On Tuesday of last week, we went to visit our granddaughter and her baby in Holly Pond. I noticed that lots of people already had their Christ-mas decorations up.

Yes, it seems like they get earlier and earlier each year. Do you know what I didn’t see? A Nativity scene. Not one. It was all about Santa and his reindeer and snowmen. One yard must have had over $1,000 worth of inflatable decorations but not one Nativity scene.

On TV, we see all the commercials for gifts but we seem to have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Our Lord has no manger, no place that honors him. I believe we need to love others as Jesus loves us. I know people that go through the motions, like going to church out of habit but other times, they envy, hate and gossip and never think about their loved ones. You know they’re only hurting the Lord and themselves. I am guilty of not doing enough or encouraging enough.

We need to read the parable of the Good Samaritan. Was it a so-called Christian who helped the man who was robbed and beaten? No. It was a Samaritan. A hated person who was a sinner. So-called “good” people passed him by.

Another thing we forget is visiting the sick and elderly. Of course, I am getting older but I love to visit my friends who are stuck at home. I don’t have time to do it as much as I would like. Some-times just a little word of encouragement goes a long way, or a smile when you see someone. This is living Jesus through us everyday. Not big gifts that people don’t even need.

My cousin, Bud Stinson, lost his son last week to lung cancer. Tony was only 54 years old and that’s too young. Please pray for Bud and his family. He is more like a brother to me than a cousin.

Our community lost another friend last week. Duane Taylor passed away on Sunday. We’re sending prayers to his son David and Kathy Taylor and their families.

Our little granddaughter, Nikki, needs prayer. We are not sure what is causing her trouble but please pray for healing.

Pray for Elnora Randall, who is 90 years old. She isn’t doing too well. Pray for her daughter, Pat Smith, who is taking care of her.

Maudie Garnett is not doing well either. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Christine Kinney is having medical problems caused by her diabetes, so please keep her in your prayers.

Also, please pray for Dorothy Hoover and Mildred Wiggington.

All of these friends are going through tough times, so all of you that are young and healthy, please remember those that are elderly and sick, especially at this time of year.

The seniors from the Eva Center enjoyed going to Decatur for a great Christmas feast sponsored by the Decatur Commun-ity Center.

Since my writing has gotten so unpredictable, if I don’t get any more in before Christmas, I wish you all a blessed Christmas and please remember the real reason for the season.

Enjoy your time with loved ones.