Greetings | Dec. 10th

 “Peace be to you. The friends greet you.”

   3 John 1:15

   Beloved, let us not take for granted the way in which we greet one another, especially in regard to the body of Christ.

   Each Sunday worship service includes time for us to greet one another. This moment is more than a casual hello, as one might offer on the street or to a coworker. At church, the body of Christ gathers in a sacred place to meet God together.

  So when we greet one another, it is part of worship, an opportunity to bless each other intentionally in God's name. We desire that our brothers and sisters in Christ receive from God what they need, and we encourage each other in faith. Many of the Epistles are filled with such salutations. These are not formalities but thoughtful desires for others. Expressed to the person and before God.

  Let us commit to greeting our friends in Christ with love, intentionally offering the peace of God in worship. Make it your purpose each week: use this moment in our service to actively bless, encourage, and invite God's presence as you greet one another. Let our greetings become acts of worship that strengthen our bonds in Christ.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Peace | Dec. 9th

  “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”

    John 14:27

   The peace that comes to us from Christ is one that only He can offer. He alone is the Prince of Peace. He has reconciled us unto God the Father.

   This is the peace that surpasses all that we will ever endure. It is the assurance that God is now with us and for us. We belong to Him. There was a time when we were estranged from God, His enemy, and without hope in this world. But Christ made atonement for our sin and brought us into a right relationship with God. We have life in Christ. Peace is a fruit of our salvation. The blessed assurance that we belong to God.

   Today, you can be at peace no matter what the day holds. You know God is with you. You are in Christ, and the Holy Spirit is in you. This is the peace that Christ Jesus gives to you, Himself.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Everlasting Love | Dec. 8th

  “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you.”

   Psalm 54:10

  Heaven and earth will pass away, but the love of God is eternal. Beloved, this is our hope in an ever-changing world. Even the formidable majestic mountains shall not stand forever, reminding us that nothing in this life lasts forever.

 I can remember places where I used to hunt as a young man. I would never have imagined that the forest would be gone, replaced by a mall and a series of shopping plazas. It seems things never remain the same, even those things that used to bring us so much pleasure in times past.

  Thankfully, we can depend on God and His unceasing love. He never changes, and His love is unending. Let us find peace in Christ, rest in God's mercy, and trust His steadfast love, which will not depart from you.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight