Great Stories by Haven Today

5 More Stories Behind the Songs of Christmas with Robert J. Morgan

It's hard to imagine Christmastime without the melodies that fill our homes and hearts each year with messages of peace and hope—songs that remind us to pause and gaze in wonder at the birth of Jesus.

Last week on the Great Stories podcast, Robert Morgan shared the rich history behind some of our favorite Christmas Carols. This week, David Wollen welcomes him back to share the stories behind five more songs of Christmas: Hallelujah Chorus; O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; O Little Town of Bethlehem; Go Tell it on the Mountain; and Away in the Manger. 

As you prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior this Christmas, may these stories help you fix your eyes on the God of Israel who came from heaven to earth and took on human flesh to become the Savior of the world.

Robert J. Morgan Tells the Stories Behind Your Favorite Christmas Carols

How many Christmas carols do you know by heart? So many people—regardless of their faith or background—can sing along to at least the first verse of songs like Joy to the World, Silent Night, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. But how many of us can say we know the stories behind the classic holiday hymns we sing year after year?

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris rejoins David Wollen to interview author and pastor Robert J. Morgan about the remarkable stories behind our most cherished Christmas Carols. Recorded on a chilly day in Nashville, Tennessee, we pray this conversation will help you worship Jesus this year as you learn the fascinating history behind the hymns of Christmas. 

A Thanksgiving Conversation with David Wollen and Marty Machowski

No matter where you live, if you belong to Jesus, there is always a reason to give thanks. As countless people prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States, David Wollen is joined by author and children's pastor Marty Machowski to have a God-honoring conversation about gratitude. Along the way, they also discuss how Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity for Christians to encourage one another and give thanks for every blessing from the Lord.

Marty Machowski on How to Share Gospel Truths with Children at Christmastime

Throughout the Old Testament, God promised to send a son, a shepherd, a servant, a prophet like Moses, a king, and more. Each promise God kept. Each fulfillment shapes the story of Christmas with vibrant prophetic color that gives us hope for the future. 

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, author and children's pastor Marty Machowski joins David Wollen to talk about how the promises of God in the Old Testament weave throughout the story of redemption and culminate in the birth of the Messiah. They also discuss how Christmastime is a golden opportunity for us to share these Gospel truths with the children we love. 

Tim Challies on his Epic Round-the-World Journey through Christian History

When we think about the ancient church, our minds usually jump to Jerusalem or Rome. But what about Africa, Asia, and the Americas? From the very beginning, the family of God spread throughout the world—and their stories deserve to be told.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, Tim Challies acts as our tour-guide as he discusses his recent around-the-world journey to every inhabited continent in search of artifacts that tell the story of Christ and His people throughout the centuries. 

To compliment this episode, dive deeper into these stories from around the world by visiting haventoday.org to make your gift and receive a copy of Tim’s 10-part documentary series called Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History.

The Gospel According to Moses

Moses looms large in the Old Testament, but not because he was so impressive. His story begins with failure, and yet, by the end of this life, he would go on to become the greatest prophet of the Old Testament.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen has a roundtable discussion with executive producer Troy Lamberth and Cuba broadcast host Danny Rojas about how this towering figure in Scripture provides a Gospel blueprint for the greater Moses—Jesus. After that, you'll hear a bonus interview with the director of the theatrical production of Moses: Sight & Sound, Chris Wert.

Tremper Longman on How Moses Points to Jesus

Even people who are unfamiliar with the Bible often recognize the story of the burning bush, the ten plagues, and the parting of the Red Sea. But beneath the surface, there is so much more to the story of Moses than meets the eye.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast by Haven Today, David Wollen dives deep into the story of Moses with one of today's top evangelical scholars, Dr. Tremper Longman. Together, they discuss how the pattern of the exodus can be traced throughout the entire Bible—ultimately leading to Jesus. Not only will this conversation give you a greater appreciation for how Christ shows up in all of Scripture, but it will also show you how foundational the story of Moses is to salvation history. 

Darby Strickland Helps Kids Cope with Fear & Anxiety

As wonderful as childhood can be, sometimes hard or traumatic events happen that exceed a child’s ability to cope. The death of a loved one, a natural disaster, a traffic accident, a medical emergency, or even a global pandemic. These events touch us—and our little ones—far more than we realize. 

Many factors have contributed to what is now an unprecedented increase in fear and anxiety in the younger generation—be it from the world at large or events that are up close and personal. Sometimes, parents and grandparents don't even know that something happened or what their child's experience of it was. 

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, you’re going to hear a conversation between David Wollen, his wife, Marci, and Christian counselor and author Darby Strickland. Together, they dive deeply into the very important topic of helping kids cope with trauma, fear, and anxiety—all in light of God's Word. Part of this discussion will also be about the special storybook that Darby has written called Something Scary Happened—an incredible resource available as our thanks for your gift to Haven Ministries at haventoday.org. 

How the Church is Responding After Hurricane Milton & Helene

While Hurricane Milton was "not as bad as it could have been," it doesn’t feel that way for millions picking up the pieces following the widespread devastation left behind by deadly tornadoes, 1-in-1,000 year rainfall in St. Petersburg, and a path across Florida primed for maximum destruction. This being the second historic hurricane hitting the area in two weeks.

Meanwhile, wounds are still fresh throughout the Southeast, especially in Asheville, North Carolina. National relief agencies are doing their part, but it's often the churches who offer help and hope in the beginning, as well as down the road—long after those agencies pack up and leave town.

David Wollen traveled to Florida where the most recent hurricane made landfall in order to see how the church is response firsthand. What he found astonished him. Today's episode of the Great Stories podcast is a travelog of what David saw while he was there, including conversations with Christians helping in the aftermath. 

Learn how you, too, can make a difference following Hurricane Milton and Helene at haventoday.org. 

Shane and Shane on the Worship Songs that Shaped Them

When you think about the good ol’ days, what comes to mind? Most think back to childhood when we were just beginning to understand the world and our place in it. And if you were a Christian in the 80's and 90's, you probably remember worshiping the Lord at that time to songs like “Draw Me Close,” “As the Deer,” and “Lord I Lift Your Name on High.” Turns out, these songs made a deep impact on Shane and Shane, too.

On today's episode of the great stories podcast, David Wollen speaks with the musical duo Shane and Shane about this time in worship music history. When you listen, you'll hear their backstories, the influence these now-retro songs made on their young lives of faith, and how they meticulously created the album Vintage during the pandemic using a guitar and household items as instruments.