December 22, Merry Christmas, indeed!

How many more times will I say it, 'Merry Christmas?' I suspect many more. For, in all the years I've been so doing, I find this greeting no more compelling than now. Why? Well because of the response. For though most all always are nice - and though some will add a 'thank you' and even echo the self-same back. There are others, a growing number I find, who now politely, almost 'correctively' say... "Happy Holidays to you, too!" And for this, I am compelled to insist my greeting remains - 'Merry Christmas, indeed!"

Now... before you either decry or applaud me, may I first insist on being clear. I am not asking congress to pass a law that the phrase be a must. Or, that retailers be strictly black-listed for not so using. No! I am simply electing to use what has become in my lifetime a wonderfully powerful witness and testimony. For as the saying has fallen from the masses, it now may trickle from the lips of those joyfully in Christ once more.

So... do not grow weary this Christmas 2009 and beyond. Let the world in which you live hear aloud your good witness - even in the simplicity of that age-old greeting. And... let the redeemed of the LORD say so -

Merry Christmas, indeed!

Pastor Sam

December - a marvelous month to me

When it comes to months of the year I face no dread in December. I suppose this means I am fully crossed over in my mind to the world of 'pastor', because I know this is not nearly so true among all, but... December is a marvelous month to me. In December I preach of but one thing - Jesus. In December I concentrate on but one function of my calling - people. And, in December I strive to allow but one activity unto the example of my life - giving.

Now my reason for this, I know, lies squarely within the message of Christ - He gave to us so that we might give to others. Yet it also lies in the community called ParkwayHills. I love you all so very much. The lights are up on your houses and streets, the wind turns decidedly from the north, and the ParkwayHills 'Parade of Parties' begins. How I love coming into your homes in December - from the grandest to the most humble, and among the very youngest to the old. Belinda and I find joy as we visit with you and share in your journey - and December makes a perfect month for such.

For many of you, this year has been a journey of joy - one of gallantry and courage. For others it has been a journey fraught with burden - one of sorrow and pain. For all of us, however, this is a month we may lay what is or is not aside and come together around our common journey point - the coming of Christ into our lives bringing salvation regardless of health, income, status, race or creed. Who doesn't want to celebrate that?

So, today, may this pastor be a voice of encouragement to you? May I sound the call for celebration? For certainly, December - this marvelous month to me - really is a marvelous month indeed.

Pastor Sam

Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes.

Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.

The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. Isaiah 52: 8-10