Podcast Summary: Unpacking The Mass with Keith Nester

Episode: The Epiphany of the Lord 2026 – Year A
Date: December 31, 2025
Host: Keith Nester

Overview of the Episode

This episode delves into the theme of the Epiphany, focusing on the contrasting human reactions to the coming of Christ, the light of the world. Keith draws parallels between the Magi, who seek and honor the light, and King Herod, who recoils from it. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own openness to the light of Christ, considering whether they run toward it with gifts and obedience, or shrink back in self-preservation and secrecy. The discussion centers around the week's scripture readings and practical application for personal spiritual growth.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Light vs. Darkness: The Central Analogy

• Keith sets up the episode by contrasting two kinds of people: those who cling to darkness and those who embrace the light (00:20).

• He emphasizes that while many assume they'd naturally prefer the light, in reality, the light can be unsettling because it exposes truths about ourselves we'd rather keep hidden.

  "It's amazing to me how many times we can choose to run back into the darkness, even though we know it's not what's best for us." (01:35)

2. Scripture Readings Recap

• Isaiah 60:1-6: Prophecy of the coming light dispelling darkness and drawing nations.
• Ephesians 3: St. Paul's revelation that the light of Christ is for all peoples, not just the Jews.
• Matthew 2:1-12: The story of the Magi and Herod’s contrasting responses to the birth of Jesus.

3. The Magi: Following the Light (21:10)

• The Magi represent those willing to step out following the light, regardless of what others do.

• Their journey began with expectation and readiness; they acted when they saw the star, rather than passively observing.

  "Step one in recognizing or wanting to live in that light is being willing to follow the light, to follow those stars that lead you there." (23:12)

• The Magi’s gifts, while not needed by the newborn, symbolized love, devotion, and the best of themselves.

  "They didn't just show up empty handed... It's amazing to me how many times we show up to Jesus and we're just like, okay, I'm here. What do you got for me today, Jesus?" (27:00)

• Keith relates this to faith life: It's not just about what you get out of spiritual practice ("am I being fed?") but about what you bring—your devotion, presence, and sacrifice.

4. Herod: Hiding from the Light (33:24)

• Herod’s approach is characterized by avoidance and secrecy. He doesn't know the prophecies himself, relying on others for knowledge.

  "Herod is the king of Israel. He should know better than anyone about the prophecies about the coming Messiah. But what does he have to do?... He's got to rely on other people because he doesn't care himself." (34:15)

• Unlike the Magi, Herod sends others to seek out Jesus, not out of devotion but to preserve his own power.

  "Herod wanted other people to go find Jesus for him. It doesn't work that way, friends." (37:10)

• Keith calls listeners to take personal responsibility for their faith, rather than outsourcing spiritual seeking to others.

  "The pursuit of God is a personal pursuit... Too many people are relying on other people to do all the heavy lifting for them when it comes to their faith." (37:20)

• Ultimately, Herod not only rejects the light but seeks to destroy it, reflecting a heart more committed to self than truth.

5. Personal Reflection: Light as Comfort and Challenge (42:10)

• The process of coming into the light is ongoing and sometimes difficult, involving repeated decisions to move closer to God and away from self-centeredness.

• Keith uses a striking analogy from photography: the closer a light source, the softer and more illuminating it becomes.

  "When we follow Christ, the closer we get to him, the more we can see... If you want more knowledge, follow more light... Instead of just a little beam that just covers a little bit, it'll wash over you and show you even more." (47:00)

6. Practical Application: Gifts, Service, and Obedience (49:50)

• The most important gift God wants is not possessions but our hearts, love, and obedience.
• Serving others is a way to love God—“whatever you've done to the least of these, you've done to me.”
• The challenge: approach God not with “what do I get?” but “what can I give?”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On spiritual self-reflection:

  "Are you like a cockroach that scatters when the light comes on? Why? Because they don't want to get exposed." (19:20)

• The universal invitation:

  "The light in the darkness isn't just for you or me, it's for everybody. But people have to decide what they're going to do with that light, whether they're going to allow it to wash over them or whether they're going to run away." (20:15)

• On personal pursuit of God:

  "The pursuit of God is a personal pursuit and we have to be willing to do that. We got to be willing to take some initiative ourselves. That's why I'm glad you're watching Unpacking the Mass, that shows initiative." (37:23)

• On spiritual gifts:

  "The greatest gift that you can give him is your love and your obedience and things that you do demonstrate that." (51:07)

• The annual return to Epiphany:

  "It's interesting when we look through these feasts... is there anything different this year than last year? And sometimes there really isn't... but there's always something different when it comes to what it's doing in our hearts." (52:17)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:20 – Main theme: Reactions to darkness and light
• 02:50 – Prayer: Asking to be people of the light
• 05:30 – First reading (Isaiah 60:1-6)
• 08:20 – Second reading (Ephesians 3)
• 10:00 – Gospel reading (Matthew 2:1-12)
• 21:10 – The Magi’s attitude and example
• 27:00 – On bringing gifts to God
• 33:24 – Herod’s response to Christ
• 37:10 – The importance of personal spiritual initiative
• 47:00 – Light and photography analogy; moving closer to the light
• 49:50 – Our gifts to God: love and obedience
• 52:17 – Reflections on the recurring yet always new message of the Epiphany

Conclusion

Keith Nester’s exploration of the Epiphany invites listeners into deep personal reflection. By comparing the Magi’s generous, active pursuit of Christ to Herod's fearful resistance, he urges each of us to ask whether we move toward the light, offering ourselves, or shrink away clinging to our own comfort and control. Ultimately, the episode calls for courageous, personal engagement with God, underscoring that the journey to embrace the light is both challenging and rewarding, and that everyone must make it for themselves.

“The light is coming. You cannot stop it, but you can hide from it. I would encourage you not to.” (51:50)