The tragic, hopeful story behind It Came Upon the Midnight Clear. (Also: did you know it was "the" and not "a" Midnight Clear? It was news to Pastor Courtney!). How God's peace meets us beside the weary road with the singing of angels.

A brief history of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Pastor Courtney's favorite reminder from 1 Kings on God's grace when we reach our exhausted end, and exciting news about our upcoming January podcast series. 

Hear the carol from a variety of different voices:

Nat King Cole

Keith & Kristen Getty

Join Pastor Courtney in learning the theology and ecumenical history of the hymn "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus." Plus, Advent wisdom from Fleming Rutledge, what longing can teach us about hope, and a bit about Susanna Wesley's apron.

The hymn, from a variety of voices:

Jeff Given & Awake

Fernando Ortega

Christ Church Mayfair

Join us for the hymns of Advent! This week features "O Come Emmanuel," its ancient roots, Scriptural allusions, and timeless truths. Plus, a little joy from Wilson Ellis. Click below in the show notes to listen to different artists performing this phenomenal hymn.

A Collection of Artists Performing "O Come Emmanuel"

Jeff speaks to the coolness of winter, the darkness of night, and the interconnected nature of darkness and light. Also Christmas decorations and a revisit of Psalm 139, featuring Easten Given.

Hear from beloved PCOM members Evie Olson, Clayton Simon, Mary Smith, Arlene Weller, Ralph Parris, and Linda Payne about their gratitude on this Thanksgiving holiday.

A very special good-news-is-on-its-way episode. Emergency room doctor Ian Ellis - no relation to our pastors! - shares his experiences fighting COVID on the front lines, and his wife, professional actress Sonia Ellis, shares what it's been like to support an essential worker and step back from her own career. They have lots of hope to offer, along with wisdom in how to stay the course as we wait for the end (the END, friends!) of the pandemic in 2021.

Plus, send your prayers to Dr. Ian and Sonia (or any questions you'd like them to answer!) by emailing Pastor Courtney (she'll forward them on!).

Gratitude & Giveaways part 2. Hear stories of gratitude from PCOM members Dennis Hirschberg and Kelly Colvin on God's faithfulness. Discover wisdom in a world that seems chaotic from a martyred faith leader. Hear Jesus' reminder to look for the signs of what is right and true and good. Plus: recommendations for Advent devotionals as we look toward that season of holy longing.

Matthew 11

Advent by Fleming Rutledge

Watch for the Light, a devotional guide

Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent by Enuma Okoro

Gratitude & Giveaways Part 1. Stories of small gratitudes and how they can transform us from the inside out. Plus, a book recommendation and wisdom from Colossians.

Seven Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude from Forbes Magazine

Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons

Happy Now - Pastor Courtney's new book (out August, 2021)

Colossians 3:17

It is election day here in the US, but that's not really what we're talking about. Not really. 

Perhaps an old song has something for us. Perhaps we can sing it together.