As we close out 2025 and look toward 2026, Rev. Ron McDougald delivers a powerful end-of-year message titled "End of the Year Questions", preached on December 28, 2025, at Mount Pleasant Methodist Church in Vancleave, Mississippi.
Drawing from the often-overlooked story in Matthew 2:13-23 — the flight to Egypt and Herod's massacre of the innocents — Pastor Ron reminds us that Jesus was born into a real, cruel world filled with power, pain, and suffering, much like our own today. From personal stories of loss (including his mother's enduring grief over a tragedy 68 years ago) to modern headlines of violence, trafficking, and heartache, this sermon confronts the darkness head-on while proclaiming the unstoppable hope of the Gospel: God wins in the end.
Key themes:
- Jesus enters our messy, hurting world not in comfort or power, but in vulnerability — as a refugee with a price on His head.
- Like Joseph, we are called to listen attentively to God, obey in faith, and participate in His plan of redemption.
- Challenging questions for the new year: Will we deepen our relationship with Christ? Will we be present with those who hurt? Will we align with the Prince of Peace rather than the powers of this world?
- Ultimate victory: The shadow of the cross hangs over the manger — nothing, not even Herod's cruelty, can thwart God's plan of salvation.
This message is a timely call to reflection, obedience, and hope as we step into 2026. Perfect for anyone wrestling with the realities of a broken world while clinging to the promise that God is still at work, and He invites us to join Him.
Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23 (NIV)
Worship with us at Mount Pleasant Methodist Church
Vancleave, Mississippi
Website: https://mtpleasantgmc.org/
Sundays at 9:30 AM
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