Stories of goodwill, faith and family abound this time of year

The shared sentiment of those both giving and receiving at this year’s Hamilton County Food Pantry holiday distribution event was like a gift in itself. Despite economic struggles and challenging life circumstances, the recipients shared joy that they live in a place where friends and neighbors take care of each other, reflecting the true meaning of the season.
Hoping to share that same sentiment, this week’s edition of the News-Register offers a special gift in the form of a giant Christmas card to the community, from the community. It’s the largest edition of the year, by far, including holiday greetings from your friends and neighbors of all ages, as well as local businesses.
This year we invited area youth to share their random thoughts on light-hearted notions involving questions they would like to ask Santa if they could speak to the big guy, personally, as well as suggestions for their favorite holiday feast. It’s a fun read sure to bring a smile, which is precisely the point. Fitting the season, we also caught up with local residents who celebrate this time of year in their own festive ways with quality time together, connecting friends and family through rhyme and verse via holiday poetry, and more.
There is a common theme for all these holiday stories, of course, and that is faith and family. We hope all of you are able to gather with and celebrate the joy of family this holiday season, which in and of itself is a precious gift not to be taken for granted.
It’s been an emotionally-challenging year on many fronts, truth be told.  Our prayer for good health and happy families this Christmas tops the wish list for our community, state, nation and world.
We pray too that all can celebrate the reason for the season. Christmas is a time of God showing His great love for us. It is a time of healing and renewed strength, celebrated by people across faiths, a time that embodies the spirit of giving and affection that carries us throughout the year. 
The greatest gift of all gives us eternal hope this year, and always.
Merry Christmas, from the News-Register family, to yours.
Kurt Johnson