But it's no secret that in the two millennia since Jesus was born, the reality of the story has often been buried under a snowdrift of myths, adaptations, and memes. There's nothing wrong with a good Christmas tradition, but if we want to get to the earth-shattering, life-changing truth of Christmas, we need to clear off some of that snow and look at the people and places that were actually there.

And it's not just the biblical story that needs a fresh look. From Coca-Cola's monopoly on Santa's origin story to why Christmas Day falls on 25 December, there are plenty of myths to bust.

Luckily, in this Christmas episode – and the last episode of season 2 – Paul and Grace are joined by Nick Page, Christmas mythbuster extraordinaire. Nick is the author of 'Christmas: Tradition, Truth, and Total Baubles', which explores our yuletide traditions, and rummages through the sleigh-full of festive fake news that gets passed around each year.

Together, they chat about how we can get back to the amazing reality of the season - and let it change our whole lives.

Find out more about Nick's work at nickpage.net

It's also full of kingdom character and opportunities. The Bible is often described as a unified story in six acts, and Jesus himself was in one sense a highly skilled 'performer' – holding huge crowds with carefully crafted stories that revealed deeper truths about his listeners and the world he was in. So how can the theatre contribute to God's mission on earth – and how does it echo his character?

To dive into the wonderful world of the West End, Paul and Grace chat to actor, singer, and dancer Naomi Alade, a cast member in the musical 'Six'. She shares her journey into the performing arts, what it looks like to be distinctively Christian in an often challenging space, and how theatrical productions can bring glory to God.

Naomi trained in musical theatre at the University of West London and has been working in the industry for the last three years. As well as 'Six', she's appeared in 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical', 'Eugenius!', and the Robin Hood pantomime. Follow her on Instagram @naomialade1

But despite that, many of the UK's biggest social action charities have lost the distinctively Christian character with which they were founded. Organisations that were founded on sharing the message and the practical love of Jesus have lost the former, and as a result, people can forget that the latter is rooted in the love of God, not just altruism. In fact, talking about the Jesus who inspired your social action is often seen as bad manners.

How should we respond to this lopsided cultural landscape, where the church's provision is appreciated but the gospel roots of social action are forgotten or rejected?

Paul and Grace dive into this complex but crucial issue with Jon Kuhrt, CEO of Hope into Action. Jon has worked with people affected by homelessness for over 30 years, and is a former government adviser on how faith groups can address rough sleeping. Listen in to hear Jon's wisdom, and read more from him at gracetruth.blog

The Christian story can speak amazing healing into this darkness – but the church's record on mental health is far from spotless. Too often, people managing mental ill health can feel shamed or pressured, as though they're at fault for not believing enough in God's promises, or as though being a Christian should mean always being joyful and happy.

So how do we sensitively and fruitfully bring the gospel of hope and redemption into the conversation about mental health? To explore this crucial topic, Grace and Paul chat to Elle Limebear, songwriter, worship leader, artist, and author of 'Say Goodbye to Anxiety'.

Find out more about Elle's work at ellelimebear.co.uk

At the same time, cultural norms are changing at breakneck speed. Digital technology has rewritten the rules of social interaction, political discourse is degenerating fast, and sexual and moral codes are being rewritten in the name of selfish individualism.

All in all, it can be a bewildering time to try and live for Jesus.  How should we respond to this culture we find ourselves in? Draw battle lines, engage caps lock, and fight to the last?

Well, according to Mark Sayers, author of A Non-Anxious Presence, there is a better way. Rather than being overwhelmed by cultural change, Christians can offer a more peaceful, wise way forward. Because we know the one who never changes, we can be a non-anxious presence - bringing kingdom perspective and service into the world, moulding culture to be more kingdom-like. Listen in as Mark chats with Paul and Grace about all things cultural engagement.

Mark Sayers is the author of several popular books, including Disappearing Church, Reappearing Church, and The Road Trip that Changed the World. He also hosts the Rebuilders podcast, and leads Red Church in Melbourne, Australia. Find out more at marksayers.co

So if God is a God of justice, how should the church respond? What does the Christian story have to say about the way race and ethnicity fit into God's good creation? How do we have tough but essential conversations about racism in a way that balances love with urgency, unity with righteousness? 

To explore these questions and more, Paul and Grace are joined by Chine McDonald, director of Theos think tank. Born in Nigeria, she moved to the UK aged four. She read theology & religious studies at Cambridge University before training as a newspaper journalist. She's a regular contributor to BBC religion and ethics programmes, including Thought for the Day on Radio 4, the daily service, and Prayer for the Day. She is the author of Am I Beautiful? and God Is Not a White Man, and sits on a number of charity boards, including Greenbelt Festival, where she's vice-chair, and Christian Aid.

