Does the holiday season often leave you feeling overwhelmed and disconnected? Despite being told to simply keep busy and distracted, you still find yourself longing for a deeper sense of joy and connection. The constant hustle and bustle only leave you feeling exhausted and unfulfilled, longing for more meaningful experiences. It's time to explore a new approach that will bring you the peace and connection you've been craving.My special guest is Leslie Leyland Fields (https://www.leslieleylandfields.com/)Leslie Leyland Fields (https://www.instagram.com/leslie.leyland.fields/) is an internationally renowned teacher, speaker, and award-winning author of 14 books, including "Your Story Matters," "The Wonder Years," and "Crossing the Waters," which earned a Christianity Today Book award in Christian Living. With three graduate degrees in English, journalism, and an MFA in creative nonfiction, Leslie has extensive experience as a founding faculty member of Seattle Pacific University's MFA program. Her books have been translated into nine languages, and her essays have appeared in various publications, earning her several evangelical press awards. Leslie's latest work, "Radiant Birth: Advent Readings for a Bright Season (https://www.ivpress.com/a-radiant-birth)," offers an engaging and unique perspective on the Advent season, making her a valuable guest for today's episode.We make a difference better together. So let's create meaningful holiday traditions that increase joy and connection during the advent season. - Leslie Leyland FieldsIn this episode, you will be able to:* Explore the profound insights of "Radiant Birth (https://www.ivpress.com/a-radiant-birth)" for a deeper understanding of Christmas.* Embrace the power of stillness to find inner peace and presence during the Advent season.* Discover the significance of sharing personal stories for deeper connections and understanding.* Spread love and kindness beyond your family circle for a more inclusive and compassionate holiday season.* Find hope and resilience by seeking out light even in the most challenging times.The significance of sharing extends beyond mere giving and receiving during the holiday season. As evidenced by Leslie's vision for her grandchildren's generation, sharing should be about expressing love, not just within family units, but extended to the larger communities. Sharing our stories, experiences, and acts of love can act as a beacon of light in a world needing hope and unity.Exploring profound insights is a powerful way to understand the enigma of Advent. This can involve delving into the historical, personal, and global impacts of Jesus' birth, as Leslie Leyland Fields discusses in her book, Radiant Birth. Reading such works in the quiet of the dark winter months can bring a brighter perspective and provide refreshing light to our spirits.Embracing the power of stillness allows each of us to discover and authentically experience the transformative Advent season. As Leslie suggests, even few moments of quietness each day, reading a thought-provoking book or poem, can create a space for connection with God and oneself, combating holiday overwhelm. Cultivating such moments of stillness can nourish our minds and hearts and help us establish meaningful holiday traditions with our families.The resources mentioned in this episode are:* Visit Leslie Leyland Fields' website at www.leslieleylandfields.com (https://www.leslieleylandfields.com/) to explore her books, writings, and other resources related to writing and storytelling.* Join the Difference Maker community on Patreon at www.patreon.