By VERNA BROCK

The past week or so I’ve noticed how bright and beautiful the Fall colors are, to the point they seem more spectacular than usual. I’m guessing it has something to do with the way our “Fall to Winter” weather has played out this year. Cold, wet, then warm-ish to cold again…somehow it all worked to our seasonal benefit! Whatever caused this burst of brilliance, I am grateful.

This time next week we’ll all be celebrating Christmas, or recovering from the celebration. I look forward to this time of year, despite the hustle, bustle and stress that comes with it. My grandchildren are still young enough to get excited, I mean REALLY excited, opening presents and handing out everyone else’s gifts from under the tree. A Brock Christmas can best be described as organized bedlam, with lots of shouts, laughter and exhilaration. This follows a family potluck dinner with all the holiday faves.
By the end of the day, everyone is happy and ready for a lovely nap. Considering that everyone was up at the crack of dawn to see what Santa left (or preparing for the day), a nap is always a welcomed way to pause and refresh.
This coming week we look forward to Christmas Eve services: the Woodville United Methodist will be joined by the Wakulla UMC congregation on Tuesday, at 6 p.m. to take a moment to savor the true meaning of the season. Please consider connecting with friends and family to celebrate the newborn savior. We will partake of Communion, and the Lord’s table is open to all.

I hope you each have a great week getting ready for the holiday, full of goodwill and joy. Holidays can often cause us to reflect on those who are gone, as well as events that may remind us of times good or sad. Taking time to breathe, rest, and contemplate the truly important things in life can help manage stress and sadness. Reach out to loved ones and rejoice in the here and now as much as possible. I pray God’s grace supports and comforts us all.

Please remember the following folks in your prayers: Myrtle Dean, Scott Causey, Sammie Pruitt, Deborah Giles, Anna le Grant, Pastor Tommy Stone, Molly Claire Stephens, and Mary Jane Thornton. Let us all lift this world, and pray for peace.