters

(00:02:15) – Mary’s Journey: The Birth story of Jesus

(00:04:25) - Encouragement for Women Carrying Heaviness in this season

(00:05:40) – Pause and Play: Reflection

(00:05:58) – Reflection Question One: Highlights of the year?

(00:08:30) – Reflection Question Two: What are some low points of your year?

(00:09:00) - Reflection Question Three: What have you learnt about yourself this year?

(00:09:38) - Reflection Question Four: What have you learnt about God this year?

(00:11:10) - Reflection Question Five: What are you most proud of yourself for this year?

(00:12:40) - Reflection Question Six: What are you believing for in 2026?

(00:13:20) – Raised Women Podcast a Huge Thank You and Christmas Wrap up

Scriptures:

Luke 2:1-20 https://biblehub.com/luke/2.htm

Matthew 1:18-25 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%201%3A18-2%3A23&version=ESV

Nehemiah 8:10 https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/8-10.htm

Proverbs 3:5-5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%203%3A5-6&version=NIV

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Website: https://www.raisedwomen.com.au