By Larry Stover

Praise Park Ministries Church of the Nazarene pastor

 

It’s that time of year.

Last minute shoppers are still looking for that perfect gift at the perfect price. Some people I meet are stressed to the max, while others are calmly taking each day as another step toward Christmas.

Activities are abounding in Valley Grande.

Area schools are gearing up for the season with a variety of activities. Valley Grande Elementary School is sharing their Christmas program with the community Tuesday at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The Martin Middle School band, under the direction of Les Boley, will present a Christmas concert Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

Community churches are also in the Christmas spirit, as Advent candles are being lit. Churches across the area have been decorating for weeks in preparation for the Advent season and celebrations will abound with most area congregations.

Praise Park Nazarene went Christmas caroling this past Sunday. In spite of some rain along the way, everyone had a great time as we traveled the Selma and Valley Grande area.

Sunday at 6 p.m., Praise Park Ministries Church of the Nazarene and Living Waters Worship Center will join with Valley Grande Baptist as they host our community Christmas cantata. There will be a time of refreshments and fellowship following the service.

Have you been by the Valle Grande Mexican Grill to pick up a “star” to help with providing Christmas gifts for the residents at Warren Manor nursing home? I understand there are not many left. They began with over 120.

There are plenty of activities all around the area. Some people I know are going to take a big sigh of relief when Christmas is over.

Just, don’t get so caught up in the secular side of Christmas that you miss its true meaning. Christmas is about the coming of the “Prince of Peace” not the secularized mania that Americans have made of it.

This is an awesome time of the year. Slow down and take it all in. Invite family and friends to join with you to celebrate. Fix your favorite Christmas snacks. Sing a few Christmas carols along the way. Watch some favorite movies of the season on TV. Throw a few more logs on the fire. Read the Christmas story for the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. And, remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.

We can all make Christmas 2013 “Simply Beautiful!”