Waiting is easy when it’s inconvenient. It’s much harder when it hurts.

In this Advent reflection, Alex sits with one of Scripture’s most uncomfortable questions: How long? Drawing from the opening lament over Jerusalem, this episode explores the kind of waiting that doesn’t come with quick resolutions. The kind marked by silence, loss, and longing.

Rather than rushing to hope, this conversation lingers in the ache, examining why Scripture makes space for mourning, why Advent begins in the dark, and what it means to wait with courage in a culture that avoids both grief and stillness.

Scripture: Lamentations 1:1

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In this conversation, Alex Portillo discusses the relationship between Christianity and religion, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Christianity as a religion rather than merely a relationship with God. He critiques the common phrase that Christianity is not a religion, arguing that it undermines the complexity of faith and the role of religion in shaping beliefs and practices. Portillo encourages Christians to engage with secular criticisms thoughtfully and to embrace their religious identity without shame.Here are some resources that can help you in creating a devotional practice: Logos Bible Software- www.logos.com/sanbertoInstagram - www.instagram.com/sanbertoalejandro Donate- www.buymeacoffee.com/sanbertohttps://www.amazon.com/shop/sanbertoalejandroDonate- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alexportilloCHAPTERS0:00 Introduction and Context1:45 Financial Audit with Kaleb Hammer Video 2:20 Hot Take: Christianity is a religion 4:04 What is Religion? 4:27 Why do Christians say Christianity is not a religion? 6:25 Why does this Matter? 7:40 A way forward -#Bible #Biblescholar #christianity #Jesuschrist

In this Advent message, Alex Portillo explores the profound question of why Jesus became human, emphasizing the themes of fragility, vulnerability, and the necessity of suffering for mercy. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on the immigrant experience, he illustrates how Christ's incarnation connects deeply with human suffering and weakness, ultimately presenting Jesus as the perfect Savior who understands and empathizes with our struggles.

Text: Hebrews 4:15-16

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Chapters

00:00 La Sagrada Familia

02:40 The Immigrant Experience and Christ's Connection

05:18 Understanding Fragility and Vulnerability

07:28 The Nature of Christ's Incarnation

09:33 The Necessity of Suffering for Mercy

12:28 The Depth of Human Sorrow and Christ's Empathy

14:25 God's Understanding of Our Weaknesses