Well, hey, friend, and welcome to The Messy Table, an ordinary space for real women,

imperfect stories, and the God who's at work in our mess.

Because that is the story of us, even here, even in this good yet fallen world,

where things can be hard and holy.

They can be heartbreaking and beautiful, often at the very same time. And so as we move into

the Christmas season, there is so much joy to be found. But for those, and maybe for you, who can't

fully escape what's difficult or broken or painful or devastating, there's also a place at this

table for you.

Well, my name is Jen Jewel, and I have the honor of hosting this faith-fueled

conversation-style podcast, which highlights a true story of hope, even on the darkest

of days.

And I also have a super amazing co-host back with me, my good friend, Amy Groschelle.

Y'all, we are partnered with the women of our church, Life Church, where we're also huge fans of the U-Version Bible app, God's Word, literally in our back pockets, for free wherever we go.

In fact, there are so many fantastic U-Version Bible plans on Advent, so we're going to link

a few of those up in the conversation notes if you happen to be interested.

Well, you know those incredible stories that can be wrapped with a gorgeous bow and placed

gently under the Christmas tree.

Well, this is not one of those stories, and it's actually not the world we live in.

But my guess is I don't have to tell you that.

Maybe even at this moment, someone you love is sick.

Maybe it's just that your expectations for whatever the thing is have been crushed by reality.

Maybe you actually love the holidays.

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