Podcasts about unwrapping christmas

Beth Hall | Matthew 2:13-21

Dr. Landon Reynolds December 21st, 2025 Southside Baptist Church Florence, SC www.SouthsideNow.church

(Luke 2:11) Unwrapping Christmas, Part 5 Christmas Eve 2025 – Pastor Mike Nolen

CHRISTMAS DAY — The Word Made Flesh On Christmas morning, we celebrate the miracle at the center of history: the eternal Word became flesh. Today we rejoice that Jesus stepped into our world to bring salvation, light, and life. Why is the manger the turning point of the entire story? Because the God who was promised has come—and He will come again.

DAY 24 — The Snake Crusher ReturnsRevelation gives us a breathtaking glimpse of Christ's return, the defeat of the serpent, and the new creation. Today we look at the hope of a world made new. What are we ultimately waiting for? Advent points us not only back to Bethlehem—but forward to the King who will come again.

DAY 23 — The Spirit & the ChurchPentecost shows us the risen Christ pouring out His Spirit and launching His unstoppable church. Today we see how the gospel moves from Jerusalem to the nations. What does it mean that God now dwells within His people? Advent reminds us we live on mission through the Spirit's power.

This week on The StickyBeak we're unwrapping the weird, wild, and wonderful origins of the holidays. Ever wondered where Santa really came from — or what people in Iceland, Italy, and Venezuela get up to this time of year? Get ready for sleigh rides through history, myth, and a few festive surprises.

DAY 22 — Resurrection SundayEaster morning changed everything—Jesus rose, death fell, and hope began to breathe again. Today we explore the empty tomb and what it means for our lives. Why does resurrection matter for Advent? Because the Christ who came once will come again in resurrection power.

(Luke 1:68-79; Luke 2:25-38) Unwrapping Christmas, Part 4 December 21, 2025 – Pastor Chris Thielen

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around our region, click here: http://bethel.ag/give/Stay Connected Website: www.bethel.ag Bethel Church Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethelchurch605/ Bethel Church Instagram: www.instagram.com/bethelchurch605/

DAY 21 — Good FridayThe manger leads to the cross, where Jesus carried our sin and opened the way back to God. Today we stand at Calvary and reflect on the darkest day that became the world's brightest hope. Why is the death of Jesus truly “good”? Advent helps us see Christmas in the shadow of the cross.

Dr. Phil Schroeder | Matthew 1:18-25

2025-12-21 - Sermon by Pastor Jason Huntsinger - Today Jason spoke about the how the gift of God's love sent his Son down to earth to lift us higher.

Matthew 2:1 – 12; Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your initial response when you consider Jesus coming as King, Savior, Lord? Are there other “gifts” or expressions that we can give to God beyond worship, obedience, life, heart? How are these similar and how are they more distinct? How can we encourage one another to truly give these things to God?

Matthew 2:1 – 12; Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your initial response when you consider Jesus coming as King, Savior, Lord? Are there other “gifts” or expressions that we can give to God beyond worship, obedience, life, heart? How are these similar and how are they more distinct? How can we encourage one another to truly give these things to God?

DAY 20 — Jesus in the WildernessJesus stepped into Israel's story—baptized, then sent into the wilderness to face temptation. Today we see how He succeeded where Adam and Israel failed. How does His victory become ours? Advent comforts us with the truth that our Savior has overcome every temptation on our behalf.

DAY 19 — The Voice in the WildernessJohn the Baptist stood in the desert calling people to repent and prepare the way for Jesus. Today we look at his bold message and humble heart. Why does preparing for Jesus always begin with repentance? Advent challenges us to decrease so Christ may increase.

Dr. Landon Reynolds December 14th, 2025 Southside Baptist Church Florence, SC www.SouthsideNow.church

DAY 18 — Wise Men & the True KingStrangers from the East followed a star and bowed before a Child while a jealous king raged nearby. Today we explore the difference between Herod's hostility and the wise men's worship. What does it mean to truly seek the King? Advent calls us to offer Jesus our joy, our gifts, and our lives.

