What does peace really mean? This week, Pastor Phil Stout reminds us that peace isn’t just the absence of conflict—it’s the powerful presence of Christ in our lives. From guarding our hearts and minds to reconciling differences, Jesus shows us a peace that transforms. Join us as we reflect on the gift of true peace proclaimed that first Christmas and how we’re called to live it today.

Peace be with you this Advent season!

This week we dive into the idea of joy during the Advent season, but not the kind of joy we usually think of—like happiness or bliss. Instead, it’s about a deeper, more soul-level joy that comes even in the middle of hard times. Pastor Cory looks at the Christmas story and points out how Mary and Joseph’s journey was full of struggle—oppression, shame, and even rejection. Yet, in the middle of all that, there was this announcement of "good news" that brought hope.

The message really challenges us to see joy differently. It’s not about avoiding pain or pretending life is perfect—it’s about finding God’s presence right there in the mess of it all. Whether it’s through ancient traditions, like the psalms and teachings of the Jewish people, or through the story of Jesus as Emmanuel, “God with us,” joy is something we learn through shared struggles and solidarity.

Think of it like this - we often have these preconceived ideas about who God is, right? Maybe we picture an angry judge keeping score of our mistakes, or someone distant and unreachable. This sermon dives into how those expectations often miss the mark, especially when we look at the Christmas story. The whole point is that God's love isn't something we earn - it's just who God is, all the time, no matter what. It's kind of mind-blowing when you think about it: Jesus didn't show up to convince God to love us (God already did!), but to help us understand just how loved we already were. It's like the Pastor Josh says - sometimes we get it in our heads, but it takes time to really feel it in our hearts. And that's okay - it's more about the journey than how quickly we get there.