Annual Christmas Program

It’s over, another Christmas has come and gone. For many people the day after is a time of collapse, and sheer exhaustion. Some are in the throes of cleaning up the mess of crumpled wrapping paper and Christmas dinner scraps. Some may have a house full of relatives. The children are playing with their newly acquired toys, and some of you are already back to work.

    But consider this sobering thought: yesterday was one of only about 70 Christmases you may experience in your lifetime. And I just bet most of them are now behind you…so was it a Christmas to remember? Was it truly a time to be thankful for our Lord Jesus Christ? Sometimes we are so busy with the holiday celebration that we forget just what we are celebrating. Some of the holiday glitter has possibly already worn off, and in a few days the tree and decorations will be gone. It will be business as usual again very soon. But remember, that even though the celebration is over, the greatest news of all is still with us. Jesus Christ was born, He lives today, and He will remain with us for the next 364 days and forevermore!

    Thank you all for another very heartwarming Community Christmas. We checked in a total of 55 pies, cakes, and cookie batches to be auctioned. We also were blessed with a hand-crafted cedar quilt rack donated by Wesley Riggs, two theater tickets from the Alma Performing Arts Center combined with dinner for two from our local Cracker Barrel. The new “Pretty Girl” is now Madisen Juacinto, daughter of Savannah Sewell, granddaughter of Dana Wilkinson, and great-granddaughter of Don & Linda Wilkinson. And speaking of Don, he is now the first inductee into the TLC…no not the women’s EHC group called the Turner Ladies Club, but the newly formed Turner Liar’s Club! He now wears the hat proudly and all you other guys need to polish up on your storytelling at the Men’s Monday Morning Coffee so you will be the next Hall Of Fame-r.

We sacked up about 180 bags of Christmas goodies for the community and all were either given away at the program or delivered afterwards. There are no words I can write to express the appreciation for all who participated. It just wouldn’t be same without our group effort. My heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of you. Congratulations to all who won the fabulous door prizes that our surrounding community was so generous to donate. The program went very well; the readings and music were perfect for the occasion. Our talented accompanist was Hanna Townsend, granddaughter of Fred and Reba Peters. Her dad, John, graced us with his beautiful voice as he led our carols. Our special guest, Santa Claus, was a welcome sight, and the refreshments were delicious as usual.

I am sure Jeanette Gibbs missed us as much as we missed her, and thanks for everyone signing her Christmas card. We already notice her absence because she was one so dedicated and faithful to participate, just a wonderful lady.

Wishing everyone a happy New Year, good health and good memories...Linda Wilkinson