Well, hey friends, happy December. Merry almost Christmas. And welcome to the messy table,

an ordinary space where we can slow down, even just for a little bit from the hustle, the

bustle, the chaos. And we can dare to remember what we truly believe is one of the most

important things that God is at work in our mess. Because yes, right now houses are covered with lights,

Christmas cookies are probably being made,

ugly sweater competitions are likely going down at this very moment.

But the reason we celebrate is because God has not abandoned us

to ourselves, to our sin, or even to some illusion of self-made success. No, he has given us his son, our Savior,

who loves us so much that at just the right time between the Old and New Testaments,

when the world was becoming increasingly dark, kind of like now, he put on skin and came to us.

He grew up and did all kinds of miracles the only God

could do. And then he gave up his life and took it back again so that we, when this temporary

world fades away, we can spend forever with him. And even right now in this moment, he can be

with us. Y'all, this is the good news.

And it's why we take time out of our schedules to share these stories of hope, little

glimpses of heaven on earth that point us right back to our Savior.

So if we haven't had the chance to meet in real life, my name is Jen Jewel, and I have the

honor of hosting this faith-fueled conversation-style podcast,

which releases a fresh perspective, a new episode, on the first Tuesday of each month.

And back with me today as my co-host is my sweet and spicy sister, the queen herself,

the Latanya Pratt. And if you don't already know, the messy table is partnered with the women of

my church, Life Church, where we are also huge fans of the U-Version Bible app. God's word literally

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