advent – Matthew Ruttan

Being Ready for Jesus’ Return: The Parable of the 10 Virgins

Dec 15, 2025

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Jesus is coming back. This is called the “second advent” or “second coming.” There is no shortage of speculation; but what does Jesus himself tell us about what we should be doing while we wait? This sermon (also released as a podcast episode) explains his instruction in Matthew 25:1-13. What should we be doing when…

A serious historical deep dive into the Nativity

Dec 19, 2024

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Matthew Ruttan

in Feature Talks, Podcast

We know the story. But do we, really? This episode is a deep dive into the Nativity story. What was Nazareth like, the political landscape, Mary? “Long-looked for is come at last.” Re-release from 2022.

For he will save his people from their sins [Sermon]

Dec 16, 2024

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by

Matthew Ruttan

in Sermons

Jesus saves his people from sin. The angel told that to Joseph before Jesus was even born. Not only does he save from the consequence of sin, but the slavery of sin. This second part is a much-neglected (and misunderstood) part of his work. This sermon unpacks Matthew 1:1-25 and invites us to consider Jesus’…

Something forgotten, fun facts and curiosities about the Christmas story

Jan 3, 2023

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by

Matthew Ruttan

in Feature Talks, Podcast

Why a census? How far to Bethlehem? Was Jesus born inside or outside? What is something we’ve forgotten (but previous generations didn’t)? This episode shares an informal, interactive time with the congregation on Christmas morning as I answer these questions and more.

The Nativity You Never Knew? An in-depth, historical look at Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-20

Dec 18, 2020

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by

Matthew Ruttan

in Blogs

When we hear something so much, we stop hearing it. Instead of paying more attention, we pay less. So here’s an in-depth look at Jesus’ birth in Luke 2. [Audio version included.] Christmas is different, but still meaningful.