I watched the sun rise this AM as I looked out my living room window.  With the time change, it’s still dark when we get up, but I’m loving the extra daylight in the evenings.  I noticed on my calendar that Spring officially arrives this coming Saturday.  Never have I looked so forward to the arrival of warmer weather.  I’m almost looking forward to mowing grass, but I’m sure that will quickly pass.

It’s hard to believe, but Easter is just three Sunday’s away.  To me, this is the highlight of the church year.  Easter has a way of reminding us of the glorious, amazing truths of the gospel.  To think that God would send His Son to die in my place on a Roman cross is simply mind-boggling.  Yet, even more amazing is the fact that three days later He broke the chains of death and came forth victorious.

I hope in these next few weeks you will take the time to contemplate the wonder of the cross and the empty tomb.  Plan on a trip to Calvary (through the pages of the gospel).  Think about the nails, the crown of thorns, the spear, and the garden tomb.  Remember the courageous women who stood by, the broken-hearted disciples who fled, a thief, who found his way to paradise and a Roman Centurion who came to believe that Jesus was truly the Son of God.  Most of all, be reminded that Jesus did this for you.  Give thanks for God’s wonderful gift of love.

I would also encourage you to avail yourself of the many opportunities to worship during this season.  On Palm Sunday, March 28th, our Bell Choir will be performing and our choir will be presenting the Easter musical, “Amazing Grace My  Chains are Gone”.

A special “Good Friday” service is being scheduled for April 2nd.  Then, on Easter Sunday we will have a full day of activities beginning with a Sunrise Service at 7:30 AM, followed by a delicious breakfast.  Sunday School begins at 9:30 AM and our Easter Worship Service begins at 10:45 AM.  The reason I mention all of this now is to remind you that these special services provide a great opportunity for you to invite someone to come with you.  This is a wonderful way to introduce your friends, neighbors or coworkers to Parkway.

Let me close with a poem written by Max Lucado that asks a very important question.

                                                    The diadem of pain
                                                    which sliced your gentle face,
                                                    three spikes piercing flesh and wood
                                                    to hold you in your place.

                                                    The need for blood I understand.
                                                    Your sacrifice I embrace.
                                                    But the bitter sponge, the cutting spear,
                                                    the spit upon your face?

                                                    Did it have to be a cross?
                                                    Did not a kinder death exist
                                                    than six hours hanging between life and death,
                                                    all spurred by a betrayer’s kiss?

                                                    “Oh, Father,” you pose,
                                                    heart-stilled at what could be,
                                                    “I’m sorry to ask, but I long to know,
                                                    did you do this for me?”

My prayer is that you will be reminded anew, and hear the Master’s voice say “Yes, I did this just for you.”

 Hope you have a great week!

Pastor Barry