"Jesus is the only card I have left to play, but with that Card, I'll win the game." - Travis Allen 1981-99, Class of 2000, Auburn Adventist Academy

The Costume Party

A parable

Maya stopped and turned. She had just caught the sign out of the corner of her eye and had been attracted to its bright orange color. "Costume Party" it read in big letters across the top. Underneath was a list of some of the activities that would be taking place: pumpkin carving, apple bobbing, face painting, and many others. The sign also stated that there would be plenty of food for all. At the bottom of the poster was a warning, anyone without a costume would not be let in and, now this was strange, Only one type of costume could be worn and these were to be reserved with Wally Smit in the principals office.

Maya thought that was rather unusual but it did sound like fun. She looked for a date and found that it would be announced later on. She decided to keep an eye out. She had meant to reserve a costume that very afternoon but one thing led to another and what with homework, friends, lessons, etc., she didn't have time to get it done.

As the days went by Maya kept thinking she really ought to go and reserve the costume but she just didn't have the time. She and her friends discussed the party at great detail wondering what it would be like. It seemed the whole school was caught up in the excitement. It seemed as if the whole school was going.

One day while Maya was in history class an announcement was made over the intercom. "All those attending the costume party please come to the gym."

With a start Maya realized that she had never reserved her costume. She began to worry as the whole class got up to go. When they arrived at the gym, they found a long line of students leading up to the door. It seemed as if all the students were being let in, maybe I don't have anything to worry about after all thought Maya.

When she got to the door, she was asked her name. "Maya Tickle," she replied. "Hmm, don't see you on the list, please go to the right. Next." Maya turned to the right and headed down a makeshift corridor. At the end of the corridor was a door. Maybe they would find the party now.

Maya opened the door and stepped out. She couldn't believe her eyes. She was back outside the gym. One of the teachers was standing there, directing students back to the classrooms.

"What happened?" asked Maya, "I thought I was going to a party."

"Did you reserve a costume?"

"No, but I've been planning this for weeks. Everybody knew I was going."

"But you didn't reserve a costume. The signs all stated very specifically that you had to reserve a costume."

Sadly Maya turned and headed back to the classroom with the other students that had failed to reserve a costume.

Are you ready for Christ's Second Coming?