Podcasts about immanuel god

Guest preacher Charlie Fiorillo joins us from RUF at the University of New Mexico Hebrews 1:1-4 | Rev. Charlie Fiorillo

Explore the prophecy of the Virgin Mary in Isaiah 7:14 (KJV), explaining the meaning of the virgin birth and its significance as the promise of Immanuel—God with us.

Sunday, December 28, 2025Immanuel: God's Presence in usImmanuel, God with us. Jesus' birth, His life, His death and His resurrection changed everything for humanity. But there was something more in store. Jesus promised something greater for those that choose to place their faith in Him. For those that choose to make Him Lord and Savior of their life. Jesus first made this promise to his closest followers. They could not understand how there could be something greater than the physical presence of Jesus with them. But He assured them and us today that something greater was on the way and is now here not just with us, but can be in us. Please join us this week to find out more about this incredible gift from God.

12/21/2025 - Chris Randall - Immanuel: God Came Down by Faith Community Church of South Boston, VA

Christmas is more than a moment, a memory, or a tradition. It's the story of God choosing to be with us. In this Christmas Day episode, Pastor Terry walks through the meaning of Immanuel—God with us. This message reminds us that Jesus didn't just come to be admired as a baby in a manger, but to live among us, show us who God truly is, and ultimately die so we could have access to Him. Because of Christ, the barrier has been removed, and believers are now the dwelling place of God's Spirit. If you feel weary, distracted, or searching this Christmas, this episode invites you to slow down and reflect on the greatest gift ever given: Immanuel, God with us.   Thank you for listening to the Truth for Today Podcast! For more content from Pastor Terry Fant, click the links below! www.youtube.com/@terryfant885 www.facebook.com/terry.fant.14 www.instagram.com/pastorterryfant https://www.truthfortodayministries.org

God's character and nature shine forth in studying His Hebrew names. The truth that Jesus is "Immanuel"—God with us—will shift your outlook on life. His presence makes all the difference. Jesus is the answer to our loneliness, our brokenness, and our longings. Melissa Briggs has been teaching Hebrew for years, and she joins us to share her joy in learning!

Christmas is more than a baby in a manger—it's Immanuel: God with us. In this message, Rich shows how God brings peace through His presence now, while promising full peace later when Jesus returns. If your hope has felt shaky—or life has felt heavy—this is for you. In this message: Why hope is essential (and what happens when “hope → nope”) The longing for peace at the first Christmas The angels' announcement: Jesus is Savior, Messiah, and Lord Why peace doesn't mean no storms—it means Jesus is present The “already, but not yet” reality of God's peace A bold prayer from Romans 16:20: “God of peace, crush what's crushing me/us.” 3 ways to hope in the “not yet”: Turn your waiting into worship Let your pain point you to His promise Live like you know the end of the story   --Connect With Us-- Need prayer, want to sign up for baptism or surrender your life to Christ? Follow this link : https://bit.ly/m/lifechurchia

When the world feels dark, silent, and broken, Christmas reminds us that God stepped into our reality. He did not abandon humanity; He came near. There is hope, light, and joy because Immanuel still dwells with us today.This devotional was aired on Radio HCI Today via the WeLove Radio App.

 “The first Christmas came with gifts meant for broken hearts.” Christmas is often one of the hardest seasons for parents grieving the loss of a child. Today, I reprise a solo episode originally recorded in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic which speaks into a time marked by isolation, uncertainty, and compounded grief. Separated from loved ones, surrounded by illness and fear, many bereaved parents were carrying more than ever before. In this episode, I reflect on the Christmas story through the lens of Isaiah 9:6, focusing not on the gifts we exchange, but on the gifts given at the very moment Jesus was born. In this episode, I discuss:The gift of our Wonderful Counselor, when no human words are enoughThe gift of our Mighty God, whose strength carries us in our weaknessThe gift of our Everlasting Father, steady and committed now and foreverThe gift of our Prince of Peace, offering peace with God amid chaos and sorrowThe gift of Immanuel—God with us, near to the brokenhearted and crushed in spiritThrough Scripture, personal reflection, and gentle encouragement, this episode reminds grieving parents that they are not alone—especially when traditions feel altered, expectations feel heavy, and the future feels uncertain.A reminder for this seasonWhen Christmas feels overwhelming… When your heart aches for what used to be… When your child's name goes unspoken… When a new year feels impossible to imagine…God is with us. That is the gift of Immanuel.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

God Himself stepped into our world. He did not send an angel or a prophet: He came in person. Jesus is Immanuel: God with us; this is the heart of Christmas.

God Himself stepped into our world. He did not send an angel or a prophet: He came in person. Jesus is Immanuel: God with us; this is the heart of Christmas.

