That is how and why the Lord works in all our lives, he said. "I think this story puts things in perspective. The greatest weakness can become a great strength if we allow the Lord to frame and shape our lives. Every trial is there to teach us. And if we don't learn, if we don't trust him, then we may end up in the wrong place or with the wrong tools when he really needs us."

Already, Beck has had evidence of the power of redemption. As he does book signings and has traveled around the country, people have slipped him notes that have told of other lives in turmoil.

One such note told of a man who had tried to hang himself in his closet, but the shelf broke. He lay on the floor for a time, and then got in his car and began driving. Beck's show happened to be on the radio, and Beck was talking about his life. "The man wrote that he thought he had lost everything, but he realized that if I could go through what I did and come back, maybe he could, too. He realized what we all must realize, that he already had it all. That's what this story is about."

Beck is excited to be bringing the show to Utah. "I love the spirit I feel in the valley. I feel so renewed after every visit. Whenever I seem to be really upbeat and happy, my staff asks me if I've been to Utah."

But, he hastens to add, "I don't want to outstay my welcome. I came to do a fundraiser at BYU, and as I got off the plane I saw my face on a billboard. And then Deseret Book had a big display. I was sick of me in half an hour, so I think I might have to stop inflicting myself on the good people of Salt Lake for awhile."

But after his tour ends, he will also be busy making the move to Fox. "I liked being at CNN," he said. "Well, except for the quiet elevator rides; whenever I got on the elevator, everyone else stopped talking. But I knew I was held to a higher standard. My show was the most researched one around."

But, he said, "I feel a tremendous sense of urgency in these times. It is a time for the American people of all faiths to know what they believe and why they believe and to stand together. People need to find a voice and take a stand for peace and liberty."

The message of "The Christmas Sweater" is one that "people connect to in a hundred different ways," Beck said. "I just feel humbled that I get to tell it."

If you go

What: Glenn Beck's The Christmas Sweater

Where: E Center

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

How much: $50-$125

Web: ticketmaster.com

Phone: 325-7328.

Also: A taped version of the show will be shown in select movie theaters Dec. 17 and 18. For information, visit FathomEvents.com.

---

E-mail: carma@desnews.com