Christmas is more than a baby in a manger—it’s Immanuel: God with us. In this message, Rich shows how God brings peace through His presence now, while promising full peace later when Jesus returns. If your hope has felt shaky—or life has felt heavy—this is for you. In this message: Why hope is essential (and what happens when “hope → nope”) The longing for peace at the first Christmas The angels’ announcement: Jesus is Savior, Messiah, and Lord Why peace doesn’t mean no storms—it means Jesus is present The “already, but not yet” reality of God’s peace A bold prayer from Romans 16:20: “God of peace, crush what’s crushing me/us.” 3 ways to hope in the “not yet”: 1. Turn your waiting into worship 2. Let your pain point you to His promise 3. Live like you know the end of the story