This Christmas, many of us are carrying more than joy—stress, loss, unanswered questions, or a sense of distance from God.The heart of Christmas reminds us of this truth: God didn't wait for us to find Him—Jesus came to find us.In this message, we'll step into the Christmas story and see why worship is more than a song—it's a response to who Jesus is and what He's done. Through the stories of Mary and the Wise Men,we'll discover how worship turns chaos into calm, striving into trust, and emptiness into deep, lasting joy.You'll hear:Why Jesus is Immanuel—God with us, even in hard seasonsHow worship brings peace when life doesn't get easierWhy bowing our hearts before Jesus leads to freedom and restThis message is for anyone feeling tired, distant, or searching for something more this Christmas.Come and see. Come as you are. Come ready to bow your heart and worship Jesus.

What if Christmas feels chaotic, stressful, and completely off the rails—but God has been steady all along? What if the sign you've been longing for isn't a change in circumstances, but a Savior who steps into them? Isaiah promised it centuries before: a virgin would conceive, and His name would be Immanuel—God with us. And in Jesus, that promise isn't just true… it's personal.

What is the greatest gift of love? In this message, we unpack the promise of Immanuel—God with us. Discover how His love changes everything about how we experience His presence. Join Celebration Church Orlando for a message from Pastor Keith Pittman as we explore why the Word becoming flesh is the ultimate invitation to a life transformed by the presence of God.

The name Immanuel—"God is with us"—isn't just a nice theological concept. It's the reality that Jesus refused to be God without us. Our sin separated us from God, but His love refused to leave us isolated. Jesus's arrival means you never have to face a single day, moment, or situation alone.

Raj Prakash Paul || The Lord's Church India

 In a world shaped by fear, division, and self-protection, what does biblical love actually look like?In this Advent message, Choosing Love in a Selfish World, we explore Isaiah's promise of Immanuel—God with us—and discover that God's response to fear is not control or power, but faithful, compassionate presence. Drawing from Scripture, the life of Jesus, and a deeply personal pastoral encounter, this message invites us to see love not as sentiment or comfort, but as courageous presence that refuses to abandon others in vulnerability.Biblical love shows up when answers are unavailable, when fear tempts us to withdraw, and when power feels safer than presence. Advent reminds us that love has already come down—and the question is whether we will choose to live that love now.Scripture: Isaiah 7:10–16 Series: Waking to God's Dream

Isaiah's 700-year-old prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus' birth. Jesus is Immanuel—God for us who saves us, God with us [p'];w≥÷ho entered our world, and God over us as King. Christmas reveals God's promise kept and invites us to receive, trust, and obey Christ.

Thank you for joining us online!  For more information and to connect with us, use the links below:https://tekoachurch.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tekoachurchTekoa Church meets on Sunday mornings at 10:30am2175 Lincoln AveSan Jose, CA 95125

Sunday, December 21, 2025Immanuel: God's Presence is HereWow was this last week weird, from 6 inches of snow and subzero windchills to a possibility of thunderstorms and 55 degrees! This is Christmas in Indiana. All of this seemed to make the last few weeks fly by even faster. And now Christmas is almost here. The Holy Spirit of Christmas is on display throughout the world. Jesus, Immanuel, God with us has come! But why? What did He accomplish for all of us? Why does it matter so much? We are excited to share with you all of this and more on Sunday!

From the garden to the manger, God's heart has always been to dwell with His people. Christmas isn't the start of that story—it's the center of it. Let's celebrate the gift of Immanuel - God with us, now and forever!

What does it really mean that Jesus is Immanuel — God with us? In this Advent message, we explore the powerful promise found in Isaiah 7 and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. From the pain of separation to the hope of reconciliation, Scripture tells one unified story: God moving toward His people in love. Using the story of King Ahaz, the prophet Isaiah, and the birth of Jesus, this message invites us to reflect on where we turn when life feels overwhelming. When fear presses in and control feels fragile, God offers more than solutions — He offers His presence. ✨ In this message, you'll discover: Why separation from God is the core problem the Bible addresses What the sign of Immanuel meant for Israel — and what it means for us today How fear, faith, and trust reveal the true source we rely on Why God's love is not distant, but present — even in our darkest moments Whether you're feeling far from God or longing for reassurance this Ch

This week we get to see the story behind Christmas from Joseph's perspective in Matthew 1:18-25. What we see is a messy situation with all kinds of loose ends and unanswered questions. But in the midst of the mess, the Messiah is born, and he's given a name that is packed with comfort for us as believers: Immanuel ("God with us"). Today in our sermon we dig into what that name means for us.

