I want to begin my column this week with the following quotation: “Men and women everywhere sigh on December 26 and say they’re glad Christmas is all over for another year. But it isn’t over. ‘Unto you is born . . . a Saviour.’ It’s just beginning! And it will go on forever.” Eugenia Price.

I have worked for retail. I was a sales clerk for Belk Simpsons in Middlesboro, Kentucky; cashier and greeter for Wal-Mart in Atlanta, Georgia, and Talladega; and a cashier for

K-mart in Pell City. Every year, without fail, some of my customers would make this comment to me: “I know you’re glad Christmas is all over.” And each time I would reply, “No, I am not glad it’s over because I enjoy Christmas so much. I do get very tired but I don’t let anything hinder me from being reminded of the birth of my Lord Jesus Christ.”

And so I am glad that Christmas in its true essence will go on forever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! King of kings and Lord of lords; He shall reign forever and forever! “A quote from one of my favorite hymns: The Messiah.”

Jason Vaughan who is Mt. Moriah Baptist Church’s pianist presented a concert on December 6th, which, incidentally, was his and his wife, Holly’s first anniversary. The concert was held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, which is located about, halfway between Coal City and Pell City.

There was a full house. And Jason’s presentation was sensational! He is, indeed, a gifted musician. He gave his personal testimony and spoke several times about some of the hymns and Christmas carols before he would play them on the piano.

His first music teacher, Madelyn Pollard of Ragland, was present. And Jason told the congregation that she was there. He asked her to sand. He paid her the highest compliments. Of course, the congregation gave her a round of applause.

I was unable to obtain Jason’s credentials in music. He has college degrees in music. Mt. Moriah Baptist Church is indeed, very fortunate to have someone of Jason’s stature to be our pianist.

Jason is the son of Linda Murphree Vaughan and the late Billy Wayne Vaughan. Linda and her two sisters have sung together as a trio for many years. And Linda’s father, Jason’s grandfather, Mr. Murphree, is very gifted to sing and to direct singing.

On December 20th Mr. Moriah Baptist Church’s Choir presented a Christmas program. The choir is directed by Mrs. Redena King. The traditional Christmas carols were sung and some of the members of the choir gave narrations from the Bible, which were passages of Scripture about the birth of Jesus. Some of the youth of the church were in the choir. And three of the teenage girls sang a special. The program was very impressive and inspirational. We also are very fortunate to have Mrs. King as our Choir Director. And we do appreciate all the hard work she and the choir members did in preparation for this special Christmas program.

On Sunday evening, December 20th the youth and children and some adults presented a Christmas drama, entitled, “Dr. Newhart.” The youth and children did exceptionally well in giving their speaking parts. Everyone (and the house was packed) who was there was so proud of them. I don’t know id one adult directed this program or if several adults directed it. I was unable to get the correct information regarding this. Reverend Johnny Cash and his wife, Sharmon, are Mt. Moriah’s Youth Directors.

I am very grateful that I was able to be present for both these special Christmas programs. And it goes without saying that I am grateful that I was able to attend Jason’s concert.

Belated happy birthday to Jewell Tollison and Wanda Morgan Weaver who both celebrated on Christmas Eve, December 24! And happy birthday to Julia Golden who celebrated December 30 and Jerry Willingham who celebrates today, December 31, Darren Hallman, January 2, my cousin and friend, Tandy Payne and my friend Kathy Walker who both celebrate January 5!

Congratulations and happy anniversary to Garland and Juanita Davis who will celebrate their Golden (50th) wedding anniversary January 5th!

I have a number of my sister, Kay Black Buckner’s book, “Glorious Gleanings From The Fields of Life” on hand. If you would like to buy one, please call me. The cost is $10.00 if you come to my house and pick it up or if you want me to mail it to you the cost will be $12.00. Kay and I greatly appreciate those of you who have bought her book. This is her first book to author; however, I think she has started writing another one.

I conclude my column this week with the following quotation: “I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown. And he replied: Go out into the darkness, and put thine hand into the hand of God. That shall be to thee better than light and safer than a known way.” M. Louise Haskins.

I wish all you readers and your families a Happy New Year! May God bless you always.