Christmas at the Square

Over 100 people filled downtown Perry Sunday evening to take part in the city’s traditional annual event, Christmas at the Square. Just before the event began the Langston Road Elementary School Chorale performed several Christmas tunes while hot chocolate was served by Christ Lutheran church of Perry. Mayor Jimmy Faircloth then welcomed everyone to the event.

“I thank God every single day that we live in a country, but more importantly a community that requires we have events such as this when we want to,” Faircloth said. “But I ask tonight what do you value?”

Faircloth then shared some examples such as a home, car, career, money as well as popularity, status, pro-sport athletes, Hollywood actors and actresses etc.

“It’s been said, and sometimes I think it is true, if you let me peek in your checkbook I’ll tell you what you value,” Faircloth said. “Now let me ask, what do you worship? Is the list similar? Is there any difference? How well do we tolerate those who have a different opinion than ours? If what we value and worship is threatened how do we respond? Should we respond? And the answer is a resounding yes through involvement, commitment, volunteering, donations and sacrifice. Protect who and what you value. We must protect our own today and for the future. Be heard, be present and be seen. Our survival requires action not apathy.”

As Faircloth ended, he then asked the audience to help him light the tree by counting down by five. Pastor Dennis Harden of New Hope Baptist Church in Perry came to the stage to refresh people’s minds about what Christmas is all about.

“It is such a blessing to see each and everyone of you,” Harden said. “People from all walks of life to come together to give glory to the Lord almighty. In the book of Luke second chapter verses eight through 11 it states for unto you a savior is born. And from that 10th verse and last part it says what shall be to all people.”

“Looking at Christmas, it is a time when heaven visited earth in the person of Jesus Christ,” he went on to say. “Since over 2,000 years ago the world has never been the same, but Christmas has been ruined. It’s turned into party not praise, a savior into Santa, glory into gifts, but I am reminded what the real season is all about. It’s not about all of this worldly stuff no it’s about Jesus. He is a savior who came to give us life and hope in times of despair. That is what Christmas is all about.”

After Harden spoke, the audience then lit candles and sang Christmas songs while the story from the Bible, Luke chapter two, was read aloud.

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