Brian From reflects on the dangers of political cynicism and power while calling Christians to lives marked by character, integrity, and Christlike distinctiveness. As Christmas approaches, he explores the spiritual cost of screen addiction, the importance of turning toward one another, and how practices like communal singing and gracious speech shape healthier, more faithful lives. The episode closes with Advent reflections that point listeners to hope, light in the darkness, and the promise of Emmanuel—God with us.

Redistricting fight shifts to Wisconsin, where judicial panels may pick new maps 

Singing with Other People Improves Health More Than Singing Alone 

Speak with a Christian Accent 

Turn Toward Each Other and Away from the Screen - Christianity Today 

How to Fight Your Phone Idolatry 

x.com/CTmagazine/status/1999471822891307332 

Oprah accused of fueling family estrangement crisis she now warns about | Fox News 

A Gentle Pastor Isn’t a Weak Pastor 

Somebody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen: A Christmas Reflection 

Brian From reflects on the dangers of political cynicism and power while calling Christians to lives marked by character, integrity, and Christlike distinctiveness. As Christmas approaches, he explores the spiritual cost of screen addiction, the importance of turning toward one another, and how practices like communal singing and gracious speech shape healthier, more faithful lives. The episode closes with Advent reflections that point listeners to hope, light in the darkness, and the promise of Emmanuel&mdash;God with us.
<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/redistricting-fight-shifts-wisconsin-judicial-panels-may-pick-new-maps-rcna248281">Redistricting fight shifts to Wisconsin, where judicial panels may pick new maps</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/singing-with-other-people-improves-health-more-than-singing-alone/?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">Singing with Other People Improves Health More Than Singing Alone</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/speaking-christian-accent/">Speak with a Christian Accent</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/12/turn-toward-each-other-away-from-the-screen-schools-zoomers-edtech/">Turn Toward Each Other and Away from the Screen - Christianity Today</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/fight-phone-idolatry/">How to Fight Your Phone Idolatry</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://x.com/CTmagazine/status/1999471822891307332">x.com/CTmagazine/status/1999471822891307332</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/health/relationship-coach-blames-oprah-pushing-family-estrangement-for-decades">Oprah accused of fueling family estrangement crisis she now warns about | Fox News</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/gentle-pastor-weak-pastor/">A Gentle Pastor Isn&rsquo;t a Weak Pastor</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://gcdiscipleship.com/article-feed/somebody-knows-the-trouble-ive-seen-a-christmas-reflection">Somebody Knows the Trouble I&rsquo;ve Seen: A Christmas Reflection</a>&nbsp;

The idea of “the common good” has a rich history within the Christian church. It’s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God’s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations, to sit with the big questions that we all have, to sometimes disagree, but to always look for the chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God’s design for all of us fulfilled.

The idea of &ldquo;the common good&rdquo; has a rich history within the Christian church. It&rsquo;s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God&rsquo;s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations, to sit with the big questions that we all have, to sometimes disagree, but to always look for the chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God&rsquo;s design for all of us fulfilled.

The Common Good Podcast

The Common Good

Turning from Screens, Cultivating Character, and Finding Hope This Christmas

As Christmas approaches, Brian From reflects on the tension between seasonal joy and a world marked by violence, loss, and uncertainty, reminding listeners why the message of “good news of great joy for all people” matters precisely when darkness feels overwhelming. The show takes a lighter—but revealing—turn with a discussion of a lawsuit asking whether pets should be recognized as legal dependents, sparking a broader conversation about modern priorities and cultural shifts. Brian closes by exploring why joy can feel so difficult, even in Advent, and why true joy is not rooted in circumstances but anchored in the hope found in Christ.