Matthew 1:18-25Now the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, took place in this way. When his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, but before they were living together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. Being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, he planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child conceived in her womb is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”All of this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the prophet: “Look, the virgin will conceive and bear a Son and he will be called ‘Emmanuel' which means ‘God is with us.'”So Joseph did as he was commanded. He took Mary to be his wife, but he had no marital relations with her until after she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. We all know names are a thing. I've gone by several over the years, depending upon my age, my station in life, and who it is that's addressing me.My parents have called me by my initials – M.R. – short for Mark Randall – for as long as I can remember. I realize “M.R.” isn't a thing at all, really. BJ, TJ, AJ, CJ, sure. JD is a good one. But “M.R.” is strange. It's not shorter than Mark. It saves no time. And it doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, either.In High School, I was “Little Havel,” because I have an older brother. In college, I was “Long Hair,” or just plain “Havel,” because 95% of my circle of friends were known exclusively by our last names. My wife calls me “Schmoops” or “Schmoop-Dog,” courtesy of a random Seinfeld episode from years ago. To most of you I'm “Pastor Mark,” or just plain “Pastor,” which I find endearing in a way that surprises me, still.And my latest, favorite – which some of you may have read about in our daily, digital devotion this Advent – is courtesy of Clive Blackmon who calls me “Pastor Goofy.” I love it because he's 2. And because his parents swear it has nothing to do with however in the world they talk about me at the Blackmon house, or when I'm not around.Anyway, I suspect some of you are wondering – like Joseph must have, had he known about what had been “spoken by the prophet” – what was he supposed to name this baby, “Jesus” or “Emmanuel?”“Jesus,” like the angel said, because he's going to save his people from their sins?Or should it be “Emmanuel,” like the prophet predicted, because ‘God is with us?'So, real quick … a little Bible study.It helps to know that “Jesus” is the linguistic, vernacular evolution of Yeshua … Joshua … the Old Testament hero … the successor to Moses … the guy who ultimately led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua was Moses' side-kick and protégé; the mighty military warrior; the brave and faithful leader of God's chosen ones. And very early on in his story, from the Book of Joshua, he is promised – over and over and over again – that God would be a faithful presence, for him and with him, as he led God's people to safety and security into that Promised Land.Joshua 1:5 – “No one shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.”Joshua 1:9 – “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Joshua 1:17 – “Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses!”So, God's promised presence with Joshua was an encouragement for him and a measure of validation for his calling as a leader of God's people. So Matthew conflates and connects that prophecy from Isaiah about Immanuel – “God with us” – with the naming of Yeshua … Joshua … Jesus, which means something like “Yahweh helps” or “Yahweh saves,” because the story of Joshua is covered up with this notion and promise that God accomplishes that help – God does the work of salvation – by way of God's ever-faithful presence for and with God's people.And the thing is, “Jesus” – as a name – wasn't really all that special. It was a pretty common name actually, as you might imagine, once you know Joshua's story. Lots of parents, apparently, had named their little boys after Joshua – this hero of their people.So, what we're supposed to notice as much as anything – what's really special about this story of Jesus' naming – is that Joseph named him at all. We know about the drama and back story of Mary becoming pregnant in the first place – while she and Joseph were planning to be married, but before they had sealed the deal. We know that Joseph would have, could have, should have – by some standards – punished and abandoned Mary for what was sure to bring judgment, shame, and skepticism upon them both.So, Joseph's act of naming this child was a bold, defiant, faithful, loving, brave act of adopting Jesus into his life, into his family – and into the family and line of David. It's no mistake that Matthew reports the angel as having addressed Joseph so formally and completely: “Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…” Names are a thing, after all, remember.Now, I've talked often about how much credit I like to give Mary for Jesus' worldview … about his concern for the poor … about his call to do justice … about his passion for railing against the rich, the mighty, the oppressors of the world and the powers that be. I love, in these days of Christmas, to imagine Mary teaching and singing the words of her Magnificat as a quiet, holy, strange, rebellious lullaby to her little boy – while she carried him in her belly; in the manger on the night of his birth; and every time he wouldn't sleep or needed to nurse; and all throughout his childhood, too.I imagine she sang something like that song she first sung upon learning of her pregnancy; that song about God's mercy being for those who fear him; about a God who scatters the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; about a God who brings down the powerful from their thrones; who lifts up the lowly; who fills the hungry with good things and who sends the rich away empty.It's no wonder Jesus grew up with a clear picture of what it looked like to do justice, to love his neighbor, to care for the poor, to forgive his enemies, to walk humbly with God, to flip some tables every once in a while, and all the rest.But this morning, we get a glimpse of – and a reminder that – Jesus learned some of that from Joseph, too. And it begins with this seemingly simple act of naming. Because naming a child was the father's responsibility in Jesus' day, and by doing that, Joseph was claiming Jesus as his. And it was no small thing – it was a bold, defiant, humble, loving, faithful act to welcome this Jesus into his family – the family and House of David.Joseph could have “dismissed her quietly,” remember. Or he could have had Mary cast out or killed, even, for claiming to be pregnant with the Holy Spirit's baby; because who would believe that?! But what Joseph shows us – and what Jesus surely realized in time – was that his Dad chose righteousness and faithfulness and loving-kindness and grace over the law and over public opinion and over and above his own self-interest, his own self-preservation, his own pride, ego, and well-being.And to put it plainly, we need more Josephs in the world, these days. We need men – like Joseph and his little boy – who listen to and who believe women. We need men who stand up for and protect women and girls – like Joseph and his son did – when men in power would sooner doubt, disgrace, and demean them. We need men – like Joseph and Jesus – who don't just go along to get along. We need men – like Joseph and Jesus – who break the rules – and maybe even the laws, on occasion – when they are unjust, unfair, and unkind. We need men – like Joseph and Jesus – who look for ways to sacrifice, to be generous, to be unapologetically vulnerable to God's claim on their lives and to trust the difference they can make in the world, when they do.And we can – and we are called to do this – men, women, and everyone in between – no matter the names by which we are known in the world. We can – and we are called to do this – because of the name we share as baptized children of God, bound by love for one another and bound by love for the sake of the world, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

