Earlier this week I went to the post office to mail a package for out-of-town family members.

I expected the line to be long. It was.

There were 17 people ahead of me. Some had only one or two items; some had eight or more.

I settled in for the long wait — as did everyone else, except for a few who saw the long line and then walked out.

I didn’t hear any impatient grumbling. I heard no complaints muttered or shouted. Like me, everyone had understood before walking in that the line was going to be long.

Well, there was one person in line that got a bit irritable and started making a fuss. The people with this person tried to offer soothing words. The fussing got louder, but then simmered down and quit.

No one in line was bothered by this sudden ruckus. In fact, some even smiled and offered their gentle assistance, knowing it was a natural thing to have happened.

The fuss was created by a tiny, very cute baby whose parents had a large number of parcels to mail out. The forms seemed endless as Mom patiently filled them out and Dad tended to the little one.

Patience versus impatience. Resignation versus anticipation.

In that little microcosm of the line in the post office, I saw events play out leading up to and including the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

For generations, the people knew they had to wait for the Messiah to arrive. They waited, and waited — for generations.

Some gave up their waiting and moved on to other matters in life. Some simply knew that eventually the Messiah would come, but weren’t very enthusiastic about it. Others kept their eyes focused and watchful, and were full of anticipation.

Then the cry of a newborn baby was heard, and eventually the sound reverberated around the world. The Messiah had been born, and nothing was ever the same again. The waiting was over. God’s promise was fulfilled.

The birth of God’s Messiah brought with it another promise: that those who recognize the Christ Child as the Son of God and the Savior of the world, will have their mistakes in life forgiven, and will live with God for all eternity once this earthly life is over.

Ultimately, this is what Christmas is all about. It is a Christian holy day in which we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

When you read this article, the wait for this year’s Christmas celebration will nearly be over.

May the anticipation of that celebration gladden your heart as our Lord’s arrival gladdened the hearts of God’s children those centuries ago.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Lessons from a visit to the post office

CRESTVIEW — This Christmas Eve on Sunday, Dec 24, Crestview First United Methodist invites the public to any of the three distinctive ways its members will celebrate the season.

At 9 a.m., the church will meet to carry out Christmas Acts of Kindness, putting together and delivering gifts to firefighters, police officers, restaurant workers, and many others who are working while others celebrate.

At 11 a.m., the church will present a combined worship service featuring a choir performance and a message on how "God Makes This World Our Home."

"You can also join us in the evening for our (6:30 p.m.) Candlelight Christmas Eve Service," a spokesperson said. "All proceeds from this service will benefit the United Methodist Children's home, which offers group homes, as well as foster family training and support to welcome the most vulnerable children among us.

"Whether you want to serve, worship or give, we would love for you to make yourself at home with us this Christmas Eve."

First United Methodist Church is located at 599 8th Ave., Crestview

FYI

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FUMC Crestview sets Christmas Eve celebrations

I recently came across a story that is worth sharing, especially at this time of year. I don't know the author, but wish to offer my thanks to the author for writing it.

One day a man went to the convenience store to get a newspaper, like he normally does. He noticed that the owner of the store had tears in his eyes and kept looking out the window. He asked what was going on.

The store owner said, "Do you see that bus bench over there? There's a woman who comes there every day around this time. She sits there for about an hour, knitting and waiting. Buses come and go, but she never gets on one and no one ever gets off for her to meet. The other day, I carried her a cup of coffee and sat with her for awhile.

"Her only son lives a long way away. She last saw him two years ago, when he boarded one of the buses right there. He is married now, and she has never met her daughter-in-law or seen their new child. She told me, 'It helps to come here and wait. I pray for them as I knit little things for the baby, and I imagine them in their tiny apartment, saving money to come home. I can't wait to see them.'"

The owner continued, saying, he had looked out just now and there they were, getting off the bus. The look on her face when they fell into her arms and when she saw that grandchild for the first time was the nearest thing to pure joy he had ever seen. He said, "I'll never forget that look as long as I live."

The next day the same man returned to the convenience store. The owner was again behind the counter. Before he could say or do anything, he asked, "You sent her son the money for the bus tickets, didn't you?"

The store owner looked back with eyes full of love and a smile that was the nearest thing to pure joy the man had ever seen. He replied, "Yes, I sent him the money. I'll never forget that look as long as I live."

Christmas is the time of year many think of acting kindly toward others. Generosity increases. Remembering the less fortunate is on the forefront of many minds. The joy you instill in others warms the heart.

