19278 Forest Road, Lynchburg VA

Today, just three days before Christmas, I had the incredible blessing of visiting Pleasant View Baptist Church, marking the 86th stop on my Spirit-led journey to visit every church in my city.

The timing could not have been more perfect, as the joy and beauty of the Christmas season were on full display, filling my heart with hope, peace, and gratitude.

From the moment I stepped through the doors, it was clear that this is a church overflowing with love, joy, and a genuine sense of community.

Walking into the sanctuary felt like stepping into a warm embrace. The church was beautifully decorated for the Christmas season, with festive greenery, flowers, and a sense of reverence for the birth of our Savior evident in every detail.

Many of the congregants were dressed in festive attire, their joy and excitement for the season shining as brightly as the decorations.

Pastor and Dr. Ricky Ewing was among the first to greet me, and his kind words and warm demeanor immediately made me feel at home.

He introduced himself and welcomed me to the service, embodying the warmth and hospitality that I would come to experience from every person I met.

As I settled in, Mary Katherine, Mr. Coffee, and one of the kindest and most friendly women I’ve ever met, Debbie, also made their way to greet me with heartfelt smiles and genuine interest in my journey.

I watched as members exchanged gifts and Christmas cards with one another.

It was a simple yet touching reminder of the love and fellowship that defines this church. One particularly kind woman handed me a handmade Christmas washcloth, a gesture of thoughtfulness that brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart.

These small acts of kindness spoke volumes about the spirit of Pleasant View Baptist Church.

The service began with the choir singing “Hark The Herald Angels Sing,” their angelic voices filling the sanctuary. The beauty of their harmonies brought me to tears as I reflected on the profound meaning of this season, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we continued to sing other beloved Christmas hymns, including the congregation’s spirited rendition of “Joy To The World” (a personal favorite of Pastor Ricky), it became clear that this church was not just singing songs but lifting their hearts in worship and gratitude for the gift of Jesus.

The choir and congregation sang with such passion that I couldn’t help but feel drawn deeper into the presence of God.

The highlight of the service was Pastor Ricky’s Christmas sermon, which focused on the familiar story of Jesus’ birth.

He acknowledged that many of us have heard this story countless times, but he challenged us to approach it from a new perspective… through the ears of the shepherds.

This fresh perspective added depth and meaning to the verses in Luke 2:8-20, as Pastor Ricky broke them down with a blend of humor, wisdom, and relatable insights.

He shared about the angels’ proclamation to the shepherds, emphasizing how remarkable it is that God chose to announce the birth of His Son to humble, ordinary people first. The message reminded us that Jesus came for everyone, rich or poor, powerful or meek, and that His birth is a source of peace, joy, and hope for all.

One of the key takeaways for me was Pastor Ricky’s heartfelt reminder to never “get over” the story of Jesus. No matter how many times we hear it, we should approach it with wonder and gratitude because it represents the most profound gift we could ever receive… our Savior and Redeemer.

I left the service reflecting on the beauty of the Gospel and feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the peace and hope that Jesus brings to our lives.

As I sat in the sanctuary, surrounded by the warmth and love of this incredible congregation, I found myself reflecting on the past year. It has been a challenging one, filled with trials and moments of deep struggle.

But through it all, God has carried me, just as the familiar story of “Footprints” reminds us. He has been my strength when I felt weak, my peace, and my hope when all seemed lost.

This journey of visiting every church in my city has been a profound source of healing and growth.

Each stop along the way has revealed more of God’s goodness and grace, and Pleasant View Baptist Church was no exception. Their love, kindness, and focus on Jesus reminded me of the true meaning of this season and the incredible gift we have in Him.

As I prepare to celebrate Christmas and continue this journey in the new year, I am filled with gratitude for the way God is working in my life through this calling.

Visiting Pleasant View Baptist Church was a beautiful reminder of why this mission is so important, not just for my healing but also for the connections and community that God is building around me.

I encourage everyone to visit Pleasant View Baptist Church, to experience the love, joy, and powerful message of hope.

Thank you to Pastor Ricky, Debbie, Mary Katherine, Mr. Coffee, and the entire congregation for making me feel so loved and welcomed.

I can’t wait to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next on this incredible journey of faith, healing, and discovery.

Merry Christmas, and may God bless us all with His peace and joy this season.