Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity

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In this episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, Dale is joined by the always evocative and thoughtful Dr. Michael Bailey for a wide-ranging conversation about why sacred Christmas music so often resonates more deeply than its secular counterparts. Dr. Bailey offers a gentle but compelling reflection—not rooted in nostalgia or piety, but in musical depth—suggesting that the power of sacred Christmas music lies in how the Incarnation itself shapes the music’s emotional and spiritual weight.

Drawing on his upbringing in a Unitarian context, where Christmas music wasn’t divided into “church” and “secular,” Dr. Bailey explains how sacred Christmas music nonetheless became profoundly meaningful to him—not through doctrine or argument, but through beauty, longing, and what artists like Nick Cave describe as duende: that mysterious ache or yearning present in great art. Advent, he suggests, carries this same longing, making Christmas music uniquely capable of holding joy and sorrow together.

This episode invites listeners to listen more closely to the music of the season and to consider how Christmas songs—especially sacred ones—echo the deeper human yearning for God with us.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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In this episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, Dale is joined by Rev. Dr. Valerie Loner, pastor of Rome First United Methodist Church, for a thoughtful and warm conversation about the Chrismon Tree—a familiar Advent symbol whose meaning is often seen but not always understood. Together, they explore how this white-and-gold tree, adorned with repeated Christian symbols, invites worshipers to slow down and reflect on who Christ truly is during a season often crowded with noise and consumerism. Dr. Loner shares her own journey of discovering the Chrismon Tree as an adult, the surprisingly recent origins of the tradition in the 1950s, and how it was created as a teaching tool to refocus Christmas on Christ. From ancient symbols like the Chi-Rho, Alpha and Omega, and the fish, to the joy of handmade ornaments crafted by children, this episode reminds listeners that Advent is a season of wonder—and that sometimes new traditions help us rediscover timeless truths. 

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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In this episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, Dale is joined once again by Rev. Chris Barbieri to explore the charming and lesser-known Italian Epiphany tradition of La Befana, the Christmas Witch. Blending Christian theology with local folklore, La Befana tells the story of a grandmotherly figure who encounters the Magi on their journey to find the Christ child. After declining to join them—and later regretting it—she sets out with her broom and gifts, still searching for Jesus and sharing treats along the way. Celebrated on Epiphany Eve, this tradition reframes Christmas not as a single day but as a season that culminates in January, reminding believers that the search for Christ doesn’t end on December 25. With warmth, humor, and delight, this conversation reflects on how simple stories can carry deep meaning—and still bring joy to families today, complete with stockings, gifts, and even La Befana parades in parts of Italy.

Note: The Church Potluck Advent Calendar will conclude on Christmas Day.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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In this episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, Dale welcomes back the always-thoughtful Dr. Michael Papazian to explore the rich and often unfamiliar Coptic Christian traditions of fasting during Advent. Rooted in the ancient Church of Egypt—whose history stretches back to St. Mark himself—the Coptic Church approaches fasting not as deprivation, but as a communal spiritual discipline that prepares both body and soul for the coming of Christ. Dr. Papazian explains why Coptic Christians fast for nearly half the year, how vegan fasting foods like falafel developed long before “vegan” was a modern term, and how restraint and anticipation deepen the joy of Christmas. The conversation also includes the remarkable story behind the Coptic Church’s 43-day Advent fast and reflects on how fasting reminds Christians that they are sustained by more than just bread. A thoughtful and accessible invitation to reconsider Advent as a season of preparation rather than premature celebration. 

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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In this Advent Calendar episode of Church Potluck, Dale welcomes back fan-favorite Dr. Michael Papazian to explore the ancient and surprisingly familiar tradition of the O Antiphons. Dating back to the early church, these short sung or chanted prayers connect modern worshipers with centuries of Christian faith and anticipation. Together, Michael and Dale unpack how the O Antiphons draw deeply from the Old Testament, how they prepare the church for Christ’s coming, and—perhaps most delightfully—how many of us have been praying them all along through the beloved hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” A rich, accessible conversation about tradition, continuity, and the deep roots of Advent hope. 

