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It takes more than a few steps to get to the top of a mountain. Once there, one gains an experience that is quite different than what is experienced at the bottom. Pastor Harrison shows us what happened when Jesus took His disciples to the top of a mountain and what we may experience when we reach our own mountaintop with Christ. He also reminds us that we must first get there. Matthew 17:1–9; 2 Corinthians 3:18; John 13:34; Matthew 7:6

As a child of God, you are expected to represent the truth of human existence. If someone knows you are a Christian, anything you do, they will think all Christians do. If they do not know you are a Christian, and they know enough about Christ, they will see how you conduct yourself and say you must (or must not) be a Christian. A light illuminates its surroundings. A light can also indicate the state of things. A light can communicate. All the things that light can be, Christ says you are. Matthew 5:13–16; 1 John 3:1–3; John 1:5–14; Philippians 2:12-18

Being alone and feeling lonely are not synonymous. You can feel lonely in a crowded room. You can also feel connected and loved when you are by yourself. Chaplain Mitchell gives us some tips on how to recognize the difference and what we can do in those situations for others as well as for ourselves. Deuteronomy 31:6–8; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 4:16; Philippians 4:6–7

During communion, we are encouraged to look inward and reflect on how successful we have been keeping the faith and representing Christ. Pastor Harrison wants us to remember that we don’t do this alone. We are not only breaking bread with Christ, but also with each other. When we feel the shame and guilt of our own sin, we can remind each other that we are worthy to break bread with The Lord when we see that our brothers and sisters are willing to break bread with us. 1 Corinthians 10:14–22; Matthew 6:24; Hebrews 10:19–22; 1 John 1:7; Psalms 103:12; Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12; Revelation 12:10

Being sure of what we hope for. Pastor Harrison reminds us of the physical body we will be gifted when heaven comes down to earth. This message is also a reminder that God has promised many great things to His children. Not only when we are surrounded by His glory, but as long as life endures. Consider the lyrics of the songs hinted in this synopsis and be encouraged to keep going. Finish the race worn and weary and receive strength in that state. Isaiah 40:28–31; 1 Timothy 7–10; James 4:15; John 7: 37–39; Psalms 29:11; Exodus 19:4

Did you mess up this year? Did you fail to keep a promise to yourself to study more? To outreach more? To change your behavior to family, friends, or coworkers? As the new year brings thoughts of renewal and starting over, we want to remind you that God forgives and gives new chances every single day. Always. Without end. To anyone who calls on His name. Lamentations 3:22–23; Ecclesiastes 3:1–8; Isaiah 41:10, 53:1–10; Psalm 103:8–12; Isaiah 43:18–19; Psalm 16:5–6; 1 Peter 1:3–9

In Deacon Locklear’s message today, we see another promise God made to not only all of creation, but to one man in particular. We know of Jesus’ birth, his death, and quite a bit from in between. God orchestrated this part of Jesus’ everyday life to tell the story of a man named Simeon, and to bolster in Joseph and Mary, had they any doubt, the truth the angel had told Mary. Luke 2:22–35; John 16:16; John 10:27

This message was given just a few days before Christmas. The entire service was a mashup of gifts. One group organized a gift of the children telling us about the meaning of the Christmas Advent candles. We were gifted a with a choir of children singing a carol. Those same children gifted the congregation cookies they got together and baked themselves the day before. After service, the children and pastor were presented with gifts from the congregation. A quality common among these gifts is that they were given with nothing expected in return. Our message and events of the season focus on the gift mankind was given by God through His son, Jesus the Christ. That gift of love is a demonstration of how we should give to each other. Out of love, because we can, and with no expectation of return or praise. Love the Lord your God and love each other as you would love yourself. Merry Christmas. Luke 1:26–38; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 13:1–13; 1 John 1:14, 4:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17

Having our church’s Christmas party on this day after hearing a message like this was perfect timing. The ugly sweater contest, the games for the kids, the whole fellowship gave us joy. The strength comes from knowing that we all love each other, God loves us, and no great calamity lasts forever. We know there are more calamities waiting for us at home, at work, or sometime in the future. But we can reflect on those joyous times and remember that you and I have been brought through it, and we will be brought through it again. And our faith in God’s Word of how it all ends means no event or age on this earth is bigger than Him, nor bigger than we who abide in Him. Nehemiah 8:1–3, 5–6, 8–10; Amos 8:11; Isaiah 53; Acts 2:42–47