While the Christmas season is a joyous time for many, it’s also a stressful and sad time for those who have had a life changing event or have lost a loved one.
In our wildest imagination, a mass shooting in our small county of 12,657 would be the last thing to cross our minds, but here we are. Four people died of gunshot wounds and one remains hospitalized. One of those four was the suspected shooter.
In the 2nd chapter of Luke we find what is commonly referred to as the Christmas story.
Luke records there the fantastic details of Christ’s birth in a manger in Bethlehem. As we ponder those details, I want us to see that what seems like the humble birth of just another baby, is in reality the hinge point of human history and part of a plan that was in the making from before the beginning of the world. A plan that moved empires to accomplish it’s purpose.
Living in a small town can be difficult having access to limited stores and items. But how much more difficult does that living become when access to your local store is cut due to lack of employees and openings. This is what residents of Virginia and the surrounding area are facing with the hit and miss closure of the local Dollar General.
Christmas is such a joyous time of the year for most families. For those who have lost a loved one, it’s a tough time. The memories are painful, but they also bring a lot of joy.
Christmas, when I was growing up, was always the best. At one time my dad worked four jobs just so he could provide for his family. Both parents always told us that they didn’t get anything from Santa, or very little, growing up so they wanted to make sure their kids had a decent Christmas. And they truly succeeded at it.
During the “Big War,” World War II, there were a lot of nostalgic songs about home, family, and sweethearts, songs that really impressed the millions of young men who were away from home.
One of the best of that era was the 1943 carol, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” written by poet James K. Gammon from Brooklyn, along with musician Walter Kent. Kent also wrote the popular “White Cliffs of Dover.”
This is a story about faith, love, beauty and romance. Though this story is well over a hundred years old, I believe you will find it as enjoyable today as those who first read it in the closing years of the 19th century.
I hope you will share this story with others. It serves as a beacon of hope in these troubling times.
In 1897, little Virginia O’Hanlon wrote the following letter to the New York Sun:
This is the final weekend for the Beardstown ChristkindMarkt on the square. Chalet vendors will be there December 22nd and 23rd from 4:00 to 7:00 on Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday.
Beardstown CONNECT (hot chocolate, Gluewein, mugs), Mama Cakes Bakery Noodles, Kim Earnst (sweets), Cagle Crafts (wood engraved items), Confections3, Spring Creek Freshie Company, Tahiti Sweetie (Dutch pancakes), Theos Treats (dog treats), St. John’s Lutheran Church (soups & sweets), Roashambo Designs, and Kirby Drennan Pottery.
The Lincoln Land Community College Foundation has announced the recipients of over 370 scholarships totaling more than $880,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year. The LLCC Foundation awards scholarships every year thanks to the support and generosity of individuals, community businesses and organizations.
Every year CASSCOMM helps out all of the Nonprofit organizations we can, especially during the holidays. Plus this is a great way to help those in need. If you are a nonprofit that needs assistance in the future please reach out to us at 1-800-252-1799. We were able to meet with Chere K Garner and Tom Prather this week to make a donation.
Memorial Health is implementing temporary visitor restrictions at its five hospitals to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommended temporary visitor restrictions due to a statewide increase in respiratory illness including COVID-19, influenza and RSV. The restrictions apply to inpatient units at all five Memorial Health hospitals: Decatur Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Springfield Memorial Hospital and Taylorville Memorial Hospital. The restrictions will not apply to outpatient Memorial Care locations, including urgent or primary care and laboratory or imaging appointments.