Episode 169 :: Nikki Anders :: Stories of The Journey to Bethlehem

I am so excited to share with you a really special conversation with the incredibly talented Renaissance woman Nikki Anders. Nikki is an award-winning musician, songwriter, and music producer in the TV and film industry. She shares some of her experiences in the music industry as a solo artist and member of the music group Avalon, her and her husband Adam’s time working on “Glee” as well as many other films, and now are the creative team behind the new movie musical “The Journey to Bethlehem.” Nikki shares how the Lord closed and opened so many doors over the last seventeen years from an idea about a Christmas movie the whole family could enjoy and focus on the true story of Christmas, all the way to bringing the music, script, and spectacular vision on their hearts to fruition. Placing themselves in the shoes of the real people who lived the days of Jesus’ coming into the world was a practice of holy imagination and allowing themselves to wonder how God wove this story together. The Christmas story is sometimes too familiar to those who have grown up hearing it. This movie and its music breathes so much life into the incredible true story of the God who loved us so much, He sent His Son as a baby, to a very real family, who faced very real risks, because we needed a Savior. Ever since I had this conversation with Nikki, the music has brought up some really amazing conversation opportunities and questions from my two kids, and I already can tell our experience of Christmas and Advent this year will be different because of this movie, the music, and the way it has ignited the curiosity and imagination of my children.  This world is weary and longs and groans to be restored. A Savior has come and made redemption and salvation available to all who call on Him. And I hope that wherever you are, I can whisper some hope to your heart today. You matter, friend. And your story matters. Connecting with Nikki: Anders Media Adam’s Instagram “Journey to Bethlehem”’s Instagram “Journey to Bethlehem” soundtrack Nikki’s Instagram Twitter/ X   Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram  Tik Tok  Website YouTube Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story. Scripture References:  Ephesians 4:1- Following the call of God Matthew 13:1-9- Scattering seed living as God wants you to live 1 Corinthians 10:31- Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God Daniel 1- Daniel and the exile in the Palace of Babylon Daniel 3- Shadrach, Meshach and Abendengo’s God Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2- Mary, Joseph, and the Christmas story that is in the pages of scripture Luke 1:26-56 - Mary and an angel appeared to her Matthew 2:16- The massacre of the innocents 1 John 1:7 (among others!)Jesus covers us with His blood Matthew 6:13- Thine is the Kingdom  Ecclesiastes 1:9- There is nothing new under the sun Luke 1:20-25, Luke 1:57-80- Zechariah couldn’t speak Isaiah 14:27-Nothing can stop the Lord Luke 1:37- Nothing will be impossible with God  Matthew 2- The wise men Matthew 2:7-9-Conversations between the wise men and Herod Ephesians 6:10-18-We are armed with the Armor of God James 1:2-4- consider it all joy when you endure trials Ephesians 6:12- We are not at war with flesh and blood  Hebrews 9:28 (and many others)- He’s coming again References: Adam Anders Avalon  Steven Curtis Chapman  See ALL of Niki’s accolades and credits here. It is a LONG list. “Glee” Belmont University Avalon “A Maze of Grace” “Adonai” Lea Michelle When you sing you vibrate your vagus nerve/singer's joy Corey Monteith Mark Salling Naya Rivera  “The Glee Project” “Glee” First Season Soundtrack “Glee” Second Season Soundtrack “Faithfully” from Glee “High School Musical” movies Zac Efron  “The Greatest Showman” “If Only” Dove Cameron Lost Valley Ranch The Navigators Bob Foster “West Side Story” “Annie” “Dawson’s Creek” Her song from Dawson’s Creek “Only Give My Heart” Paula Cole’s theme song from DC “The Wedding Planner” movie Jennifer Lopez “Adore You” from TWP movie  “Camp Rock” “White Christmas” “Meet Me in St. Louis” “Elf” Our past Advent series on the podcast  Antonio Banderas  The Dad from “Spy Kids” and “Puss in Boots” Joel Smallbone - “In My Blood” “The Chosen” “It's Good to Be King”- Antonio Banderas “The Passion” on Fox hosted by Tyler Perry The wise men didn’t come right away Charlie Brown reading the Christmas Story “Mother to a Savior & King” “Mary You’re Getting Married” For King & Country Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog