Podcast Summary
Transformation Church
Episode: The Night Christ Crashed In // Triggered (Part 14) // Michael Todd
Date: December 22, 2025
Speaker: Lead Pastor Michael Todd
Main Theme
Pastor Mike Todd delivers a powerful Christmas message as the final installment of the “Triggered” series. The episode, titled “The Night Christ Crashed In,” centers on the idea that Jesus' birth was both an interruption and an introduction—disrupting plans and introducing grace, peace, light, and hope. Pastor Mike explores how the presence of Christ empowers us to respond differently to life’s triggers and interruptions, transforming moments where we could “crash out” into opportunities for grace and growth.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Christmas Story: A Divine Interruption
(01:22–09:16)
- Pastor Mike shares his daughter’s request to “remix” the Christmas story.
- Reads and brings to life Matthew 1:18–25, focusing on Mary and Joseph’s turmoil and obedience.
- Raises the question, “What do you do when your plan gets messed up?”—using the example of “Bridezilla” and wedding plans gone awry.
- Frames Jesus' birth as a disruption to Mary and Joseph's perfectly laid plans, offering a model for how to respond to life’s unexpected changes.
Quote:
“Because Jesus came in, I don’t have to show out…Because Jesus crashed in, I do not have to crash out.” – Pastor Mike Todd (08:26)
2. Crash Outs and Triggers: Choices and Self-Reflection
(06:43–09:54)
- Unaddressed triggers often lead to “crash outs”—moments where we act outside our values.
- Pastor Mike urges listeners to evaluate their responses, as our actions as Christ followers should differ from those who don’t know Jesus.
Quote:
“If you crash out, it’s a choice.” – Pastor Mike Todd (09:38)
3. Crashing In: Interruption and Introduction
(10:10–14:03)
- Uses anecdotes (e.g., walking into a glass door) to illustrate that a “crash in” is both an introduction and an interruption.
- Jesus' birth is the ultimate example: God interrupts sin and introduces grace.
Quote:
“When Jesus crashes in, He is doing both—interrupting something and introducing something.” – Pastor Mike Todd (12:09)
4. Christmas is God’s Interruption
(15:09–20:15)
- Reflects on Mary’s lack of foreknowledge (“Mary, did you know?”).
- Highlights the faith and surrender of Mary and Joseph amid uncertainty, shame, and social pressure.
- Joseph’s role as protector and provider, despite confusion and potential disgrace.
5. Six Christmas Interventions: What Jesus Interrupts and Introduces
(21:25–41:43) Pastor Mike lists six ways Christmas represents God interrupting and introducing new realities:
a. Interrupting Loneliness, Introducing Love
(21:25–22:45)
- Even in isolation, God (Emmanuel – “God with us”) brings companionship and love.
- “At the moment you feel lonely, heaven says, God’s with you. Love is with you.” – (22:16)
b. Interrupting Anxiety, Introducing Peace
(22:45–28:18)
- Mary and Joseph’s anxiety (lack of lodging, uncertainty) is met with Jesus, the “Prince of Peace.”
- Their humble circumstances ensure no one is beyond the reach of Christ.
Quote:
“Let Jesus crash into your thoughts… because he wants to give you peace.” – Pastor Mike Todd (28:19)
c. Interrupting Anger, Introducing Joy
(32:55–39:12)
- Anger (especially among men) often masks deeper emotions.
- Presence of Jesus brings joy, making it impossible for anger to persist.
Quote:
“You ain’t never seen nobody angry and joyful. That is an impossible intersection.” – Pastor Mike Todd (35:25)
d. Interrupting Fear, Introducing Faith
(39:12–41:43)
- Fear is a constant theme in the Christmas story and in our lives.
- God repeatedly says, “Do not fear” in Scripture—calling us to walk in faith, not fear.
Quote:
“Jesus doesn’t come in with fear. He comes in with faith.” – Pastor Mike Todd (40:36)
e. Interrupting Shame, Introducing Grace
(41:43–44:29)
- Shame debilitates and hinders callings more than any outside force.
- Jesus’ arrival replaces shame with grace; our past events don’t define our identities.
Quote:
“Yes, I did that, but that is not who I am. That was an event. That is not my identity… God only blesses who you really are, not who you pretend to be.” – Pastor Mike Todd (41:49–43:35)
f. Interrupting Darkness, Introducing Light
(44:59–60:48)
- Mary, Joseph, and the wise men all transition from darkness and uncertainty to the guidance of light (the star, Jesus Himself).
- Jesus says: “I am the light of the world… Whoever follows me… will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).
Quote:
“Christmas is the story of everybody who has been living in darkness getting introduced to the light of the world.” – Pastor Mike Todd (45:21)
6. Real-Time Example: The Gift of Peace
(28:19–32:55)
- Pastor Mike recounts how Transformation Church blessed a family who lost everything in a fire, providing both material needs and Christmas gifts.
- The story highlights “the church being able to represent peace” and serve as Jesus’ hands and feet.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Unaddressed triggers usually lead to a crash out.” (06:51)
- “When God interrupts your plan, He’s trying to get you to do something greater.” (22:05)
- “If you follow Me, everything in your life will be lit up.” (John 8:12, explained at 46:50)
- “You will become a light.” (Matthew 5:14, emphasized at 47:24)
- “God only blesses who you really are, not who you pretend to be.” (43:35)
- “You don’t have to crash out because Jesus crashed in.” (08:28, 48:10 repeated call to action)
Important Timestamps
- 01:22 — Pastor Mike begins Christmas story: reading & remixing Matthew 1:18–25
- 06:43 — Series concept: “Triggered” and the meaning of “crash out”
- 10:10 — The concept of “crashing in” as introduction and interruption
- 15:09 — Mary’s perspective and the “Mary, Did You Know?” reflection
- 21:25 — Six Christmas interventions begin
- 28:19 — The church’s real-time example of being peace for a family in need
- 35:25 — Anger vs. Joy intersection
- 39:12 — Addressing fear with faith
- 44:59 — The theme of darkness and light (John 8:12, Matthew 5:14)
- 61:00–65:33 — Candlelight worship: “Here I Am To Worship” and “O Come Let Us Adore Him”
- 65:52–67:27 — Closing blessing and charge
Tone & Style
Pastor Mike Todd preaches with warmth, candor, humor, and energy. He’s real, personal, and relatable—using everyday analogies, jokes about “Bridezillas,” and highly practical applications. His tone is invitational, empowering, and faith-filled, calling for self-reflection but always aiming toward hope and transformation.
Conclusion and Call to Action
- The Christmas story is about God crashing into our world, interrupting what is broken, and introducing what is new and divine.
- Listeners are invited to examine the places in their own lives that need divine interruption—where they might respond out of triggers versus grace.
- There is a call to let Jesus “crash in” and to be carriers of His light to others, whether through tangible acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply living differently.
- The episode concludes with a worship moment (candle lighting), collective singing, and a blessing for all as they head into Christmas and the new year.
Key Takeaway:
We don’t have to “crash out” when life is disrupted—because Jesus, the ultimate interrupter, has already “crashed in.” Through Him, we can experience and bring love, peace, joy, faith, grace, and light—no matter our circumstances.