Our hope every year as Advent approaches and we prepare for Christmas is that your church aids you in making this a special season of spiritual formation; and this year we need your help.
First, begin praying about this time in the life of our church. Ask God to show you someone you may invite to experience this time with us at Parkway Hills. Pray for all those who will visit with us during this season, that through us they may experience God’s love and grace shown in the gift of Christ. Second, as we move through a sermon series entitled, “The Characters of Christmas”, we will aid one another in our devotional time each day of Advent and the 12 days of Christmas.
We are putting together a Parkway Hills “Characters of Christmas” devotional book running from December 2nd through January 6th. We need 28 individuals who are willing to pick a character, and write a short devotional to be used by our church. Once you have chosen a character, pick a scripture and write a short devotion, (500 word maximum). Add a closing prayer, (you may write one, or choose one that is meaningful for you written by someone else or part of the tradition of the church). These would need to be turned in by November 12th. We are still working out the best way to make these available for use throughout the season. We are also talking about how to more fully incorporate social media, but we need to begin collecting now!
Please let us know ASAP if you'd like to help with this. We would like to focus on as many different characters as possible - let us know which one you are interested in so that we don't get 28 devotionals about Mary! Stay on the lookout for other ways you may help mark this time within the life of our church.
Here are some ideas for Christmas Characters: Gabriel • Mary • Joseph • Innkeeper • Shepherd • Wise Men • Herod • Anna • Simeon • Animals • Angels • Elizabeth • Zechariah • Can you think of others?