DAY 17 — A New BeginningMatthew opens the New Testament with a genealogy—a new genesis—showing Jesus as the fulfillment of every promise. Today we explore why His family tree matters and what His name reveals. Why is Jesus the new beginning humanity longs for? Advent invites us to rejoice in Immanuel, God with us.

DAY 16 — The Waiting EndsAfter centuries of silence, Malachi's final promise assured God's people that the Messiah was near. Today we explore the tension of waiting for God to act. What happens when it feels like God is quiet? Advent reminds us that the sunrise of salvation is closer than we think.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around our region, click here: http://bethel.ag/give/Stay Connected Website: www.bethel.ag Bethel Church Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethelchurch605/ Bethel Church Instagram: www.instagram.com/bethelchurch605/

DAY 15 — A Better PriestZechariah's vision of Joshua the high priest—dirty, accused, and then clothed in purity—gives us a picture of salvation. Today we look at how Jesus is our perfect Priest who clothes us in righteousness. Why do we need someone to stand before God on our behalf? Advent shows us the One who removes our sin in a single day.

DAY 14 — Isaiah's Vision of the Holy KingIsaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, holy beyond imagining—and it changed everything. Today we explore this vision and the cleansing grace God gives to sinners. What does holiness have to do with Christmas? 

Summary: Christmas celebrates God becoming human so people can experience forgiveness, rest, and relationship with Him.Title: Unwrapping Christmas, Part 2: Unwrapping the PersonDate: 12/14/25, 10am, Sunday SermonSpeaker: Pastor Tom Van KempenApproximate Outline:00:00 - Introduction03:45 - The Promise Becomes Personal08:30 - Jesus the Real Person14:10 - God in the Flesh20:05 - Miracles and Deity26:15 - Relationship Over Religion31:40 - The Gift Unwrapped36:10 - Invitation and Prayer

Dr. Phil Schroeder | Luke 1:46-55

2025-12-14 - Sermon by Pastor Jason Huntsinger - Today Jason spoke about the disruption of our plans by God's superior plan.

DAY 13 — Songs for the ShepherdGod's people have always sung when He saves—and the Psalms teach us how to sing in every season. Today we explore how David's songs point to the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. What does worship look like when life is hard? Advent invites us to lift our voices as we wait for our Shepherd-King.

Dr. Landon Reynolds December 7th, 2025 Southside Baptist Church Florence, SC www.SouthsideNow.church

DAY 12 — Elijah & the Living GodOn Mount Carmel, Elijah confronted the empty promises of idols and revealed the fire-falling power of the living God. Today we ask: what idols capture our hearts today? Why do we chase things that cannot hear or save? Advent calls us back to the God who speaks—and to the Prophet greater than Elijah.

DAY 11 — David's Sin & God's MercyDavid was a man after God's heart, but he was also a man capable of deep failure. Today we walk through his darkest moment and his desperate cry for mercy. Why does God forgive sinners like David—and like us? Advent reminds us that we need a sinless King who can restore our broken hearts.

DAY 10 — Ruth & the RedeemerIn a story filled with grief and loss, God quietly worked redemption through Ruth and Boaz. Today we explore how loyalty, kindness, and courage lead to the family line of Jesus Himself. What does it mean to be “redeemed”? Advent invites us to take refuge under the wings of our Redeemer.

DAY 9 — The Rejected MediatorMoses stood between God and His people, praying for mercy even when they rejected him. Today we reflect on Israel's rebellion and Moses' intercession—and how both point toward Christ. Why do we reject the very One who came to save us? Advent teaches us to see Jesus as our greater Mediator, praying and standing in the gap for us.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around our region, click here: http://bethel.ag/give/Stay Connected Website: www.bethel.ag Bethel Church Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethelchurch605/ Bethel Church Instagram: www.instagram.com/bethelchurch605/

DAY 8 — The Day of AtonementOnce a year, Israel watched as two goats carried away their sin—one sacrificed, one sent into the wilderness. Today we explore how this ritual pointed to Jesus, our final and perfect substitute. Why can our sins really be forgiven and forgotten? Advent reminds us that Christ came to make us “at-one” with God forever.

