15. The Christmas Song from the Appalachian Trail
This is a Christmas episode for anyone carrying trouble. In today’s teaching, John explores I Wonder as I Wander, a carol born out of poverty and lament, and reflects on how suffering can sometimes be...
19 Dec 202513min
14. Why Silence Is Where God Comes Closest
This Christmas carol was born out of a broken organ, a quiet night, and a simple guitar. In today’s episode, John explores Silent Night and invites us into a deeper understanding of intimacy, stillnes...
18 Dec 202513min
13. Why This Carol Isn’t About Feeling Merry
This Christmas carol isn’t saying “be happy.” It’s saying “be held.” In today’s episode, John unpacks the surprising meaning behind God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen and why this ancient song speaks direct...
17 Dec 202513min
12. How to Have a "Merry Little Christmas"
Today John sits down at the piano and plays Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, then talks honestly about expectations, hope, and real life during the holidays. This episode isn’t about a perfect ...
16 Dec 202511min
11. Why Christmas Is About Presence, Not Fixing (w/Rolf Geyling)
Today John sits down with Rolf Geyling, President of the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, for an honest and moving Advent-conversation about suffering, generosity, and what it really means to be present....
15 Dec 202519min
10. What Handel Saw When He Wrote “Hallelujah”
Today John tells the incredible story behind Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and why this single word shows up 48 times without losing its power. From Handel’s health collapsing to writing a 260-page orato...
12 Dec 202513min
9. Why the Christmas Story Keeps Spreading 2000 Years Later
Today John looks at the carol Angels From the Realms of Glory and asks what kind of power we are living in. Through the remarkable story of James Montgomery and a deep dive into the upside down “power...
11 Dec 202514min
8. Why the Angels Say “Hark!” at Christmas
Today John takes us inside one of the richest carols ever written, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and unpacks the deep meaning behind Wesley’s lyrics. From ancient words like welkin to the difference b...
10 Dec 202514min
