Ginghamsburg Church Podcast

Christ The Refugee

Matthew 2:13–23 — The Escape to Egypt

“Our King knows the road of the refugee and walks with the displaced.” The Christmas story doesn’t end at the manger—it leads into a midnight escape. Even as a child, Jesus knew the fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability of families forced to flee. He understands the stories of the displaced because he lived one. And he calls us to see, honor, and stand with those who carry that same burden today. ginghamsburg.org

Christ Gives Access

Hebrews 4:14; 10:19–22

Through Christ, every border to God is torn down. No more distance. No more separation. In Jesus—our great High Priest—we’re given direct, confident access to the Father. The invitation isn’t exclusive; it’s wide open. Step in.

Fitz grew up in Ohio, navigating his parents’ divorce and his father’s struggles with addiction. It was during that season of instability that Fitz was introduced to church for the first time and encountered Jesus in a way that, while not dramatic in the moment, ultimately changed the direction of his life.

Strangers Become Family

At the cradle, strangers become family. The journey of the wise ones reminds us that God’s salvation doesn’t stay inside our borders—it reaches every nation, every seeker, every outsider. The cradle of Christ welcomes the stranger… and invites us to do the same.

ginghamsburg.org

The Forgotten Get Good News

Ever felt like you were on the outside looking in? This week in Christmas Beyond Borders, Pastor Fitz takes us straight to the margins—the place where the Christmas story actually begins. From forgotten shepherds to people today who feel unseen, unwanted, or unqualified, the message is simple and disruptive: Jesus doesn’t wait for us to clean up and come to the center. He comes to us—right where we are. And if we want to follow Him, we move toward the margins too. It’s where joy breaks in, where lives get rebuilt, and where God’s glory shows up in ways the masses often miss.

When John Jung tells his story, he laughs at the idea of having a “plan.” His life, he’ll tell you, is a series of moments that make sense only in hindsight — a story stitched together by grace rather than strategy. “It wasn’t my plan,” he said with a smile. “But it was clearly God’s.”

Make Room for the King

Advent is not just a celebration of Christ’s coming; it’s a summons to go. The incarnation is the ultimate mission trip: Jesus, the Son of God, left the glory of heaven to bring light to a dark world. As his followers, we are sent to embody that same love, especially to the poor, the forgotten, and the brokenhearted. Christmas is a border-breaking movement of compassion.

Our journey begins with readiness. in Mark 1:1-8, John the Baptist calls us to prepare our hearts, crossing the inner borders of sin and apathy so we can receive the King.

Gratitude at the Banquet

God's Kingdom is one of invitation. There's a feast prepared and everyone is welcome to the party. That's how God designed it. God's kingdom is for everyone, and often we have the opportunity to invite someone to the table. Once we realize that we're welcome at God's table and we open the invitation to others around us, we'll discover our gratitude will never stop growing.

ginghamsburg.org

Rachel has seen God most in seasons of having to wait upon God. “Those are the absolute hardest seasons. All of our senses are on high alert and we’re really raw. We’re really in tune. We’re really seeking and searching for that next part of the journey.”

Gratitude in the Fire

We all face challenges and difficulties each day. Often those feel so overwhelming that we want to give up. This week as we look at the writings of Paul, we'll be reminded that our struggles are only temporary. There is more for us in the future, especially as we keep our attention focused on Jesus. When we live with gratitude, it gives us the strength to keep singing, even in the fires of life.

ginghamsburg.org