There's an empty seat at the table this Christmas… and nobody talks about it—but everyone feels it.In the final week of Wish You Were Here, we're not rushing grief or slapping a bow on pain. We're slowing down with Immanuel—God with us and the story of Lazarus (John 11) to see a surprising truth: before Jesus fixes anything, He joins us in it.

In the midst of confusion, fear, and uncertainty, God steps in. Matthew shows us that Jesus is not only the promised King, but Immanuel—God with us—who enters our broken reality to save, lead, and redeem.

Christmas didn't begin in a quiet manger. It began in a moment of fear, uncertainty, and political chaos. In Isaiah 7:1–16, God speaks to a frightened king and a trembling nation, offering a promise in the middle of their anxiety. The sign of Immanuel—God with us—is given not when everything is calm, but when everything feels unstable. This series walks through the original setting of Isaiah's prophecy and shows how God meets His people in their fear with assurance, not condemnation. Long before Bethlehem, God was already declaring that He would draw near, step into human weakness, and be present with His people. This is a Christmas message for those who feel overwhelmed, unsure, or worn down. It reminds us that the hope of Christmas is not that life is easy, but that God is with us in the middle of it.

Lead Pastor Jack Moraine concludes our Advent sermon series "Immanuel: God with Us" with the message "Immanuel in Our Brokenness."

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast, Hank shares his thoughts on the coming of Christ in flesh. The reason we rejoice at Christmas is because the baby born to Mary and Joseph was no ordinary child. This baby was the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy of Immanuel: “God with us.” Although John's Gospel does not include a narrative of Jesus' birth, the doctrine of the Incarnation is beautifully summed up in his introduction: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The clear testimony of Scripture is that, in the Incarnation, Christ was one person with two natures; fully God and fully man. As Theanthropos, the God-Man, Jesus lived a perfectly sinless life and died a sinner's death to atone, once for all, for the sins of humanity.Hank also answers the following questions:What happens to our soul when we die? What about the spirit? Frank - El Paso, TX (5:28)Can you explain what it means when Jesus says the days will be shortened in Matthew 24:22? Kyle - St. Louis, MO (7:29)Does Isaiah 9:6 teach modalism? Is Jesus the Father as well as the Son? Vick - MO (15:59)How should we respond to people who mock us for believing in God? Dan - Bentonville, AR (19:18)Since Jesus knew what would happen before it happened, how do we reconcile this with Him saying, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Tiffany - Windsor, IL (23:10)

“As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’” (Matthew 1:20–21 NLT) When an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream in Matthew 1, he brought astonishing news. Mary had not been unfaithful, as Joseph had suspected. Instead, she was the virgin spoken of by the prophet Isaiah 750 years earlier. Joseph certainly would have been familiar with Isaiah’s prophecy. “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’)” (Isaiah 7:14 NLT). The idea that Isaiah’s well-known prophecy would be fulfilled by Mary surely would have met with some skepticism by Joseph if it hadn’t been for the awe-inspiring angelic being delivering the news. The child Mary was carrying was Immanuel: God with us. What a staggering thought that must have been for Joseph. And what a staggering thought it is for us. In fact, it is the essence of Christianity. If you compared the Christian faith to all other religious worldviews, this would be the clear distinction: Christianity is “God with us.” Christianity does not require that we try to somehow earn God’s approval. The Christian faith teaches that it is God with us, living inside of us, helping us to be the men and women He has called us to be. Christianity says that we are never alone. Jesus echoed this thought when He said, “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NLT). And in Hebrews 13:5, God said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (NLT). We may not always sense God’s presence, but that’s because of the work of our spiritual enemy. When life’s horizons turn dark and circumstances threaten to overwhelm us, the devil whispers in our ear that God has abandoned us. When we give in to temptation, the devil berates us and tries to convince us that God would never stand beside such a flawed person. But we need to see through the strategies of our enemy. We need to cling to the rock-solid promises of our heavenly Father. Maybe you need to be reminded of God’s presence in your life right now. Maybe you’re feeling alone. God is with you. Maybe someone close to you has let you down or disappointed you. God is with you. The great message of Christmas that we must always remember is this: “Immanuel: God with us.” Reflection question: How do you recognize God’s presence in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this sermon on Matthew 1:18–23, Pastor Luke Herche preaches on the significance of the virgin birth, showing that in the virgin birth God identifies with the weak; God confounds the wise; God keeps his promise; and God does it all for us. Part of an Advent sermon series, "The Questions of Christmas." From Sunday Worship, December 14, 2025. ------------------------------- Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions: Which detail in Matthew 1:18–23—–Joseph's quiet resolve, the angel's dream, the promise of the name Immanuel (“God with us”), etc.—–stands out to you as the most surprising or significant moment in this story, and why? What about the Incarnation is most puzzling to you? What do you struggle to understand about “God-made-flesh” in Jesus? In what ways are you tempted to explain the mystery away rather than wonder and worship? What does it mean for your perspective on life's current challenges that the all-powerful and eternal King of kings chose to enter the world not as a muscled warrior, but as a helpless baby? In what way does the humility of Jesus, God with us, shape the way you think about your own life, especially the way you relate to the people around you day by day? ------------------------------- allsoulspca.org All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.

