Joy is in the air. Every place I go in our fair town, people are happy, smiling, and kindness prevails.
I was at the post office and the line was horrendous, yet people were chatting with one another, happy and helping each other.
The Christmas season seems to bring out the good in humankind.
I hope that you are experiencing the joy of this season and sharing goodwill with others. I have attended lovely cantatas, living nativities, choir and band programs, and have been dazzled by this town's talent.
I am also enjoying the wonderful aromas from the baking that gets done this time of year. We will be having ham with all the trimmings, sweet potatoes and green bean casserole, as well as pumpkin and cranberry nut breads.
However, while all those things are good, the true meaning of Christmas is summed up in these passages:
•Matthew 1:21, "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins."
•Luke 2:11 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
With that said, here's what's coming up in our area:
•Live Nativity: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 19, 20 and 21, Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Freewill offering.
CRESTVIEW AREA CHRISTMASTIME SERVICES:
•6 p.m. Dec. 21, St. Mark United Methodist, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Children & Family Candlelight (also at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 24 and 3 p.m. Dec. 24)
•4 p.m. Dec. 24, Emmanuel Baptist, 3252 E. James Lee Blvd., Family Contemporary
•4 p.m. Dec. 24, First United Methodist, 599 Eighth Ave, Family, Candlelight & Communion
•4:30 p.m. Dec. 24, St. Mark United Methodist, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Contemporary Candlelight
•5 p.m. Dec. 24, Emmanuel Baptist, 3252 E. James Lee Blvd., Family Contemporary
•5 p.m. Dec. 24, Our Lady of Victory Catholic, 550 Adams Drive, Christmas Eve Mass
•5:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Church of the Epiphany Episcopal, 424 Garden St., Carol Sing
•6 p.m. Dec. 24, Church of the Epiphany Episcopal, 424 Garden St., Candlelight, Eucharist
•6 p.m. Dec. 24, Central Baptist, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Traditional, Candlelight
•6 p.m. Dec. 24, First Baptist, 850 N. Pearl, Traditional Christmas Eve
•6 p.m. Dec. 24, First Presbyterian, 492 N. Ferdon Blvd., Family Candlelight
•6 p.m. Dec. 24, First United Methodist, 599 Eighth Ave., Traditional Candlelight & Communion
•6 p.m. Dec. 24, Lifepoint, 400 S. Ferdon Blvd., Family Contemporary, Candlelight
•6 p.m. Dec. 24, Live Oak Baptist, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Candlelight
•6 p.m. Dec. 24, St. Mark United Methodist, 2250 PJ Adams, Traditional, Candlelight & Communion
•6 p.m. Dec. 24, Woodlawn Baptist, 824 N. Ferdon Blvd., Traditional Christmas Eve
•7 p.m. Dec. 24, Our Savior Lutheran, 171 W. North Ave., Traditional, Candlelight
•7:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Our Lady of Victory Catholic, 550 Adams Drive, Christmas Eve Mass
•11 p.m. Dec. 24, First Presbyterian, 492 N. Ferdon Blvd., Reflective Candlelight
Midnight, Our Lady of Victory Catholic, 550 Adams Drive, Christmas Eve Mass
•10 a.m. Dec. 25, Our Lady of Victory Catholic, 550 Adams Drive, Christmas Day Mass
•10 a.m. Dec. 25, Our Savior Lutheran, 171 W. North Ave., Christmas Day Service
•New Year's Eve activities: 6 p.m. Dec. 31, Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.
•Watchnight Service: 7 p.m. to midnight, Dec. 31, Live Oak Baptist Church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Worship service will be at 11 p.m.
If you see me on my jaunts around town, please wish me a "Merry Christmas."
I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas full of the Lord's abundant blessings. Enjoy this time with your family and friends.
Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her brother, Robb; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
Email listings of upcoming events and activities of public interest to NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Christmas season brings joy to humankind