Merry Christmas

  Merry Christmas Parkside.

This year, many families, including ours, will be spending Christmas with only those in our immediate household.  However, even though this might make things a little less chaotic than normal, the danger of missing the birth of Jesus remains.  As we prepare to spend Christmas in isolation, apart from family and friends, the danger of including Jesus in our quarantine protocol is amplified.

As you prepare for Christmas, I want to share a quote from the book, Because of Bethlehem, by Max Lucado:

"On that first Christmas night, the innkeeper missed Jesus knocking at the door.  Today many still do.  They miss the chance to open the door.  They let the birth of Jesus pass them by.  The miracle of Bethlehem still happens.  God enters the hamlets of our lives and speaks to us.  He speaks through scriptures, sunsets, the kindness of a friend, or the warning of a medical report.  He sings to us through Christmas carols.  He calls to us through Christmas sermons.  He reaches out through the Christmas story.  'Here I am!'  Jesus invites.  It's not too late to open the door and invite Jesus in.  You are never too old, too messed up, or too worn-out.  Elijah was depressed.  God still came to him.  Abraham was old.  God still led him.  Moses was long retired.  God still called him.  Jonah ran from God, Peter betrayed Christ, Thomas doubted Christ, but each learned it was not too late.  It's never too late to come to Christ for help".  

This Christmas, as you celebrate either apart from family or only with close family, don't miss the message of Jesus.  A message that reads, "I came to lift burdens, not add to them."

Please join us tomorrow for our Christmas Eve candlelight service.  This year, due to COVID restrictions, our Christmas Eve service will be online ONLY.  You can access our service on our website, www.parksidefellowship.org.  Click on the "Parkside Fellowship Christmas Eve Virtual Candlelight Service" picture located near the top of our homepage.  Once you click on this link, you will be directed to the service recording.  The Christmas Eve service will be available beginning at 4:00pm and can be accessed anytime after that time.

Finally, attached is the weekly prayer list.  Pray for those you know who will be spending Christmas apart from family.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Doug