Wrapping up 2022, Greeting 2023!

By Ralphine Major

Ho!  Ho!  Ho!  It really did snow!  A trace amount two days before Christmas and light snow the day after bookended the highly anticipated Christmas Day with white.  Though a sharp contrast to the heavy-laden Christmas Eve snow in 2020, the fluffy white snow added a bit of beauty to winter's barren landscape.  As I listened to a recording of the beloved "O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem" playing in the background, a glance outside looked just like a Christmas card.  It is concerning that the timeless Christmas carols seem to be disappearing from our culture.  This season, it seems I heard more of the traditional Christmas carols coming from the radio than from many of America's places of worship.

The surprise snowfall was in perfect timing for this column—No. 600!  I extend my gratitude to the Focus publisher and staff for allowing me to share with words each week.  When Focus readers see this column, we will be well into the new year!  As 2023 unfolds, may it bring to us kindness, peace, health, happiness, and joy; and may the message of "Silent Night" remain with us all through the year.

Words of Faith: "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." Matthew 2:10 (KJV).

The post Wrapping"]Wrapping up 2022, Greeting 2023! - The Knoxville Focus[/url] up 2022, Greeting 2023! appeared first on The Knoxville Focus.