I was convinced that 2020 would be a good year to focus on the theme of vision. I decided to make a monthly change to the Scripture in the heading of our bulletin to emphasize passages that speak about our spiritual sight. Like many of you, I was excited about what a new year starting a new decade would bring us.

On Sunday morning, March 8^th, as I was preaching, the lights went off in the building. We sat in darkness, with the random glows of cellphone and tablet screens scattered throughout the auditorium as I finished my sermon. Shortly after services were dismissed, the power was restored. The following Sunday morning I preached a sermon titled “Let There Be Light.” I was making a point based on the experience of the previous Sunday morning. Little did I know it would be a message for us to cling to as our empty auditorium remained in darkness for the following 9 weeks.

When this pandemic first began, and various government orders were given to restrict gatherings, our elders met and made the difficult decision to suspend our assemblies. They did not have a “playbook” to follow. None of them could draw off of the personal experience of anyone they knew. Week by week, they met via conference call or zoom meeting and decided what to do for that Lord’s Day assemblies. In the meantime, they encouraged us all to do the best we could – to study and pray, to meet in our homes, to maintain social distancing and keep ourselves safe as we all learned more about COVID 19 and the real dangers of catching this virus.

Satan has made great use of this pandemic. The cancelation of assemblies has all but killed some Christians who were already weak. I read messages on social media that indicated some churches were divided over mask-wearing. I know of one congregation that has divided into three groups. The economic downfall, the protests over social injustices, and the turbulent election have all added fuel to the fire of uncertainty, unrest, and fear felt by many Christians.

“Learning as we go” is not a comfortable situation for anyone to experience. It has been especially hard for our elders. When is the best time for us to resume our assemblies? How can we do this and remain safe? When do we resume our children’s Bible classes? How do we resume these classes? What do we do with our scheduled Gospel Meetings? What about Vacation Bible School? What members need to be contacted and encouraged spiritually? How can this be done safely?

In addition to this pandemic, 2020 has also had the usual challenges and heartaches that can be expected in this world. We have lost dear loved ones. Some have moved to live in different places. Some have laid their armor down and gone home to be with the Lord. The challenges of this year have made it more difficult for many of us to properly deal with these changes.

The elders and members of Knollwood are to be commended. With the leadership of our elders, and the commitment of most of our members, we have remained united and the work has gone forward as best it can in these circumstances. Our contributions have allowed the elders to continue supporting four gospel preachers in other places.

Paul’s admonition in Philippians 3:13-14 is so fitting for us as we enter a New Year.

We have weathered this storm in a commendable way. Let’s keep it up. Whatever challenges lie before us in the coming year can be met and overcome with our faith in God, commitment to His Word, and love for one another.