December 21, 2025 | Speaker: Jason Coker | Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16 Episode Summary In this final week before Christmas, Jason Coker continues our Advent series by exploring the tension between our desire for control and the "slow work" of God. Drawing from the story of King Ahaz in Isaiah 7, Jason illustrates how we often cloak our lack of faith in religious language when we are afraid. Through a nostalgic story about a hidden BMX bike and the visceral imagery of pregnancy, this message challenges us to trust that God’s promises are gestating even when we can’t see them. Ultimately, we are reminded that the name Immanuel is a promise that God is with us not just in the destination, but in the long, often painful process of waiting. Key Takeaways The Illusion of Control: Just as we wrap gifts to show the recipient they aren't in control of the grace they receive, God's timing is independent of our efforts to force a "quick fix" salvation. Trusting the "Slow Work": Quoting Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Jason emphasizes that God’s purposes often move at the pace of a pregnancy—slowly, involving both signs of hope and periods of discomfort. The Trap of False Piety: We see in King Ahaz how easy it is to use "spiritual" excuses to avoid truly trusting God, opting instead to rely on our own power and political alliances. Presence Over Rescue: The salvation God offers may not be the immediate rescue we want, but it is the presence we need—the "God with us" who remains through the dark, the waiting, and the fulfillment. Memorable Quotes “Wrapping presents is a kind of symbolic way of demonstrating that you are disconnected from control of the very good things that you receive. That’s how grace works.” “Always trust in the slow work of God.” — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin “My imagination when I appeal to God is so impoverished compared to what God actually delivers.” “God is with us in the pregnancy of God’s promises, God is with us in the deliverance, and God is with us in the raising up and the maturing of those promises.” Resources This Weekly Sermon Podcast is A Production of The Oceanside Sanctuary Church in Oceanside California. Click here to support our work or Learn more about us.