We have arrived at Christmas Eve!!! For our last episode of this Advent series Pastor Luke explores the story of Jesus' birth, Luke 2:1-21. Thank you for being a part of this Advent series podcast with us! Enjoy time with family and celebrating the coming of Jesus to be God With Us!

On this final Tuesday of Advent Pastor Luke looks at our last Psalm, Psalm 96. Let us take time to praise God this week!

On the last Monday of Advent Pastor Luke and Kaitie talk about what love means in the Advent season.

Thanks for joining us in this Advent season!

On this final Sunday of Advent Pastor Luke looks at the Scripture for our last Advent Sermon, Isaiah 7:10-16.

Today Pastor Luke and Kaitie talk about what joy means. We referenced Philippians 3:1 & 4:4, James 1:1-2, Galatians 5:22-26, and Nehemiah 8:10. We opened by talking about the song Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb. You can listen to her song at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jthLvNgmFjA

We are thankful for you being on this podcast journey with us!

On this third, and final, Thursday of Advent Pastor Luke looks at our Old Testament passage for the week in 2 Samuel 7:1-17.

On this third Wednesday of Advent Pastor Luke Maggard explores our Gospel Scripture passage for the week.

On this third Tuesday of Advent Pastor Luke explores the lament Psalm 42.

Dive into a transformative journey as we explore the profound insights of Isaiah 35 in our latest sermon "The Promised Messiah, Joy of the Nations". This episode illuminates the stark contrasts between desolation and transformation, emphasizing the hope and joy brought forth by Jesus Christ. Through a detailed examination of scripture, we discover how the deserts of our challenges and trials can bloom into landscapes of joy and renewal under God's grace.

The context of Isaiah 35 is pivotal, setting the stage for a dramatic shift from despair to delight, directly tied to historical events that weighed heavily on the nation of Israel. Amidst backdrops of impending wars and national distress, Isaiah presents a vivid vision of rejuvenation that defies the harsh realities of his time. Through the imagery of the crocus flower—a symbol of early spring and new beginnings—the message of spiritual and physical rejuvenation rings clear, promising a major transformation for all nations, not just Israel.

Further, we delve into the metaphor of the "Highway of Holiness," a divine pathway that leads to ultimate sanctification and protection for those who walk in righteousness. As we navigate this highway, the sermon highlights the importance of inner beauty and outward action, the cornerstone of biblical holiness and a principle that drives us toward perfect love.

As we wrap up, the sermon not only challenges us to reflect on the space we allot to Jesus in our lives but also encourages us to embrace the joy and hope He offers in every season of our lives. This episode is not just a call to faith but a profound reminder of the transformative power of divine love.

Join us in this powerful episode as we look deeper into these themes, framed by a thoughtful reflection on what it means to "Make Room for Jesus" in our hearts and lives. Whether through the narratives of scripture or the contemplative chords of Casting Crowns, this sermon invites you into a personal journey of faith and renewal.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:33 - Why Context Matters in Isaiah

00:12:06 - Isaiah 9: The Highway of Holiness

00:20:54 - "Make Room for Jesus"

00:22:48 - Conclusion

Prepare your heart for a message of hope and transformation that affirms the joy of the Advent season and beyond. Whether you’re seeking solace or celebrating renewal, this episode brings an essential perspective on walking the path of holiness with Jesus.

For the episode of our Advent Series Pastor Luke mixes it up a bit. Instead of an episode with Kaitie and Luke talking about Joy, Luke reads a few passages of Scripture that talks about joy. There will be an episode from Kaitie and Luke on Friday December 19th.

The passages read today are, Philippians 4:4, Nehemiah 8:10, and John 15:11