Cynicism is defined as the inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest. To be cynical is to be suspicious, dubious, and pessimistic. Sometimes it’s hard not to be a cynic - especially during the Christmas season, when it feels like everything is materialistic. The presents. The pictures. The parties. The pressure.

Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but what happened to the wonder? This November and December, we’ll reclaim the wonder of the season by reimagining the story of Jesus’ birth, reflecting on the power of God’s sacrificial love, and counting the blessings we so often take for granted.

It has been said that if the Bible contained Romans, and nothing else, it would still be sufficient to bring billions of faith in Jesus. The Apostle Paul wrote (at least) thirteen letters, but Romans is by far his longest and most thorough argument for the Gospel. His words to the first Christians in Rome have inspired some of the Church’s greatest leaders - from Martin Luther to John Wesley - to devote their lives to Christ. For eight weeks this fall at The Story, we will explore the theological, philosophical, and historical riches of this letter as we ask the question: How is the gospel of Jesus Christ relevant to our lives today?