2026 THEME — “SEEING LIFE FROM GOD’S PERSPECTIVE”

This focus calls us to move beyond reacting to life through emotion, culture, or circumstance and instead learn to view everything through the heart, wisdom, and purposes of God. Throughout the year, we will be challenged to align our thoughts, decisions, and priorities with heaven’s viewpoint rather than our own limited understanding. January’s focus on Prayer from God’s Perspective reminds us that prayer is not primarily about getting God to agree with us, but about allowing our hearts to be shaped to agree with Him. We will learn that prayer is a place of alignment, surrender, listening, and transformation—not just requests and words. As we begin the year in prayer, we are laying a foundation to see life clearly, walk faithfully, and respond to every season with spiritual discernment and trust.

SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY

This morning we did not gather to watch a performance, but stepped onto holy ground and entered a story written by God Himself—a story that began in Eden, carried through centuries of promise and prophecy, endured long seasons of silence, and broke forth in Bethlehem with the birth of Emmanuel, God with us. In the quiet of a stable, heaven bent low, the eternal Word took on flesh, and hope breathed again into a weary world; yet the cradle was never the end, for it pointed forward to the cross, the empty tomb, and the sure promise of Christ’s return. From manger to Calvary to resurrection glory, this was the moment when darkness met its defeat and everything changed forever.

We did not merely remember this story—we responded to it, allowing it to call us into surrender and worship. The child in the manger was revealed as the Lamb of the cross, the Victor of the empty tomb, and the reigning King who will come again. As we worshiped, sang, and came to the Lord’s Table, we received anew the grace poured out for us, examined our hearts, and lifted our voices with heaven and earth together. With wonder awakened and hope restored, we declared with one voice that Emmanuel had come, Emmanuel had saved, Emmanuel reigned—and nothing would ever be the same again.

GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.

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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

God Came Near on Purpose

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” — John 1:14

From the very beginning, the story of Christmas confronts one of humanity’s deepest fears—that when life is broken and pain is loud, God might be far away. Silence can make heaven feel distant, and suffering can convince the heart that God has stepped back. Yet Christmas shatters that lie. The birth of Jesus is heaven’s unmistakable declaration that God does not love from afar. When the world was fractured by sin and heavy with longing, God moved toward us. He did not shout instructions from eternity; He stepped into time. The incarnation reveals a God who closes the distance, enters the darkness, and draws near to wounded hearts—not reluctantly, but intentionally.

God Chose Nearness, Not Distance

Christmas reveals a God who refuses to remain distant from human pain. When sin fractured creation and silence weighed heavy on the soul, God did not withdraw—He stepped closer. Jesus did not arrive as a distant ruler issuing commands from heaven; He came as Emmanuel, God with us. His nearness was intentional, deliberate, and costly. The incarnation declares that God does not rescue us from afar; He rescues us by entering our story and walking through it with us.

The Manger Shows Where God Meets Us

The manger is not merely a symbol of humility; it is a declaration of accessibility. God chose an ordinary place, among ordinary people, to reveal His extraordinary love. This reminds us that God often meets us not in moments of strength, but in spaces of weakness, exhaustion, and uncertainty. Jesus was born where animals were kept, not where royalty resided, teaching us that God is not intimidated by messiness. When we bring Him our honest selves, He comes near without hesitation.

Emmanuel Is a Daily Reality

Jesus did not come near only for one night in Bethlehem—His nearness continues today. Emmanuel is not a seasonal truth; it is a sustaining promise. When loneliness presses in or life feels overwhelming, God remains present and attentive. He is involved in our routines, our responsibilities, and our quiet prayers. Because Christ came near then, we can walk confidently knowing we are never unseen, unheard, or alone.

The nearness of God is not confined to a manger scene or a sacred season—it is the ongoing reality of every redeemed life. The same God who chose straw and shadows over splendor still chooses to meet us in ordinary moments and hidden places. Because He came near, we no longer have to strive to reach Him; we are invited to rest in His presence. Christmas assures us that God is not intimidated by our weakness nor absent from our struggle. Emmanuel remains with us—in joy and sorrow, in faith and doubt, in every step of the journey. And because God chose nearness, we can live with confidence, hope, and unshakable assurance: we are never walking alone.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for choosing nearness over distance. Thank You for meeting me where I am and not where I wish I were. Help me to live today aware of Your presence, trusting Your heart, and resting in Your care. Amen.

Daily Challenge: Pause three times today—morning, afternoon, and evening—and whisper, “God, You are with me.” Let that truth steady your heart and shape your peace throughout the day.

MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

Luther Roach

Tammy Parker  

Brando Echarte

Cheryl Knight’s Brother

Debbie Foskey 

Don Franklin’s Daughter, Darlene, Son, David

Ed Adkins – Friend of Brian Edwards

Gloria Young

Jake Jenkins

June Cronan

Louise Jackson – Richard’s Sister – Home

Jean Partee’s Sister

Kim McClain’s Daughter, Amanda

Deon Lotter

Doris Loyd

Nancy Brown

Amy Garner’s Dad

Annette Ford

Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shelnutt’s

Angela Bryan’s Sisters

Ann Stanley  

Carol Lawhead – Riverside in Conyers

Danny Jarrard   

Darlene Wiggins

Doris Loyd

Dr. and Mrs. Davis

Eric Magnusson’s Mother

Eric Ward

Friend of Linda Hodge

Gayle Sparks

Linda Alexander 

James Burnette

Jessica Headrick  

John McClain’s Mother

June Cronan’s Sister

June Davis

Kailey Bateman

Kim McClain’s Mother 

Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda 

Lee Cronan

Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom

Lonzo Christian 

Lori Blount’s Mother

Mary Williams

Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom

Mrs. Franklin 

Nora Allison

Ron And Johnnie Barry – Friends Of Ashton & Glenda Bateman

Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA

Scott Lanier 

Scotty Nix

Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shelnutt’s

Steve Michaels

Tom Witcher