“May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white!” Just seeing the words makes the sound of Bing Crosby ring in my ears. I hope that all our readers will have a wonderful holiday season, whether or not you celebrate Hanukkah, or Christmas, or merely enjoy gatherings with family and friends. And, of course, it is only a matter of days until we start a new calendar year. Many have said that they will be glad to see this year come to a close and a new one begin. While I agree in some ways, we have probably all had some triumphs and some defeats, some health and some sickness, some joy and some despair, just as we do every year. Let’s all hope for a New Year that brings us an abundance of the triumphs, health, and joy!

One of the joys we can all share is the birth of new family members. Our newest blessing is a baby girl whose arrival made my brother a grandfather for the first time! Congratulations to John and Margie Starr! This baby is destined to be a world traveler. Her mother grew up here in Lycoming County, and pursued her college degree in Art in Philadelphia. The proud papa was born on the other side of the globe and his parents will be anxious for visits as often as possible. So I expect that this child of the 21st century will have many entries in her passport by the time she can write her name! We can’t wait to meet her.

Most of us, in celebrating Christmas, will be reflecting upon the blessings God brought to humankind with the birth of a particular baby boy twenty centuries ago. While there have been many ways that Christians have not followed the teachings of Jesus Christ, His existence and influence have made our world what it is. In celebrating His birth, I hope that all of us can reflect on the ways we can improve and impact our community to make 2018 a truly happy, prosperous, and joy-filled year!

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.'”

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Hughesville Events:

Fri. Dec. 22 East Lycoming Schools will dismiss students before lunch time to begin the holiday break.

Sun. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve services will be held in many of the churches in our area. Please check with the church of your choice for times and more details.

Mon. Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Sun. Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve

Mon. Jan. 1 New Year’s Day

Tues. Jan 2 Schools reopen.