Christmas can feel especially heavy after the death of a child. Traditions that once brought joy may now magnify the absence, and the expectations of the season can feel overwhelming for a heart that is grieving.In this episode, I gather the voices of While We're Waiting retreat and support group facilitators—bereaved moms and dads who share honest reflections and practical wisdom for navigating Christmas after loss. Their stories offer permission to do things differently, encouragement to take the season one moment at a time, and gentle ideas for honoring a child's memory while holding space for grief.You'll hear about:Giving yourself grace and lowering expectationsAccepting help and having an exit planLetting Christmas look different than it used toFinding meaningful ways to remember and include your childAllowing grief and joy to coexistAnchoring your heart in the hope of Immanuel—God with usThere is no right way to do Christmas after loss. Take what is helpful, leave what is not, and know that you are not alone. Even when Christmas feels broken, God is near, and His light still shines in the darkness.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Where do you go when God feels distant—even though everyone says He's “with you”?In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Bob Marvel to talk about the deeply personal and sometimes confusing reality of Immanuel—God with us. Bob shares about seasons when God felt hard to sense, dismantling the myth that pastors have a “fast pass” to God. Through stories, theology, and lived experience, he offers insight on God's nearness, spiritual dryness, false assumptions about faith, and how to meet God where you actually are—not where you think you should be. Whether you're longing for God, walking through doubt, or feeling spiritually hungry, this episode will remind you that God has not moved—and He is closer than you think.Meet Pastor Bob MarvelPastor Bob Marvel has served as Senior Pastor of Cornwall Church for nearly 30 years and comes from a third-generation ministry family. A passionate teacher and shepherd, Bob has helped shape countless lives through his honest, Scripture-rooted approach to faith. His life and leadership reflect a deep love for Jesus, the local church, and helping people encounter a God who is truly present.In This Episode, You'll LearnWhy God can feel distant even when Scripture promises He is nearThe myths we believe about who God is “with”—and who He isn'tWhy pastors don't have a closer connection to God than anyone elseHow Jesus revealed God's nearness to the overlooked and unlikelyWhere to look for God when you feel spiritually dry or desperatePractical ways to move toward God when you don't even know where to startHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you've ever felt like God must be disappointed in you, far from you, or accessible to everyone but you, this episode will gently reframe everything you think you know about His presence. You'll be reminded that God does not wait for you to get it together—He draws near right where you are, offering love, hope, and Himself.Love this episode? Partner with Us!Love what Collide is doing? Help us bring hope and healing to women through counseling, content, and connection.

In this Christmas episode, Carrie dives deep into a truth we often miss in the middle of all the holiday noise, and what Immanuel—God with us truly means for those moments when we don't feel His presence. Episode Highlights:The meaning of Immanuel and Jesus' humble arrival.How to trust God's nearness even when you don't feel HimHow God draws close to the brokenhearted and understands every layer of your suffering.How the humility of Christ's birth reflects God's desire for intimate relationship with us.What it looks like to walk with God daily through the Holy SpiritExplore the Christians Learning ICBT training: https://carriebock.com/training/ Carrie's services and courses: carriebock.com/services/ carriebock.com/resources/Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianfaithandocd/and like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/christianfaithandocd for the latest updates and sneak peeks.

Who was Jesus? Jesus was no ordinary child. The book of Hebrews says He was Divinity. He was God Himself, Immanuel—God with us. In this Christmas message, Jill Briscoe discusses the miraculous birth of Jesus, who Jesus was, and what that means for us.Jill reads her poem “Divinity Wrapped in a Blanket.” To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29?v=20251111

The Christmas story begins with disruption, not comfort. In Matthew 1:18–25, we explore The Promise of Presence and the meaning of Immanuel—God with us. Through Joseph's story, we're reminded that when life feels uncertain or confusing, God is not distant—He is near, faithful, and actively working. Even when we don't understand the plan, we can trust His presence and walk in obedience.The Promise of Presence: God is near.

