God With Us - Week 1: O Adonai: Jesus is our Lord (Kanata Campus)

·34 min·3 clips

How do we avoid turning December into something it doesn't need to be, missing the true meaning of Christmas?

The episode begins with the speaker, Mitch, reflecting on children's performances that remind the congregation not to miss the true meaning of Christmas. He acknowledges the busyness of the season, including family time and practical tasks like scraping car windows. Mitch encourages focusing on Jesus as the Son of God sent for everyone. He references the Old Testament to show how adults called by God can make a difference. The speaker then introduces the Advent theme 'O Adonai', reading a poem by Malcolm Giet that describes God choosing to be known in a specific way. Mitch explains that 'O Adonai' means 'O Lord', emphasizing God's closeness rather than distance. He recounts the story of Moses and the burning bush from Exodus 3, where Moses pauses and God speaks. Mitch encourages the congregation to pause and release their worries, turning their eyes to God. Moses asks God for His name, and God replies 'I am who I am', which Mitch interprets as God being Lord of all. The speaker shares a personal anecdote from junior high about homework expectations, illustrating how people often rely on others' failures. He stresses that individuals should live for God alone, not others' expectations. Mitch connects this to God's jealousy and love for His people. He explains that God's name 'I am' signifies His eternal nature, not just a function like other gods. The episode then shifts to the New Testament, reading Matthew 1:18-21 about Joseph discovering Mary's pregnancy and the angel's message to name the child Jesus. Mitch highlights that God is Lord of all circumstances, not just present in them. He leads into a communion service, referencing 1 Corinthians 11 on examining oneself before partaking. The speaker prays for holiness and repentance, emphasizing Jesus' sacrifice. The episode closes with the communion liturgy, recalling Jesus' words at the Last Supper and thanking God for the nativity.

As heard by us

A Christmas sermon that turns seasonal distraction into a call to honor the Lord alone.

Christmas comes through here as a test of attention. Family plans, finished lists, booked travel, and even the small job of clearing a windshield all become signs of how easily the season can lose its center.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want Christmas to mean more than a crowded December, a checked-off list, and a windshield scraper? Press play.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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