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As we approach the second Sunday of Advent, I’ve been reflecting on the hope, peace, joy, and love I’ve already witnessed in our church and community. We have gathered, praised, prayed, and grown together—not only in worship, but in all the ways our lives intersect throughout the week.       

 One beautiful example was Glen Dale Light Up Night. The fellowship of church members and neighbors mingling, laughing, and sharing in the glow of the lights reminded me how God uses simple moments to draw us closer. There was one especially meaningful moment when our table filled with children writing Christmas wishes and prayers.

They tucked them into ornaments to hang on their family trees or the Glen Dale city tree. I’ll never forget seeing a father lift his daughter high into the air so she could place her ornament on the branches.

Some moments just bring us together.
Some things make life feel more abundant.
Some experiences push back the darkness, the cold, and the loneliness.
These are the places where I believe God is truly alive and at work—where we feel the Kingdom of God right at hand. 

My prayer is that you experience these kinds of moments throughout this Advent season.
Moments when neighbors become a little bit closer.
Moments when a new friend carries a grace you won’t forget.
Moments when a child leads you to see the world differently, or when an older generation passes on wisdom and tradition that deepen your understanding of life and of love.

This week alone, I’ve been blessed to witness God show up in many ways:

  • helping a family in hardship find food,
  • supporting a local ministry to youth,
  • giving toward an international project providing water to those in need,
  • celebrating someone’s healing and victory through God’s presence,
  • and even simply sitting in silence, listening for the Spirit’s gentle guidance.

    Where has God shown up in your life this week?
    Where is the Spirit leading you?

    As we journey through Advent, may we all meet at the manger—where Christ is given to us all—and share the stories of His living presence still shaping our world today.

    Pastor Jon