Carol Boeddeker-Genet reports that not much is going on up on Dogwood Hill of which she is aware. A few have put up Christmas lights and the traffic heading to Springfield is heavy. The Ganzer family had moved from Dogwood to Arkansas but I see they have returned. Some of us are already tired of winter and it doesn’t actually begin until the 21st.
Christmas cards continue to arrive from all over this nation and it is so pleasing that the bulk of them are about Christmas, the birth of Christ, and not “Happy Holidays”. I’ve received pictures of various families and they are always appreciated as so many of them live in other states, mostly Minnesota and North Dakota. Baking has taken up a few days time, both cookies and breads. These will be gifts to the adults. Of course, the great grandchildren will be getting something besides baked goods. So many people in this nation are trying to remove Christ from our lives. I wonder what businesses would do if there weren’t a “Christmas” from which they derive most of their profits. Regardless what some in government are saying that we aren’t a Christian nation – we are and we must step up to the batter’s box and protect our faith.
For those who remember Willie Boeddeker, he would have been 81 on the 21st and on the 29th he will be gone 20 years. Where have those years gone?
May God bless and protect you and may each and every one have a blessed Christ filled Christmas.
Susan Sinclair reports that as she is writing this, the song “Rejoice in the Lord Always, and Again I say, Rejoice” is playing in my thoughts and it may seem contrary to the sincere condolences that our church family extends to the family and loved ones of Zora Fitzgerald at her passing early Monday morning. Zora will be painfully missed, and our prayers reach out to God that Stella and Erma Lee, her sisters, as well as the rest of the family will make this transition with His grace and love. The bittersweet moment we feel at such a loss is understood, because Zora will be sorely missed, but the sweet, sweet moment is in knowing that Zora is with Jesus, and in the presence of our Father, and surrounded by the love of God. In that knowledge I can justify rejoicing in the Lord always, for He loves us and we love Him.
We had our Christmas program Sunday, the children’s choir and the children’s bell choir presented some lovely Christmas music, and our main choir sang wonderful Christmas songs to accompany a monologue done by Bro. Bob Huskey and myself, as Joseph and Mary, respectively. We presented Joseph and Mary as realistically as possible, having asked the Lord for help and guidance, and He did not disappoint (He never does). Joseph and Mary told of their humble pleasure at playing a role in the life of Jesus, how Joseph’s heart was broken when he thought Mary had been unfaithful to their vow of betrothal, for he loved her so much, and that the angel told him in a dream that the baby was from the Most High, how they both suffered public humiliation, willingly, at the very pregnant figure of Mary while they were not yet married –a crime she could be stoned to death for committing – and how some people, after Jesus’ resurrection said He was not who people said He was, Mary could say He was the son of God because she was there when He was born, and she changed His diapers, and fed Him his first solid food and watched as Joseph taught Him his trade as a carpenter and how to be a man. They both saw His learning of the scripture increase until He even astonished the experts of the law at the temple. They spoke of God’s provision through the life of Jesus and how well Joseph cared for the family and how God provided the resources.
Joseph and Mary, two humble, simple, faith-filled individuals, connected by a bond of love for each other, for their God, and for their Messiah, were willing to suffer humiliation so that God could perform a glorious act of redemption for all of humanity. Thank you to Joseph and Mary for what you have done, and Lord willing, we will see you in person some day to thank you ourselves.
Until next time, God bless you and your loved ones.
From the desk of Jamey Herd: Pleasant Ridge Baptist had a good attendance unlike last Sunday. The cold kept many home last week. Services were cancelled last Sunday night due to the cold weather. Brother Carl brought the morning message from Luke about the birth of Christ. The children put on a skit about the birth of Christ with Susan Dugan narrating the story. They did a terrific job under the direction of Laveta Ray and Susan Dugan. Wanda Dugan gave a special song before Brother Carl’s message. Tonight was the Church’s gift exchange with a lot of fun playing a wacky gift game. People had their gifts taken from them several times. Services began with a few songs then there was finger food before the game began. Bags of candy were passed out to everyone at the end of service. I believe everyone had a good time in fellowship.
Jamey and Billy Joe enjoyed a visit this past week from their grandson, Clay Herd, from Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was between college classes and had gotten a few days off from work. He spent the week at his dad’s, Ron Herd.
By this time next week, Christmas will only be a memory for most of us. If traveling for Christmas, be careful. The roads can become hazardous very quickly. It was reported to us that 14 highway, here at Dogwood, had some very slick spots this past Thursday.
Here’s wishing everyone a very Blessed Christmas. Please remember the reason for the season.
