Show Notes
In this thought-provoking episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles the questions many people wrestle with during the Christmas season. Through an engaging conversation with listener-submitted questions, Adam explores everything from the commercialization of Christmas to the historical accuracy of the nativity story, offering fresh perspectives that bridge faith and skepticism. His honest, down-to-earth approach makes complex theological concepts accessible while addressing the very real challenges many face during the holidays.Key takeaways from the episode:Finding Peace with "Happy Holidays" vs "Merry Christmas." Adam offers a refreshing take on this cultural debate, explaining that Christmas is the Christian story to share, not one to force upon others. He emphasizes that showing consideration for those of different faiths actually demonstrates Christian love rather than compromising beliefs.Navigating Holiday Blues with Grace and Understanding. For those struggling with anxiety and sadness during the season, Adam provides comfort by revealing how the original Christmas story wasn't about perfect joy - it was about hope breaking through in dark times. He reminds listeners that it's okay not to feel festive, as the real message of Christmas speaks directly to those experiencing difficult times.Reimagining the Historical Christmas. Through vivid descriptions of first-century Bethlehem, Adam helps listeners picture Jesus's birth in a cave rather than a wooden stable, offering a more historically accurate and surprisingly more meaningful understanding of the nativity story. This fresh perspective makes the ancient narrative more relatable and powerful today.Balancing Santa and Spirituality. Adam shares practical wisdom for families wrestling with how to embrace both the magic of Santa and the meaning of Jesus, suggesting ways to root Santa in the historical St. Nicholas while teaching children about generosity and giving to those in need.Wrestling with Faith and Facts. The episode tackles head-on the questions many have about the virgin birth, the star of Bethlehem, and other supernatural elements of the Christmas story. Adam’s approach helps skeptics and believers alike understand these stories' deeper theological significance while acknowledging the natural tension between faith and scientific understanding.Whether you're questioning your faith, seeking deeper meaning in holiday traditions, or simply curious about the historical context of Christmas, this episode offers valuable insights for both believers and skeptics. Hamilton's ability to address complex theological questions while maintaining intellectual honesty makes this conversation particularly relevant for those who want to engage with Christianity thoughtfully. His approach demonstrates that it's possible to embrace both faith and reason, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to make sense of faith during the holiday season.HIGHLIGHTS: [1:14] Do we say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?[3:50] How do you juggle the joy, excitement, and wonder of Santa Claus, but then also the truth of Jesus when talking to Children? [9:30] What do you think Jesus would say about how commercialized Christmas has become? [13:12] How do you deal with all the Christmas joy that’s going to be flooding the airwaves when inside you’re filled with anxiety, sadness, or grief? [17:22] Do I have to take the Bible literally when I read the Christmas story? Do I have to believe that Mary was really a virgin?[27:43] Was there really a bright star that led people to Bethlehem when Jesus was born?
More from Making Sense of Faith with Adam Hamilton
What really happened between Good Friday and Easter Sunday — and what did Jesus say when it was all over?In this episode, Adam Hamilton opens up the cutting room floor from his Easter sermon, sharing the details that didn't make it into the pulpit but are too important to miss. Drawing from Matthew's gospel, Adam walks through the remarkable events surrounding the first Easter with the curiosity and depth the story deserves.The curtain that changed everythingWhen Jesus died, the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. But what did that actually mean? Adam unpacks two powerful interpretations — one pointing to God's grief, the other to a barrier between humanity and God being removed forever — and why it matters for how we understand the cross today.The courage of Joseph of ArimatheaA wealthy member of the Jewish ruling council who had been a secret follower of Jesus, Joseph dared to ask Pontius Pilate for Jesus' body. Adam explores what all four gospels tell us about this remarkable man — and what his story says about faith, courage, and the cost of speaking up.What happened on Holy SaturdayIt's the day nobody talks about. Jesus is in the tomb. The disciples are in hiding. But the religious leaders are doing everything they can to keep Jesus there — sealing the tomb, posting guards, trying to contain the uncontainable. Adam reflects on the powerful irony of that day and what it means for us when we feel like hope is sealed away.The cover-up nobody could pull offWhen the resurrection happened, the guards fled. The religious leaders bribed them to spread a different story. Adam traces how Matthew, writing 50 years later, addresses the rumors that were still circulating — and why the evidence for the resurrection is more compelling than the alternatives.Therefore, goAfter everything — the crucifixion, the burial, the resurrection — Jesus appears to his disciples and speaks two words that changed the direction of history. Adam unpacks the Great Commission and what it means to live as people who are not just Easter people, but sent people.This episode also weaves in a timely reflection on how the Easter story speaks to our complicated world — drawing a surprising line from the ancient Magi to the people of modern-day Iran — and what it means to apply Jesus' teachings when the news feels heavy and the answers aren't simple.Whether you're a lifelong Christian, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode invites you into the full Easter story and challenges you to consider what those two words mean for your life today.
