Kenton Full Gospel Church, 129 N. Wayne St., is giving thanks to all who participated in the church’s 2018 Christmas Club and congratulates Crystal Titus, 2018’s winner of $200. Every year, the church buys Christmas gifts to put in stockings for the children in the community.

I almost experienced my own version of the Christmas story in 2012. My seminary required that all students take a trip to experience Christianity in a different culture.

I just read a devotion where a childless wife questioned God’s faithfulness to her and her husband. She had long been praying for God to bless them with a baby before Christmas. Because her prayer was not answered as she had hoped, she wondered if God truly cared for her. Maybe God had not heard her.

FOREST — The First Presbyterian Church in Forest will be hosting a community Candlelight Service at 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Monday, Dec. 24. The service will include scripture narration, organ music, and traditional Christmas carols. All are invited.

The Victory Gospel Music will be holding its annual New Year’s Eve carry-in supper and concert from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29 at the Mount Victory Community Building. Doors open at 4 p.m. Music will be by Dave Smith, Jeremy Liles, the Gospel Music Band, Janet Moore and Chris Horne.

What is my budget? What does she want? What does he need? What does she need and what does he want? Can I afford to get that?!?! Where will we celebrate? Who is cooking? What is the menu? How many people are coming? When will I have time to get the house clean and in order?

I am musing today about the sacrifices of our many men and women in uniform. With it being Pearl Harbor Day we think of those who were involved in World War II. The number of those who remain is getting fewer. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

CAREY — The 47th Carey Ecumenical Christmas Concert is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m. at the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, 315 Clay Street in Carey. The choir is co-directed by Jack Gerding and Patricia Murphy, and the accompanists for the choir are Joy Orians and Ruth Coldwell.

Zack Shelton and 64 to Grayson will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14 at Flat Branch Church of Christ, 6435 CR 130. A free will offering will be collected.

We were in a small group Bible study about ancient Hebrew worship. One of the participants looked at one of the images of the Canaanite deity Baal. “That’s an ugly looking thing,” she exclaimed. “Why would anyone worship that thing?”