To get into all this and more, Paul and Grace host Laura Young (aka @lesswastelaura), an award-winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer. Based in Scotland, she's led the campaign against disposable vapes, appeared on a host of broadcast media, and is researching how her home nation can improve its climate resilience in community-centred, nature-based ways.

Together, they explore why working for the healing of God's creation is far from a peripheral issue for Christians – in fact, it's a crucial part of the church's mission to join in the redemption of all things.

And as if that wasn't enough, Laura shares practical, actionable ideas for how each of us can make a difference on climate issues, right where we are.

Find out more about Laura at lesswastelaura.com/

Christianity's sexual ethics are as distinctive today as they were in ancient Rome – focused on care, commitment, and joy rather than power, selfishness, and consumerism. As many people's exploration of their sexual selves has moved online, and as sex and relationships have become increasingly central to people's sense of their own worth and identity, our culture is awash with anxiety and depression. Christianity has a beautiful alternative to offer – sex as an expression of faithfulness and love, rather than sex as a social (or financial) commodity.

With all that to discuss, Paul and Grace get expert insights from Rachel Gardner, Director of Partnerships at Youthscape and a church leader in Blackburn. Together they explore the unique beauty of Christian sexual ethics – and how we can engage wisely in our daily lives with this thorniest of topics.

Rachel has written several books for young people on sex and relationships, including The Sex Thing and The Girl Deconstruction Project.

In the fourth and final part of our election special, Tim speaks to Paul and Grace about the Christian roots of the Lib Dems' policy platform, how we can grow a more Christlike culture in politics, and what he's learnt about effective witness during his time in the Westminster bear pit. 

And as attention focuses on Sunak and Starmer, he makes the case for the 'third way' of the Liberal Democrats – will you be convinced?

As well as his political work, Tim Farron hosts the 'Mucky Business' podcast – listen at https://www.premier.plus/a-mucky-business-with-tim-farron

Continuing our four-part election special, Cat Smith chats to Paul and Grace about how the Christian story connects to the vision and policies of the Labour Party, and what it looks like for her to live out her faith in frontline politics. How do you balance your loyalties to your party, leader, constituents, values – and Jesus?

Cat has served as Labour MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood since 2015, and was a member of the Shadow Cabinet from 2016 to 2021. 

In the third instalment of our election special, John speaks to Paul and Grace about the Christian history of the Scottish National Party, and shares his experience of publicly standing up for his Christian values, often receiving a strongly negative response from those who disagree. 

What does it mean to be distinctively Christian while also prioritising gracious debate and a 'broad tent' approach to party politics?

John has been MSP for Glasgow Shettleston since 2011, and was previously MP for Glasgow East from 2008–2010, and a Glasgow City Councillor from 1998–2008.

Amid the noise of the campaign, it's something a little different – a chance to hear how the Christian faith continues to shape our politics, through the daily discipleship of politicians right across the spectrum.

First up, it's John Glen of the Conservative Party. John has served as MP for Salisbury since 2010, and as Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General since November 2023. 

Going into the election, after a stormy few years the Tories must defend their record and convince voters they're the right people to continue the job. Paul and Grace quiz John on the character, competence, and compassion shown (or not!) during 14 years of Conservative government, and John shares how his faith plays into the tricky decision-making that comes with holding national office.

Stay tuned – we've got lots of exciting stuff planned for the rest of 2024!

Whether it's the quest for immortality or the search for alien life, the treatment of pandemics or animal personhood, AI or mental health, abortion or genetic editing, science is making advances that pose huge questions about what it means to be human, whether we should change ourselves, and how far we should 'play God'. 

With every new power we develop, a whole new set of ethical and moral questions emerge. What does it mean to live well in a world where the very concept of personhood is up for debate, and where human ingenuity is extending its reach into the very building blocks of life? What impact does that have on our daily lives – and the way we live out our faith in the places God’s put us? 

To unpack these thorny questions, Paul and Grace speak with Dr Nick Spencer, author, broadcaster, and Senior Fellow at the think tank Theos.

Nick is the author of several books and reports, including 'Magisteria: the Entangled Histories of Science and Religion', 'The Political Samaritan: How Power Hijacked a Parable', 'The Evolution of the West', and 'Atheists: The Origin of the Species'. His latest book is 'Playing God'. Nick is host of the podcast 'Reading Our Times', and outside Theos, is Visiting Research Fellow at the Faiths and Civil Society Unit, Goldsmiths, University of London and a Fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion. 

