Advent - The Strength of Love - Mary (ft. Rev. Kelly Kirby) Artwork

Clothed in Strength Podcast

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Clothed in Strength Podcast

Advent - The Strength of Love - Mary (ft. Rev. Kelly Kirby)

December 24, 2025 • Hannah Garnett

The Strength of Her Voice: Women of Advent

Elizabeth - Luke 1:38 (NIV)
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

This Advent, we’re stepping into the stories of four women whose quiet faithfulness reshaped history—Anna, Hanna, Elizabeth, and Mary. Each week, this Advent series will explore the strength they carried, the hope they held onto, and the God who met them right where they were. In a season when we are often stretched thin, longing for direction, healing, or renewal, their voices remind us that Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas. It is an invitation to wait, to trust, and to believe that God is moving even in the unseen.

Across the themes of Hope, Joy, Love, and Peace, we’ll look at how these women embodied endurance and expectation in the middle of real life—disappointment, longing, confusion, obedience, and miraculous promise. Their stories illuminate the truth that Advent is not passive waiting; it is courageous participation in what God is bringing to life.

Each episode begins with “The Strength Of…” because these women weren’t powerful by worldly standards—they were powerful because they stayed tethered to the presence of God. Their strength is a mirror for us today: strength in surrender, in persistence, in faith, in listening, and in saying yes.

This series is designed for anyone who needs fresh hope, deeper joy, rekindled love, or grounding peace in this season. Whether Advent feels full of anticipation or full of ache, these voices meet us with gentleness and truth.

In this episode, I’m joined by Rev. Kelly Kirby, a mother, pastor, and church leader. Kelly has devoted her like to being a reverend at St. Matthew Episcopal Church and she is passionate about women using their voice in the local church. Together, we’ll explore MARY! Mary is obviously a focus point in the story of Christmas & it is a gift to learn from her bravery and devotion to Christ in her YES to care for Jesus. I can’t wait for you to hear the wisdom and warmth they bring to this conversation and how we learn to wait on the Lord and walk through grief in Advent this year.

Hannah Garnett

Host