650: Advent 3A (12/14/2025)

650: Advent 3A (12/14/2025)

Author: Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler December 9, 2025 Duration: 52:09

Notes

  1. Matthew 11:2-11
  2. Isaiah 35:1-10
  3. James 5:7-10

Summary

In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy discuss the themes of Advent, focusing on the readings from Matthew, Isaiah, and James. They explore the challenges faced by churches during winter weather, the significance of John the Baptist's message, and the tension between expectations and reality during the Advent season. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, patience, and the transformative power of faith, while also addressing the need for inclusivity and understanding in the church.

Takeaways

  • Advent is a time of reflection and preparation for the coming of Christ.
  • John the Baptist's doubts highlight the human experience of uncertainty.
  • Jesus invites us to see the good news in our midst, even amidst disappointment.
  • The readings from Isaiah emphasize hope and restoration for the community.
  • Patience in faith is not passive; it requires active engagement and community building.
  • Transformation is a key theme in the Christmas narrative.
  • The kingdom of God is present in acts of love and justice.
  • Inclusivity is essential in understanding the message of the Gospel.
  • Advent invites us to hold the tension between joy and sorrow.
  • The church's role is to support and uplift those in need.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Advent and Church Challenges
05:53 Joy Sunday and Its Significance
13:09 John the Baptist's Doubts and Human Expectations
18:47 The Tension of Advent: Joy and Struggle
24:38 Exploring Isaiah: Faithfulness and Renewal
27:32 Jesus and Isaiah: A Transformative Connection
28:34 Understanding Isaiah's Context: Exile and Hope
29:03 The Vision of Transformation: Community and Creation
30:40 Walking the Road to Wholeness: A Spiritual Journey
32:51 Inclusion and Acceptance: Redefining Community
35:52 The Holy Way: A Journey for All
39:02 The Unclean and the Clean: Choices in Community
40:25 Patience and Action: The Call of James
46:41 Building the Kingdom: A Collective Effort


Every week, Reverend Robb McCoy and Reverend Eric Fistler sit down for a conversation that feels more like a thoughtful chat between friends than a formal sermon. Their Pulpit Fiction Podcast uses the weekly Revised Common Lectionary readings as a starting point, but the discussion quickly branches into the unexpected. You’ll hear them draw connections between ancient scripture and contemporary movies, television, and headlines, creating a space where faith feels immediately relevant. This approach makes the podcast an invaluable resource for pastors and laypeople crafting a Sunday message, but its real appeal is much broader. It’s for anyone who appreciates a deep, critical, and often humorous dive into the Bible without pretense. Listening feels like being included in a genuine dialogue where curiosity is welcomed, and hard questions are met with intellectual honesty and pastoral care. The hosts’ dynamic brings both scholarly insight and everyday practicality, ensuring that each episode offers not just interpretation, but meaningful application. Whether you’re deeply rooted in Christian tradition or simply exploring spiritual ideas, this podcast provides a unique blend of theological reflection and cultural commentary that challenges and enriches.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Podcast Episodes
617: Proper 26B OT31B (11/3/2024) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:14
Welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 617 for Sunday, November 3, 2024, Proper 26, Ordinary 31, 24 Sundays after Pentecost, year B. Commenta…
616: Proper 25B OT30B (10/27/2024) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:50
Welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 616 for Sunday, October 27, 2024, Proper 25, Ordinary 30, 23 Sundays after Pentecost, year B. Commenta…
615: Proper 24B OT29B (10/20/2024) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:01
Welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 615 for Sunday, October 20, 2024, Proper 24, Ordinary 29, 22 Sundays after Pentecost, year B. Commenta…
614: Proper 23B OT28B (10/13/2024) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:15
Welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 614 for Sunday, October 13, 2024, Proper 23, Ordinary 28, 21 Sundays after Pentecost, year B. Commenta…
613: Proper 22B OT27B (10/6/2024) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:44
Welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 613 for Sunday, October 6, 2024, Proper 22, Ordinary 27, 20 Sundays after Pentecost, year B. Commentar…
612: Proper 21B OT26B (9/29/2024) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:29
Welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 612 for Sunday, September 29, 2024, Proper 21, Ordinary 26, 19 Sundays after Pentecost, year B. Commen…
611: Proper 20B OT25B (9/22/2024) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:17
Welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 611 for Sunday, September 22, 2024, Proper 20, Ordinary 25, 18 Sundays after Pentecost, year B. Commen…
610: Proper 19B OT24B (9/15/2024) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:12
Welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 610 for Sunday, September 15, 2024, Proper 19, Ordinary 24, 17 Sundays after Pentecost, year B. Mark 7…
609: Proper 18B OT23B (9/8/2024) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:45
Welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 609 for Sunday, September 8, 2024, Proper 18, Ordinary 23, 16 Sundays after Pentecost, year B. Mark 7:…
608: Proper 17B OT22B (9/1/2024) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:15
Welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 608 for Sunday, September 1, 2024, Proper 17, Ordinary 22, 15 Sundays after Pentecost, year B. Mark 7:…