I can only imagine how the shepherds felt when the angel appeared unto them and the wise men saw the star in the east when the first Christmas gift was given to mankind. Luke 2:10 says: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Matthew 2:10 says: “When they (wisemen) saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” Luke 2:10. They all experienced great joy over the birth of Jesus. Christmas is more than getting away to some warm place. It is always a good time to think about what God has done in our lives and to reflect on all of his many blessings. I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas.

On Friday evening, Nathan, Javon, Jarrod and Whitney Alldredge enjoyed spending time together for Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, Fred and Evelyn Motes enjoyed having several guests in their home. There are always plenty of goodies on hand for all to enjoy. Those visiting them were Cecil and Jo Bomar, Jason, Trisha, Dylan and Haley Bomar, Nathan and Kaye Widener, Meagan Hargrove, Darian, Roxanne and Rachel Tucker and Carol Hardin. Everyone had a great time.

While stockings are a part of the Christmas tradition at the home of Fred and Evelyn Motes, the family’s focus is on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. Twenty stocking hang on one of the kitchen walls. Each family member has his or her own stocking and sometimes there might be an extra one for a visitor or a family newcomer. A new stocking was hung this year since their oldest granddaughter; Meagan Widener was married in August.

Even though all of their children are grown and have families of their own, Christmas still has a special meaning to the Motes family. Before lunch is served, the entire family gathers in the living room and joins hands and has prayer. Each family member is given the opportunity to share something with the family. This year by daddy said the closing prayer and blessed the food. After lunch everyone gathers in the living room to exchange gifts and make new memories and share old ones. I would like to tell my parents how much I love them and say thank you for making Christmas so special for our families.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Beau England on Dec. 29, Austin Burdon and Larry Winton, both on Dec. 30, and Charlie Cook on Dec 31.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes go out to Brock and Stephanie Wilson on Dec. 29 and Ronnie and Andrea Ferguson on Dec. 31.

Christian love and sympathy is extended to Lewis Maples, Bill Maples Sr., Evelyn Motes and Jo Bomar in the loss of their aunt, Gertrude Bartlett.

An invitation is extended to all from the Fellowship Quartet to attend a New Year’s Eve service at New Center Baptist Church on Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. Singing, preaching by Bro. Alfred Palmers and a meal will be a part of the service. Pray and sing to old year out and the New Year in.

I wish you a safe and happy New Year from the Alldredge family.