Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” – Exodus 3:5

Attending church in Tarboro is a whole different experience. But then every situation where we have been blessed to serve has been uniquely wonderful in its own way.

Even after a year I am still amazed at the beauty of our sanctuary at Howard Memorial; the architecture, the design, the stained glass – it all draws me into worship, the actual physical space an invitation to devotion.

One Sunday back in Wake Forest my cousin Peter was visiting from England. “This has to be the most beautiful church I have been in,” he said. At first I wasn’t sure I understood. Because, while the WFPC sanctuary is certainly well designed, it was built with many budget constraints and is in no way an aesthetic masterpiece. But then I looked around and I realized it was full with more than 300 people; it was the people, in worship, who made the space so beautiful, and my cousin was absolutely right.

At Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church the sanctuary stands as a bonafide architectural gem (described as “the handsomest church in the state” when first built). This week, during Advent, decorated for Christmas and resonant with the rich sounds of the organ, this is absolutely the most beautiful worship space imaginable.

I felt the presence of God with unusual clarity. Our church felt like a very special and holy space, and a sense of peace and gratitude washed over me as if the wings of an archangel had actually brushed against me. Who am I to say, maybe they did?

The children lighting the Advent candle; the stained glass; the Christmas trees; the people, the music, the message. The presence of The Holy.

I simply drank it all in.

Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace

I hope this preaching video from worship is a little more stable than usual, because Rebekah shared a powerful message about peace I know some of you will want to hear (click here for Rebekah’s message).

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.

Peace, the most illusive of all the gifts Christ came to bring. And, arguably, the most important. Let it be, Prince of Peace, let it be – DEREK