653: Christmas 1A (12/28/2025)

653: Christmas 1A (12/28/2025)

Author: Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler December 21, 2025 Duration: 1:01:16

Notes

  1. Matthew 2:13-23
  2. Isaiah 63:7-9
  3. Hebrews 2:10-18

Summary

In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler discuss the lectionary readings for the first Sunday of Christmas, focusing on Matthew 2:13-23, the flight to Egypt, and the implications of Herod's tyranny. They explore themes of hospitality, the significance of the Old Testament connections, and the faithfulness of God as highlighted in Isaiah 63. The conversation also delves into the humanity of Christ as presented in Hebrews 2, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of the incarnation in today's context.

Takeaways

  • The podcast discusses the lectionary readings for the first Sunday of Christmas.
  • Attendance challenges during the holiday season are common for many churches.
  • The flight to Egypt is a significant and often overlooked part of the Christmas story.
  • Herod's actions reflect the tyranny and fear of oppressive regimes.
  • The theme of hospitality is crucial in the context of the Holy Family's journey.
  • Connections between the Old Testament and New Testament are explored.
  • Isaiah 63 highlights God's faithfulness amidst human struggles.
  • Hebrews 2 emphasizes the humanity of Christ and his understanding of human suffering.
  • The ongoing relevance of the incarnation is discussed in relation to modern issues.
  • The podcast encourages reflection on the themes of hope and redemption.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast
02:47 Reflections on Christmas and Attendance Challenges
06:00 Exploring the Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:13-23
12:09 The Significance of the Flight to Egypt
18:01 Herod's Tyranny and the Theme of Refugees
23:50 The Role of Hospitality in the Holy Family's Journey
30:11 Connecting the Old Testament and New Testament Themes
35:46 Isaiah 63: God's Faithfulness Amidst Human Struggles
42:03 Understanding Hebrews 2: The Humanity of Christ
47:50 The Ongoing Relevance of the Incarnation
54:09 Conclusion and Reflections on the Podcast

 


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: 50

Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Podcast Episodes
691: Proper 20A OT25 (9/20/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:34
Notes Matthew 20:1-16 Exodus 16:2-15 In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy delve into the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard from Matthew 20:1-16. They explore themes of fair…
690: Proper 19A OT24 (9/13/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:26
Notes Matthew 18:21-35 Exodus 14:19-31 In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler delve into the theme of forgiveness as presented in the Gospel of Matthew. They explore the parable…
689: Proper 18A OT23 (9/6/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:10
Notes Matthew 18:15-20 Exodus 12:1-14 In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy explore the themes of conflict resolution, community, and reconciliation as presented in the Gospel of…
688: Proper 17A OT22 (8/30/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:37
In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler discuss the lectionary texts for Proper 17, focusing on Matthew 16:21-28, where Jesus predicts his suffering and challenges his disciples t…
REBROADCAST 555: Proper 16A for 8/23/2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:35
8/23/2026 REBROADCAST 555: Proper 16A (August 27, 2023) Hello and welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 555 for Sunday, August 27, 2023, Pro…
686: Proper 15A OT20 (8/16/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:53
Notes Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 Genesis 45:1-15 This episode explores the complex and transformative stories of Jesus' interactions with the Canaanite woman and the story of Joseph, highlighting themes of growth, forgiven…
685: Proper 14A OT19 (8/9/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:24
Notes Matthew 14:22-33 Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 In this episode, we explore the profound lessons from the story of Peter walking on water, emphasizing the importance of faith, self-trust, and the need for self-care in minis…
684: Proper 13A OT18 (8/2/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:42
Notes Matthew 14:13-21 Genesis 32:22-31 Join us as we explore the rich biblical stories of the feeding of the five thousand and Jacob's wrestling with God, delving into themes of abundance, compassion, and faith's strugg…
REBROADCAST 551: Proper 12A for 7/26/2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:41
7/26/2026 REBROADCAST 551: Proper 12A (July 30, 2023) Welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 551 for Sunday, July 30, 2023, Proper 12, Ordina…