Thank you for the way you exhibit the generosity, kindness and love that was demonstrated by God when he came to earth in Jesus Christ. May you be richly blessed as you spread joy to others. 

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: From the Pulpit: Reflecting on the season's blessings

As I write this article, storm clouds have gathered and the weather predictors are calling for snow (!) in the western end of the panhandle by the weekend. 

When I heard this news I said to myself, "But this is Florida! It’s not supposed to snow in Florida!"

Well, it has in the past and probably will again at some point. Just because "it isn’t supposed to," does not mean it won’t happen.

There are many things that are certain in this life. Change is one. A new day dawning every time the sun rises for another. And storms will come.

And not just weather storms. I’m referring to personal storms that threaten various aspects of our lives. Just because we hope they won’t happen, or just because we don’t want them to, does not mean they will not come our way.

If you take steps now to guard your heart and mind, and prepare for the eventuality, you will weather any difficulty and challenge with aplomb and grace. That preparation is best found by surrounding yourself with the knowledge of the presence of God, Jesus Christ, and God’s Holy Spirit in your life.

Preparation is essential! The Bible talks about it on numerous occasions. We are to prepare the way for our Lord’s coming. We are to prepare our minds and hearts to hear his word and write it on our hearts. We are to prepare for our Lord’s return. We are to prepare for life’s unexpected happenings.

When we are prepared, we are ready, completely, for whatever may come our way. We can accept that God knows what is going on and what is best — even when we don’t understand. 

Being prepared means being able and willing to trust God in every circumstance.

God doesn’t will for the storms in our lives. They happen because of choices we or others make. They happen because of genetic mix-ups or diseases. They happen because for any variety of reasons.

Put your trust in God to see you through. God has promised to do so. And God is good to his word.

A pie-in-the-sky point of view? 

No. Realistic.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

"If you take steps now to guard your heart and mind, and prepare for the eventuality, you will weather any difficulty and challenge with aplomb and grace."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Preparation for life's storms is essential

LAUREL HILL — A personal journey of spiritual discovery awaits Dec. 9 as the Laurel Hill and Crestview Presbyterian churches present their annual Living Nativity.

As the winter sun sets, the grounds of the historic Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church become aglow with the soft light of hundreds of luminaria, lighting the way for visitors to embark on their "journeys to Bethlehem."

Unlike static living nativity scenes, visitors follow the lit pathways as they meet actors portraying biblical characters to whom unfolded what has been called "the greatest story ever told."

From the home of Dr. Luke — the apostle St. Luke, who wrote much of the Bible story of Jesus’ birth, was, in fact, a medical doctor — where the stage for their 20-minute journey is set, to the manger in Bethlehem, guests meet a Roman census taker, the virgin Mary, her fiancé Joseph, shepherds tending their flock, an angelic herald, King Herod, the three kings, and, at last, the holy family.

Following their experience, visitors are invited into the historic church for fellowship and refreshments.

"It’s one thing to read about the wonder of Jesus’ incarnation in human form in the Bible," said the churches’ pastor, the Rev. Mark Broadhead. "Our living nativity is an opportunity to experience some of the drama and excitement that led to our savior’s birth."

The Living Nativity runs continuously from 5:30 until 8 p.m. Groups and families are welcome.

WHAT: Living Nativity, a spiritual journey performed by live actors

WHEN: 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 9

WHERE: Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 8115 Fourth St.; parking at the Laurel Hill School track, Fourth Street and Park Place

COST: Free

DETAILS: Fellowship and refreshments follow. The event involves about 20 minutes of walking over unpaved but even ground.

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Churches set Laurel Hill Living Nativity

Max Lucado wrote: "If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior."

How often many people forget this. In life, various professions get praised and touted as being the best. In a way, these praises follow fads: astronomers when a new planet or astral phenomenon is discovered; chemists when new combinations of chemicals are formulated.

There is nothing wrong with this at all! It’s just that God is forgotten in the midst of all the hoopla.  God provided those skills and intellectual abilities for those discoveries and progressions.

It is unfortunate that God is so frequently forgotten or discounted, especially because he has given the ultimate gift in our lives. He provided a way for us to be reconciled to himself. He came to us in the person of Jesus Christ because our greatest need in life was and is forgiveness.

That is the ultimate gift. That is the ultimate reason for thinking of God every moment of every day.

When it comes to being a Christian, our main focus in life is to be on what has been done for us in Jesus Christ. At a minimum we have to remember God is our Creator, Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Savior, God’s Holy Spirit is God’s presence and power working in us and through us, and the Church is the Body of Christ doing the work and ministry of Christ in the world. Everything else in our faith builds on this foundation. 

