This weekend, we were reminded that while a new year arrives on its own, an improved year begins with intention. As we prepare to step into 2026, we reflect on how Jesus invites us into a life that is being renewed from the inside out. We talked about the freedom Jesus offers from the weight of our past through forgiveness, the fulfillment He brings to our present as the true source of life and purpose, and the faith He gives us for the future that replaces fear with trust. Instead of striving for change on our own, we are invited to place our lives in His hands and allow Him to lead. As we look ahead, we are encouraged to trust Jesus more deeply and believe that as we follow Him, the new year can become a season of healing, growth, and hope.

This Christmas Day, Pastor Buddy Owens reminded us of the central truth of Christmas. God gave us His greatest gift, Himself, through Jesus. Scripture calls Him Immanuel, God with us, and His coming proves that God is not distant or disinterested. He is present, personal, and for you. We reflected on the humility of Jesus’ birth and how the King of heaven chose to meet us not in palaces, but in the mangers of life. Jesus entered our brokenness so we could experience the life God always intended for us. Through the incarnation, God made a way for us to be reconciled to Him and become His sons and daughters. Christmas reminds us that God is with you in every season, and He is for you. He sent Jesus to bring forgiveness, hope, restoration, and fullness of life.

This Christmas Eve, we gathered to celebrate Jesus and the gift of peace He came to give. We looked at a question many of us ask, is this really all there is? Scripture reminds us that God has more for you. He has a plan and a purpose, and true joy and lasting fulfillment are found as we know God, find community, pursue growth, make a difference, and impact the world. If those things stirred something in you, we invited you to start the new year with us as we begin our new message series, Back on Track. We also explored what the Bible says about peace. Jesus never promised a problem free world, but He did promise peace in Him. Peace is not the absence of chaos, it is the presence of God. As we closed with candlelight, we were reminded that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and His peace is available to us today.

This weekend Pastor Andy kicked off our Stories of Christmas series by reminding us that we all want our lives to tell a better story, and with God’s help, that is absolutely possible. He walked us through three simple questions that shape the direction of our lives: What do you want, why does it matter, and how will you respond? Our desires guide what we notice, our expectations determine how we see God at work, and our choices move us toward the future we’re hoping for. Andy encouraged us to let God reshape our desires, lift our eyes, and help us live with a fresh sense of anticipation. Instead of settling for less or drifting through the season, he invited us to lean in, pay attention, and take a step toward God’s story for us this Christmas.

This weekend marks a historic moment as Saddleback launches a new Small Groups system designed to make finding connection simple and life-giving. Pastor Stacie Wood teaches us that God created us to live in community, not in isolation. Looking at the example of the early church in Acts, Pastor Stacie shows how both large worship gatherings and smaller, house-to-house communities are essential for spiritual growth. Small groups are where we are truly known, supported, and strengthened in faith.