Church of the City New York Advent 2025: He Shall Be | God with Us - Ralph Castillo
Dec 1, 2025
Ralph Castillo, a member of the Church of the City care team, delivers an Advent sermon emphasizing Jesus as Immanuel, or "God with us." He explores how Jesus meets our core longings during the holiday season, addressing loneliness, grief, and anxiety. Ralph shares personal stories about mourning and joy, while citing research on the rising loneliness in society. He illustrates that Jesus' presence is the ultimate Christmas gift, inviting listeners to embrace this truth and find hope and comfort in God's tangible presence.
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Advent Frames Longings And Arrival
- Ralph Castillo frames Advent as both Jesus's first arrival and the promise of his second coming, tying names of Jesus to deep holiday longings.
- He argues Christmas's core good news is that God came to meet loneliness, grief, and longing with his presence.
A Day Of Mourning And Rejoicing
- Ralph shares a day of deep mourning and great rejoicing: attending a funeral then renewing his vows the same day.
- He uses this experience to highlight the cognitive dissonance many carry between joy and grief.
Loneliness Is Central To The Human Condition
- Ralph notes modern loneliness is epidemic, citing Surgeon General and trends among young and older adults.
- He connects this to Genesis where God first declared loneliness "not good," showing God understands our ache.