In this special bonus Christmas episode of WordSmith, Pastor Clay Smith is joined by Ron Hughes and Barbara Jarrett from Johnson Ferry’s Pastoral Care team to talk about a side of the season many people quietly carry: loneliness, depression, grief, and strained family dynamics.

Together, they explore why the holidays can intensify pain and expectations, how to be honest with God in hard emotions, and how the hope of Advent—Emmanuel, God with us—meets us in the middle of real life. Whether you’re walking through a difficult season—or you want to better love someone who is—this episode offers encouragement, next steps, and a reminder that Advent hope is real, even in the middle of pain.

Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org.