From the Pastor’s Desk Giving brings joy

— “Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveler, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!” Charles Dickens, “The Pickwick Papers,” 1836

Being a huge Dickens fan, I often refer to him to come up with eloquent quotes concerning the holidays.

But there is nothing more eloquent than seeing the joy when people share with others - even with those they do not know. I have seen this in recent weeks.

When people come up to me and show what they have bought for the angels on the Angel Tree, it is useless to conceal their excitement. Maybe it brings us back, as Dickens says, to the delusions of our childish days - to the pleasures of our youth. To each and everyone of you I want to wish all of you a very merry Christmas, and to thosewho helped with the Angel Tree, I want to extend a sincere thank you.

There are still opportunities to give and help. Check the trees at Arvest and Community First banks to see if there are any angels left. You can always give money to the Angel Tree at the banks if you do not have time to shop. We will be shopping for these angels through Saturday, Dec.

12, and we do need your help. You can always volunteer a few hours this week by helping at 9 a.m. Friday or Saturday at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church where we will be getting all of the food and gifts organized.

This community is amazing when it comes to giving. And I hope you may find the true joy at Christmas by helping others.

Church, Pages 2 on 12/09/2009