Hey,

Have you ever tried to cram for Christmas?

It's December 23rd and you realize you haven't really thought about what it means that God became a human being.

Or, worse, you have, but it just seems like old news.

Why do we have to pretend like Jesus being born is new information?

Yea, I heard about the Christmas story before. About five dozen times. I've heard how it ends.

I got it already.

Here's what I've found. I have to intentionally choose to go the other direction.

Instead of thinking about what I want for Christmas, I need a plan to think about what God is doing in Advent.

So, last year, I wrote The Gift of Advent.

It's a series of daily devotionals that focus on the four core themes of the Advent season:

• Hope
• Peace
• Joy
• Love

This year, I'm relaunching it — fully edited and beautifully redesigned.

Last year, we only had an online discussion area.

This year?

I'm hosting a small group experience for the first twenty who register.

Are you sure you're going to reflect on the meaning of Christmas? All by yourself?

Wouldn't it help to make a plan — now — to meet with passionate Christians four times in December? (Get all the details on our website).

You'll be busy, so each meeting is only an hour.

But we will look at the incredible Biblical foundations for Advent — and go deep with each other.

I'm limiting the small group to twenty people to ensure we can have honest discussions. (The first two stops have already been claimed.)

Think about it... What if this December was different?

What if instead of reaching Christmas feeling spiritually exhausted, you found yourself filled with hope, peace, joy, and love?

It's a small investment — $40, or $10 a session — for the opportunity to be spiritually refreshed throughout December.

The free community is a beautiful place to start. We're going to have life-giving conversations.

And the weekly gatherings? Imagine the friendships you'll make.

So, what's next?

First, get your copy of The Gift of Advent. It's heartfelt, carefully researched, and is the perfect gift!

Then, decide whether to join the community or participate in the small group.

Either way, I'm raising my hand to say I want to help you grow closer to Jesus this Christmas.

Carson

P.S. If you're looking at your calendar thinking "I don't have time for this" – I get it.

That's exactly why we need each other. Sometimes the most important things don't happen unless we do them together.