Over and over I have been so disappointed this Christmas season to find little or nothing in stores that has to do with the birth of the Christ child. This is Christmas, isn't it? Christmas is CHRISTmas to me and to many people whether it is "politically correct" or not.

If God did not love the world (as the Bible explains so clearly in John 3:16) to give His Son to die for the world so we who believe in Him may live forever, we would not be celebrating today.

I am writing now to express appreciation to those responsible for putting Christ in this wonderful season. As I was bell ringing for the Salvation Army, Friday, after Thanksgiving Day in the Westgate Mall, I was happy to hear on the loud speaker several of the old familiar Christmas carols about Jesus' birth, the shepherds, the angels, the Holy Night, etc. The Hallmark store had merchandise related to Jesus' birth. Maybe other merchants did too, but I didn't find them.

Well, this past Saturday, I was uplifted. The Seventh Day Adventist Church had a beautiful worship service inviting all the community (very well advertised). Then I attended a Secret Sister lunch and cookie exchange at the church I attend, (Staples Alliance), an event at which we reveal who our secret sisters are- a friend who has prayed for us and shown love to us all year.

From there, I went to the depot to decorate a bulletin board before the open house to be held Sunday. By far the greatest blessing of all was the wonderful Community Christmas Concert my husband and I were able to attend Saturday evening at Sacred Heart Chruch. It truly was a CHRISTmas concert.

I am not only happy to live in Staples but proud to be here and thankful to all of you choir and chorus members and those who make it possible for you to sing.
Lorrie Toedter