The first Christmas was remarkably ordinary — a story not of spectacle, but of simplicity. It unfolded among ordinary people in an ordinary place. And within what seems simple, God was at work in miraculous ways.

This Advent, we're slowing down to rediscover the beauty of the ordinary — the humble, human, and holy moments that reveal God's presence. The story of Jesus' birth reminds us that the extraordinary often hides in plain sight.

Within the story there are many small details that seem coincidental; perhaps even unimportant. Yet each one is included in the text for a reason: God was carefully orchestrating each particular event with great creativity, precision, and intentionality — fulfilling promises and prophecies at every turn.

Set as a brief devotional and small group discussion, each episode of this podcast will give us a closer look at some of the obscure supporting details of the story of Jesus' birth — parts that might be easy to overlook. When we examine them closely, there is much to discover about God's character. He often uses ordinary means to do extraordinary things. May this fill us with wonder, comfort, and hope as we seek to find God working in the unexpected people, places, and situations He brings into our lives.