Bondi Beach shooting live updates: 15 dead at Hanukkah event, including children 

Gospel in Life on X: "You may think, “My biggest problem is if I could just make the money, if I could just get the job, if this door would open …” You think your problems are the circumstances, but circumstances cannot destroy your life the way character flaws can. It’s your character that is your" / X 

Lawyer Sues The IRS, Demanding It Recognize Pets As Legal Dependents 

Rich Villodas on X: "Living joyfully can be hard for two reasons: 1. It can *feel bad* to have joy when the world around you is in pain. 2. It can *feel hard* to have joy when you’re in a bad situation. But we rejoice, not because all is well, but because we trust that God is at work. #Advent" / X 

A Costco Manager’s Unexpected Kindness Turns a Coat Donation Into a Holiday Surprise - ReCglimb 

Fascinating on X: "Just before the start of the 544-mile Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon in 1983, one particular runner caught the attention of the Australian media: a 61-year-old potato farmer named Cliff Young. He had shown up before the race wearing overalls and work boots, telling https://t.co/AL55nvfsSP" / X 

Don’t Be Duped by This Year’s Biggest Religious Trend

Pat McAfee on X: "Absolutely love this from Old Man Rivers.. Anybody can do nothing.. DON’T BE SCARED TO GO FOR IT https://t.co/dRYJGg2uSl" / X 

Christianity Today on X: "“No matter how dark things might seem, light has come and is coming again, and darkness cannot overcome it.” Today’s Advent devotional: https://t.co/YeCedczYsr" / X 

As Christmas approaches, Brian From reflects on the tension between seasonal joy and a world marked by violence, loss, and uncertainty, reminding listeners why the message of &ldquo;good news of great joy for all people&rdquo; matters precisely when darkness feels overwhelming. The show takes a lighter&mdash;but revealing&mdash;turn with a discussion of a lawsuit asking whether pets should be recognized as legal dependents, sparking a broader conversation about modern priorities and cultural shifts. Brian closes by exploring why joy can feel so difficult, even in Advent, and why true joy is not rooted in circumstances but anchored in the hope found in Christ.
<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/world/australia/live-blog/bondi-beach-australia-live-updates-rcna249083">Bondi Beach shooting live updates: 15 dead at Hanukkah event, including children</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://x.com/gospelinlife/status/1999842033956012387">Gospel in Life on X: "You may think, &ldquo;My biggest problem is if I could just make the money, if I could just get the job, if this door would open &hellip;&rdquo; You think your problems are the circumstances, but circumstances cannot destroy your life the way character flaws can. It&rsquo;s your character that is your" / X</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2025/12/12/lawyer-sues-the-irs-demanding-it-recognize-pets-as-legal-dependents/?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">Lawyer Sues The IRS, Demanding It Recognize Pets As Legal Dependents</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://x.com/richvillodas/status/2000318515321155872">Rich Villodas on X: "Living joyfully can be hard for two reasons: 1. It can *feel bad* to have joy when the world around you is in pain. 2. It can *feel hard* to have joy when you&rsquo;re in a bad situation. But we rejoice, not because all is well, but because we trust that God is at work. #Advent" / X</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://re.cglimb.com/a-costco-managers-unexpected-kindness/?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">A Costco Manager&rsquo;s Unexpected Kindness Turns a Coat Donation Into a Holiday Surprise - ReCglimb</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://x.com/fasc1nate/status/2000385371138314336">Fascinating on X: "Just before the start of the 544-mile Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon in 1983, one particular runner caught the attention of the Australian media: a 61-year-old potato farmer named Cliff Young. He had shown up before the race wearing overalls and work boots, telling https://t.co/AL55nvfsSP" / X</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/duped-biggest-religious-trend/">Don&rsquo;t Be Duped by This Year&rsquo;s Biggest Religious Trend</a>
<a href="https://x.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/2000372558039032201">Pat McAfee on X: "Absolutely love this from Old Man Rivers.. Anybody can do nothing.. DON&rsquo;T BE SCARED TO GO FOR IT https://t.co/dRYJGg2uSl" / X</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://x.com/CTmagazine/status/2000196587058782416">Christianity Today on X: "&ldquo;No matter how dark things might seem, light has come and is coming again, and darkness cannot overcome it.&rdquo; Today&rsquo;s Advent devotional: https://t.co/YeCedczYsr" / X</a>&nbsp;

Pets as Dependents, Christmas Darkness, and the Hard Work of Living Joyfully

Brian From is joined by Jeff Bradford, President and CEO of The Human Coalition, to discuss how the organization supports women who believe abortion is their only option and helps them choose life. Bradford explains Human Coalition’s dual focus on direct care for mothers and legislative advocacy, including how they respond to the rise of chemical abortions and serve states like Illinois. The conversation also addresses the deep wounds many carry after abortion, offering a message of forgiveness, healing, and tangible ways listeners can make a life-saving impact.

