It's almost Christmas! So this is a different episode than normal for the "Run The Race" podcast, which subscribing to is the gift that keeps on giving. Songwriter/music engineer Justin Belew and I hung out in his full production recording studio, having fun while singing Christmas songs and telling stories for 90 minutes, to hopefully lift your spirits and glorify God!! You can sing along.

After nearly 20 years of full time music ministry, Justin built and operates Bibb City Sound in Columbus GA, home to 500 instruments and where we sang tunes you know...starting with (4:10) "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" including my brief Bruce Springsteen impersonation. (6:35) Then you'll hear your podcast host Jason sing solo on "It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas" (love the Michael Buble version).

(11:33) Justin tells the story of Christian comedian Mark Lowry turning a journal into the famous song "Mary Did You Know," then he plays it on the keys and sings it for us. (16:48) We share some laughs talking about some pop Christmas songs by Paul McCartney and Wham, then (20:20) discuss the deep connection of faith and music, also Justin's version of "fitness."

(25:11) We do a duet of "Joy To The World," plus a quick history lesson, followed by (31:05) classic "Sleigh Ride" (yoo hoo), where we also talk about instruments like the slapstick. (35:35) Do you know the different, comedic versions of "Jingle Bells"?

Chestnuts roasting...you know this one. (37:32) I don't even come close to Nat King Cole with my version of "The Christmas Song" while Justin includes "tater tots" in the lyrics. (42:35) He's worked with famous people too, sharing his experiences touring with popular band Casting Crowns in the USA and Africa. (46:42) Justin also has a story behind a Christmas song he co-wrote, then plays/sings "A Way in The Manger" for us.

This talented musician (52:35) also gets personal about lessons learned from divorce, after he was on the road so much, how God directed his life and how his 2nd wife helped him find balance by building a recording studio in his hometown, helping others use their talents for good and for Christ.

(58:02) Justin's instrumental versions of some Christmas hymns sound spectacular, starting with my wife's favorite "O Holy Night" on violin (the weary world rejoices), then (1:05:11) "O Come O Come Emmanuel" on the penny whistle, which we find out that instrument's journey from 1800's England to the movies of today.

What's figgy pudding? We won't go until we get some. (1:10:35) We discuss after doing a lil' duet of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" followed by "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" (and my mother-in-law almost did).

We close it out with (1:17:11) Justin singing one of our favorites "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," then (1:21:36) he claps along while I belt out the soulful "I Pray on Christmas" by Harry Connick Jr.

Merry Christmas everyone! Thanks for listening! And please share it with your friends using #RunTheRace podcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.