Dear Friends,

A week ago I was singing “Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!.”  And even though it was beauti¬ful  and I enjoyed building a snowman, I’m glad to see it finally melting away.  Most of all, I hated missing church this past Sunday.  What do people do all day when they don’t come to worship?  I watched Charles Stanley and Joel Olsteen on TV, but it was not the same as being at Parkway! 

For those of you who may not have gotten the word that we cancelled, we apologize for any in-convenience.  [If in doubt check Channel 3, check the website or call the church to hear a recorded mes-sage].  Anyway, I hope you used the Lord’s day as a time of rest and took at least a moment or two to reflect on the real reason for this Advent season.  It was kinda nice to slow down for a little while and escape the busyness of Christmas.

Speaking of busy, have you looked at your calendar for the next two weeks.  There is something going on practically every night.  In the midst of all this activity don’t miss out on the real reason Jesus came.

I read a story recently about a mother who was running furiously from store to store on Christ-mas Eve … trying to get those last minute gifts …Suddenly she realized she’d lost track of her little 3 year old son.  In a panic, she retraced her steps and found him standing with his little nose pressed flatly against a frosty window.  He was gazing at a Manger scene.  When he heard his mother call his name, he turned and shouted in innocent glee: “Look Mommy! It’s JESUS!  Baby Jesus is in the hay!”  The har¬ried Mom grabbed his arm and jerked him away, snapping, “We don’t have time for all that!  Can’t you see that Mommy’s trying to get ready for Christmas?”

Let’s not get so busy with shopping and wrapping gifts and holiday parties that we forget what we are suppose to be celebrating—the birth of our Savior.  Slow down, take a deep breath and reflect on the “unspeakable gift” of God’s only begotten Son.  I am personally rereading the Nativity narratives again from the New Living Translation.  If you haven’t seen it in a while go to Blockbuster, rent The Nativity Story and watch it with your family.  Take advantage of the many opportunities to worship this sea-son.  There are numerous concerts and programs not only at our church but throughout our community.  Don’t let the season slip by without taking time to reflect upon the  miracle of Christ’s birth …
 
Yours for Christ!
Pastor Barry
 
“The virgin will be with child and give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel” which  means “God with us.”