As we head into 2021, let me share some thoughts about the future. When the ball dropped on 2020, none of us could have predicted that we would be wrapped up in a worldwide pandemic three months into the year. The thought of schools, airports, businesses, and churches closing was unfathomable. The economic, emotional, and physical toll taken on our country may never be fully known. Some business owners have had to lay off employees, modify business plans, scale back services, and unfortunately close their doors forever. Schools have struggled with creating online platforms for learning comparable to in-person learning while ensuring students don’t fall behind. Students also missed out on the food, counseling, and other social services provided by school districts. Church leaders found their congregations dwindle due to stay-at-home orders and safety concerns. They witnessed ministries paused or canceled, and pastoral care became difficult and distant. The most significant harm to the body of Christ rests in one word: disconnected. As we enter approach 2021, the pandemic is not over. Businesses are still closed in parts of our country. Schools are still providing instruction through brick and mortar and online platforms. With a vaccine becoming readily available to the general public over the next few months, prayerfully, we are on the road to some sense of normalcy. With that being said, it is time for First Baptist Church to reconnect. 

To facilitate this reconnection, we will take two intentional steps. The first step is an adjustment to our Sunday evening schedule. Since March, we have not held evening services, and the easy thing would be to discontinue these services altogether. I don’t believe that is wise. Instead, beginning in February, we will move our evening service away from a single Bible study toward ministry-focused opportunities for reconnection through fellowship, service, prayer, family, and outreach. What will be the structure of these services? 

• We will schedule some Sunday evenings as “off” – encouraging family time without the guilt of missing anything.
• We will schedule corporate prayer meetings on some Sunday evenings.
• We will organize fellowship events on some Sunday evenings to allow our people to gather and invite their unchurched friends and family.
• We will dedicate some Sunday afternoons to serving our membership and neighbors who have needs.
• Some Sunday evenings will be given to outreach and witness training.  

There are two goals in making this move. First, we want to take better advantage of Sundays- a day already carved out for “church.” Second, we want to include more of our congregation in ministries and opportunities that strengthen the body and promote individual growth. I understand that not everyone will agree with this move. I have been in the ministry long enough to know any change to an established schedule can be difficult and problematic. As I shared with our leadership team, I believe this is the necessary adjustment for this season of our church life. It may not be forever. My prayer is that our people will at least give it a chance.  

The second step is an increased focus from the pulpit on the importance of the body of Christ and the gospel community it fosters. In January, I will share a sermon series entitled “Gospel Community,” focusing on the barriers that slow it and avenues that allow it to flourish. In February, I will begin a sermon series that walks through the book of Ephesians. Paul’s letter to the Ephesian Christians, highlighting the beautiful connection between Christ, Church, and Community, is one we all need entering the new year. 

None of this will be easy. We have a long way to go. When the church’s work pauses for some time, there are significant challenges in its resumption. We will battle the urge to remain disconnected because we have grown accustomed to it over the past nine months. We will see some ministry volunteers not return right away due to health concerns. We will battle the pace at which we move forward, remembering we are still in a pandemic. Despite the challenges and uncertainty, I enter 2021 confident of the Lord’s presence among us and the work He wants to do through us. 

Today is Christmas – a day of birth. Luke 2 records the event: “10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” His birth is significant. It marks Jesus’ entry into this world – of whom the prophets spoke. It marks Jesus’ entry into this world – laying aside all royalty claims, living as a servant to all. It marks Jesus’ entry into this world – making the journey from the manger to the cross, securing for fallen and sinful man redemption and forgiveness. His birth is a reason to celebrate.

Our redemption and salvation began on this day. If there had been no birth, there could have been no earthly instruction about who God is and what He desires from us. If there were no instruction and teaching, there would have been no rejection by those Jesus came to reveal Himself. If there had been no rejection, there would have been no prophecy fulfillment, which solidifies our hope and assurance. If there were no rejection, there would be no crucifixion – no atoning death for the sins of man. If there were no crucifixion and death, there certainly would have been no resurrection. It is no secret that this is my favorite time of the year. I look forward to this season more than any other. This season brings with it a sense of amazement and child-like wonder. The carols, family gatherings, gift-giving, and the feeling of goodwill toward our fellow man only add to the enjoyment of the season. To God, I am thankful for this day of birth.

Today is Christmas – a day of death. I lost my dad on December 25th, 2012, after a brief six-month battle with lung cancer. It still doesn’t seem real. I remember the events of that day clearly. We were spending Christmas vacation with Terri’s parents in Tallahassee, Florida. Dad was in a nursing home in Tifton, Georgia, about two hours away. We had seen him the day before and knew his conditioning was worsening quickly. We received a call from my step-mother around 6:00 am. She said we should come now if we wanted to see him. We made the trip to Tifton. The Hospice nurse was in the room and shared what we could expect over the next few hours. I have sat with many, many families as medical professionals shared the same information. I admit it was very different being on the other side of the conversation. I had the privilege of being in the room alone with my dad when he took his last breath. To have been there to do so, I am very thankful.

The relationship with my dad was the best five years before his death. As I shared at his funeral, my dad battled many personal demons that led to great turmoil and distance. My dad was a Christian. He came to know Jesus Christ as his personal Savior through a faith-based alcohol treatment program at the rescue mission where he was living. For this, I am thankful. I miss my dad terribly. There are many things I would love to share with him. I would love to be able to introduce him to his great-grandchildren. I would give anything to join him at the Waffle House (his favorite restaurant) and talk over a cup of coffee. 

One day. Two profound events. Countless emotions. I am thankful that the baby born in the manger is now the Prince of Peace. More than ever, the words of Isaiah 26:3 ring true: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You. Because he trusts in You”.