Keeping with tradition

The city of Perry was not able to officially light the Christmas tree in downtown Sunday due to rain, but that did not stop the tradition of Christmas at the Square. The event was moved inside to the Perry Arts Center.

To kick the event off, the Langston Road Elementary School chorale performed Christmas tunes for those in attendance, while members from Christ Lutheran Church served hot chocolate.

Perry Mayor Jimmy Faircloth was set to light the tree but instead shared some encouraging words. He talked about how he never remembered a time in his life where a presidential election has caused so much polarization amongst everyone.

“It has been very interesting to hear people state that they would flee the country should their candidate not win,” said Faircloth. “There are others who cause civil unrest and yet there are those who are moving on with the transfer of power. But wherever you stand, please remember that we are all God’s children even when we disagree. Remember that God doesn’t pick sides; he uses everyone and everything for his purposes. May we all learn to continue living and loving one another in this great nation under one rule, that of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Father Eric Filmer of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kathleen reminded everyone that the first Christmas was full of emotions.

“We all want to be happy and things to go smooth,” said Filmer. “We want peace and joy, but the world is not capable of providing that peach and joy. Remember the first Christmas was full of anxiety, homelessness, frustration, poverty and injustice. But then the savior of the world was born. Through him, we can experience that love, peace and joy. All we need to do is declare him Lord of lives; he is our savior.”

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

HHJ News