Wishing you a blessed new year
What a rush! Yes, a rush in the sense that it was exciting, but also a rush in that, as it does each year, Christmas comes with a frantic flurry of activities. Whether you celebrate big or small, there are still those tasks that most of us must do: decorating, shopping, searching, buying and wrapping those perfect gifts, cooking and attending various work, social, family and church events.
We are asked, and ask others “Are you ready for Christmas?” A few folks will say they have had their shopping done since October. I admire, yet secretly resent, those super organized people. I am not one of them. I am still doing many things up until the last moment. In fact, a gift I bought online the first week of December arrived on Christmas Eve. It was my personal little Christmas miracle.
This year, our church observed a candlelight service with communion on Sunday night, led by Bro. Gary Wyatt. For me, it was like hitting the “pause” button on a remote control. It was my opportunity to stop, take a deep breath, forget the busyness and absorb the true joy and meaning of Christmas. The truth is that we don’t have to get ready. All the preparations have been done, the gifts bought, paid for and presented for us. We just need to recognize and accept our perfect gift of Jesus Christ. May God bless and protect you, your family and our country in the coming year and forever!
Piano students of Irene Martin were presented in recital, followed by a reception Thursday Night at New Liberty Baptist Church. Performing were: Gabby Lee, Rainey Lee, Destiny Phillips, Harperville; Lisa Biggert, Lillie Bradshaw, Sam Bradshaw, Calei Gilstrap, Isaiah Goss, Aleyna Ivy, Morton; Brooklyn Chisolm, Samantha Gardner, Sophia Gardner, Blake Hines, Brayden Hines, Christian Lewis, Brynnley Powell, Kylie Powell, Lydia Powell, Betty Wilkerson, Forest. Also performing was Ethan Powell, cellist, student of Emily Baker, accompanied by his mother Kristy Powell, also of Forest.
Due to a not serious illness, Irene Martin celebrated Christmas twice. Christmas Eve with part of the family and Friday everyone with food, gifts and fireworks. Joining Irene were Steve, Karon, Russell, Mary, and Tara Martin, Elijah and Justus Harvey, Zac Whittington and friend Danny.
