This special episode honors legendary news anchor Ernie Anastos, who died recently, by revisiting a 2017 interview in which he discussed the ways his grandfather (a Greek Orthodox priest) influenced him, the positive attitude which shaped his interactions with his co-workers and audience, and the faith that helped him find light in times of darkness.

Writer and producer Brian Bird discusses season 13 of his Christopher Award-winning Hallmark Channel series "When Calls the Heart" and explores how the media we consume can either make us more cynical or move us toward a greater love of God and neighbor.

Best-selling author Dean Koontz discusses his novel "The Friend of the Family," how he managed to avoid a cynical worldview despite having an abusive father, and how his faith led him to believe that every life has purpose and meaning.

Deacon Don Grossnickle discusses the deepening of faith he experienced on two recent pilgrimages to the Camino and Poland—and gives an update on the microfinance project he created for mothers and babies in Uganda to get the medical care they desperately need.

Megan Alexander, the television host and Christopher Award-winning author, discusses her book "The True Gifts of Christmas" and explores the Christian meaning behind some of our most cherished traditions, the importance of quiet giving, and how to better incorporate God into the holiday season.

Poet, musician, and teacher James Palmaro discusses his experience going blind as an adult due to retinitis pigmentosa, how he dealt with that difficult reality, and how his faith and creativity allowed him to move forward with hope.

Meg Hunter-Kilmer, the author of "Eyes Fixed on Jesus, Volume 1: A Journey Through the Gospels," discusses the humility of Jesus, why the Beatitudes upended some people's beliefs about God, and the healing power of Jesus affirming everyone's dignity.

"Christopher Closeup" celebrates its 500th episode by revisiting some memorable moments from past interviews, including comedy legend Tim Conway, comedy legend Tim Conway, actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, Hallmark actress and dementia caregiving advocate Nikki DeLoach, Christopher Award-winning author Kate Bowler, Grammy Award winner Harry Connick Jr., CBS News' John Dickerson, and actress/writer/producer Bonnie Hunt.