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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In this warm and joyful episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, Dale welcomes first-time guest Mary Ángel Castillo Obando, a Berry College student from Costa Rica, to share two beloved Christmas traditions from her home country. She first discusses the all-day, extended-family ritual of making tamales—known in Costa Rica as La Tamaleada. Mary Ángel then describes the celebration of Las Posadas, a festive reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, this conversation offers a beautiful glimpse into how culture, family, and faith intertwine during the Christmas season. Along the way, Mary Ángel reflects on community, memory, and what it means to carry cherished traditions across borders while studying far from home. It’s a heartfelt, festive episode that captures the spirit of Advent as preparation, hospitality, and shared joy. 

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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What if the most audacious claim of Christmas isn’t the angels or the star—but the humility that God exhibits when taking on flesh?
In this reflective solo Advent episode of Church Potluck, Dale explores the astonishing pattern that runs from the manger to the cross: God choosing vulnerability over power. From shepherds as first witnesses, to refugees fleeing violence, to a Messiah who refuses wealth, status, and control, the nativity tells a story that challenges how we think about greatness, faith, and success. This episode invites listeners—believers, skeptics, and seekers alike—to look honestly at where we grasp for power in our own lives and to consider what it might mean to truly prepare the way of the Lord through humility. 

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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In this warm and quietly fascinating Advent conversation, Julianne Bailey introduces listeners to St. Lucy’s (St. Lucia’s) Day, a beautiful Scandinavian tradition centered on light in the darkness. Drawing on her Swedish family heritage, Julianne explains how December 13 is marked by candles, white garments, wreaths, and special sweet bread—customs shaped by both early Christian martyr stories and the deep winter darkness of northern Europe.

Julianne’s reflections are personal, thoughtful, and gently humorous as she traces how these traditions were passed down, adapted, and sometimes softened across generations. Along the way, she highlights how St. Lucy’s Day offers a meaningful Advent image: light carried carefully, shared humbly, and offered in service to others rather than wrapped in commercial excess.

This episode is perfect for listeners who love learning about lesser-known Christmas traditions, enjoy cultural storytelling, or are looking for Advent practices that feel ancient, grounded, and quietly profound.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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Discover the powerful story behind Our Lady of Guadalupe and why this 16th-century apparition of Mary remains one of the most beloved symbols of faith, hope, and cultural dignity across the Americas. Dr. Michael Papazian joins Dale to unpack the history, miracles, and cross-cultural beauty of the Guadalupe tradition—from Juan Diego’s encounter to the imagery that still moves millions today. A short, rich, Advent-season conversation about God meeting people where they are, in their own language, culture, and experience.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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What happens when the Christmas story is no longer something we just think about, but something we step into?

In this episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, Dale is joined by Ginger Binkley, a longtime friend and ministry partner from Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, to reflect on the beauty and purpose of live nativity scenes. Together, they explore why churches continue this centuries-old tradition—one that reaches back to St. Francis of Assisi’s 13th-century vision of bringing the Nativity to life—and how a small, rural congregation has embraced it in a powerful, modern way.

Ginger shares how the idea was born, the surprising ways the project came together, and why the live nativity has become such a meaningful act of faith for both the church and the wider community—from handcrafted sets and donated costumes to a real donkey named Elvis.

This conversation reflects on how live nativities cut through the noise of consumer Christmas, connect generations, and offer a sacred, embodied reminder that Emmanuel—God with us—entered the world not with spectacle, but with humility, stillness, and love.

(Note: Mount Tabor United Methodist's Live Nativity is this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, from 6-8 pm. You are welcome to drive thru or stop for snacks and beverages. The church address is 2341 Everett Springs Road NE, Armuchee, GA 30105.)

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.