Jesus Came to Bring Light | Christmas Eve

As the days grow shorter and the darkness presses in, Christmas Eve invites us to ask an honest question: Does God care about the darkness we experience—both in the world and in our own lives?

The opening words of John’s Gospel give us a powerful answer. The God who created all things did not remain distant from the darkness. He moved toward it. The Light has come.

In this Christmas Eve episode of the Joy and Belonging Podcast, we reflect on John 1 and the hope-filled truth that Jesus entered our world to bring life, healing, forgiveness, and light that cannot be overcome. Though darkness is real and often heavy, Advent reminds us that we are not left without hope. The Light has already come—and He is coming again.

This episode is a slower, more reflective moment to pause, listen, and remember the good news at the heart of Christmas: the darkness did not overcome the Light.

Scripture: John 1:1–5

In Week 3 of our Advent series, we explore one of the deepest longings of the human heart: the desire to be fully known. Is there anyone who truly understands us—our struggles, our temptations, our story?

Hebrews 4 gives us a surprising and hopeful answer. Jesus is not a distant Savior—He is our Great High Priest who steps into our humanity, experiences life as we do, and represents us perfectly before the Father.

In this episode, we talk about why Advent is God’s declaration that you are not anonymous, overlooked, or misunderstood. Because Jesus came near, you can come boldly. Because He knows you fully, you don’t have to hide.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God truly sees you or understands you, this week’s conversation offers comfort, clarity, and hope.

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14–16

In Week 2 of our Advent series, we explore the deep and surprising hope found in Isaiah 40:1–5 — a passage that announces comfort, forgiveness, and a future filled with the glory of God. Long before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God declared through Isaiah that a Savior would come… and when He comes, He would bring hope, not fear.

We begin with a familiar Christmas song from the Jackson 5 and the sense of anticipation it creates. But unlike the anxiety of wondering whether we’re “naughty or nice,” the Advent story tells us something entirely different: when Jesus comes, He doesn’t bring a list — He brings mercy.
He brings forgiveness.
He brings comfort.
He brings hope.

In this first episode of our four-week Advent series, we explore a simple but powerful truth: joy is possible because Jesus came into the world to bring it. Anchored in Psalm 126, this conversation invites us into the tension of remembering God’s past faithfulness while waiting for His future restoration.

Psalm 126 tells the story of a people who once overflowed with joy, now walking through a season of tears—yet still daring to hope. Their story mirrors our own. In a world that often feels heavy and uncertain, Advent calls us not to deny sorrow, but to discover the kind of joy that can exist alongside it.

We talk about the fight for joy, the spiritual practice of lament, and how honest prayer becomes the soil where God grows lasting joy. Most of all, we look to Jesus—the One who stepped into our suffering, shared in our tears, and secured a future where joy will have the final word.

This episode is for anyone who longs for joy but feels stuck in the waiting.

Things have been a bit busy with us opening a coffee shop (more on this soon!) but I wanted to share a sermon I preached last month on diversity. There’s so much more that could be said and should be said, but my aim was to lay a foundation for our church. I think you will be blessed by this!

Here are some awesome resources if you want to begin to learn more of God's vision for diversity.

Redemptive Kingdom Diversity

In Church as it is in Heaven

In this episode I sit down with my mom's pastor and good friend Byron Cogdell to talk ancient practices and how they lead to joy in the present.

Byron pastors at Identity Church in Daytona Beach, Florida

Resources for building healthy liturgies:

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society

Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did.

Meditations of the Heart 

In this episode I sit down with my good friend Cole Deike to discuss how can Christians be sources of joy to the people around us during this political season. While this conversation goes long and even the last bit gets cut off a bit. I think that this conversation is extremely important in navigating relationships this political season. We all won’t agree, but in the mist of our disagreements, how can we still pursue joy and belonging? This is our attempt to answer that question.