Photo by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald

It’s beginning to look alot like Christmas. . . for some it is. . . and for some it never really does.  Thoughts of Christmas may be friendly carolers, dinner around the table, a warm cozy fire around the tree with family sharing stories and exchanging gifts.  On the other hand is the hustle and bustle of the shopping season, party after party and endless programs. One is not to forget that someone has to WORK to pay for it all.  Sadly, in a lot of cases, the true joy of Christmas, JESUS, is never allowed into the Christmas season, much less the hearts and lives of men, women, boys, and girls all around the world.
New Life Family Worship Center presented two nights of Simply Christmas . . .Joy on December 8th and 9th.  Samuel Anthony Edwards, (Michael Williamson) a miserly “family” business man has always known the value of hard work but unfortunately, missed one very important concept growing up – sharing. 
Samuel does not know how to give of himself, his time, or his money.  The stage was set as the living area of Sam’s home and shall we say had a lot to be desired.  Wendy Edwards (Donna Hill), Sam’s wife, spent much of her time trying to convince Sam of the importance of spending time with the children (Casey Woodell, Jessica Day, and Wil Shooter) during the Christmas Season.  Because of his  neglect of his home and family, Sam was forced to revisit his past view his present situation, and look into his future.  
Although it took an awful lot for Sam to see the seriousness of his family situation, he soon realized that he had missed out on much of his children’s lives.  Sam remembered  the true meaning and joy of Christmas and he shared HIM (Jesus) with his family.
New Life Children’s Choir posed as Christmas Carolers who serenaded the Edwards family on several different occasions throughout the program.  
Special music, Christmas Where Are You, was presented by Missy Berry.  The indoor portion of the program concluded with the entire cast singing Joy To The World.  Other cast members included Cathe Townsend, J.T. Townsend, William Townsend, Ben Knight , Callie Johnson, Curtis Hart, and  Pam McCormick.
The audience enjoyed hot cocoa while they journeyed  to Bethlehem (Cowboy Church) where the Christmas Story was read from Luke 2 and the  children of New Life presented the Nativity Scene as  live Christmas music filled the air from New Life’s band. 
Guests gathered around the campfire and enjoyed homemade chili and corn muffins as kids young and old took a leisurely ride on the large wooden wagon.
New Life extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who showed their support.  

Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald
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