The heart of this season isn’t about us getting everything perfectly in place—it’s about God’s love showing up in the middle of our mess. Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men were all imperfect people with real-life struggles who found themselves at the center of Jesus’ birth. The true wonder isn’t that we’ve managed to make it to church or keep our holiday plans on track; rather, it’s that Jesus came to us, exactly where we are. No matter our background or struggles, there is room at the manger for everyone. Through faith, we can discover real joy and peace because of God’s extraordinary love—a love made tangible in the birth of Jesus.

Being spiritually ready opens us up to experience the fullness of God’s work in our lives—especially at Christmas. Drawing on the stories of Zechariah and Nicodemus, we see two very different responses to God’s surprises. Both men’s journeys remind us that preparation isn’t just about having every detail handled, but about making room in our hearts for God’s presence. Are we missing God’s movement because we’re too distracted or doubtful, or are we eagerly expecting Him to show up? Through the lens of Luke 1 and John 3, we’re invited to trust God’s love, demonstrated through Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, and to ask ourselves what else we need to see before we surrender fully to Him.

In this talk we explore how the Old Testament foreshadowed and foretold the coming of Christ, highlighting key prophecies that point to His birth, mission, and victory over sin. The fulfillment of these prophecies in Christ underscores God's sovereign plan and assures us that Christ is the ultimate source of security and salvation.

The best places in life are the places where the best stuff happens. These places make us feel something special, and we spend a lot of time trying to recapture those best moments in the best places. Bethlehem was statistically insignificant—which unfortunately is how a lot of people feel. A town of three hundred max was the birthplace of Jesus. See you can never say "well not me, not here" when it comes to Jesus. He wants to give you new life too, no matter who you are or where life has taken you. He is working everything for you to find the best place… a place with him. Just make room.

Let’s be real—life moves fast. We’re busy, distracted, and constantly hit with more than we can handle. It’s so easy to lose that sense of wonder. But if we could just hit pause, we’d see something incredible: God is with us. Joseph felt it too—overloaded, overwhelmed, and facing the worst. But right in the middle of his mess, God showed up. With a plan. With a purpose. And with a promise: You’re not alone. That name Emmanuel? It’s more than just a Christmas word. It’s a promise that God is with us—through failure, through pain, through it all. Nothing can separate you from His love. His presence is the light that overcomes our darkness. Let that sink in. God is with you. He’s for you. And He keeps His promises.