Today, in Bethlehem, a King is born!

“O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining-It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth”-”O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray, cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.”

The hymns still excite me as they remind me of The Reason for the Season. As a follower of Jesus, I know that Peace and Love are the gifts that I receive and can give every day. His birth is celebrated in a sincere manner on the 25th of Dec. The presents that we exchange are a symbol of the gifts of the Wise men carried to the baby in the manger. Expensive gifts. But I think that even though God uses the wise and wealthy to mark the birth, the most precious gift has always been from the shepherds. Humble men that left their flocks to follow God’s message of the birth of His Son. They left their flocks of sheep to walk to Bethlehem and were the first ones to greet the newborn King. The shepherds are an inspiration to me. Their desire to follow God’s direction, delivered by angels, and follow the stars is an awesome testimony. May we all celebrate this holiday by exchanging love as our gifts to each other. And may we carry this spirit every day, not just the 25th. May you have a very Happy and blessed Christmas!

Live Music this week! Jazz at the Museum- Tues 20th(Tonite), the LeFlore County Museum will host another night of Jazz. From 6-7 pm, the “Al Grzech Trio” will play some easily recognized tunes pertinent to this Holiday season.

Al Grzech/piano, David Hoffpauir/guitar and Dale Fraze Sr./drums are skilled musicians that perform the songs very well and bring them to life with their own style and soul. David and Donna Deaton put love and time into the Museum, BUT the decorations and Christmas trees are the icing on the cake. The Lowrey Building is Beautiful! So join us for the entertainment and fellowship. Refreshments are available, too.

Dawn’s Diner will have music this Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd. They will close Sat. and Sunday and enjoy the Holiday with family. Thursday, “59 South” will be there. Friday, it will be “Shady Oak Troubidors”. Good food, great music! Don’t miss it. Music starts between 5-6 pm.

The Cavanaugh Senior Activity Center will have “Country Express” playing for their Christmas Party. It is Friday 23rd at 7 pm. It is a Masquerade party. So git your fancy or most Christmasy dancing clothes out and join in the fun.

New Year’s Eve(and my birthday) has two places that I highly recommend to ring in 2023. In Downtown Poteau, “Connie Abbott and Country Pride” will be celebrating with a party at the Poteau Mainstreet Event Center, 307 Dewey. Starts at 8 and there’s music and food until after midnite. Connie and Dave Abbott throw a great party with all the decorations and a pulled Pork meal. Tickets are only $10! This is where ya will find me. So Join us. Advance tickets are available, More info next Tuesday. I sure hope Ole Smilin’ Bob Garrett has some new jokes for the New Year.

Since I can’t be in two places at once that night, I will miss the biggest get together with the VERY best entertainment from 3 bands and a champagne Toast at Midnite. “Even Keel” will be joined by “Gabrielle Gore and Silent Thunder” and “Ozark Mountain Pan Groove”. It will take place at JKC Cellars in Barling, Arkansas. It is easy to find about 6 miles on East Zero at Chaffee Crossing. There will be a dinner from See’s Seafood, a toast at Midnite and all the party favors. Watch the Poteau Daily News and the Oklahoma Welcome e-paper for more info next week.

Other New Year’s Eve(31st) Parties and dances will be at- Muldrow City Limits. “Page One”, an awesome Country dance band, will provide the music. It will be a fun nite. Then, at the Cavanaugh Senior Activity Center,
“Backroads” will play for the dancers with Auld Lang Syne at Midnight. The Dance will start at 8 pm. Door Prizes, Blackeyed peas and cornbread with all the party favors are provided. Asking for sweets and finger foods brought to the party, so bring your best. “Grannie’s Nightmare” will be Rockin’ in the New Year at Dawn’s Diner and dance hall. Music will start at 8 and ring in 2023 at Midnite! More details next Tuesday.

So, here is my Merry Christmas to all. Have a safe and Happy Weekend. Thanks to all my readers. For more info contact me at 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com.