In this special, stand-alone episode, I look into what a covenant is and why it matters to us as Christians. This was recorded for a course that I am completing which means that you can participate in grading me if you so desire. Sources: New Dictionary of Christian Ethics and Pastoral Theology (1995), edited by David Atkinson, David Field, Arthur Holmes, and Oliver O’Donovan.Daily Doctrine (2024), by Kevin DeYoung. God's Kingdom Through God's Covenants (2015), by Peter J. Gentry and Stephen J. Wellum. New Testament Theology (1990), by Leon Morris.Christ the Covenant Head, by John Gill: Courtesy of the Free Grace Broadcaster, Issue 271 (Spring 2025). Covenant: Still More Words of Life for the Church and for the World (2016-2017), by John Rutz and Mark W. Love. The Westminster Confession of Faith (2007), published by the Orthodox Pesbyterian Church.

Today, we’re talking about Saint Valentine—not the Hallmark version, not the cartoonish cherub with a bow, but the flesh-and-blood man who lived, loved, and died in defiance of an empire. His story is bloodier than you think, but also more relevant than you might expect.

So, let’s talk about the real Saint Valentine.

Today, we're diving into a topic that often gets overlooked but is profoundly rich with meaning: the significance of Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar. Now, before we get too far, let me assure you that “ordinary” does not mean dull, plain, or insignificant. Far from it! The word “ordinary” comes from the Latin “ordo,” meaning order. Just as all of creation is ordered and designed with purpose, so too are our days, including those that fall between major liturgical seasons like Christmas and Easter.

Ordinary Time is marked by the color green, symbolizing growth, life, and vitality. Think of the lush greenery of a forest or the vibrant grass of a field. These are reminders that even in the seasons of “everyday” life, we are called to grow in faith and deepen our relationship with Christ. This is not a season to be skipped over or dismissed. Instead, it is a time to reflect on how God sustains us through the rhythms of life and how He is present in even the most common moments.

This week, we're diving into the lives of two extraordinary saints—Saint Boniface, the Apostle of Germany, and Saint Benedict, the father of Western monasticism. Along the way, we’ll draw connections to C.S. Lewis's The Horse and His Boy, Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, G.K. Chesterton's The Ballad of the White Horse, and even the timeless riffs of Led Zeppelin. Let’s journey together to uncover what these saints teach us and why it’s both good and beautiful to learn from their examples.

This week, we're diving into the lives of two extraordinary saints—Saint Boniface, the Apostle of Germany, and Saint Benedict, the father of Western monasticism. Along the way, we’ll draw connections to C.S. Lewis's The Horse and His Boy, Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, G.K. Chesterton's The Ballad of the White Horse, and even the timeless riffs of Led Zeppelin. Let’s journey together to uncover what these saints teach us and why it’s both good and beautiful to learn from their

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Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into the joy of anticipation, the childlike excitement that bubbles up as we approach Christmas. There’s something about this season that stirs memories, fills hearts with hope, and points us to profound truths. Today, we’re going to explore how the magic of looking forward to Christmas mirrors the greater Christian hope of awaiting Christ’s return. Along the way, we’ll draw inspiration from Gregory the Great, John Paul II, the Apostle John, Gregory of Nyssa, and literary treasures like Silas Marner and Pilgrim’s Progress. We’ll also touch on John Owen’s reflections to ground us in deep theological joy.

Hello, friends, and welcome to today’s podcast (which now includes video!), where we explore the profound truths of the Advent season—a time of waiting, longing, and remembering. Advent is not just a prelude to Christmas; it’s a season that invites us into a sacred rhythm of anticipation, one that mirrors the longing of all creation for the coming of Christ, both His first and His promised return.

Today, we’ll dive into why anticipation is not only vital to our faith but also a source of joy and hope. We’ll draw wisdom from Christian thinkers like G.K. Chesterton, Martin Luther, and Saint Augustine, and we’ll consider how Jesus meets us in our deepest sorrows. Along the way, we’ll even touch on a bit of pop culture to illustrate these timeless truths.

This is a difficult episode for me. Loss has a way of altering the landscape of our lives. It shifts our sense of normalcy, often in ways we couldn’t anticipate. As we journey through Advent, we arrive at the tenth day, a moment to pause and reflect on the themes of anticipation and preparation. Advent is not just about looking back at Christ’s birth but also looking forward to His return—a reminder of hope for all seasons of life. Today, I want to speak to those who are wrestling with discouragement and loss, especially those who have endured profound personal grief like miscarriage. Loss is a subject close to my own heart, and I hope this time together offers both comfort and hope.

As we enter this season of Advent, we’ll take the next twenty-five minutes to reflect on the beauty of expectation and the profound hope we find in the coming of Jesus. Today, we’ll journey through Scripture, draw insights from C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, and even visit J.R.R. Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas.

So, grab your favorite warm drink, settle in, and let’s dive into the beauty of Advent.