How can we see God in the unexpected this Advent?

It’s episode 2 of our popular Advent podcast, and this week you’ll hear from Alan Gregory, Principal at St Augustine’s College of Theology.

In ‘Isaiah,’ Alan opens with Isaiah’s extraordinary temple vision – smoke, shaking thresholds, and a holiness beyond imagining. The reflection invites you to imagine God not as tidy or controllable, but alive and transformative, showing up in ways you might never expect.

Listeners consistently tune in to Alan’s reflections and really enjoy them – and we’re sure this episode will be no exception!

Holiness, frailty, and fire

Confronted with God’s holiness, Isaiah cries, ‘Woe is me…’ Alan’s episode explores this as a recognition of human frailty – our divided, distracted, and sometimes failing selves.

Yet God touches Isaiah with a burning coal: a fire that should destroy, but instead refines and equips him. Even when we’re full of doubt, fear, or imperfection, God’s grace shapes us to live with courage, integrity, and love.

  • Listen to this week’s episode, where Alan takes a closer look at the prophet Isaiah.

When the call comes with heartbreak

Isaiah is sent to speak to people who won’t listen. Alan calls this the grief of God – offering life and love that often goes unseen.

And yet hope shines through: Isaiah’s calling points to Jesus, who enters the world unnoticed, bearing our flaws so love can have the last word. 

This Advent, you’re invited to open your heart to God’s presence in the unseen, the difficult, and the unexpected – and to hear Christ even through the noise of life.

Explore the prophets with us this Advent, every Sunday

Prophecy and Advent, our new podcast for 2025, is read by friends and tutors of St Augustine’s College of Theology.

Each week, we explore the Hebrew prophets together, bringing their stories to life and showing how their words speak into the joys, questions, and challenges of modern life.

Every episode gives you a fresh way to experience and celebrate the season.

Burning coals. The coals are glowing and it's dark.

Listen anytime, anywhere

Search for St Augustine’s College Audio Retreats on your favourite podcast app and start listening! 

Prefer different ways to listen to the podcast?

You can also catch the Advent podcast here:

All YouTube videos come with subtitles and closed captions if you need them.

Tune in next week for Episode 3!

Look out for Episode 3, Ezekiel 34, read by Jenny Corocan on Sunday 14th December. Jenny is our tutor for Lay Education, Practical Theology and Old Testament at St Augustine’s. 

Celebrate Advent with us each Sunday, up until 21st December.

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