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This last Christmas podcast and last podcast of the year is actually a throwback to a blog written in 2018 (of the same title). This episode poses the question: what if the heart, mind, and attitude of Christmas was something we pressed into and actually lived year round? We can be dismayed and depressed when the presents are over. When the trimmings are taken down. When January hits. But if our emotions are just based upon physical things, we miss the point entirely. Christmas IS a message we can take and live out throughout the year. Jesus came once and is coming again! Christmas reminds us that we must be ready for His Second Coming.

Article referenced in this episode: How December 25 Became Christmas

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This is a special "Christmas Edition" of the Hymns That I Love series. This episode features the hymn O Little Town Of Bethlehem. Written and published in the 1860s, there is a rich history to this song...a history that begins with a visit to the Holy Land for a Christmas Eve service. Pastor Phillips Brooks and his organist, Lewis Redner, collaborated to combine lyrics and melody. The song was originally used as a children's choir piece for a Christmas Eve service. Little did Brooks and Redner know, hundreds of years later the song would still be sung and popular with modern audiences.

Listen to Derek's Christmas album "GLORIA!" on Spotify (includes O Little Town Of Bethlehem)

Derek's Hymns Playlist On YouTube

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As we wrap up 2025 and start thinking about 2026, it is a natural time of the year to look at goals, priorities, and overall direction in life. As Christians, we must do this evaluation through the lens of Scripture. As we hear God's heart, how does it move us forward into next year? Where does He want us to focus? Certainly evangelism and preaching the Gospel are top priorities. We are also called to dream big dreams with Him and ask that He helps us as we step out and fulfill those callings. Today's episode gives us some concrete steps to take as we wind down 2025 and put our focus on 2026.