Speaker: Rob BerrethScripture: Matthew 1:18-25Episode Overview:Matthew's account of Jesus' birth introduces us to two names that reveal the heart of the gospel: Jesus and Immanuel. In this sermon, we see that the child born of the virgin is both the Savior who rescues His people from their sins and the God who draws near to dwell with them. Matthew 1:18–25 declares that our deepest problem is not merely circumstantial but spiritual—and that God Himself has acted decisively to save and restore us through the incarnation of His Son.Key Highlights:• Why Jesus' name matters: He saves His people from their sins, addressing our greatest need• A biblical understanding of sin as relational rebellion against a holy Creator• The wonder of the incarnation: God becoming man without ceasing to be God• The meaning of Immanuel: God's abiding presence with His people now and forever• Living between Christ's first coming and His promised return with confidence in His nearnessCall to Action:This passage invites us to respond not with self-reliance, but with trust. Consider where you may be tempted to manage life apart from God's grace. Receive Jesus anew as both your Savior from sin and your present help in weakness. Like Joseph, believe what God has spoken—and make room in your life for the God who is with you.Redeemer Church211 Northshore Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226www.redeemernw.org

From the very beginning, God's desire has been clear: He wants to be with His people. In this episode, we trace the theme of God's presence—from Eden, to the center of the Israelite camp, to Jesus, Immanuel—God with us. We talk about how God pursues us, how His presence shapes our faith, and what it means to follow Jesus as a life lived with Him.

Good News of Great Joy Culture of Gospel Share this with someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus  Christmas announces that God didn't step into the world to shame us or control us, but to rescue us from what's destroying us, heal what's broken inside us, and give us the life we've been longing for. If that kind of hope exists, it's worth taking a serious look at Jesus. Sermon Summary Introduction: The Eucatastrophe of Christmas Coleton begins with the angelic announcement in Luke 2:8–11, where shepherds—ordinary, overlooked people—are met by the glory of God in the middle of the night. “There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby… An angel of the Lord appeared to them… ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'” (Luke 2:8–11) Coleton introduces the idea of eucatastrophe, a term coined by J.R.R. Tolkien, meaning “an unexpected breaking in of goodness that changes everything.” A catastrophe is an unexpected disaster that alters life for the worse; a eucatastrophe is the opposite—unexpected goodness that permanently alters reality for the better. That, Coleton says, is exactly what the angels are announcing. Christmas is not sentimental nostalgia—it is the declaration that something has happened that changes everything. And the angel insists this news is meant to produce great joy. Coleton then asks the central question of the message:  Why should the birth of Jesus cause great joy? He gives three reasons. 1. Jesus Came to Rescue Us from Sin “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” (Luke 2:11) The first word the angel uses to describe Jesus is Savior. Coleton emphasizes that this is not accidental—this is the core announcement of Christmas: a rescuer has come to you. Matthew clarifies what kind of rescue Jesus brings: “He will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) Coleton explains that many in Israel expected a rescuer from Roman oppression, but God identified a deeper enemy. From God's perspective, sin is a greater threat than any external circumstance. Sin is not just rule-breaking; it is a destructive power that poisons life from the inside out. Scripture says: “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) Sin always pays out in destruction—relationally, emotionally, spiritually. Coleton illustrates this with a personal story from a home renovation: exposed live wires in the wall when his son Teddy was three years old. He wanted Teddy to obey him—but not simply because “I said so.” The deeper reason was that touching the wire would cause serious harm or even death. In the same way, God's commands are not arbitrary. Sin is dangerous. God forbids it because it kills us. The problem is not just that sin is harmful—it's that we are drawn to it. Coleton traces this reality through Scripture: Adam and Eve fixated on the one forbidden tree. Genesis 6:5 describes humanity's hearts as bent toward evil. Romans 7 shows Paul describing sin like an addiction he wants to resist but can't. “Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” (Romans 7:24) Coleton names experiences we all recognize: Wanting to stop being angry but feeling trapped Wanting to forgive but being unable Wanting to stop fearing, lusting, worrying, or discontentment He quotes John Piper: “Sin is the suicidal abandonment of joy.” This is why Christmas is good news: Jesus has come to rescue us from the addictive desire to do what destroys us. Paul answers his own question: “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25) Through the cross, sin's power is broken. “Our old self was crucified with him… that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” (Romans 6:6) Coleton quotes Jackie Hill Perry: “When Jesus died and rose, He gave you power to defeat sin… You are not a slave. You are free. You just have to believe that and walk in it.”  — Jackie Hill Perry, Gay Girl, Good God Jesus doesn't just forgive sin—He breaks its authority and reshapes our desires. 2. Jesus Came to Give Us an Abundant Kind of Life The angel also calls Jesus the Messiah—His job reminder, not just His title. Coleton walks through Isaiah 61, the Messiah's job description: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me… to proclaim good news to the poor… bind up the brokenhearted… proclaim freedom for the captives… bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes…” (Isaiah 61:1–3) This describes a life transformed—not patched up, but renewed. Jesus explicitly claims this mission in Luke 4, declaring that Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled in Him. Coleton shows how Jesus lived this out: The paralytic who believed nothing could change Jairus' daughter, declared hopeless and dead The woman with the issue of blood Lepers, demoniacs, the blind, the broken Every encounter demonstrates the same truth: when people come to Jesus, His job description becomes their lived experience. Coleton makes a bold claim:  If this kind of transformation has never begun in someone's life, they may know about Jesus without truly knowing Him. He shares his own story—how his life changed dramatically after coming to faith. His friends loved the change but resisted the source. They wanted transformation without surrender. He quotes A.W. Tozer: “We treat Jesus the way Saul treated David. We want him to fight our battles for us… but we don't want him to be our king.” Coleton explains that who you believe your Messiah is will shape your life. If the world is your messiah, the world will form you—and it is broken. If Jesus is your Messiah, He will form you into His image—and He is full of life. Jesus doesn't offer occasional help; He offers fullness of life under His leadership. 3. Jesus Came to Remove Our Shame The angel calls Jesus Lord—God Himself with us. Coleton defines shame: “Shame is not guilt. Guilt is ‘I did something wrong.' Shame is ‘there is something wrong with me.'”  — Jon Tyson & Jeff Bethke, Fighting Shadows In Genesis, Moses repeatedly says Adam and Eve were “naked and unashamed.” Their identity, value, and security came from God's presence. Coleton quotes Donald Miller: “All of the glory, all of the security, all of the value that came from God was gone… and for the first time ever, they were pining for something to tell them they were okay.” That's when they hid. God's question—“Who told you that you were naked?” (Genesis 3:11)—reveals the source: shame. Coleton shows how humanity has been trying to silence shame ever since: Relationships Success Approval Humor Anger Perfectionism Underperforming Substances Money, appearance, status All of it is an attempt to quiet the whisper: something is wrong with me. Christmas declares something different: Immanuel—God with us.  Through Jesus, we are welcomed back into God's presence. “Come to me… and I will give you rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28) Coleton ends by pointing to the cross: Jesus chose not to save Himself to save us He was broken so we could be made whole He was crucified naked and shamed to carry the shame of the garden—and remove ours Jesus is the ultimate eucatastrophe—the unexpected goodness that changes everything. Questions for Reflection Which of the three reasons—rescue from sin, abundant life, or removal of shame—do you most need to experience right now, and why? In what ways do you see sin acting more like an addiction than just bad behavior in your own life? Where are you tempted to want the benefits of Jesus without surrendering to Him as King? What are some ways you've tried to silence shame apart from God's presence? How have those strategies fallen short? What would it look like practically this week to trust Jesus to fulfill His “job description” in your life?

