FROM YOUR PASTOR’S HEART October 30,2023

Since tomorrow is Halloween, I am trying to decide what to wear for my costume. My options are limited because we no longer have a “costume collection” in the house. In the olden days, when my children were young, we had boxes of outfits from which to choose. My only struggle then was getting to the costume of my choice before the kids.

There was a time when I had a trunk full of clowning paraphernalia in my attic. I had some lovely costumes that my mother had made. I had a pair of size 16 tennis shoes, once belonging to my friend Chip, which my own shoes would fit inside. And, I had the makeup needed to put on a happy face. There was also an assortment of magic tricks to go with the outfit. And to top it all off, I had a bright red, bushy wig! My allergies to the makeup put an end to those fun days of clowning for kids. Yet, some folks tell me that I will forever be a clown, even without the costume and makeup.

Since Sandy and I will be staying home tomorrow night, I really don’t have to dress up. I just enjoy greeting the children that come to our door “in the holiday spirit.” I considered a Bible character as an option, but I couldn’t find a donkey costume. Some of you will get this and some of you won’t. Anyway, my primary goal for tomorrow is to greet the children with a heart of love and a spirit of giving. Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Let’s demonstrate the indwelling presence of Christ, as we welcome all the creatures and characters that come to our door. By the way, if you want to know what costume I picked, you will have to pay me a visit!

Serving in love, Bro. Jim