Acts isn’t just ancient history—it’s the beginning of the church, the ongoing work of Jesus through his people, empowered by his Spirit. Jesus didn’t stop working when he ascended; he expanded his ministry through the church. He calls ordinary believers to receive power, bear witness, and move outward—from where they are to the ends of the earth. And it all starts in a surprisingly simple place: people gathered together in prayer, ready to get to work.

You were never meant to follow Jesus, reach others, or carry God’s mission on your own. From the beginning, God has chosen to work through ordinary people who pray together and depend on him. When we make room for God in prayer, he releases wisdom, courage, and power we don’t have on our own.

The Christmas manger is one of the first places we encounter God’s gift of love—a love that finds its ultimate fulfillment at the cross, where God’s Son, Jesus, gives Himself for the world. Today, we are invited to view the manger and the cross together, seeing them as one unfolding story of God stepping into our world and making room for us through Christ’s life and death. As we reflect on this, may we remember that the greatest gift of Christmas is the life-giving, costly love of Christ.

Around tables, Jesus welcomed tax collectors, sinners, and the left out. He turned ordinary meals into moments of grace and belonging. His way teaches us that love always has room for one more.

Jesus begins his story in a manger, choosing the lowest place so he could come near to us. He doesn’t wait for us to climb our way to him—he comes down to our level, showing that God’s welcome always starts with humility. And the same is true for us: mission grows when we show up simply, listen well, and see ourselves as fellow travellers in need of grace. God has made room for you—and now invites you to make room for others.

What do you really want, and how far are you willing to go to get it? Our desires can lead us toward life or quietly pull us away from it, especially when comparison gets a grip on our hearts. If you’ve ever found yourself wishing for someone else’s life, circumstances, or blessings—has that ever actually satisfied you? Join in as we look for a better way to live with desire, joy, and contentment.

In the 9th Word, we are commanded to stop practicing something that has the power to oppress and destroy people, relationships, and communities: do not bear false witness. To bear false witness of our neighbours bears false witness to who God is, to who others are, and to who you are.  

You might not think of yourself as a thief—but what if “Do not steal” goes deeper than taking stuff? What if it’s about trust, control, and the kind of person you’re becoming? This talk will challenge how you see your money, your possessions, and your faith—and show how freedom comes when you stop grasping and start trusting.