(Matthew 6:19-24) Unwrapping Christmas, Part 2 December 7, 2025 – Pastor Michael Nolen

DAY 7 — Moses & the God Who RescuesGod saw His people suffering in Egypt and sent Moses to bring them out. Today we look at how Moses' rescue mission points to a greater Deliverer still to come. What does it mean that God hears, remembers, and acts? Advent reminds us that Jesus came to lead us out of a far deeper slavery.

In a world filled with anxiety and division, the Christmas story offers profound hope through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah prophesied that this coming Messiah would bring shalom—not merely the absence of conflict, but complete wholeness, restoration, and flourishing where nothing is broken or missing. Jesus offers a peace fundamentally different from what the world provides. His peace doesn't depend on favorable circumstances or disappear when life becomes difficult. Instead, it's a supernatural wholeness that can actually increase during times of trouble, as described in Philippians as the peace that surpasses all understanding. The story of Jesus sleeping peacefully during a violent storm while his disciples panicked illustrates this perfectly—external storms don't have to create internal chaos when we're anchored in the Prince of Peace. True peace begins with being reconciled to God through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. The vertical beam represents our restored relationship with God, while the horizontal beam symbolizes reconciliation between people. This peace increases in our lives wherever we allow Jesus to rule and reign. Practically, this means not letting circumstances control our emotions, going to Jesus during storms, and becoming peacemakers who extend his peace to others, including working toward reconciliation in broken relationships.

Christmas reveals the greatest gift ever given - a child born to us, a son given to us. Biblical hope isn't wishful thinking but confident expectation of good to come through God's faithfulness. The Christmas story offers three powerful reasons for hope: Jesus's genealogy includes broken people like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and even the wicked king Manasseh, showing that no past is too messy for redemption. Fulfilled prophecy demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness across centuries. Finally, God works all circumstances together for good, orchestrating even difficult situations to accomplish His purposes. The same God who brought hope through a baby in Bethlehem continues to work redemptively in our lives today.

Dr. Phil Schroeder | Isaiah 2:2-5

DAY 6 — Joseph: From Pit to Palace (Sarah)Betrayed by his brothers and forgotten in prison, Joseph saw God turn pain into purpose. Today we explore how Joseph's rise to power foreshadows Jesus—the Beloved Son who suffers to save. What others meant for evil, God meant for good. This story invites us to trust God in seasons that feel like “the pit.”

DAY 5 — Jacob the Trickster & God's GraceJacob's life was messy, complicated, and full of failure—yet God's promise continued through him. Today we look at how grace, not goodness, keeps God's story moving. Can God really use people who get it wrong again and again? Jacob shows us just how powerful God's mercy truly is.

DAY 4 — The Promised Son & the SubstituteIsaac's miraculous birth showed God keeps His promises, and the ram on the mountain showed God provides a substitute. Today we explore how this father-and-son moment points forward to Christ. Why would God ask Abraham to give up his beloved son—and what does it reveal about the Son God would one day give for us? This story prepares our hearts for the manger.

DAY 3 — The Promise to AbrahamGod chose an unlikely man and made a promise big enough to bless the whole world. Today we trace that promise—from Abraham's barren household to the birth of Jesus Himself. What kind of God gives everything to someone who deserves nothing? Discover how Advent is rooted in God's unstoppable faithfulness.

Dr. Landon Reynolds November 30th, 2025 Southside Baptist Church Florence, SC www.SouthsideNow.church

DAY 2 — The Ark and the Rainbow Noah's story is more than judgment—it's a picture of God's saving grace. Today we explore how the ark points to a better rescue and a better Savior. What does a flood, a boat, and a rainbow have to do with Advent? Come see how this ancient story stirs our hope for Christ.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18) Unwrapping Christmas, Part 1 November 30, 2025 – Pastor Michael Nolen