It’s Christmas Eve.

Matthew 1:23 reminds us that a child was born, and they called Him Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This episode invites you to pause in the middle of the season and remember that His presence is here and His comfort is near.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode

• What the name Immanuel means and how it traces from Hebrew → Greek → English
• Why Matthew’s use of the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 is “the essence of Christmas” (Tony Evans)
• Insights from Enduring Word, Charles Spurgeon, and John Wesley on what “God with us” reveals about the miracle of the Incarnation
• Angie’s honest reflection on asking, Where was God for her? Where was God for me?, and the moment she remembered He was still there
• The lie we often believe: “If God is really with me, why am I hurting?” and the truth that His presence is proven by faithfulness, not ease
• The comfort of Romans 8:38–39: nothing can separate us from the love of the God who came near

Resources

When Church Hurts: Finding Truth After Spiritual Wounds is a gentle, Scripture-based resource for anyone healing from church hurt or spiritual disappointment.

Download When Church Hurts here:
https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/churchhurt

The Step By Step Starter Kit is a free bundle of tools designed to help you study Scripture with confidence, one verse at a time.

Get your free Starter Kit here:
https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25

If you’re ready to take another step toward community, consider joining us for Gather, our upcoming study inside Steady On University. Together we’ll explore worship, community, and the sacred rhythms God gave His people. Classes begin January 8, 2026.

Learn more about SOU here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/nNuXFKn/sou

Verse of the Week

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).”
Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com
Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

There’s no hurt like church hurt.

As we move through this Christmas season, Angie pauses to address a reality many of us know too well: spiritual wounds that leave us questioning whether community, worship, and trust in spiritual leaders are worth the risk again.

With compassion and honesty, Angie shares part of her own story, reflects on John 10:14, and walks through five common struggles believers face after church hurt. Through Scripture, she reminds us that while human shepherds may fail, the Good Shepherd never does.

Whether you’re actively engaged in a church community or still finding your way back, this episode will meet you with gentleness and invite you to take a small, Spirit-led step toward healing.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Angie’s personal story of disappointment with a spiritual leader and what the Holy Spirit taught her about truth and discernment
• The comfort of John 10:14 and how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, contrasts with failed earthly shepherds
• Five common struggles that follow church hurt and the Scriptures that speak healing into each one
• Encouragement for those who feel spiritually weary, disconnected from worship, or hesitant to re-enter community
• A gentle invitation to take a small step toward re-engagement this Christmas

Resources

Download When Church Hurts: 5 Common Struggles and How Scripture Helps Us Heal It’s a free companion resource that offers verses and reflection questions to help you process your own journey.

Download When Church Hurts here:
https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/churchhurt

If you’re ready to take another step toward community, consider joining us for Gather, our upcoming study inside Steady On University. Together we’ll explore worship, community, and the sacred rhythms God gave His people. Classes begin January 8, 2026.

Learn more about SOU here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/nNuXFKn/sou

The Step By Step Starter Kit is a free bundle of tools designed to help you study Scripture with confidence, one verse at a time.

Get your free Starter Kit here:
https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25

Verse of the Week
I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me.
John 10:14 (VOICE)

Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com
Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Have you ever longed for a place that truly feels like home?

Psalm 23:6b reminds us that God’s presence is that place. When David writes, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” he’s not only looking ahead to eternity. He’s declaring a daily commitment to stay close to the Shepherd who never leaves his side.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode

• What the Hebrew word yashab (H3427) reveals that dwelling is about stability, nearness, and making your home in God’s presence
• Why some studies reference shuv (H7725) and how “returning” and “remaining” work together in our relationship with God
• Insights from Charles Spurgeon, the Bible Knowledge Commentary, and the Faithlife Study Bible about David’s confidence in God’s unfailing love
• Angie’s personal story of growing up in parsonages and how God offers a permanent home even when we’ve never had one that lasts
• The lie we’re tempted to believe, “When you feel separated from God, you are,” and the truth from Romans 8:38–39 that nothing can separate us from His love

Grab your FREE Step By Step Starter Kit
As you’re choosing gifts for the people you love this season, don’t forget to pick up one for yourself! This one helps you stay rooted in God’s Word.

The Step By Step Starter Kit is a free bundle of tools designed to help you study Scripture with confidence, one verse at a time.

If you already have it, keep an eye on your inbox! Next week you’ll receive the brand-new Understand Your Bible study guide for January through March.

Get your free Starter Kit here:
https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25

Verse of the Week
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6b (NASB 1995)

Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com
Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison