What would it be like if your most regrettable moment became a viral spectacle for the world to mock, judge, and never forget? In this episode, Brian From reflects on viral shame, public failure, and the crushing weight of life lived online—contrasting our culture’s lack of integrity with the hope found in confession, character, and grace. As Christmas approaches, the conversation turns toward light breaking into darkness, reminding us that even when our paths are unclear, Christ remains a steady guide.

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Brian From is joined by Al and Autumn Ray, co-founders of Marriage Team, to talk about their passion for helping struggling marriages find hope, healing, and practical skills for lasting connection. Drawing from their own marital challenges, the Rays explain how marriage coaching works, why communication is foundational, and how couples can build a shared “playbook” for life together. The conversation also introduces their new resource, Rick and Jane Learn to Be Married, a story-based series designed to help couples learn how to truly listen, talk, and grow as a team.

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Brian From is joined by Bob Stephens of Focus on the Family to discuss the organization’s end-of-year matching campaign and the wide-ranging impact of its work. Stephens shares how Focus supports marriages, parents, foster care families, and evangelism efforts reaching millions each year through radio, digital resources, and on-the-ground programs. The conversation highlights why year-end giving matters and how listeners can double their impact during this Christmas season.

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Brian From sits down with Wheaton College professor Richard Hughes Gibson to discuss his new book The Way of Dante, which explores Dante’s Divine Comedy through the eyes of C.S. Lewis, Dorothy Sayers, and Charles Williams. Together they unpack why themes of hell, purgatory, and heaven still matter, and how these writers used Dante to reflect on evil, repentance, and eternal hope. The conversation offers a thoughtful and accessible look at how imagination, theology, and spiritual formation come together in the Christian life.

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Brian From sits down with author and theologian Donnie Berry to explore his new book The Earth Will Be Filled: A Biblical Theology of the Glory of God. Together, they unpack what the Bible means by God’s glory, how it unfolds across the whole story of Scripture, and why it’s both awe-inspiring and deeply personal—especially at Christmas. Donnie explains how understanding God’s glory reshapes everyday life, helping believers see their work, relationships, and ordinary moments as part of God’s grand plan to fill the world with His goodness.

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Brian From moves from timely headlines about stolen packages, cash gifts, and aging bodies to deeper reflections on faith, passion, and purpose. Along the way, he contrasts the darkness of greed, cynicism, and exhaustion with the Advent promise that Christ is the light no darkness can overcome. As Christmas approaches, Brian invites listeners to ask a piercing question of their own lives: are we living with passion—and are we stepping fully into the marvelous light of Christ?

250,000 packages stolen per day, study finds, as lawmakers push stiffer penalties - CBS News

Denny Burk on X: "Dane Ortlund’s 39 rules for preaching. Really good stuff. Here’s number 38: “Preach every sermon like your son is sitting on the last row and giving church one last chance."" / X

Long-term study reveals physical ability peaks at age 35

Jared C. Wilson on X: "“You know, the Greeks didn’t write obituaries. They only asked one question when a man died: Did he have passion?” https://t.co/Aqg4dPI97Y" / X

Most Americans think cash gifts are acceptable, poll shows | AP News

Former Harvard morgue manager sentenced for selling body parts - CBS News

The Light of Life - Christianity Today

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As Christmas draws near, Brian From explores why empathy is essential to the Christian life, especially in a polarized and often graceless public square. He reflects on how Jesus models true compassion—entering into the suffering of others rather than offering detached sympathy. The hour also turns toward rediscovering the wonder of Christmas, inviting listeners to reclaim awe, humility, and joy in the light that has come into the darkness.

Tom Buck (Five Point Buck) on X: "Truly sad to see @POTUS respond to Rob Reiner’s murder in the shameful way he did. He had an opportunity to model grace and mercy in the face of wickedness. I despised Reiner’s politics, but every life should be treated with dignity. I pray those around Trump will correct him." / X

Christianity Is More Than Just Being a Good Person - RELEVANT

John 1 NIV - The Word Became Flesh - In the - Bible Gateway

Glenn Packiam on X: "A little “Juice-box Theology” (If you don’t like analogies or illustrations in a sermon, you may not like this.) https://t.co/KxnoHJTDJI" / X

Griffin Gulledge on X: "I don’t know who this guy is, but I appreciate him admitting that there is a Jesus part of him and a political part of him and that they are in competition. Not enough people admit that. What he needs to understand: the Jesus follower part is always supposed to win." / X

God of Light and Life - Christianity Today

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As Christmas approaches, Brian From reflects on the tension between seasonal joy and a world marked by violence, loss, and uncertainty, reminding listeners why the message of “good news of great joy for all people” matters precisely when darkness feels overwhelming. The show takes a lighter—but revealing—turn with a discussion of a lawsuit asking whether pets should be recognized as legal dependents, sparking a broader conversation about modern priorities and cultural shifts. Brian closes by exploring why joy can feel so difficult, even in Advent, and why true joy is not rooted in circumstances but anchored in the hope found in Christ.

Bondi Beach shooting live updates: 15 dead at Hanukkah event, including children

Gospel in Life on X: "You may think, “My biggest problem is if I could just make the money, if I could just get the job, if this door would open …” You think your problems are the circumstances, but circumstances cannot destroy your life the way character flaws can. It’s your character that is your" / X

Lawyer Sues The IRS, Demanding It Recognize Pets As Legal Dependents

Rich Villodas on X: "Living joyfully can be hard for two reasons: 1. It can *feel bad* to have joy when the world around you is in pain. 2. It can *feel hard* to have joy when you’re in a bad situation. But we rejoice, not because all is well, but because we trust that God is at work. #Advent" / X

A Costco Manager’s Unexpected Kindness Turns a Coat Donation Into a Holiday Surprise - ReCglimb

Fascinating on X: "Just before the start of the 544-mile Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon in 1983, one particular runner caught the attention of the Australian media: a 61-year-old potato farmer named Cliff Young. He had shown up before the race wearing overalls and work boots, telling https://t.co/AL55nvfsSP" / X

Don’t Be Duped by This Year’s Biggest Religious Trend

Pat McAfee on X: "Absolutely love this from Old Man Rivers.. Anybody can do nothing.. DON’T BE SCARED TO GO FOR IT https://t.co/dRYJGg2uSl" / X

Christianity Today on X: "“No matter how dark things might seem, light has come and is coming again, and darkness cannot overcome it.” Today’s Advent devotional: https://t.co/YeCedczYsr" / X

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