God is WITH us

·24 min·2 clips

A pastor dreads Christmas despite its joy, then reveals this longing mirrors the arrival of Jesus.

The episode opens with the speaker sharing his mixed feelings about Christmas, dreading high family expectations while acknowledging its specialness. He relates this to the emotion of longing for an arrival, which he connects to the birth of Jesus. The sermon then shifts to the Old Testament, starting with the prophet Ezekiel writing to exiled Israelites in Babylon. Ezekiel prophesies a future city named Yahweh Shema, meaning 'the Lord is there,' offering hope to God's people. The speaker explains this is a unique name for God in the Old Testament, highlighting his presence. He jumps to Matthew chapter one, where the virgin birth fulfills prophecy with the name Emmanuel, meaning 'God with us,' linking it directly to Yahweh Shema. This connection shows the start of God's renewal process with creation. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus' coming is more than hope; it's the nature of God to be with his people. He references Ephesians 2:22, stating believers are built as a dwelling for God's Spirit. The focus then turns to practical application, using Revelation 3:20 where Jesus knocks at the door, inviting intimacy even with sinful or ashamed individuals. The speaker discusses how people often hide their true selves, even from Jesus, missing out on community and relationship. He shares personal experiences with his wife Inez, describing how they've grown in allowing the real Jesus to be with the real them in all their mess. The sermon encourages listeners to invite Jesus into every area of life, no matter how rough or shielded. It also cites John 14:25-27, where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit and peace, not as the world gives. The speaker reflects on nine years with Inez, noting how God's presence brought them through worst days and provided peace, especially in his own anxiety. He ties this to previous talks on gratitude and contentment by Steve. The episode concludes with a prayer invitation, asking listeners to accept Jesus into their darker spaces and experience his peace.

As heard by us

A family Christmas reflection becomes a tender meditation on Jesus as Emmanuel, present with people in sin, shame, and struggle.

Christmas enters by an unusual route, moving from Ezekiel into the familiar shape of a holiday story about trying to get home, then into the speaker's own anticipation of a house filled with grandparents, parents, children, and nearly every living Wilcox relative.

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Why you'd press play

When Christmas feels crowded with expectation, press play for a tender picture of Jesus standing at the door, ready to come in and eat with the real you.

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