This Christmas Eve message from pastor Andrew at Grand Valley Church invites listeners to reflect on the true meaning of the season through the theme of Coming Home for Christmas. Centered on traditions, belonging, and journey, the message reminds us that Christmas is not about a perfectly curated day, but about a perfect God who came near through the incarnation of Jesus. God’s invitation is for everyone—regardless of background, pain, or doubt—and the manger stands as a symbol of redemption offered freely to all. Drawing from personal testimony and the story of the prodigal son, the message emphasizes that Jesus closes the distance between God and humanity and invites us into relationship, restoration, and joy. Ultimately, Christmas is a call to welcome Jesus into the center of our lives, celebrations, and hearts, where true peace, belonging, and home are found.

In week 4 of the Coming Home for Christmas series Michelle speaks on the theme of The Journey, and reflects on why Christmas moves us to go to great lengths to be with the ones we love. Through personal stories of snowy Christmas travels and family traditions, the message highlights how journeys—though difficult—are worth it when love is the destination.

The message then points to the greater Christmas journey: God’s relentless movement toward humanity. Using the Jesse Tree tradition, it traces God’s redemptive plan from creation through imperfect people, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. From the moment sin entered the world, God began moving toward restoration.

Drawing from Philippians 2 and John 3:16, the message reminds us that God made the ultimate journey by coming to us in the form of Jesus. God is not distant, but present, pursuing relationship with us. Our longing for “home” reflects the eternity God has placed in our hearts—and Christmas reminds us that true home is found in Him.

In week three of the Coming Home for Christmas series, Pastor Andrew explores the theme of “The Guest List,” reminding us that Christmas is God’s invitation to restoration and grace for everyone. Acknowledging both the joy and the tension the holidays can bring, this message speaks honestly about broken relationships, unresolved conflict, and the longing for healing that often surfaces at Christmas.

Through Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32), Pastor Andrew highlights that both sons are lost—one through rebellion and the other through self-righteousness. At the center of the story is a compassionate Father who runs toward both, revealing that restoration is only possible through unearned grace.

Christmas is the moment when God closes the gap, offering forgiveness, healing, and belonging to all. Pastor Andrew challenges the church to become agents of restoration, willing to count the cost, take the first step, and extend the same grace we have received—because everyone is invited, and everyone is on God’s guest list.

In week 2 of Coming Home for Christmas Michelle reflects on how God placed this theme on her heart a year ago and how stepping into this message is an act of obedience. She contrasts the joyful traditions and busy preparations of the season with the hidden grief, pressure, and exhaustion many people carry. Michelle reminds listeners that the first Christmas was not perfect or calm, but God entering a broken world. Through Scripture, she highlights that Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted, bring hope, and meet us in our pain—not to add burdens. The episode ends with an invitation to release expectations, make room for Christ, and receive his comfort, peace, and joy this season.

In this opening message of the Coming Home for Christmas series, Pastor Andrew invites the church into the Advent season by reflecting on the power of traditions. He highlights how traditions shape us, anchor us, and are meant to be shared. He reminds us that the most meaningful tradition of all is the story of Jesus’ arrival: the hope, peace, joy, and love brought through the incarnation. In a world full of good but distracting Christmas extras, Andrew calls the church to courageously share the true gift of the season—Jesus himself. As Advent begins, listeners are encouraged to keep Christ at the center, welcome others into the story, and celebrate the God who has come to redeem and restore.

Today we prepare our hearts for Advent by returning to the communion table—the place that unites us, reorients us, and reminds us of what truly matters. Pastor Andrew invites us to slow down, refocus, and lean into three essentials for this season: God’s Word, God’s people, and God’s presence. Through scripture, reflection, and a call to intentional faith, we’re reminded that Christ alone is our source of life and renewal. As we remember His sacrifice, we’re invited to repent, realign, and step into a new season empowered by the Holy Spirit.

In this final message of the Kingdom of Heaven series, Rudy reminds us that God is King—His kingdom is active on earth through His church. Teaching from Matthew 16, he explains that Jesus has given His church the keys of the kingdom—the authority and responsibility to bind what opposes God’s will and to release His blessings into the world. The church isn’t meant to hide from darkness or accommodate it, but to stand against evil, bring healing, and demonstrate God’s love in action. Pastor Andrew closes the series with a call to repentance and renewal, inviting us to respond to God’s conviction by returning to Jesus, embracing restoration, and re-centering our lives on His kingdom mission. It’s time for the church to be the church—and for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

In week 5, Rudy continues our Life in the Kingdom series, exploring what true greatness looks like in God’s kingdom. From Matthew 20, we see the disciples’ struggle for status contrasted with Jesus’ radical call to humility. The kingdom of heaven doesn’t elevate power or position—it exalts those who serve. Jesus himself, the King of all, came not to be served but to serve and give his life for many. Through stories of service and personal reflection, Pastor Rudy reminds us that when we humble ourselves to serve “the least of these,” we are serving Jesus himself. Greatness in God’s kingdom is found not in being over others, but in lowering ourselves to lift others up.

In week 4 of this series Rudy explores Jesus’ parables in Matthew 13 to reveal how the Kingdom of Heaven works in the world and in our hearts today. Though the kingdom can seem small or hidden, it is powerful, alive, and unstoppable—growing wherever God’s Word takes root. We are God’s evidence to the world that His kingdom has come, and His Spirit is producing fruit through His people. Through stories of seeds, soil, and harvest, this episode calls us to live as kingdom people—trusting that the life of God within us will grow and transform everything around us.

Today we celebrated and sent off Matt and Jen Robinson with love and gratitude.  After two incredible years serving as our Worship and Family Pastors, they are stepping into a new season as Co-Lead Pastors at CityGate Church in Stratford.

We’re thankful for their obedience, their leadership, their humour, and their heart for Jesus and people. Their time here has left a lasting impact on our church family.

Please join us in praying for wisdom, humility, and favour as they step into this next chapter—believing with them for revival in Stratford as it is in heaven!