118 Davis Cup Road, Lynchburg VA

This Sunday began a little differently.

My daughter joined me for worship, something that always fills my heart with joy and together, we set out early, ready to visit the next church on this incredible journey.

We arrived first at a church that, according to the website, began at 9 a.m.

But when we stepped inside, the sanctuary was dark and still. No voices, no music, just silence. Then we noticed another sign for a different congregation sharing the same building, but their service wouldn’t begin for another hour and a half. So, with a prayer for God to guide us, we drove across town.

That’s when we found Christ Covenant Fellowship and it could not have been more perfectly timed by the hand of God.

When we arrived, the church was buzzing with warmth and celebration.

It just so happened to be their fifth anniversary, and we were greeted by the scent of fresh coffee from Joe Beans and the sight of tables filled with donuts. The congregation was full of smiles, laughter, and genuine kindness, people welcoming one another, embracing, and making sure no one stood alone.

I recognized Pastor Tyler Cash, whose heart for the Lord and His people shines in everything he says and does. He took a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to the elders, volunteers, and congregation members, honoring them with humility and love.

Before the sermon, Pastor Tyler prayed, not just for his own words, but for all of our hearts. And as he prayed, I found myself whispering my own quiet prayer,

“Lord, soften my heart and help me to hear You.”

Because I know what it’s like to carry a broken heart. I grew up in a place that felt cold, unsafe, and unloving and that kind of pain doesn’t just disappear. But God… oh, how He heals what we never thought could be mended.

The worship began softly, reverently. The congregation sang “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Their voices blended like a choir of angels, gentle, unhurried, and pure. My eyes filled with tears as I listened, reminded of the simple beauty of worship when it comes from the heart.

The theme of the day was Peace, fitting for the second week of Advent. The Scripture reading came from Luke 2:8–14, that timeless story of shepherds watching their flocks, when heaven split open and the angel declared,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.”

Pastor Tyler spoke on four movements and please be sure to ask him to share those in detail, what struck me most was his question…

“What does the word peace mean to you?”

I sat with that question for a long moment. Because peace, to me, has never come easily.

Growing up in a horrifically abusive home, I thought peace meant the absence of conflict, the quiet that comes when the abuse stops, or the calm after the storm. But as I’ve grown in Christ, I’ve learned that peace isn’t a condition.

Peace is Jesus.

Peace is not when everything around you settles down, peace is when everything inside you does, because of His presence.

Pastor Tyler said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Christ.” And those words sank deep into me. Because I know what it is to have a restless heart, searching, striving, always looking for a safe place to land.

And yet, even in this season of struggle, with sickness, financial strain, and unanswered questions, I am learning that Christ is the safe place. Peace isn’t the absence of hardship, it’s the awareness that God is in the middle of it with you.

As we prepared for communion, we were reminded us that communion is the retelling of the Gospel, the story that never grows old. He spoke about waiting, about how Advent teaches us to pause in expectation. Waiting is hard. But waiting produces faith.

My daughter and I shared communion together and as we bowed our heads, I silently thanked God for this moment. I had prayed earlier in the week that she would hear something meant specifically for her and on the drive home, she couldn’t stop talking about how much the message touched her heart. That, to me, is everything. God had answered my prayer.

As I left Christ Covenant Fellowship this morning, I realized something beautiful, peace isn’t something I find, it’s something I receive.

And it is offered freely through Christ…

True peace cannot be stolen because true peace is rooted in eternity!

I am so grateful for this visit today, and this church family… for their warmth, their love, and the way they reflect the peace of Christ so purely.

Thank you, Pastor Tyler, and thank you to every person who made us feel so very welcomed.

As we enter deeper into this Advent season, I pray we remember that Christ is peace.

I can’t wait to stay connected with Christ Covenant Fellowship and to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next.

Each step of this journey reminds me that even when plans fall through, God’s timing is never off. His peace meets us.