With Us – Week 2: “With Us in Our Fear” Isaiah 41:10–13; Psalm 139:5Fear is something we all know—but Advent meets our fear with a promise: God is with us.In Week 2 of the Advent series With Us, Pastor Kevin looks at what it means to trust God's nearness when anxiety feels loud, circumstances feel fragile, and the future feels uncertain. Through Isaiah's words to a fearful, displaced people and David's prayer in Psalm 139, we see that God's answer to fear is not a pep talk—but His presence.This message reminds us that God does not shout “fear not” from a distance. He comes close, takes us by the hand, strengthens us, helps us, and holds us steady. We are not unseen, unheld, or alone—we are hemmed in by grace.If you're carrying fear about your health, finances, family, or future, this message will help you hear Advent in a deeper way: Immanuel—God with us, even in our fear.Broad River Church | Norwalk, CT Join us Sundays: 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM (English) | 12:45 PM (Español) Learn more or take your next step: https://broadriver.church/nextsteps Follow us on Instagram: @iambroadriverchurch

Sunday, December 14, 2025Immanuel: God's Presence Helps Us OvercomeGod's presence in our lives helps us overcome our insecurities. God's presence in our lives gives us courage. God's presence in our lives brings us comfort. These are likely things that all of us have struggled with at some point in our lives. Jesus came to be with us. To help us through all of life.

