A Christmas Reflection by Pastor Kris

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Thrive Church,

As the familiar strains of Christmas carols begin to fill our homes and the festive lights twinkle, we are once again reminded of the profound and beautiful mystery we celebrate—the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

This time of year often brings a deep sense of introspection. Even amidst the hustle and joy of the season, have you ever felt a persistent, quiet longing—a whisper in your heart that tells you life must be about more than the everyday, the routine, the mundane? Perhaps you strive for excellence in your work, nurture deep love within your family, or volunteer tirelessly in your community. These efforts are good and noble, yet the feeling persists: we were created for something truly exceptional.

This yearning is not a flaw; it is an echo of our true origin. I believe this deep-seated desire to be more, to achieve more, and to live a life of significance is hardwired into our very being. It is an intrinsic recognition that we were not fashioned randomly, but were fearfully and wonderfully made by a magnificent Creator God—a God who imprinted a spark of the divine upon us. When we look up at the starlit sky or behold the face of a loved one, we sense there is a grand, divine narrative, and we long to play a part that truly matters.

But we know, too, the reality of sin. We know the sting of falling short, of failing to meet the high calling within our hearts. This is where the Christmas story moves from beautiful poetry to earth-shattering reality. That longing for the exceptional, that ache for true significance, is not fulfilled by our own striving, but by God’s incredible, redeeming love.

The good news we proclaim at Christmas is that we have been redeemed from our sins and reconciled to God. This redemption is not a reward for our efforts, but a gift made possible solely by the humble arrival of a child in a manger. The birth of Jesus Christ is the ultimate statement of God's desire for us to be more than mundane. He sent His Son—the truly Exceptional One—to bridge the gap we could never cross.

Because of Jesus Christ, we are no longer defined by our shortcomings but by the divine love that calls us "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ." We are called not just to live, but to live a redeemed, purposeful, and eternally significant life. This Christmas, let us embrace the truth that our longing to be exceptional finds its complete and perfect fulfillment in Him.

May the peace and profound joy of Christ’s birth fill your home and heart this season.

Blessings and Peace,

Pastor Kris Kappler, Thrive Church