Nancy continued our old time Christmas tradition at church

Christmas Day is Friday and with the pandemic we will resemble the American Indians of Taos, New Mexico during this time.
It has been said of them that during their “Pueblo” from December 15-January 15 they observe “the time of being still.”
Scripture states “Be still and know that I am God,” Psalm 46:10.
The Christmas hymn “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” states “the world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing. Peace on earth, good will to men from heaven’s all glorious king.”
Wedding anniversaries this week and next: Dec. 20 Robert Lee and Edna Easley (51 years), cousin Jerrell and Virginia Fleming (62 years), Pete and Angie Weldon;

Dec. 21 Buddy and Patema Davis, Grover and June Edington; Dec. 22 Jerry and Doris Hartley (60 years), George and Christine Clements (54 years), Bub and Gigi Long;
Dec. 23 John Jasper and Margie Adams (60 years); Dec. 26 Johnny and Beverly Holder; Dec. 27 Attorney Paul and Judy Moore Jr., Dean and Jennifer Bennett;
Dec. 28 Doug and Vickey Holder (21 years), Billy Wayne and Connie Skinner; Dec. 29 Bobby and Ann Whitt; Dec. 30 Bubba and Katrina Freely (10 years);
Dec. 31 Jeremy and Alyssa Williams; Jan. 1 Buck and Lisa Langford; Jan. 2 Joh Michael and Amy Harmon.

Birthdays this week and next: Dec. 20 Dean Poynor, Tyler Raye Mullen, Doug Holder, Justin Holloway; Dec. 21 Connie Skinner, Brady Pendergraph; Dec. 22 Alan Murphree; Dec. 23 Jennie Winter, Johnny Holder, Whitney Casey;
Dec. 24 Roger Hodnett; Dec. 25 Shelly Nicole Collins, Larry Bratton, James R. Duncan; Dec. 26 cousin Jerrell Fleming, Lowry Guest;
Dec. 28 Tim Cardwell, Jettie Pettit, Jamie Williams, Earl McGreger; Dec. 29 Hanna Freely, Will Free; Dec. 30 Emily Liles, Ty Long;
Dec. 31 Pat Hollingsworth, Walt Edington, Maxine Cain; Jan. 1 Christina Hardin, Shurlene Huffman; Jan. 2 Willa Kay Duke, Sylvia Clark.

Received my Grier’s Almanac last week for 2021. This year marks the 215th annual issue of that publication. It was first published in 1807.
A few years ago, one of the oldest almanac and calendars, “Lady Birthday Almanac and Cardui” stopped publication. (They started publication in the late 1800’s and stopped about 2012.)
At the request of Dot Cozart stopped with her and Bob Saturday.
Dot makes some of the best “boiled custard” at Christmas and gives me and her pastor, Bro. Dwight Brown, a good sample.
She is doing well since her melanoma eye surgery in October.

Bob and Dot Cozart gave me some fresh turnips.
Did not need any but they have canning jars for sale. Those were very scarce back in canning season.
Rocky Mount communitiy recently lost two of its oldest citizens in the death of cousin Bennie Roger, 89, and Vernice Tutor, 91.
June Sexton had her family at church Sunday including Carey and family from North Carolina.
Seemed like old time Christmas at church Sunday when Nancy brought fruit to the congregation following the tradition of Smokey. (She also gave me a “happy.”)

Heather Nix, Melissa, Abbigail and Hunter Barefield presented a Christmas skit during Sunday worship.
Stopped briefly Sunday with Patsy Leachman and Barbara Turner (thanks for the gift.)
Thanks to Bailey Memorial at Loyd and Poplar Springs for their fruit baskets.
The one from Poplar Springs contained pecans. Thanks to Bro. Benny and Terri. Wish them well in Glendo, Wyoming.

Dr. Kenneth Armstrong will serve the church at Poplar Springs as supply pastor.
This being the last publication of the CCJ this year, may I say thanks to all the comments and encouragement received this year in writing this column.
Special thanks to Celia and Joel for their deciphering these items.
Hope to write in 2021 and plan to keep the general format with some more historical news.