Despite all that, the fashion industry's reputation isn't exactly holy. From fast fashion's environmental impact to haute couture's fondness for unrealistic body ideals, it can seem as though we're better off keeping away from the whole thing.

But God cares about every part of life, and what we wear is no exception. So what does the Christian story have to say about fashion, and what are the implications for us, whether we’re in the fashion industry or not?

To explore those questions, Paul and Grace are joined by Christina Abbott, personal shopper and stylist to the stars. Over a long and varied career, she's dressed just about every kind of A-lister imaginable, from royalty to film stars, pop sensations to world leaders. She's a Christian and passionate about luxury fashion, faith, and where the two meet. Listen to Christina's stories – and get a fresh perspective on the industry that clothes the world.

Christina Abbott currently runs an independent consultancy that focuses on leadership, team development, and public speaking, with a particular focus on the luxury fashion sector. She also offers bespoke shopping experiences in London. Find out more at christinaabbott.co.uk

In this episode, Paul and Grace speak to Martha Ratcliff of @martharatcliffillustration about the crucial role design and illustration play in our world, how good design stays with us for a lifetime – and how God's creativity is the template for so much human endeavour. Martha is a professional designer and illustrator whose work has appeared on greetings cards sold in major high street chains, as well as the recent book 'Bible Stories for Little Ones' and her own line of prints and merchandise. Find out more at www.martharatcliffillustration.com

Perhaps the reason we're left so cold or scared by so many of today's political class is that we've let the importance of character slip away from our political culture. Gone are the days of great power bringing great responsibility (if they ever existed) – instead, we seem to be voting for people whose sole goal is power for its own sake.

Michael Wear, author and former advisor to President Obama, believes we need to make character central to our politics once more if we're to see it reformed. Actions flow out of personality and values. If we cared as much about politicians' humility, kindness, and honesty as we do about their cultural affiliation or soundbite policies, we might begin to move towards a more mature – even godly – politics.

In a year that'll see more than 40% of the global population vote in an election, Michael talks with Paul and Grace about why character matters, and how a refreshed focus on character can create a politics of hope – all of which is grounded in the Christian story.

Michael Wear is the Founder, President and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, and previously led Public Square Strategies, a consulting firm that helps religious organizations, political organizations, businesses and others effectively navigate the rapidly changing American religious and political landscape.

Michael is the author of several books on politics, faith, and culture, and writes for The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Catapult Magazine, and Christianity Today.

That's the general message New Atheism put out into the world in the noughties. And for a while it felt like Dawkins and Hitchens and co might have had the last word. In Alastair Campbell's memorable phrase, it seemed as though the UK at large 'didn't do God' any more.

And yet. Over the last few years, something's started to shift. Podcaster and author Justin Brierley has been hosting high-profile debates between Christians, atheists, and agnostics for nearly two decades, and in that time he's seen the conversation change. A new set of so-called secular thinkers are turning away from the materialist non-story of reality and reconsidering how the Christian story speaks to today’s meaning crisis.

In this live episode, hosts Paul Woolley and Grace Fielding chat to Justin and Tom Holland, author of the bestselling book 'Dominion' and host of the hugely popular podcast 'The Rest is History'. Together, they explore why new atheism is growing old and the Christian view of reality is making a comeback.

To answer those questions, Paul and Grace are joined by Professor John Coffey from the University of Leicester, who specialises in the religion, politics, and ideas of the Protestant Atlantic world from 1600 to 1850. 

In this episode, he explains how the Christian faith of key figures like William Wilberforce inspired them to act, and how abolitionism became a popular movement as well as a legislative campaign – based on the very Christian idea that all humans are equally valuable in God's eyes.

Whichever of these scenarios we're heading towards, what we do know is that AI poses all kinds of weird new questions about human identity, consciousness, sentience, and value. Can a machine learning model be a person? Can it be self-aware? Can it suffer? Does it need rights?

And in the middle of all that – what happens to our understanding of who we are before God? So much of our understanding of what it means to be 'made in the image of God' has to do with our minds: our ability to reason, problem-solve, create. When AI can do all of that better than us – when AI becomes more human than humans – what does that say about who we are, and about who God is?

