Advent Series (1/5): Your Greatest Need
As we begin our five-part Advent series Never Alone, Pastor Richard invited us to reflect on a truth we often forget:
We were created for community.
And at the deepest level, that is our greatest need.
Created for Community
From the very first pages of Scripture, God reveals Himself as community:
“Let us make mankind in our image.” (Genesis 1:26)
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—living in perfect unity—created humanity to reflect that same relational design.
We were not made to live isolated, distant, or fragmented lives.
Community was God’s idea.
It is part of His image in us.
Sin Breaks What God Designed
If relationships feel strained or distant, we are not alone in feeling that.
All of us experience brokenness in our connections—with God, with family, with friends, at work, even within the church.
Isaiah 59 reminds us why:
Sin separates.
It disrupts community.
It damages relationships vertically (with God) and horizontally (with others).
This is why we feel lonely even when surrounded by people.
Why misunderstandings happen.
Why relationships sometimes crumble.
Sin is the great community breaker.
Jesus Restores Community
But Advent announces good news:
God did not leave us alone.
Through Christ, God restores what sin has broken.
1 John 1:7 says:
“If we walk in the light… we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.”
Jesus heals both relationships:
Vertically — reconciling us to God
Horizontally — restoring us to one another
This is the heart of Christmas:
We are never alone because Jesus came near.
Practicing Restored Community
Pastor Richard offered two practical ways we can live out this restored community today.
1. When you have a need—share it.
Community begins with vulnerability.
Mary models this beautifully.
After hearing the overwhelming news that she would carry the Son of God, she didn’t stay isolated.
She hurried to Elizabeth.
She sought someone who could understand, someone who could encourage her, someone safe.
Mary didn’t wait.
She took the initiative to enter community.
And God met her there.
2. When someone shares a need with you—listen.
Just as Elizabeth welcomed Mary with blessing and encouragement, we are called to make space for others.
Encouragement.
Presence.
Safety.
Time.
These are the gifts that make someone feel never alone.
Community is not just something we receive—it’s something we offer.
We Are the Church
Pastor Richard reminded us that church is not a building—
it’s people.
People choosing to love, support, listen, and encourage one another.
As Advent begins, the call is clear:
We were created for community.
Sin broke community.
Jesus restored community.
Now we are called to live it.
This week, ask yourself:
Who do I need to reach out to?
Who might need encouragement from me?
Where can I practice restored community?
Watch the full service here.