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Long before Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and caroling, people in medieval Europe celebrated the Christmas season with 12 days of feasting and revelry. During the Middle Ages, Advent was observed as a time of fasting from rich foods and overindulgence.

Mistletoe is a plant that grows on a range of trees including willow, apple and oak trees. The tradition of hanging it in the house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids. It is supposed to possess mystical powers which bring good luck to the household and wards off evil spirits. It was also used as a sign of love and friendship in Norse mythology and that’s where the custom of kissing under Mistletoe comes from.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. God's love is eternal: creating, saving, and sustaining. God's love is ever present. I carry in my phone a picture of my first Christmas, where I'm sitting on the lap of my sister Susan. I am grateful for being born here in Gregory, and for the wonders of growing up in family love.

“Pa rum pum pum pum…I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum.” These lyrics come from one of my favorite Christmas songs, Little Drummer Boy. I’m sure we’re all familiar with the lyrics, the tune, and some even question the boy's decision to play drums for a baby. The song lays out the reasoning for the little boy’s decision to play his drum for baby Jesus, the One who came to save the world from its sin.

Think of the classic Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” It’s one that most Christians know well, but have you ever taken time to really explore what its words convey? Just what are we singing about when we join in with this age-old tune? Contained within the stanzas of this beautiful carol is a proclamation of who we welcome into our midst on Christmas Day as we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child.

At this time of year we are constantly reminded of so many possibilities, and opportunities to purchase the best gift for that special person in our life. We are blessed to have all those options to choose from! However after we have purchased that gift, we now present it to that special person in our life and, they have the privilege to accept or reject that special gift. Over two thousand years ago 'THE GREATEST GIFT' was presented to the human family.

Joy Has Dawned is a children’s service that traces the dawn of various eras in God’s love for humanity: the dawn of time, the dawn of hope following the fall into sin, the dawn of joy at Jesus’ coming that first Christmas, and the dawn of the New Testament church. Jesus is the only hope we have for peace and a future. This is the truth of Christmas.

By Coach Ronda Graber Gregory’s Oral Interpretation Team had an excellent showing this past weekend at the state festival in Sturgis. Of the six pieces performed, three received a superior.

At the regular meeting of the Gregory County Board of Commissioners, held at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the board made some updates to the county’s personnel policies. In discussing the policy regarding travel, commissioners had mentioned that the county’s pickup should be used more for travel within the county.

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