Become New with John Ortberg

Latest Episodes:

Why the Birth of Jesus Changed Everything | John Orbterg Dec 21, 2025

Show notes

Regardless of what anyone believes about Jesus, it’s impossible to deny his impact. In this special Christmas teaching, John Ortberg asks a simple but profound question: Who is this man? Without religious hype or argument, this episode explores how one uneducated carpenter from Nazareth reshaped history, compassion, human dignity, education, art, forgiveness, and hope itself. If you’ve ever wondered why Jesus still matters, this is an invitation to look honestly and decide for yourself.
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15. The Christmas Song from the Appalachian Trail Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

This is a Christmas episode for anyone carrying trouble. In today’s teaching, John explores I Wonder as I Wander, a carol born out of poverty and lament, and reflects on how suffering can sometimes become a meeting place with God. If life feels uncertain, confusing, or heavy right now, this episode offers permission to bring your whole heart to Jesus and wonder in the wandering.
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Music Credits:
We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W
I Wonder as I Wander by Unknown

14. Why Silence Is Where God Comes Closest Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

This Christmas carol was born out of a broken organ, a quiet night, and a simple guitar. In today’s episode, John explores Silent Night and invites us into a deeper understanding of intimacy, stillness, and God’s gentle presence. If you’re longing for connection with God or with others, this episode is a reminder that intimacy often begins in silence.
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Music Credits:
We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W
Silent Night by Chad Lawson - MB01EA29RJHSL75

13. Why This Carol Isn’t About Feeling Merry Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

This Christmas carol isn’t saying “be happy.” It’s saying “be held.” In today’s episode, John unpacks the surprising meaning behind God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen and why this ancient song speaks directly to our need for strength, belonging, and hope. If you’ve been craving control but need peace instead, this one might change how you hear Christmas.
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Music Credits:
We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Jesse Brown - MB01VRELDTNZMBD

12. How to Have a "Merry Little Christmas" Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

Today John sits down at the piano and plays Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, then talks honestly about expectations, hope, and real life during the holidays. This episode isn’t about a perfect Christmas. It’s about a real one. The kind where joy shows up in ordinary moments and Jesus meets us right where we are. If the season feels full or messy or both, this one is a gentle reminder that there is still treasure here.
🙌 New episodes every weekday.
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Music Credits:
We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane

11. Why Christmas Is About Presence, Not Fixing (w/Rolf Geyling) Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Today John sits down with Rolf Geyling, President of the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, for an honest and moving Advent-conversation about suffering, generosity, and what it really means to be present. From powerful stories of life transformation to Rolf’s own journey through profound loss, this episode reminds us that Christmas is not about fixing pain, but about Emmanuel. God with us. Especially when life hurts.
🙌 New episodes every weekday.
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Music Credits:
We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W
O Christmas Tree by Chad Lawson - MB011CPPOUDHFOQ

10. What Handel Saw When He Wrote “Hallelujah” Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

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.
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Music Credits:
We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W
The Hallelujah Chorus arranged and performed by Ben Howe

9. Why the Christmas Story Keeps Spreading 2000 Years Later Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

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.
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Music Credits:
We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W
Angels from the Realm of Glory by Tim Williams

8. Why the Angels Say “Hark!” at Christmas Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

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.
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Music Credits:
We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W

7. The Missing Character in the Christmas Story (w/Dr. John Witvliet) Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

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 connect@becomenew.com
GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at 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://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
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Music Credits:
We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W
O Come O Come Emmanuel by Christopher Wohrle - MB014N7DOCWGCCY

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