Kyle Kauffman

When you look at Jesus, what do you see? Do you see a King who deserves to be worshipped with everything you have? Or do you see threat to your way of life and your control over things? The journey and response of the wise men who came to meet Jesus after his birth challenge us to see Jesus not only as a baby in a manger, but as the King God promised to rule over all people. Unlike Herod, who saw Jesus as a threat to his throne, the wise men responded with worship—marked by joy, devotion, and costly gifts. Their story is meant to confront our hearts: will we cling to our personal kingdoms, or bow before the one true King? The wise men also discovered that Jesus is unlike any earthly ruler. He comes gently, for the weak and lowly, and reigns with compassion like a shepherd. At Christmas, we’re invited to follow the wise men’s example to see and submit to Jesus as our King and give ourselves fully to Him in joyful worship.

Matthew 2:1-23

Kyle Kauffman

The shepherds experienced the shock of a lifetime on the first Christmas. They saw something glorious: the radiance of God’s glory breaking into their ordinary night, both in the shining heavens and in the face of a newborn baby. This is what we were made for — to see and behold the glory of God — yet sin has blinded us to it. Jesus came to restore our sight. But they didn’t just see; they also heard. The angel brought good news of great joy for all people: that Jesus had come to be our Savior, our Lord, and our peace. And finally, the shepherds believed and saw with their own eyes what God promised. True joy comes not only from seeing and hearing, but from trusting that God’s Word is true. As we, like the shepherds, see the glory of Christ, hear the good news of His coming, and respond in faith, we can experience the joy he came to offer.

Luke 2:8-20

Kyle Kauffman

At Christmas, we’re invited to slow down and marvel at the greatness of God’s love for us. In Joseph’s quiet decision to stay with Mary, even at great personal cost to his reputation and honor, we catch a glimpse of the costly love that God has shown to us in Jesus. Just as Joseph stepped into Mary’s shame to love her, so God stepped into our brokenness—our sin, sorrow, and suffering—through His Son to love and save us. Jesus didn’t love us from a distance; He drew near, fully identifying with us in every way. And that kind of love changes everything. When we truly grasp the love God has for us in Jesus it transforms how we see ourselves, how we live our lives, and how we relate to others.

Matthew 1:18-25

Kyle Kauffman

Mary received the surprise of a lifetime when God sent the angel to announce that she would give birth to the Messiah. We see through her eyes how God is at work in and through the coming of Jesus at Christmas to bring His peace to people.  At the core of every heart is a longing for peace with the God who made us and loves us. Yet because of our sin, that peace has been broken. The good news is that God, in His grace, offers us a peace that is far greater than we could ever imagine. It comes in ways we don’t expect—not something we can earn or achieve, but a gift He gives freely. His peace meets us in our struggles, steadies us in our fears, and one day will fill the whole earth. It’s a peace that does what we could never do for ourselves—restoring us to God and making us whole through the birth of a miraculous child. But it’s a peace only found by the humble—by those who trust His Word, submit to His will, and receive what He so graciously offers.

Luke 1:26-38