Fridays at First Hosted by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons

In this special pre-Christmas episode of Fridays at First, Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons welcomes listeners to the final podcast before Christmas from First Presbyterian Church in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Filled with warmth, humor, and hope, this episode celebrates the joy of the season while sharing important life-of-the-church updates.

You’ll hear highlights from the beloved Christmas Joke Hotline, featuring delightful jokes submitted by children in our congregation (and a note about one “granddad” who was disqualified!). Rev. Gibbons also previews upcoming children’s Christmas Eve services with live nativities, offers heartfelt thanks to the many musicians and volunteers behind the sold-out Christmas concerts, and walks through the full schedule of Christmas Eve worship services—both in person and via livestream.

Joined by fan-favorite co-host Michelle Ward, the conversation also includes details about the FOX Carolina Christmas Eve broadcast, opportunities to volunteer, upcoming Grow@First discipleship offerings, and a preview of Sunday worship as we light the final Advent candle and reflect on Luke 2:1–7.

Whether you’re preparing for Christmas worship or simply looking for a moment of encouragement, this episode invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and rejoice in the wonder of Christ’s birth.

Fridays at First Hosted by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons

In this week’s episode of Fridays at First, Richard reflects on the busy swirl of the Christmas season and how easy it is to lose focus amid the distractions. From a lighthearted story about forgetting his wallet to an encouraging reminder to slow down, he invites us to approach the coming days with intention, gratitude, and joy.

You’ll also hear updates on this year’s First Pres Christmas Joke Hotline, where children 12 and under can call in with their best Christmas jokes. Richard shares highlights from the many young voices who have already participated and reminds families to call before December 23 for a chance to be featured in the Christmas Eve children’s services.

Richard walks through everything happening at First Pres this Christmas season—five Christmas Eve services, livestream availability for loved ones far away, a schedule of December worship services, and our sold-out Christmas Concerts kicking off this weekend. He also highlights the FOX Carolina Christmas Eve Special at 10:00pm, a cherished tradition for those worshiping from home.

Looking ahead to Sunday, he invites the congregation to welcome the Benedict family as baby Reid is baptized and encourages everyone to read Luke 1:26–38 & 46–47 in preparation for the next Advent message.

Finally, Richard welcomes genial co-host Michelle Ward, who sits down this week with guests Linda Sholtis and Matt Mullet for a conversation about volunteers on Christmas Eve.

Slow down, take a breath, and join us for another meaningful—and joyfully festive—episode of Fridays at First.

Fridays at First with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons In this week’s episode, Dr. Gibbons shares a joyful invitation to the First Pres Christmas Joke Hotline—a fun way for children 12 and under to record their best Christmas jokes for a chance to be featured in the Christmas Eve Children’s Services. He also walks through our full schedule of Advent and Christmas worship services, highlights upcoming Christmas Concerts, and offers important reminders about campus safety during the busy holiday season. Co-host Michelle Wards speaks with Modern Worship Director Graydon Tomlinson for an update on the recent Christmas for a Cause concert, the upcoming Service of Remembrance, and Christmas@First concerts. Finally, Dr. Gibbons previews Sunday’s message from Luke 1:8–20 and invites the congregation to join in welcoming baby Elizabeth Gray Barr for her baptism. Tune in for encouragement, updates, and a warm start to your Advent weekend.