Welcome to Simple Christmas with Rusty George!

The Purpose of Waiting: Discovering Hope in the Waiting Room

In this episode, Pastor Rusty George explores the discomfort and frustration commonly associated with waiting. Drawing parallels from everyday life and biblical examples, he delves into how waiting is a crucial part of our faith journey. He illustrates how figures like Abraham, Joseph, and David underwent prolonged periods of waiting that ultimately deepened their trust, refined their character, and redirected their futures. Pastor George emphasizes that waiting is not wasted time but a period of divine preparation. He offers practical advice on maintaining hope through trust in God, staying connected to community, and serving others. The episode ties in the significance of the Advent season, highlighting the 'candle of hope' as a symbol of confident expectation based on God's proven track record. As we navigate our own periods of waiting, Pastor George reassures us that we are not alone; God is with us, filling us with joy and peace.

00:00 Introduction: The Agony of Waiting
00:27 The Biblical Perspective on Waiting
01:18 Modern Culture's Impatience
01:45 Personal Struggles and Lessons Learned
02:29 Biblical Examples of Waiting
03:32 God's Purpose in the Waiting
05:56 Practical Steps to Embrace Waiting
08:36 Conclusion: Hope in the Waiting

Rediscovering Advent: Light in the Darkness

In this episode, journey back to the fourth century and explore the origins of Advent. Discover how early church leaders grappled with preparing for Christ's coming amidst societal turmoil and how their profound question of 'how to prepare for God becoming human' still resonates today. Understand the staggering impact of depression, anxiety, and political polarization in 2025 and how Isaiah’s promise of light offers hope. Learn about the roots and significance of Advent as a season of active waiting, not just for Christ's birth, but for His promised return. Watch and be inspired to embrace Advent as a time of acknowledging darkness, practicing active anticipation, and keeping Christ as the blazing light in our modern world.

00:00 Setting the Scene: The Fourth Century Church
00:54 Modern Struggles and Ancient Questions
02:06 Isaiah's Prophecy: Light in Darkness
03:31 The Messiah's Unexpected Arrival
04:57 The Early Church's Waiting Game
06:06 The Birth of Advent
07:03 Advent's Relevance Today
08:38 Practical Steps for Advent
09:39 The Promise of Light

In this week’s episode, Rusty sits down with counselor and coach Leah A. Ondiek to break down EMDR and mindfulness in a clear, accessible way. Leah explains how these practices help us process stress, calm our minds, and stay grounded in our faith—without overwhelming terminology.

If you’re curious about mental health tools that actually make a daily difference, this episode offers simple steps and encouraging insight.

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