To untangle all this, Paul Woolley and Grace Fielding chat to Eve Poole, author of 'Robot Souls: Programming in Humanity', which explores how understanding human 'code' can help us build safer AI. Eve is a leadership expert, author, and frequent commentator on ethics in public life. She was formerly Third Estates Commissioner, one of the most senior lay roles in the Church of England, and was appointed OBE in 2023 for services to education and gender equality. Find out more at evepoole.com

In this episode, Grace and Paul are joined by comedian and comedy writer Paul Kerensa, whose credits include the smash hits 'Miranda' and 'Not Going Out'. 

Together, they chat about why making people laugh is kingdom work, what comic characters teach us about how to be better people, and why Christians should engage with 'edgy' comedy rather than dismissing it out of hand. And along the way, Paul explains the Christian origins of that great sponsor of comedy: the BBC. 

According to Makoto and Haejin Shim Fujimura, that perspective couldn't be more wrong. For this power couple – he's a world-renowned artist, she's a top-flight human rights lawyer – art and justice aren't just closely linked: they're two sides of the same coin. 

When we make something beautiful, we mirror the actions of the Creator God, who made the universe 'very good'. Creating our own art gives us a far deeper affinity for God's creative act – and helps us understand that in bringing about justice through us, he's restoring the beauty of his creation. Which is why Haejin's work saving trafficked women from captivity is driven by a recognition of their beauty in God's eyes: his good, precious creations.

Listen in as Mako and Haejin unpack how we can each make art and and justice in our everyday lives and work, and how a richer theology of making is the basis for justice work that truly makes a difference.

Makoto Fujimura is a highly respected artist who has exhibited in cities including New York, Tokyo, Phoenix, Hong Kong, Vienna, and Nagasaki. He is the author of several influential books, including A Theology of Making. Haejin Shim Fujimura is a human rights lawyer and founder of the legal firm Shim & Associates and the non-profit Embers International, which protects and empowers the victims of injustice and intergenerational oppression. Together they also head up Culture Care Creative, which helps people care for culture by wrestling deeply with issues of art, faith, and humanity.

Pete Greig is the founder of an organisation whose name pretty much answers those questions: 24/7 Prayer. In this live episode recorded at LICC's London HQ, he chats with Paul and Grace about how prayer changes everything. 

Jesus calls us into a movement of hope that will bring life to every human being and the entire planet. If we want to live like that, we need a life shot through with prayer. Because talking with God about what we do together is the best way to stay focused on his priorities – as we try to make a difference with him in daily life. 

Pete is a best-selling author and instigator of the 24/7 Prayer movement. He is also Senior Pastor of Emmaus Road, Guildford, an Ambassador for Tearfund, and teaches at St Mellitus Theological College in London. 

Our culture is fixated on the self and the idea that meaning, purpose, and truth can all be found inside ourselves. It's the punchline of countless kids' films: don't try to please everyone else. Just be yourself!

But as Graham Tomlin explains in this episode, that whole idea is a pretty recent innovation – and if we're not careful, it can totally undermine any sense that we should serve and care for each other. In fact, 'just being ourselves' can take us to some very dark places.

Together with hosts Paul Woolley and Grace Fielding, Graham unpacks the Christian roots of individualism, says what's good about it, and explains why, if we really want to live in peace and harmony, we need to start with Christ-like selflessness, not self-fulfilment.

The Rt Revd Dr Graham Tomlin is the former Bishop of Kensington, and currently President of St Mellitus Theological College and Director of The Centre for Cultural Witness.

Theologian and lecturer Paula Gooder joins Paul and Grace to chat about how we can use that amazing gift more intentionally – and particularly how our imaginations can light up the way we read the Bible.

Rather than treating Scripture as a textbook or instruction manual, if we let it spark our imaginations, it can speak to us with a whole new power – engaging our emotions as well as our intellect.

Whether you're a committed imagineer or aren't even sure you have an imagination, this episode will change the way you think about the creative mind God gave you.

Dr Paula Gooder is Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Slanging matches, tribal infighting, people showing off and being told off... it doesn't exactly inspire confidence. And it's not limited to the halls of Westminster. Trust in our politicians and political process is plummeting, leaving the door open for populists to sweep in on the promise of change. When politics looks like a nuclear-grade basket case, where do we even begin to try and fix it?

Author and theologian Dr Luke Bretherton suggests a counter-cultural answer: we should begin by turning to religion. In this episode, he explains how the Christian faith offers a better way for our politics – prioritising service, humility, and the good of others over the pursuit of power for its own sake.

Luke Bretherton is based at Duke University, North Carolina, where he is Robert E. Cushman Distinguished Professor of Moral and Political Theology and senior fellow of the Kenan Institute for Ethics. He is also a Visiting Professor at St Mellitus Theological College, London.