When we hear the Christmas Story, we always hear about 'the usual suspects' in the story: Mary, Baby Jesus, maybe a little Joseph thrown in…but what about all the other guys? What about the Shepherds? What about the Wise Men? What about the angels? Is there anything we can learn from the Angel Gabriel? Yes!...a lot!!

When you think of ‘wonder women’ of the Bible—Eve never makes the list. The goodness of her life is always overshadowed with her original sin. In this message, we learn from this godly woman and how she stayed resolute despite all her challenges and trials.

Bristow Hood tells us about God's amazing and expansive love that we often choose not to experience. He forgives us, heals us, and redeems us. All of which releases us from the pit of sin and condemnation; he brings us into his freedom. We become people of love and compassion who can then spread God's freedom to others.

Bristow Hood invites Jacquie Bond and Josh Kalsbeek to discuss their life-changing experiences with small groups. As a country, we have lots of stuff. Yet for all we have, we lack connection. Sunday mornings at church are great, but it is a hard place to create and develop relationships. Instead, we can connect and grow with people in a small group. Though they can be difficult, they can transform our lives.

As we move towards the new year, Bristow Hood asks about the state of our union with Christ. Christ is in us, and we are in Christ. He is working in us and for us. He is your fierce defender! We are adopted into his family and belong to him.

Bristow talks to us about God's wisdom, as James tells us. The world's wisdom is about the self and results. Heavenly wisdom is about God and relationships. We find it from worshiping God, and it becomes evident in what we do.