Caller Tells Glenn How 'The Immortal Nicholas' Keeps Christmas Magical

December 09, 2016

Writer

Sometimes, it's difficult to know if your words and actions have the desired impact. Today on The Glenn Beck Program, Glenn received a very special gift from Heath, a listener who shared how The Immortal Nicholas has impacted his son. Heath's eight-year-old is quite enamored with the concept of Santa, and it showed during a recent visit paid to St. Nick.

"My son gets up on Santa's lap. Santa is asking him what he wants for Christmas, the normal banter, and my son is going on about, Hey, you look really great for your age. How many Macy's parades have you done? I mean, you look really fantastic for as old as I know that you are. Santa is just looking at him smiling. Finally, he leans into his ear, and he says, I know your real name is Agios.

"Oh, my gosh," Glenn replied.

Agios is the main character from Glenn's Christmas book The Immortal Nicholas.

"As we're walking off, my son is like, Man, I'm glad I got that off my shoulders. And he's like, Dad, you know, we should have got him some frankincense and brought it to him. But I know that probably would have brought back some bad memories.

"Oh, how great. What a great story," Glenn said.

Glenn wrote The Immortal Nicholas for his own children who were paying too much attention to Santa and missing the real meaning of Christmas.

"They were buying into the Rudolph and the North Pole toy shop and everything else. And I needed a way --- I didn't want to be the anti-Santa dad --- so I needed a way to bring the story of Santa in and yet not affect the story of the birth and death of Christ. And I'm so glad that you read it to him . . . and it worked," Glenn chuckled.

Heath ended the call with a special message for Glenn.

"I just want to call and thank you for contributing to the magic of Christmas and keeping that spirit alive for kids and adults alike," Heath said.

Enjoy this complimentary clip from The Glenn Beck Program:

Below is a rush transcript of this segment, it might contain errors:

GLENN: Hello, America. Let's go to Heath in Virginia. Hello, Heath.

CALLER: Good morning, Glenn. Good morning, Pat. Pat, Stu, Jeffy, Merry Christmas to you guys.

GLENN: Merry Christmas.

JEFFY: Merry Christmas.

CALLER: Hey, Glenn, I don't want to shift gears too much. I know you guys love talking about ladies handbags and dresses and jeans.

(chuckling)

STU: We do?

CALLER: Being mistaken as a gay designer. But that's okay.

STU: That's true.

GLENN: Right. Right.

CALLER: I wanted to share a quick anecdote with you guys, a funny Christmas story. We took our son to see Santa the other night at the mall.

And my 8-year-old is just eaten up the concept of Santa. And how this ties into you -- I'll get to that point quickly.

My son gets up on Santa's lap. Santa is asking him what he wants for Christmas. The normal banter. And my son is going on about, "Hey, you look really great for your age. And how many Macy's Parades have you done? I mean, you look really fantastic for as old as I know that you are." Santa is just looking at him smiling. And he said -- finally, he leans into his ear, and he says, "I know your real name is Agios."

GLENN: Oh, my gosh.

CALLER: And Santa glances at me like, "Is your son high? Is there something wrong with him?"

PAT: That's great.

(laughter)

CALLER: And I look back and I said, "Just go with it." So he kindly talks to him -- as we're walking off, my son is like, "Man, I'm glad I got that off my shoulders." And he's like, "Dad, you know, we should have got him some frankincense and brought it to him. But I know that probably would have brought back some bad memories."

GLENN: Oh, my gosh.

PAT: That's awesome.

GLENN: Oh, how great. What a great story.

In case you don't know what he's talking about, this is the book that I wrote for my children, and I think released last year or the year before, called The Immortal Nicholas. And I wrote it because I couldn't get my kids to pay attention to Jesus. They were just paying attention to Santa. And they were buying into the Rudolph and the North Pole toy shop and everything else. And I needed a way -- I didn't want to be the anti-Santa dad. So I needed a way to bring the story of Santa in and -- and yet not affect the story of the birth and death of Christ. And I'm so glad that you read it to him and it worked.

(chuckling)

PAT: How old is your son?

CALLER: He's eight years old.

PAT: Wow. That's great.

CALLER: And actually his question -- and I'm actually sad that I got through to you this morning while he's at school and he didn't have a chance to talk to you.

He wanted to know -- and he's gone on and on about it since last year, he's been asking numerous times, "Dad, Dad, how did Glenn Beck get the true story behind Santa?" I mean, he will not leave me alone about it. He wants to know how God told you. Did he come to you in a dream? Were you, you know, were you out in the wilderness? Where were you that God shared this story with you about Agios and how -- so if you could wrap it up.

GLENN: You can tell him that it wasn't God. It was -- it was Santa that told me.

CALLER: Okay. Okay.

GLENN: And you have to be of a certain weight and body shape to be able to have Santa to trust you. And so I kind of resemble Santa in my body shape.

