Merry Christmas, everyone! We want to thank all of our listeners for making this a wonderful year in sharing our passion for Christ and providing helpful insights for a better life. This special Christmas episode is a celebration of everything we love about the Christmas season. We find it amusing how some people claim certain things aren't appropriate for Christmas, yet there's a unique joy that surrounds this time. It feels like a season when Christians can openly discuss God, especially in public spaces. The entire month is devoted to celebrating Christmas, which originates from "Christ Mass," specifically honoring the birth of Jesus. We take full advantage of this opportunity to make it all about Him, enjoying the decorations, lights, music, and the overall festive atmosphere.

Galen notes he doesn’t mind Santa Claus or Father Christmas as long as they don’t overshadow Christ. While I don’t actively teach my kids to believe in Santa, I appreciate the spirit of giving that he represents. Jesus is the ultimate gift from God, and our tradition of gift-giving signifies that amazing gift we received. Some people get caught up in discussions about winter solstice celebrations and other cultural elements, but we believe we can redeem every aspect of culture that isn't explicitly evil and redirect it towards celebrating Jesus. The warmth and joy of Christmas should be all about Him. Galen notes, that now that I am back in Pennsylvania, I love creating new memories with my family by picking out live Christmas trees together. This year feels particularly special because my oldest son is old enough to appreciate the experience.

Setting up Christmas lights with my kids has become a cherished tradition, Ian says. They love to hang ornaments and lights, creating unforgettable memories together as a family. My boys often remind me about decorations we still need to put up! Living in a neighborhood where we host an annual Christmas party to raise money for underprivileged kids adds to the joy. These moments provide fantastic teaching opportunities about the true meaning of Christmas as we discuss the story of Jesus’ birth while decorating our nativity scene. Reflecting on my childhood Christmases in England, I remember how we would display trees in our windows since we couldn’t hang lights outside our terraced house. Caroling was a big part of my upbringing; we would knock on doors singing for money, which was both fun and rewarding!

In closing, one listener asked why we say "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Christmas." The phrase dates back to letters from Bishop John Fisher and has been popularized through carols like "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." It’s fascinating how language evolves, but what remains constant is the joy we share during this season!

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The Screwtape Letters Podcast hosts Ian Faith and Galen Balinski share significant updates about their lives and projects as they approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

Galen introduces his new venture, Homecoming Winery, located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. He describes the journey of launching this family business, which involved extensive renovations of a historic building. The winery aims to reflect their personal story through its branding and wine labels, each representing different aspects of their lives together. Galen expresses gratitude for the overwhelming support received during the grand opening and highlights the importance of community engagement in revitalizing the area. https://www.homecomingwinery.com/

Ian then shares his new Christmas song “Living in God’s Light”, emphasizing his transition towards worship music after a successful career in various facets of the music industry. He discusses "Living in God's Light," which is out now everywhere for Christmas. This song aims to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by focusing on Jesus rather than commercial aspects. Ian reflects on how his music has evolved to glorify God and connect with listeners on a deeper level.

“Living in God’s Light” is an ode to the Christmas carols, songs, and hymns that bring so much happiness and joy to people during the Christmas Season and create such great memories. Too many popular Christmas songs leave out that Jesus is the reason for the season and the gift is Jesus, the savior of the world. All the trappings of shopping for gifts, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, and gift-giving are all metaphors for God giving the world his son to fulfill the scriptures. https://orcd.co/kp8q919

The conversation highlights both hosts' commitment to using their talents—Galen through winemaking and Ian through music—to inspire and uplift others during the holiday season, reinforcing their shared mission of faith and community connection.

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The latest episode of the Screwtape Letters podcast, hosted by Ian Faith and Galen Balinski, marks the conclusion of their exploration of C.S. Lewis's work. Recorded at the Homecoming Winery in Pennsylvania, the hosts reflect on their journey through the letters, expressing gratitude for their collaboration and the profound insights gained along the way. They emphasize the significance of the final letter, which depicts the death of the patient and his subsequent encounter with divine presence, highlighting themes of hope and redemption.

As they discuss the patient's death, they speculate on the circumstances surrounding it, suggesting he may have died while helping others during a crisis. The hosts poignantly describe the moment when the patient meets Jesus, illustrating it as a transition from earthly struggles to spiritual glory. They note how John Cleese's narration adds a layer of emotional depth to this scene, evoking a sense of beauty amid the pain experienced by the demonic characters. This contrast serves to reinforce the podcast's overarching message about perseverance in faith and the ultimate triumph over evil.

Furthermore, Ian and Galen delve into theological concepts such as the perseverance of the saints, emphasizing that one's final moments are crucial in determining their faith journey. They reject labeling Lewis's work as mere satire, instead viewing it as a divinely inspired narrative that sheds light on spiritual truths and demonic tactics. The conversation highlights how understanding these themes can lead to a more fulfilling life and offer protection against negative influences.

The hosts also share personal anecdotes, including a powerful experience involving Ian’s brother witnessing angels during their mother's passing. This story underscores the podcast's aim to inspire listeners to seek signs of hope and connection with loved ones who have passed away. They conclude by encouraging listeners to revisit Lewis's letters for deeper understanding and reflection on their own faith journeys.

Looking ahead, Ian and Galen express excitement for future episodes, including a Christmas special that will further explore themes of confronting evil in contemporary times. They reaffirm their commitment to guiding listeners toward a closer relationship with Jesus and fostering a community centered on faith and hope.

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