A Note From Rob ...
Week of December 26, 2004

     So the story goes, a child was born into a wonderful family as the fall leaves began to change colors. Near the end of the year the proud parents called their pastor to arrange the child's baptism. They wanted to throw a huge party to celebrate the birth of the most special child ever born. (They were not the first parents to think their child was the most special!) Unfortunately, the small church could not accommodate the great number they anticipated attending this blessed event. They decided to have the baptism in their home. The cold weather meant all activities would be inside.
     A time of celebration was planned to precede the baptism. Drink, food, laughter and cheer were served in plentiful portions. Hundreds of guests arrived dressed in their finest, including coats to keep them warm. The coats were piled on a bed on the first floor as the party continued. After several hours it was time for the baptism.
     They began to look for the baby. The baby could not be found. The near hysterical parents called the police confident their child had been stolen. The police arrived and began to ask who had seen the baby last. The guests shrugged their shoulders until one person seemed to recall seeing the baby asleep on one of the beds.
     They checked all the beds including the bed piled several feet high with heavy wool and fur coats. Even as they did so they said, "surely someone would have noticed the baby ..." At the the bottom of the pile was the baby. The baby had been covered, forgotten in the rush to celebrate. The baby was overlooked, forgotten.
     In this season, I pray that the holiday activities, shopping, traveling and/or celebrations will not smother, ovelook or forget the Christ Child. May He be born in our homes, hearts, and celebrations.
     We wish you a joy-full Christmas.