What is the most disappointing gift you have ever received at Christmas? It seems that everyone has, at one time or another, received a gift that just didn't fit... or was simply not the right gift for you.

Perhaps you have experienced a Christmas disappointment that is much more than an ill-fitting sweater. Maybe your Christmas disappointment was life-altering. You may be thinking, "My disappointments haven't been limited to Christmas. I've had more than my share."

The first Christmas really is an amazing story. Have you ever wondered why the God of the Universe would decide to take on human form, be born in a stable and laid in a feeding trough? As we continue the message series, "Emmanuel," we will take a closer look at this world-changing event.

What do you think you might find in a stable? This question seems like it would have some easy answers. Just name a few barnyard animals. . . That's what you'd expect, right?

In the story of Jesus' birth, Shepards and Magi seem to find something no one would expect in a stable.

This Sunday, we'll see if we can't discover some other surprises in a stable.