There are standards for us Christians by which we are expected to live. What are some?

To love God with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength.

To love your neighbor as yourself.

To put away vulgar talk, off-color jokes and judgments of other people.

To overcome evil with good.

To make disciples.

To care for others without drawing attention to yourself. 

To act justly and walk humbly with God.

Being a Christian is not a title to be attached to your name. Being a Christian is a way of life. It is making the declaration that you are going to live according to the ways of Jesus Christ and the expectations God sets before you in scripture.

How are you doing with focusing on God, Jesus Christ and God’s Holy Spirit? Tomorrow starts the Christian new year.

How about a resolution to do even better than you are now?

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

"Being a Christian is not a title to be attached to your name. Being a Christian is a way of life."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Thoughts as the Christian new year begins

CRESTVIEW — Thousands of shoebox gift packages will be delivered this year through the work of Florida residents.

Okaloosa and Walton County contributors sent off 11,785 shoeboxes filled with gifts and information on God's love for the Operation Christmas Child program by Samaritan's Purse International Relief. The organization then delivers those packages to children in need around the globe.

Patty Hill, media relations volunteer for Okaloosa and Walton counties, said boxes totaled 10,487 last year, and this year's contributors surpassed the Northwest Florida goal of 11,011.

"I was a volunteer at Joy Fellowship, where not only can churches or individuals bring in their boxes, but it's also where the two counties come to drop off all the boxes they've collected in their local drop-off centers," Hill said.

She had a few takeaways from the OCC outreach. One thing that impressed her was the level of work area youths put into the effort.

"I was blown away by the youth participation this year. We've had local youth working for the better part of the year gathering shoebox items, making bookmarks, blankets and bracelets. We've had local youth bringing in their change to help pay for shipping of these boxes. It's truly amazing the examples they have been for us all," she said.

She also was able to learn from some past shoebox recipients about the impact the boxes had on their lives, and what delivery volunteers go through.

"I think what really comes to mind is the risk that some of the on-the-ground volunteers take to get these boxes to (their) intended destination. We are so blessed in our country to have the freedoms we have, and it's easy to forget that it's not like that everywhere in the world. Most of the children receiving these boxes have never received a gift before."

Hill said OCC "is so much bigger than just a box. Every child receiving a box has an opportunity to learn about Jesus and what he's done for us all. I believe that getting our children involved in this ministry will have a huge payoff later. Children around the world sharing the love of Christ with each other could possibly affect the next generation's way of life.

"We also had members of the 7th Special Forces Group volunteer in the loading of all the shipping boxes on the last day of collection. We couldn't have ended the season any better," Hill said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'So much bigger than just a box'

With this article I wrap up my brief thoughts and reflections on Psalm 23. It is a very short psalm, only six verses in length, but provides powerful insights for living life.

Verse six states, "Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."

God never gives up on you. He never says, “I quit. I have tried to teach you. I have tried to get you to listen to me. You just don’t seem to get it, you thick-headed mule. You’re on your own from now on.”

God doesn’t say that.

If you are ever stubborn or ignorant of his presence, when you give in to the various temptations that lead you into sin, God never gives up his pursuit of you.

That’s right. God pursues you.

The truth of the matter is the Bible gives a strong and clear message of how God continuously pursues each person and longs for each to turn to him, no matter the circumstances.

No matter the depths of cruelty to which someone might stoop, no matter the severity of a poor decision, no matter the ugliness that may swamp someone’s life, God never gives up on them. Right up to the very last breath of life, God offers his love. All that is needed is for that love to be recognized and accepted.

When that love, forgiveness and grace are accepted, God has promised through Jesus Christ, that you will live in God’s house forever. That is the promise given to each and every person who recognizes what God did by coming to this earth in Jesus Christ.

God came to this earth himself. He came with an invitation. His invitation is to take time to eat, drink, and rest in his presence a little bit each day. His invitation is to let him strengthen you for the challenges that are faced every day, to strengthen your faith in him.

Our Lord’s invitation is to remember that no matter what you go through, he is beside you to guide you along the way. His invitation is to recognize just how much he honors you, regardless of what others may say to you or about you.

Our Lord’s invitation is to remember he will never give up on you, even when it seems as though others may have. His invitation is to hear and accept his desire for you to live with him forever in his home when this earthly life is over.

Can you, will you, hear his invitation and accept it?

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: How to live with God forever