All December long, we’ve been unwrapping nostalgic gifts from Christmases past, little pieces of our childhoods that remind us of simpler times. Most of them came from the 80s and 90s. And today, we’ve got one more gift to open.
It’s the View-Master. Remember those?
Before smartphones and the internet, this was the gateway to imagination. You’d pop in one of those circular discs with tiny pictures and hold it up to the light. Suddenly, you were transported. Vivid 3D images would appear. Scenes would come to life. For a few moments, you could see something from an entirely different perspective.
That’s what made the View-Master so magical. It didn’t just show a picture. It framed the image. It helped you see in a new way.
The Christmas Story: A Series of Snapshots
In a very real way, this is what God did with the Christmas story. He gave us snapshots, little glimpses that help us see the bigger story He’s been telling since the beginning of time.
We have the shepherds watching their flocks at night. We have the angels bursting onto the scene with a message from heaven. We have a manger, a baby, and a small, humble nativity. Every December, we click through these images like scenes in a View-Master. But they’re more than sentimental. They point to something eternal.
Scripture gives us those same glimpses. In Isaiah 9:6-7, we read:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.”
These two verses offer a frame, a snapshot of what God was doing through this small child born in Bethlehem. A King was coming. A Savior was arriving. God Himself was entering the story.
We see it again in Luke 2, where the angels speak to the terrified shepherds:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Just like the View-Master captures a scene with perfect clarity, these verses give us a glimpse into God’s unfolding plan, a bigger, richer reality breaking into our own.
God Is Still Writing His Story
The fantastic thing is that you don’t need a toy to see it. You don’t need a screen or a frame. You just need eyes to see, because God is still working. He’s still moving. He’s still writing His story today.
And we’ve seen that all year long in our church.
So on this final Sunday of 2025, we paused to reflect. To look through the pictures of what God has done among us. Because every photo tells a story. Every moment captured is a glimpse of grace and purpose.
We saw it at camps, where 425 kids and students encountered God in powerful ways. These weren’t just fun weeks away. These were moments where lives were marked, and hearts were changed.
We saw it in baptisms. Over 500 people publicly declared their faith in Jesus this year. Week after week, story after story, we watched God move in lives with undeniable power.
We saw it through generosity. When you give through 2|42, lives are changed in very real and practical ways all across Michigan.
We saw it in the way thousands of you made this church your home. Not just a place you go on weekends, but a community where you’re learning to know God, grow with others, and change the world together.
Thank You for Being Part of the Story
Our mission has always been simple: helping people take next steps with God. It’s how we show we’re for you, for your family, and for Michigan. It’s how we live out Acts 2:42-47 in our everyday lives.
So as we wrap up this year, I just want to say thank you.
Thank you for every time you brought the gospel into your school, your neighborhood, your workplace, and your home.
Thank you to every parent, student, grandparent, visitor, and adult who said yes to being part of what God is doing.
Thank you for every hour you served. Every diaper you changed. Every Monster Energy drink you powered through to keep up with middle schoolers.
Thank you for opening your homes, your fridges, and your calendars. To make room for a neighbor. To make room for community. To make room for the Holy Spirit to move.
Thank you for every cup of coffee you drank while studying the Bible with a friend. For every box of tissues shared as you cried with someone. For every batch of cookies baked for your small group, especially if you’re in mine. I really appreciate the cookies.
Thank you for every invitation you extended, even when it was turned down. For every awkward attempt at sharing the gospel. For every dollar given. Every service project planned. Every step you took toward living out the mission Thank you.
Because God is moving in us, through us, and among us.
We can’t wait to see what He’s going to do next.
So lean in. Buckle up. Because if you let Him, God will use you, for His honor and glory, in the days, weeks, and years ahead.
We always welcome new friends to worship with us. Find a location that’s close to you!
You can learn more about our beliefs and visit our video library to explore more topics like this one. You can also check out our events page to find out what fun new things we’re doing this season.
