True faith is more than following feelings or doing what’s easy; it’s a wholehearted
decision to trust and follow God. Ruth’s choice to leave her past and embrace God’s
people shows that salvation begins with obedience and trust, even when the way
forward is uncertain. Her faithfulness points us to the greater salvation God offers
through Jesus, calling us to respond with the same courage and commitment.

Sometimes God feels distant, and our circumstances seem hopeless. Yet His presence
is never absent, and His purposes are quietly unfolding behind the scenes. Even in the
darkest seasons, hope exists because God is working to bring restoration and life in
ways we cannot yet see.

"Apprenticeship to Jesus always produces growth." Nate digs into 2 Peter 1:1-11 and walks through what it means to be an apprentice of Jesus. There are 3 things we must do to be His apprentice: Be with Jesus, Become like Jesus, and Do what Jesus did. With a new year upon us, how are you planning on growing in your relationship with Jesus? Nate gave 2 takeaways: 1) Set aside 5-10 min each day this week to read and pray through 2 Peter 1:1-11. 2) Identify one practice that helps you be with Jesus, one attitude that needs to become more like Jesus, and one action where you can do what Jesus did - then do them this week.

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights."
Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLT

Take time to reflect on this year, and identify areas where you could rejoice more in God and rely more on His strength— no matter what 2026 holds.

The shepherds were tending their flocks, living the ordinary rhythm of life, when the
extraordinary broke in. An angel appeared and declared that the Messiah had been
born! Filled with awe and urgency, they hurried to see if it was true. And it was just as
the angel had said. Their encounter with Jesus didn’t leave them unchanged. They
couldn’t simply return to their normal routines; they shared the good news with
everyone they met and returned glorifying and praising God, transformed by what they
had witnessed. Who do you need to share the good news with this week?

The wise men had been watching and waiting for signs of the promised King. When His star appeared, they recognized the moment and set out immediately to worship Him. Their journey was marked by awe, and urgency. But not everyone responded the same way. When Herod learned of a rival king, fear and jealousy turned to murderous plotting. Jesus doesn't leave anyone in the middle ground. Everyone must choose: will they worship, or will the resist? Which one are you?

Mary and Joseph were called by God to an extraordinary role; parenting the Messiah. It was a privilege beyond imagining, but with it came incredible responsibility and uncertainty. Yet, instead of turning away, they trusted God's plan and humbly embraced the task, showing us what faithful obedience looks like even in the midst of awe and wonder.

For thousands of years, Israel waited for the Messiah; the One who would rescue and restore. More than 700 years before Jesus' birth, Isaiah prophesied about the coming King. In his Gospel, John connects that prophecy to Jesus' arrival, declaring that He is the promised Light who gives light to everyone.