1119 Oakley Avenue Lynchburg, VA

Today, as I continued my heartfelt mission to visit every church in my city, guided by the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit, I found myself at the welcoming doors of All Nations Community Church on Christmas Eve.

This church, exuding an atmosphere of acceptance and love regardless of one’s background, became the 32nd sanctuary I’ve visited on this spiritual journey.

The moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped in a beautiful sense of love and acceptance. The members greeted my daughter and me with warm hugs, bright smiles, handshakes, and cheerful ‘Good Morning’s, instantly making us feel not just welcomed, but like we were part of their family.

Every week, as I wait for the Holy Spirit’s guidance on which church to visit next, I am filled with anticipation.

Today, I felt a strong conviction that my visit to All Nations Community Church was divinely appointed.

Arriving early to capture the essence of this special Christmas Eve service through my camera lens, I was touched by the willingness of many members to be part of these cherished photographs.

Seeing familiar faces in the congregation, such as Tabitha Cook and Larry Taylor, among many others, added an extra layer of joy to this visit.

The vibrant worship team set the tone for the service with a jazzy, toe-tapping rendition of “Joy To The World.” The entire congregation was on their feet, swaying and dancing to the rhythm, united in celebration and praise.

The sight of one of the talented ladies on the worship team masterfully playing the harmonica was a wonderful addition to the church’s dynamic and spirited worship.

A particularly moving moment came when the worship team led an a cappella rendition of “Make Me a Living Sacrifice for You.” As the congregation sang in perfect harmony, there was a sense of unity and devotion that filled the room.

Singing “O Holy Night,” a hymn I’ve sung countless times, I found myself unexpectedly moved to tears, struck anew by the profound significance of the gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Pastor Nigel’s opening prayer was both powerful and inclusive.

He took a moment to recognize the achievements of church members, like Emma Coleman’s recent accomplishment in publishing her book “Beyond Sunday Morning.” Her upcoming book signing at the church was a proud moment for the entire congregation.

Yet, in all this, Pastor Nigel’s prayer emphasized that Jesus should be the only one magnified in our hearts and minds.

The worship team’s continued singing, including “You Know My Name,” was a beautiful journey through song. One particular member’s rendition was so impactful that I felt compelled to seek her out after the service to express how deeply her talent had moved me.

The inclusion of Christmas hymns and carols added a special resonance to the service, reminding us of the traditional roots of our faith.

Pastor Nigel’s sermon on the true meaning of Christmas was a powerful reminder of what we should focus on during this season.

His message, drawing from John Chapter 1, talked about incarnation (a bridge between God and humanity) – “How God dwelt among us, giving up his divine lifestyle but not His divinity.” This message was a poignant reminder of the humility and love embodied in Christ’s birth.

As we transitioned into Communion, Larry Taylor led a beautiful prayer that helped us to remember and honor the sacrifice of Jesus. This moment of reflection and unity in Communion was a fitting tribute to the essence of what Christmas, and indeed our faith, is all about.

The entire service at All Nations Community Church was a heartfelt celebration of Jesus, and I loved every moment of it.

In a world where the true meaning of Christmas can sometimes be overshadowed, this church’s focus on Jesus as our greatest gift was both refreshing and inspiring.

I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to visit All Nations Community Church. The experience of being part of their worship, surrounded by genuine love and spirit-filled energy, is truly a blessing. You will leave this church feeling uplifted, renewed, and reminded of the incredible gift of Jesus Christ.

You can find out more about this church by visiting their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/anccva.org

My visit to All Nations Community Church is not just another stop on my journey; it is a deeply cherished experience that has encouraged me and reminded me of the beauty and diversity of our city’s churches. I am so excited to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next.