But you could just tell him that it was Agios that told me because he may know -- there's an episode of The Vault that is coming up, where I share some things that my children have received from Santa. My -- my second oldest daughter, when she was very young, got a sleigh bell from Santa. She was just at the edge of unbelieving. And she wanted -- the only Christmas present she wanted was a sleigh bell. She didn't tell anybody about it. And it wasn't there under the tree.

And thank goodness the next day we had figured out that he may have dropped it off -- out of his pocket, and it rolled down the roof, and it was right there at the chimney at the bottom. And so she found that. And two years ago, my youngest child, Cheyenne, was at the age of unbelieving. And Santa left her this unbelievable handmade glove, leather glove, that has the rain marks on it and everything else that is marked Santa. And he left her this glove. And it was -- I mean, it was pretty remarkable.

I mean, you would -- you can't buy something like that in a store. And you would need like, you know, your own personal I don't know, fashion company or something to be able to make something like that.

STU: Hmm.

GLENN: And so -- but you can tell her --

PAT: And nobody has that. Nobody has that.

GLENN: Yeah. You can tell him that Santa has been very kind to us, and we don't know why.

CALLER: Okay. I will do that. He has been the same to us. So I just want to call and thank you to contributing to the magic of Christmas. And keeping that spirit alive for kids and adults alike.

GLENN: Thank you. Man, I can't -- I can't tell you -- this is -- I don't -- I don't recall very many calls on The Immortal Nicholas. Like this, where people have shared with me reading it with their children. And I am so glad that -- I am so glad that you had that experience. Thank you. That means the world to me.

CALLER: Thank you.

GLENN: You bet. You bet.

Featured Image: The Immortal Nicholas

Shocking Christian massacres unveiled

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Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

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In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

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Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

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In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

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Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

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President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

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Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

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Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

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While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

Did Trump's '51st state' jab just cost Canada its independence?

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Did Canadians just vote in their doom?

On April 28, 2025, Canada held its federal election, and what began as a promising conservative revival ended in a Liberal Party regroup, fueled by an anti-Trump narrative. This outcome is troubling for Canada, as Glenn revealed when he exposed the globalist tendencies of the new Prime Minister, Mark Carney. On a recent episode of his podcast, Glenn hosted former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, who provided insight into Carney’s history. She revealed that, as governor of the Bank of England, Carney contributed to the 2022 pension crisis through policies that triggered excessive money printing, leading to rampant inflation.

Carney’s election and the Liberal Party’s fourth consecutive victory spell trouble for a Canada already straining under globalist policies. Many believed Canadians were fed up with the progressive agenda when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned amid plummeting public approval. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party leader, started 2025 with a 25-point lead over his Liberal rivals, fueling optimism about his inevitable victory.

So, what went wrong? How did Poilievre go from predicted Prime Minister to losing his own parliamentary seat? And what details of this election could cost Canada dearly?

A Costly Election

Mark Carney (left) and Pierre Poilievre (right)

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The election defied the expectations of many analysts who anticipated a Conservative win earlier this year.

For Americans unfamiliar with parliamentary systems, here’s a brief overview of Canada’s federal election process. Unlike U.S. presidential elections, Canadians do not directly vote for their Prime Minister. Instead, they vote for a political party. Each Canadian resides in a "riding," similar to a U.S. congressional district, and during the election, each riding elects a Member of Parliament (MP). The party that secures the majority of MPs forms the government and appoints its leader as Prime Minister.

At the time of writing, the Liberal Party has secured 169 of the 172 seats needed for a majority, all but ensuring their victory. In contrast, the Conservative Party holds 144 seats, indicating that the Liberal Party will win by a solid margin, which will make passing legislation easier. This outcome is a far cry from the landslide Conservative victory many had anticipated.

Poilievre's Downfall

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What caused Poilievre’s dramatic fall from front-runner to losing his parliamentary seat?

Despite his surge in popularity earlier this year, which coincided with enthusiasm surrounding Trump’s inauguration, many attribute the Conservative loss to Trump’s influence. Commentators argue that Trump’s repeated references to Canada as the "51st state" gave Liberals a rallying cry: Canadian sovereignty. The Liberal Party framed a vote for Poilievre as a vote to surrender Canada to U.S. influence, positioning Carney as the defender of national independence.

Others argue that Poilievre’s lackluster campaign was to blame. Critics suggest he should have embraced a Trump-style, Canada-first message, emphasizing a balanced relationship with the U.S. rather than distancing himself from Trump’s annexation remarks. By failing to counter the Liberal narrative effectively, Poilievre lost momentum and voter confidence.

This election marks a pivotal moment for Canada, with far-reaching implications for its sovereignty and economic stability. As Glenn has warned, Carney’s globalist leanings could align Canada more closely with international agendas, potentially at the expense of its national interests. Canadians now face the challenge of navigating this new political landscape under a leader with a controversial track record.

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