What does it mean to be ready for something—or someone—you never saw coming?

In the first message of our Advent series, Pastor Zach looks at the season of Hope through the lens of Elf. Buddy’s unexpected journey from the North Pole to New York becomes a playful but surprisingly fitting way to think about Advent: waiting, watching, staying alert, and being ready to welcome a presence that may completely rearrange our lives.

Like Walter discovering a son he never knew existed, we are reminded that Jesus’ coming is not simply a date to mark on the calendar. Advent calls us to prepare our hearts for the unexpected—to live with open hearts, open minds, and open doors.

Through Buddy’s relentless Christmas spirit, Emily’s extravagant welcome, and Isaiah’s vision of swords becoming plowshares, this message asks ...