Brian From is joined by Jeff Bradford, President and CEO of The Human Coalition, to discuss how the organization supports women who believe abortion is their only option and helps them choose life. Bradford explains Human Coalition&rsquo;s dual focus on direct care for mothers and legislative advocacy, including how they respond to the rise of chemical abortions and serve states like Illinois. The conversation also addresses the deep wounds many carry after abortion, offering a message of forgiveness, healing, and tangible ways listeners can make a life-saving impact.

Advocacy, Healing, and Hope with Jeff Bradford with The Human Coalition

Brian From reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of sports fandom, Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, and why dark chocolate might help you live longer—even if he refuses to eat it. He explores the deeper spiritual challenge of Christmas: not consumerism or secularism, but our own boredom with the most astonishing story ever told. The episode closes with a sobering look at the Michigan football scandal as a reminder that sin always destroys—and the gospel always restores.

Dark Chocolate Compound Linked To Slower Aging 

Thief Said He Was "Teleported” Into Stolen BMW | The Smoking Gun 

Fascinating on X: "Adolf (Adi) and his older brother Rudolph (Rudi) Dassler, born in Germany, established the world's first sports shoe company, Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik, achieving global fame when athletes clinched 17 medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in their footwear, including four golds https://t.co/jKXW1DH6rh" / X 

Desiring God on X: "Where do you place your hope in the hardest times? We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised a hope to carry us through every tribulation and trial: That hope is Jesus. Sermon: “Happy in Hope, Patient in Pain, Constant in Prayer” https://t.co/YDcQJy8X4b" / X 

Bend Toward the Light - Christianity Today 

RightNow Media on X: "Jesus is too wonderful for words to fully describe. 🎬 Advent with @jdgreear on RightNow Media https://t.co/ia6lQZH6Hv" / X 

ESPN on X: "Sherrone Moore was detained by police in Saline, Michigan, on Wednesday and was later turned over to a second area police department for investigation into potential charges, the Saline Police Department stated. https://t.co/IddSQorpsa" / X 

Against the World, for the Sake of the World 

Brian From reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of sports fandom, Time Magazine&rsquo;s Person of the Year, and why dark chocolate might help you live longer&mdash;even if he refuses to eat it. He explores the deeper spiritual challenge of Christmas: not consumerism or secularism, but our own boredom with the most astonishing story ever told. The episode closes with a sobering look at the Michigan football scandal as a reminder that sin always destroys&mdash;and the gospel always restores.
<a href="https://scitechdaily.com/dark-chocolate-compound-linked-to-slower-aging/?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">Dark Chocolate Compound Linked To Slower Aging</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/florida/bmw-teleportation-073268?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">Thief Said He Was "Teleported&rdquo; Into Stolen BMW | The Smoking Gun</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://x.com/fasc1nate/status/1998724499743621428">Fascinating on X: "Adolf (Adi) and his older brother Rudolph (Rudi) Dassler, born in Germany, established the world's first sports shoe company, Gebr&uuml;der Dassler Schuhfabrik, achieving global fame when athletes clinched 17 medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in their footwear, including four golds https://t.co/jKXW1DH6rh" / X</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://x.com/desiringGod/status/1999086792562127222">Desiring God on X: "Where do you place your hope in the hardest times? We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised a hope to carry us through every tribulation and trial: That hope is Jesus. Sermon: &ldquo;Happy in Hope, Patient in Pain, Constant in Prayer&rdquo; https://t.co/YDcQJy8X4b" / X</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/11/bend-toward-the-light-christmas-advent-devotional/">Bend Toward the Light - Christianity Today</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://x.com/RightNowMedia/status/1998832840033902744">RightNow Media on X: "Jesus is too wonderful for words to fully describe. 🎬 Advent with @jdgreear on RightNow Media https://t.co/ia6lQZH6Hv" / X</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1998917207133221074">ESPN on X: "Sherrone Moore was detained by police in Saline, Michigan, on Wednesday and was later turned over to a second area police department for investigation into potential charges, the Saline Police Department stated. https://t.co/IddSQorpsa" / X</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/against-sake-world/">Against the World, for the Sake of the World</a>&nbsp;

Turning from Screens, Cultivating Character, and Finding Hope This Christmas

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