By Staff Reports
The Selma Times-Journal

I just love this time of year. There is something about Christmas that brings out the best in most people. They are more gracious. I see many more smiles. People are on their best behavior so they can say they are not on Santa’s “Naughty List.” I love to be around children most of all.

I was sitting around a table with some boys and girls from my church this week. Of course, we were talking about Christmas! They were all excited about the presents and the presents and the presents (not necessarily in that order)! Some of their Christmas morning traditions were quite interesting.

I moved to a more serious side of the season by asking them what was important about Christmas beyond the presents. Without hesitation they told me about the importance of being with family. That is my prayer for all the families of the area. Being together as a family is an awesome aspect of this Christmas celebration.

This is an exciting time for families throughout the Valley Grande area. As a community we are in full swing celebrating the Advent season.

This past Thursday, we enjoyed a concert at Martin Middle School led by band director, Les Boley. It is always a highlight of the year. The band at MMS is one of the best I have ever heard.

The churches in Valley Grande are very active today. Praise Park Nazarene is enjoying their Christmas dinner following the morning service. Following dinner the church will be visiting shut-ins and nursing homes singing Christmas carols. Christmas caroling has become a big tradition for the church family. You are invited to join them.

Valley Grande Baptist is hosting the community for its annual Christmas Program at 6:00 PM tonight. Brother Randy leads the community choir to the delight of all who attend.

Tuesday, Dec. 16th, at 6:30 p.m. Valley Grande Elementary School will present their Christmas program at Martin Middle School Gymnasium. The activities begin at 6:30.

On Thursday, Dec. 18th, the Northern Zone of Dallas County Schools will present their Christmas program at Martin Middle School beginning at 5:00 p.m.

This is also the second year of a tradition established by the Valle Grande Mexican Grill.  Once again they are involved in buying presents for the residents of a local Nursing Home. Park Place is the recipient this year. When you visit the restaurant, you will see “tree ornaments” on their foyer tree. Select one and purchase the gift item designated by a Park Place resident. You may either wrap it or put it in a gift bag. The deadline for returning the gifts is Dec. 18th. In addition to delivering your gifts on Dec. 19th, Valle Grande Mexican Grill will be providing the residents with lunch. This is becoming a colossal annual event for the restaurant.

Things are happening all across the area. It’s Christmas! As the song says; “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” We celebrate as families, in our schools, and with area churches. With great joy we can say, “Jesus is the reason for the season!”  He makes life “Simply Beautiful!”