What does it look like to age without fear? In this deeply personal conversation, Adam Hamilton sits down with Alan and Kay Kimes—married for 64 years and still radiating joy at 86 years old. They share the honest truth about navigating every decade from their 50s to their 80s, from empty nesting to discovering deeper faith, from launching second careers to serving others in meaningful ways.If you've ever worried about getting older, losing your memory, or facing death, this conversation will shift your perspective. Alan and Kay reveal how they've transformed fear into purpose, worry into prayer, and aging into what they call "aging out well." Their secret? Taking life one day at a time, keeping romance alive, and never stopping their service to others.Whether you're in your 30s wondering what's ahead, navigating midlife transitions, or already in your golden years, you'll find practical wisdom and infectious hope in this episode. Discover why the 60s might be the best decade for spiritual growth, how serving others becomes the antidote to fear, and what it means to wake up every morning thrilled to have another day.This isn't just another conversation about aging—it's a masterclass in living fully, loving deeply, and facing the future without fear.
Should your faith shape your politics? In this candid episode, Adam Hamilton challenges the myth that religion and politics don't mix—and explains why staying silent on justice issues might actually contradict the teachings of Jesus.Drawing from a controversial sermon on immigration enforcement and political division, Adam shares powerful stories of fear in immigrant communities, explores the concept of "just laws" versus "just enforcement," and offers a framework for how Christians can engage politically without losing their humanity or dividing their communities.You'll discover why empathy is both the most important and most difficult practice in polarized times, how to protest in ways that reflect your values, and what it means to live out the prayer "thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth" in concrete, everyday ways.Whether you're deeply involved in politics or trying to stay above the fray, this episode offers a thoughtful path forward for people of faith navigating America's deepest divisions.
Ever wondered what goes into a message that reaches the largest audience of the year? Adam Hamilton pulls back the curtain on his 36th Christmas Eve at Church of the Resurrection, revealing nine drafts, 30+ hours of research, and a stunning historical discovery at 2:20 in the morning that changed everything.The beloved Christmas carol "O Holy Night" wasn't just a pretty song. In 1855 Boston, it became an anthem of the abolitionist movement, inspiring Christians to give up everything and travel to Kansas to claim it as a free state. The line "chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother" moved people to action, and Adam discovered these faithful abolitionists passed directly across the land where his church now sits.In this special behind-the-scenes episode, Adam walks through his creative process: why he rewrote the sermon after preaching it the first time, how he adapted it for 2,000 kids on Christmas morning, and what it takes to keep a 2,000-year-old story compelling after nearly four decades of Christmas Eves. From "Home Alone" clips to trail maps to his own family's Super 8 films from 1967, see how one pastor weaves history, personal story, and a simple call to "love one another" into a message that moved people to give $2.3 million to families in poverty.Whether you're curious about the craft of communication, fascinated by hidden history, or simply wondering what happens behind the scenes of the biggest night in the church year, this episode offers rare insight into how faith and creativity collide.In this episode:- Why Christmas Eve is the most challenging message of the year- The abolitionist history hidden in "O Holy Night"- How Adam discovered his church sits on an Underground Railroad route- What it takes to preach the same story fresh for 36 years- The moment at 2 AM when everything came togetherThe episode includes the full 7:00 PM Christmas Eve service, featuring Dr. Cameron Smith's stunning performance of "O Holy Night."
What if a simple Google ad could lead you to save a stranger's life? In this powerful episode, Adam Hamilton sits down with Jeff Reisinger, a Church of the Resurrection member who became a living liver donor, and Dr. Sean Kumer, Chief Medical Officer at the University of Kansas Health System, to explore the remarkable journey of organ donation—from that first unexpected popup ad to the moment two families were forever changed.Jeff's story begins with an unusual series of "coincidences": a persistent advertisement, a Christmas Eve phone call, and a match with another Jeff whose son shares his own son's name. But as you'll hear, these weren't coincidences at all—they were part of something much bigger.In this episode, you'll discover:- How living liver donation works and why your liver regenerates after donation- The difference between kidney and liver donation, and what recovery looks like- Why there are over 100,000 people waiting for organ transplants in the US- How faith can lead to radical acts of selfless love- Practical steps you can take to become a living donorThis isn't just a medical story. It's a profound exploration of what it means to love your neighbor in the most tangible way possible. Whether you're considering becoming a donor, curious about the medical process, or simply looking for an inspiring story of faith in action, this episode will move you.Resources mentioned:- University of Kansas Health System Transplant Center: (913) 588-6183- HRSA (Health Resources & Services Administration): hrsa.gov- Gift of Life donation awarenessThis episode could save lives. If you know someone who might be interested in organ donation—or anyone who needs hope that extraordinary goodness still exists in this world—please share this with them.