The Austin Stone Podcast

Steve Shaver explores all the “new” that we are offered through Christ.

We’ve walked alone in darkness,but we have seen a great light.Hope beaming from despair;like morning from the night.Yes, we’ve seen the waves of chaos,felt the wind ravage and rip.Our anchor in the depths is Christ.His peace steadies the ship.Now joy has filled eternally,the void within the chest;No one but the Man of Sorrowsmakes the mourners blessed.The crooked, crafty enemycould never overcomethe power of the Father’s love,displayed in Christ the Son.From heaven’s throne to virgin’s womb,in humble form He cameto wear the burden of our sin,disrobing us of shame.For perfect peace and hope and loveand joy we wait no more.He is here! He has come!so come let us adore!The Word made flesh, Emmanuel,Savior, Prince of PeaceMighty God, Holy One,Jesus, King of Kings.

Ross Lester reminds us of the good news of the gospel that we get to celebrate this Christmas Eve.

What lovely song or poet could depictthe love for which humanity does thirst?For man’s descriptions try but still restrictthe boundless love with which God loved us first.A million books a million pages longwould fail to tell in full the love that’s come.Take ev’ry word in thought, in print, in song,the Word made flesh is greater than their sum.Eternal God appeared in humble mode:the needless one in form of helpless child.His ev’ry breath a step along the roadwhich finds its end at majesty reviled.No greater love can any of us knowthan Jesus Christ who gave Himself in death.The only measures adequate to showHis perfect love, its height and depth and breadth.The love that all words fail to fully frameis manifested here in Jesus’ name.

There is genuine joy that transcends circumstances.Like the flame of a fire that flitters and dancesin spite of the gales that threaten its blaze,a joy inextinguishable all of our days.Where could this endless rejoicing be found?Is it somewhere within, buried deep down?Would it be foolish or wise to presumethat the passing of time makes our happiness bloom?No, we look to the child chosen and cherishedborn to die that His people not perish.We look to the one who endured such a loss,who for joy set before Him suffered the cross.Joy inexpressible only in Jesus.He finds us in sorrowful shackles and frees us.He is acquainted with all of our sadnessand turns all our mourning to glorious gladness.Look and you’ll see Him, just open your eyes.Seek and you’ll find Him, delight will arise.He is here. He has come. Let rejoicing abound.For He is where joy at its fullest is found.

Ross Lester discusses Luke 2:22-35, examining the salvation and faith of Simeon upon Jesus’ arrival.

Chaos rips and ravagesthe fearful, anxious heart.A war that wages, endlessand tears the self apart.Friends and family, strangers, neighborspoised at odds opposed.At worst, attempts to reconcileignored. At best, disposed.Greater still, hostilitystands towering betweenthe sin-filled man and Holy God,the traitor and the King.The world awaits with anxious pausefor rest and restoration.Yet perfect peace could not prevailwithout a confrontation.A son was sent through virgin’s wombto pay the ransom’s cost.The Righteous One would buy our peaceby blood of His own cross.Our peace has come to dwell with usHis life and death to bringthe sin-filled back to Holy God,the traitor to the King.Friends and family, strangers, neighborshave peace in which to live.For God Himself has died to proveHis enemies forgiv’n.While chaos rips and ravages,we see His plan unfurled.The Prince of Peace declares, “Take heart,I’ve overcome the world.”

Matt Blackwell explores Luke 1:39–45, examining Elizabeth’s reaction to Jesus’ miraculous conception.

When life is not perfect, in order, or cleanwhat lifts our eyes whenever we fall?There's something more, beyond what is seenfor hope that is seen is not hope at all.What gives us hope amidst life’s despairsand grief that comes with them?None but the one who takes all our caresthe truest, most faithful friend.For we have seen what can’t be seen.This hope, He has a nameJesus Christ the King of Kings.In death, he bore our shame.The God of hope has come to usand as we trust in Him,the Holy Spirit fills us upand brings our hope to brim.The image of the unseen God arrived in flesh to showHe is the brighter day to come. He alone, our hope.

Ross Lester examines Mary’s response to the news of Jesus’ arrival using Luke 1:26-37.