Unpacking the Mass with Keith Nester

Episode: 4th Sunday in Advent – Year A

Date: December 17, 2025

Main Theme

This episode of Unpacking the Mass explores the readings for the Fourth Sunday in Advent (Year A), focusing on the theme of invitation to ask God for a sign, personal readiness for Christ’s coming, and what it means to genuinely welcome God (specifically Jesus, Emmanuel – "God with us") into our lives. Keith contrasts the attitudes of Ahaz and Joseph regarding God’s intervention, drawing practical connections for listeners as they prepare for Christmas.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Approach to Advent and the Holidays

[00:01–02:50]

• The busyness and stress of the holiday season is contrasted with the importance of finding peace and spiritual readiness.
• Keith humorously rejects the term “hustle and bustle” and encourages listeners to let go of distractions, but stresses the importance of holding on to the power of the scripture readings.

2. First Reading: Isaiah 7:10–14 – The Sign for Ahaz

[03:00–10:35]

• God tells King Ahaz to ask for a sign, but Ahaz refuses, claiming he doesn’t want to "put the Lord to the test."

• Keith’s insight: Ahaz’s refusal wasn’t virtuous; in context, he was avoiding seeking God's will, preferring his own political alliances.

• Quote:

  “Ahaz has taken matters into his own hands... Isaiah is coming to him and saying, look, you need to consult with God on this, not yourself. You need to do things God’s way.”
  – Keith Nester (09:15)

• Isaiah chastises Ahaz and promises the Lord himself will give the sign: “A young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

• The dual fulfillment of the prophecy:

  • Near-term: In Ahaz’s time (exact historical figure unknown).
  • Ultimate fulfillment: In Christ, as later revealed in Matthew’s Gospel.

3. Second Reading: Romans 1:1–7 – The Bridge to Christ

[10:40–12:50]

• Paul establishes Jesus as descended from David, designated Son of God through the resurrection.
• Keith’s commentary: St. Paul’s purpose is to connect Jesus with ancient promises, emphasizing that we too must recognize this fulfillment for ourselves, not abstractly.

4. Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:18–24 – Joseph’s Call

[13:00–16:45]

• The story of Joseph learning of Mary’s pregnancy and wrestling with what to do.
• An angel tells Joseph in a dream not to fear taking Mary as his wife – this is God’s sign, fulfilling the prophecy of Immanuel.
• Notable Point: Keith emphasizes Matthew highlights Joseph’s perspective (unlike Luke, who focuses on Mary).
• Quote:

  “Joseph doesn’t want to put her to shame… imagine him, he knows she’s an honorable woman, but he doesn’t understand what’s going on. And the angel comes to him and says, no, you don’t need to do that. This is the power of the Holy Spirit.”
  – Keith Nester (15:20)

5. True Freedom and Doing God’s Will

[17:30–18:50]

• The world promises freedom as “doing whatever you want,” but true freedom is found in doing God’s will.
• Joseph models this kind of obedience.

6. Applying the Readings: Signs, Invitations, and Our Response

[19:00–33:10]

• Contrast Between Ahaz and Joseph:

  • Ahaz: Avoids consulting God – wants his will, not God’s.
  • Joseph: Receives and accepts God’s unexpected sign, despite confusion or cost.

• Personal Application: Are we more like Ahaz (wanting independence, avoiding God’s direction) or Joseph (open, obedient even when it’s hard)?

• Memorable Analogy: Keith describes inviting someone to dinner and being rejected, paralleling Jesus’ offer to be with us and how often people refuse him.

  “He didn’t just want to give us a message. He came to be with us… How do you think it makes him feel if you’re just like, nope, I’m good. I don’t need that?”
  (28:25)

• Challenge: Many avoid God, Mass, the Bible, or prayer—not because of other people, but because “deep in their heart, they know that what they’re doing isn’t right and they know that God’s going to call them to repentance.” (29:50)

• The Sign Will Come Anyway: Even if we avoid God or his invitation, his plan will come to fruition (“The sign came anyway… at some point in time, you can’t outrun God.” (30:25)).

• Ultimate Answer:

  “The answer to whatever problem that you have or whatever promise that God’s giving you is ultimately found in Jesus… He is the answer.”
  (22:40)

7. The Call for Advent: Readiness and Total Surrender

[33:15–36:20]

• The purpose of Advent is to ready ourselves for Christ—clearing the board, letting God give us any sign, being open to his presence in whatever way he chooses.
• “Let him have his way in your life because he’s coming. He’s coming, man. Powerful.” (35:35)
• The sign isn’t just good advice or wisdom—God gives us Himself: Jesus, his flesh and blood, his very presence (“He wants to abide in you, and he wants to have you abide in Him.” (34:25)).
• Advent isn’t a one-time event, but an ongoing invitation to welcome Christ deeper into our lives.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Ahaz’s refusal:

  “He’s not saying ask for a sign to prove that God is real. He already knew that. He’s saying, you need to be on God’s plan and you need to seek his will for your life. That’s the kind of sign that we’re looking for…”
  (10:20)

• On Joseph’s humble obedience:

  “What did Joseph have to do? All he had to do was say, I’m ready to receive the sign. I’m ready to receive what you have for me… Joseph said, let’s go.”
  (28:08)

• Ultimate Advent challenge:

  “Ask God to show you what it means for him to be with you, God with us. Because remember, he is the ultimate sign and he’s coming for you.”
  (32:50)

Important Timestamps

• Introduction / Setting the Tone: 00:01–02:50
• First Reading (Isaiah) and Ahaz Discussion: 03:00–10:35
• Second Reading (Romans): 10:40–12:50
• Gospel (Matthew) and Joseph’s Response: 13:00–16:45
• Reflection on Freedom and God’s Will: 17:30–18:50
• Contrast, Application, and Personal Stories: 19:00–33:10
• The Advent Invitation and Challenge: 33:15–36:20

Conclusion

Keith Nester compellingly draws connections between ancient prophecy, Jesus’ coming as Immanuel, and our contemporary call to receive God’s presence. The crux of his message is the invitation to move from avoidance (like Ahaz) to courageous acceptance (like Joseph), recognizing that Jesus is not only the sign God promised, but the ultimate answer to our need for salvation and companionship. As Christmas approaches, Keith challenges listeners to clear the way in their own hearts for Christ—“God with us”—and to let this truth transform every aspect of life.

Final Advent Challenge:

“Give God the ability in your life to tell you anything… Clear the board, my friends. Let him have his way in your life because he’s coming.”
(35:17)

For reflection and sharing: Keith encourages listeners to consider and share in the comments how opening up to God’s sign is changing their lives this Advent.