Songs of Christmas

What Handel Saw When He Wrote “Hallelujah”

December 12, 2025 • John Ortberg • Isaiah 9:6–7, Revelation 19, Psalm 150

Today John tells the incredible story behind Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and why this single word shows up 48 times without losing its power. From Handel’s health collapsing to writing a 260-page oratorio in 24 days to the deep meaning of the word hallelujah itself, this episode is an invitation to let your whole life become an act of praise. If you need joy, strength, or a reminder that Jesus comes to imperfect people, this will speak to you. 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W The Hallelujah Chorus arranged and performed by Ben Howe

Why the Christmas Story Keeps Spreading 2000 Years Later

December 11, 2025 • John Ortberg • Luke 2, Matthew 2, Isaiah 9:6

Today John looks at the carol Angels From the Realms of Glory and asks what kind of power we are living in. Through the remarkable story of James Montgomery and a deep dive into the upside down “power rankings” of the Christmas story, we learn why real power is not control but love. This episode will help you see Jesus differently and invite you into one simple act of altruism today. 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Angels from the Realm of Glory by Tim Williams

Why the Angels Say “Hark!” at Christmas

December 10, 2025 • John Ortberg • Luke 2, Romans 5:6

Today John takes us inside one of the richest carols ever written, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and unpacks the deep meaning behind Wesley’s lyrics. From ancient words like welkin to the difference between chronos and kairos to what it really means that God took on flesh, this episode is an invitation to pay attention again. If you need peace, hope, healing, or a reminder that God is with you today, this one is going to speak right to your heart. 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W

The Missing Character in the Christmas Story

December 9, 2025 • John Ortberg, John Witvliet • Luke 1:35, Luke 2, Galatians 4:6

Today John sits down with worship scholar Dr. John Witvliet to talk about the character we almost never include in our Christmas story. This episode uncovers why the Holy Spirit is actually central to Advent and why ancient prayers, global worship traditions, and even YouTube Christmas festivals can deepen our spiritual life right now. Come ready for fresh insight, a little history, and a reminder that Advent is about longing and joy held together. 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W O Come O Come Emmanuel by Christopher Wohrle - MB014N7DOCWGCCY

Why You Crave Glory (And How Christmas Answers It)

December 8, 2025 • John Ortberg • Luke 2, Psalm 19:1, 1 Corinthians 10:31

Today John takes Angels We Have Heard on High and turns it into a masterclass on glory. Not the flashy, influencer kind of glory but the deep, soul-level kind that makes life feel meaningful again. From ancient Latin refrains to modern inspiration psychology to why Jesus put His whole self into the manger, this episode shows why glory is something your soul actually needs. Come ready for a little joy, a little conviction, and maybe a new way to live this week. 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Angels We Have Heard on High by Chad Lawson - MB01IKHMXN4XQ3R

Do you see what God sees?

December 5, 2025 • John Ortberg • Hebrews 4:15–16

Today’s episode takes Do You Hear What I Hear? from “nice old Christmas song” to “wait, this is actually about my life.” John unpacks the wild story of a man who survived the Nazis, fell in love without speaking the same language, and somehow wrote a carol that invites us to see the world the way God does. This is your gentle Advent reminder that God knows you on a level your closest friends don’t. So if you are ready to move from thin faith to thick, honest, fully-alive faith, this one is going to land. 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Do You Hear What I Hear? by Carolino - MB01FCGTU0VXQDF

This Christmas Song Will Change the Way You See People

December 4, 2025 • John Ortberg • Luke 2, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 2

Today John explores the meaning behind The First Noel and why the angels chose the most unlikely people to hear it first. This episode invites us to rediscover the wonder of the incarnation and to see every person we greet today as God’s best work. Noel is not just a word. It is the joyful shout that changes how we look at God, at ourselves, and at every person we meet. 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W The First Noel by Chad Lawson - MB01HMX0NVA2I91

Why the Gospel is Called the "Good News"

December 3, 2025 • John Ortberg • Luke 2, Matthew 4:23

Today John unpacks the meaning behind Good Christian Men, Rejoice and why the repeated word “news” lies at the center of the gospel itself. Learn how this medieval carol confronts the false gospels of success, power, and self-reliance, and rediscover why the incarnation is not advice but news; the life-changing announcement that heaven is now open and God is present with us today. 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Good Christian Men, Rejoice! by Ben Howe

How This Generous King Became a Christmas Legend

December 2, 2025 • John Ortberg • Proverbs 11:25, Luke 6:38

Today John unpacks the surprising story behind Good King Wenceslas — a carol based on Proverbs 11:25 and the life of a real historical ruler whose generosity transformed Bohemia. Discover how this song invites us to ask a different daily question (“What can I give?”), why generosity actually increases what we have, and how following in the steps of Jesus — and those who follow Him well — leads to a flourishing life. 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Good King Wenceslas by Jesse Brown - MB01Q8UEK47CZRA

The True Meaning of Joy to the World

December 1, 2025 • John Ortberg • Psalm 98, Psalm 40

Today John dives into the surprising backstory of Joy to the World and why this famous Christmas song was never meant to be a Christmas song at all. Written by Isaac Watts as a reflection on Psalm 98, this carol points to the three Advents: Jesus coming in Bethlehem, Jesus coming into our hearts today, and Jesus coming again to set all things right. Learn why singing shapes our soul, how “collective effervescence” connects us to God and each other, and how you can choose the song you carry into the world today. 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W Joy to the World by Chad Lawson - MB01GAZRFPSFMLF

The Stories and Spirit Behind the Carols We Love