Season Four Is Here — And We’re Starting with a Story About Darkness
It’s good to be back!
Season Four of the Ministry Forum Podcast is officially underway, and we’re excited to share it with you! We’re beginning this season with someone many of you will know already—Laura Alary—a writer, educator, and someone who has a real gift for noticing the sacred in ordinary things. She joined us back in Season Two (also kicking off that season… are we starting a trend?) In this episode we’re talking about two of her new books that were released almost side-by-side this September.
Both of them, in very different ways, are about darkness—not just physical darkness, but the kind that comes with disappointment, waiting, or when life doesn’t go as planned.
One book, The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t, tells the story of Aiden and a blackout that interrupts all his Christmas expectations. No pageant, no grandparents visiting, no turkey dinner—and yet, through the disruption, something deeper emerges. It’s a gentle, honest story about how loss and limitation can actually open the door to something holy.
The other book, Who Needs the Dark?, is more science-focused, exploring how darkness is vital—not just for humans, but for the whole web of life. As Laura puts it, “darkness has its own gift.” It’s a beautifully illustrated invitation to rethink how we talk about (and light up) the night.
So why start a new podcast season with children’s books? Because they’re not just for children.
And because stories like these help us talk about things we often avoid—grief, uncertainty, unmet expectations—but also resilience, wonder, and the deep kind of connection that grows when things don’t go as planned.
They also raise some important questions:
How do we raise kids who aren’t afraid of the dark—in any sense?
How do we, as ministry leaders, sit with our own “darkness” without rushing to fix or spiritualize it away?
What can the season of Advent teach us about embracing the dark, instead of just waiting for the light?
If you're planning ahead for Advent or looking for new ways to talk about hope and resilience with children or families in your community, this episode is well worth your time. Laura also shares some great practical resources, including a free discussion guide for The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t and upcoming events like her workshop at the Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference.
Mostly, though, it’s just a good conversation—rooted, thoughtful, and full of grace.
We’ll be exploring more themes like this throughout Season Four—conversations that make space for mystery, joy, challenge, and creativity in ministry. If you’re curious, tired, hopeful, or some mix of all three, I hope you’ll journey with us.
Listen to the episode here or where ever you get your podcasts
P.s. Both books are out now!
The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t
Aidan's city is hit with an ice storm just days before Christmas, causing the electrical grid to go down. All their Christmas plans are ruined! One disappointment piles on another: Grandma and Grandpa cannot travel, the Christmas pageant is canceled, there are no Christmas lights, and it's impossible to cook a Christmas dinner. But Aidan and his dad persevere to bring doughnuts and coffee to neighbors, and then they're invited to a neighborhood Christmas potluck.
As Aidan's mom tells the Christmas story, he realizes that the first Christmas was full of disappointment and unexpected community too. Suddenly Christmas feels special again as Aidan feels connected to the Bible story from long ago, to his grandparents far away, and to his neighbors and family nearby. God is here in the midst of it all.
Sometimes Christmas is not all we hope or expect it to be. The Christmas That Almost Wasn't invites readers to ponder how sometimes, when things are taken away, it brings us closer to the heart of the holy mystery that still draws us into its warmth.
Who Needs the Dark?
How do you feel about the dark? Is it creepy or cozy? Eerie or awesome? The dark doesn’t have to be scary. After all, it’s for sleeping, for growing, for healing, and for changing into something new. Humans depend on the dark for their health and well-being, and so do other living things.
A love letter to darkness, this informational picture book incorporates STEM content to gently encourage readers to look at the dark in new ways. Lyrical, poetic text and soft, striking illustrations make for a delightful read aloud.