The message of Christmas is: I may mess things up, but I'm in them!  “In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don't be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.” Mary responded, “I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Pastor Kyle walks through Matthew 1:18-25, looking at the moment the angel appears to Joseph in a dream. In the middle of fear, confusion, and what felt like betrayal, God meets Joseph with reassurance, direction, and a deeper purpose than he could see. This message invites us to consider how God often works through unexpected circumstances—not just for us, but in us and with us—forming our character, shaping our faith, and reminding us that He is near. In this message, we see: - Why suffering and confusion often tempt us to isolate—and why God designed us to walk through them in community - How Joseph chose character over reputation, trusting God even when the cost was personal and public - The angel's words, “Do not fear,” and what they reveal about trusting God with an uncertain future - The meaning behind the two names given to Jesus: Jesus — “The Lord saves,” reminding us we cannot rescue ourselves. Immanuel — “God with us,” pointing to the miracle of the Incarnation - How Joseph's simple, obedient response shows us what surrender looks like when life doesn't go as planned - This sermon reminds us that God is not distant from our pain or confusion. He steps into it—present, purposeful, and faithful to keep His promises.

Send me a Text Message!This will be my 31st Christmas at Calvary. 31 years of reading and preaching from the same old stories of Christmas, but to be honest, they never get old. What we celebrate at Christmas is so wondrously holy. The heaven's opened up and poured the uncontainable blessings and unmistakable presence of Immanuel God with us. Every year that I think I know it all, I'm reintroduced to the wonder and awe of that truth. And if you think about it, there are some pretty amazing Christmas stories filled with heaven on earth moments. So in this episode, as we take a break from Revelation, we're going to look at an  ordinary Joe, that probably doesn't have main character energy. But this ordinary Joe can teach us more than a little bit about faith! 

In a world where fear often drowns out gladness, Isaiah promised a sign: “Immanuel — God with us.” Joseph faced scandal, Mary faced uncertainty, yet both discovered that joy is not found in circumstances but in God's presence. Part three of For Unto Us reminds us that the joy of Christmas is the assurance that God has not abandoned us — He has come near, and He is still with us.

Join Sarah and Isabell as they share that Jesus came to be Immanuel—God with us, our Healer, the Prince of Peace and our Everlasting Hope.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (12/09/25), Hank shares his thoughts on the coming of Christ in flesh. The reason we rejoice at Christmas is because the baby born to Mary and Joseph was no ordinary child. This baby was the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy of Immanuel: “God with us.” Although John's Gospel does not include a narrative of Jesus' birth, the doctrine of the Incarnation is beautifully summed up in his introduction: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The clear testimony of Scripture is that, in the Incarnation, Christ was one person with two natures; fully God and fully man. As Theanthropos, the God-Man, Jesus lived a perfectly sinless life and died a sinner's death to atone, once for all, for the sins of humanity.Hank also answers the following questions:What happens to our soul when we die? What about the spirit? Frank - El Paso, TX (5:27)Can you explain what it means when Jesus says the days will be shortened in Matthew 24:22? Kyle - St. Louis, MO (7:28)Should we continue to observe the Sabbath as Jesus and the apostles did? Raul - Nashville, TN (15:13)Is the story of Jesus copied from stories of Egyptian gods? Paul - Birmingham, AL (18:48)In Ezekiel 29, is the destruction of Egypt something that happened in the past, or will this happen in the future? Lynne - Cheyanne, WY (22:58)

In this episode, Greg and Nathan continue in their series, Promised & Fulfilled, the hosts journey into one of the most iconic and debated prophecies in Scripture: Isaiah's promise of a virgin-born son called Immanuel—“God with us.” Greg and Nathan unpack the drama of Isaiah 7:14 against the backdrop of the Syro-Ephraimite crisis, where King Ahaz faced political panic and spiritual compromise. Into that moment, God offered a sign—a child whose birth would speak both judgment and hope. But how does this ancient promise connect to the quiet, miraculous arrival of Jesus in Bethlehem centuries later? Drawing from Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:22–23, the episode explores: The historical setting of Ahaz and the looming threats of Syria and Israel The meaning of the Hebrew ‘almah and the Septuagint's use of parthenos (“virgin”) How Matthew reads Isaiah's words as ultimately fulfilled in Christ The rich theme of typology and the possibility of dual fulfillment—one child in Ahaz's day, another in the fullness of time Thoughtful, accessible, and rooted in Scripture, this episode invites listeners to behold the wonder of Immanuel—God with us—promised in prophecy and fulfilled at Christmas.

For seven centuries, the promise of Immanuel (God with us) born to a virgin seemed forgotten. In part 2 of our special 12-part series, the silence breaks: not in a royal palace, but in the backwater town of Nazareth. The angel Gabriel announces that the wait is over to a young virgin, Mary, who will conceive by the Holy Spirit, ultimately fulfilling the prophecy of the coming Messiah. “How can this be?” Mary asks. Nothing is impossible for God.   The Rev. John Lukomski, pastor emeritus and co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 1:26-39.  This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's promise, the Davidic King, John the Baptist as forerunner, and reaches its climax with the Nativity. The final episodes examine the Suffering Servant, the shadow of the cross in Christ's infancy, Isaiah's Messianic mission statement, and John's declaration that "the Word became flesh."  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.