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I hope you had a chance to take in the Living Nativity at First United Methodist on Saturday.  I made it to the first show (there were four shows in all) at 6pm.  I have seen the program the last four years, and this was the best one yet. Maybe it was the warm weather, but the mood of the audience was just great.  The show was awesome, just the way it should be.  Thanks so much to all who took part in the productions and thanks to all who came out to enjoy the shows.

I am sure you have heard that old saying that goes "Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life".  For one of us, that saying is more than just a cute saying.  Loretta Anderson has been lucky enough to have her dream job for the last 47 years. You read that right - 47 years.  47 years at the same company is not a rarity these days, it's unheard of.  Next Wednesday, Loretta is calling it a career.  I have known Loretta for a very long time, and I can honestly say she is one of the nicest people in the world. Congratulations Loretta for a wonderful career at Hazelden Betty Ford and thanks so much for all of your wonderful work in the community.

As I wrote here last week, there is no reason to spend Christmas alone. There is a group of wonderful people that have taken time off their Christmas Day to prepare a wonderful meal for those who would enjoy a little company.  These folks care so much about our community that they would take time away from the biggest holiday of the year to help others.  The meal is Christmas Day and is held at First United Methodist in Lindstrom.  Please call the church office at 651-257-4306 to reserve.

This is our last paper before Christmas. Christmas is one of the most important days of the year to billions of people. It is the day Jesus was born in Bethlehem.  It is the beginning of what many of us hold our faith to, believe in and the base of christianity. Christmas has always had a special place in my heart, and I find the older I get, the more I truly appreciate the history of Christmas and how it impacts my life. Merry Christmas to you and your family! I hope you are surrounded by friends and family this Christmas season.

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