Remembering the Reason for the Season

Linda DeVries welcomed family, guests, and friends to the 2024 Christmas Program on Sunday, Dec. 8th at the Community Church. The church was decorated with a tall gracious tree decorated in ribbons of gold. The tables were covered in green with a small decorated centerpiece that had a candle light.

The sound of children could be heard from the church nursery as the anticipation of singing and presenting the skit, "'Twas the Night Before Christ's Birth." When the youngsters emerged like little angelic saints the energy was spirited and sprightly.

Fifth through eighth grade youth, Seterah Pekovitch and Tanner and Titus Wiederrick read the story that accompanied the theme of the night. Various children of the church participated in making it happen.

Carolyn French played "All Glory Be to Christ" on the keyboard.

She was followed by the young children playing the bells. They played, "Come On Ring Those Bells," "Go Tell It on the Mountain," and ended with "Joy to the World."

Three generations of the DeVries family, Linda DeVries, Rhonda DeVries and Carmen Salveson played the organ, piano and flute and blended the medley of "Oh Holy Night" .

The three were followed by the DeVries and Salveson cousins as they shared, "The Best Present Ever."

Aaron DeVries read several passages from the Bible as he shared the Devotional.

Energized and ready again, and with smiles as wide as little cheeks could spread, preschoolers Nash DeVries, Hannah French, Isaac French and Levi Griffith came front and center on the stage. Accompanying them were the students in kindergarten through fourth grade: Orrin DeVries, Teddi Hould, Dotty Salveson, Dash Webb, Abbi French, Sidney Hould, Nellie Salveson, Bryndle Webb, Tessa DeVries, Taya Wiederrick and Lucy Salveson as they put spirit into "Mary Did You Know", "Jingle Bells Jesus Version" and "God Gave Me Jesus."

Bringing a close to the evening's program, Evan DeVries provided the closing prayer. The congregation enjoyed a "banquet" of ham, potatoes, salads, hot dishes, buns and an array of desserts befitting the King they had gathered to share the story about. A night of friendship, fellowship and worship was a beautiful way to end another holiday evening.