1949 Midway Road, Gretna VA

For yet another week, I find myself on doctor’s orders to rest, work from home, and avoid driving. While this has been a challenging season of waiting, God continues to meet me right where I am, filling my heart with His peace and joy.

Today, I had the privilege of attending another online service, and what a joy it was to worship with Midway Baptist Church in Gretna.

This marked the 84th church in my journey to visit every church in my city, a journey guided by the Holy Spirit. Although this church is just outside of Lynchburg, I wanted to ensure that my visits to the churches in the heart of my city remain in person when I’m able to return.

Before the service began, I took some time to learn about the church’s incredible history, and it touched my heart to see how deeply rooted their mission is in faith and community.

From humble beginnings in 1887, Midway Baptist Church was born out of a desire for local worship. Initially, services were held in an old store and later in the Zack Hines School building until their own sanctuary could be built. The name “Midway” came about in 1888 when there were two proposed sites for the church, and they chose a location “midway” between the two.

Their journey of growth and expansion is inspiring. The current educational building was constructed in 1967 and expanded in 2003, while their sanctuary, originally built in 1952, was remodeled in 2008 to accommodate over 300 people. Despite these physical expansions, their foundation remains simple: to uphold the principles of Christian faith on which Midway was built.

Their worship style reflects this blend of tradition and modernity, incorporating beloved hymns and contemporary worship songs—something I got to experience firsthand during their online service.

The service today was centered on “The Joy of Christmas,” and it was a beautiful reminder of the season’s true meaning.

While I didn’t catch the pastor’s name during the live stream, I ask that you join me in lifting him and his family in prayer. He shared that doctors recently discovered a nodule on his lungs, and while details are still unclear, his faith and hope remain strong. Witnessing the congregation rally around him in prayer was incredibly moving and spoke volumes about the love and support this church embodies.

The service opened with the choir leading the congregation in timeless Christmas hymns, a highlight of which was the deeply emotional and familiar line: “Come into my heart, Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee.” Even from my living room, I couldn’t help but sing along, tears streaming down my face as the beauty of the lyrics reminded me of the gift of Christ’s presence in my life.

There was also a stunning piano rendition of “Mary, Did You Know?” The solemn and powerful delivery brought a sense of reverence and awe, grounding my heart in the incredible miracle of Christ’s birth. The music, both traditional and sacred, was a bridge connecting the Gospel to this present moment, right where I was.

The sermon, titled “The Joy of Christmas,” delivered a message that I knew God wanted me to hear today. The pastor reminded us that “Real joy is not based on the absence of problems, but on the presence of Jesus.” That truth pierced my heart. Life is full of challenges, but true, sustaining joy comes not from our circumstances, but from walking daily with Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

He encouraged us to not only receive the joy of Jesus but to give it as well. And while Christmas often brings to mind material gifts, the pastor gently reminded us of the gifts that truly matter, forgiveness, kindness, love, encouragement, patience, and peace. These are the gifts that reflect the heart of Christ.

As the service came to a close, the congregation laid hands on the pastor and prayed over him, a moment that left me in tears. They concluded with an invitation by singing “The First Noel,” another favorite of mine, and I felt as though I were right there with them, singing praises to our King.

Even though I couldn’t be there in person, today’s service reminded me of the power of the church to transcend physical walls and reach hearts wherever they may be. Midway Baptist Church’s dedication to spreading the joy of Christ and the hope of the Gospel was evident in every aspect of their worship. From the heartfelt music to the uplifting sermon, it was a service that left me deeply encouraged.

This journey of visiting every church in my city continues to be a path of healing and restoration. God is using each visit to teach me, grow me, and remind me of His love. Today, I was reminded that no matter what challenges we face, God’s promises are unshakable. His Word will never return void, and His joy is available to us even in the hardest of seasons.

As I reflect on this journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the ways God is working in my life. Each church I visit, whether in person or online, reveals a new facet of His grace and love. Today, Midway Baptist Church reminded me that hope is not just a theme of Christmas… it’s a daily reality for those who walk with Jesus.

To anyone reading this, I encourage you to embrace the joy of the season, not as something fleeting or circumstantial, but as a reflection of the eternal joy found in Christ.

I can’t wait to see where the Holy Spirit will lead me next, and I continue to trust in His plan as He heals the broken pieces of my heart and reveals His purpose for my life. Thank you, Midway Baptist Church, for welcoming me into your worship and for sharing the true joy of Christmas. May God continue to bless your congregation abundantly.