2021 Faith Today by The Sumter Item

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

2021 FAITH TODAY

Faith Today

C2-Text your season’s greetings this season

C5-Bring old traditions new life

C3-5 holiday travel tips for pet parents

C6-Must-haves for holiday baking and entertaining

C4-Fun facts about Three Kings Day

Plus: Commentary from local pastors

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

2021 FAITH TODAY

THE SUMTER ITEM

Texting your season’s greetings and gratitude this holiday season

(StatePoint) When it comes to season’s greetings and giving thanks, sending a traditional letter or holiday card doesn’t have to be the only way to do it. In fact, you can show you care just as impactfully by sending a simple text. New research from The Journal of Positive Psychology shows that expressing gratitude via text message is nearly as impactful as a face-

to-face thank you. Sending a text might be even more effective for expressing your appreciation when you feel embarrassed or awkward about thanking someone in person. Also, research shows that sending that simple text message can help us feel more connected to loved ones and boost feelings of well-being. Recent data from T-Mobile suggests many of us may already be performing acts

of smartphone kindness. As more people turn to texts for the holidays, T-Mobile found a 20% increase in texting during the Christmas holiday and a 5% increase at New Year’s. Expectations are that those numbers will only increase this year. If sending holiday notes via snail mail sounds daunting, don’t let pen and paper stand in your way of making someone else, and yourself feel ap-

preciated. Your best recipe for holiday success could simply be to send a thank you text. However, if you are someone who prefers something more tactile than a text, you can still use your smartphone to send season’s greetings and gratitude with a handwritten note via services like Handwrytten and Postable. Simply type your message and the receiver’s address, and the apps will generate a handwritten letter or holiday card and take care of mailing it for you. And if you’re ever unsure of when it’s appropriate to communicate over text, digital etiquette expert Elaine Swann’s advice can steer you in the right direction: When sharing logistics: For information, like addresses or event arrival and departure

can reach, Christmas music starting in October, the aroma of pine in the store, nostalgic Christmas movies, office parties, gift swaps, ornaments and bows and desserts and cards with family pics. Make your own list of “special things we do” around Christmas. We at least get this one thing right: this season deserves some special wonder! You likely still have your favorite Christmas memories and traditions from childhood. We go to extraordinary lengths to create wonder from mid-November right up to Dec. 25. We’ve even created special stories so our kids have their curiosity peaked: a snowman who came to life because of a magician’s hat, a girl on 34th Street who gets a family after all and even that heavy-set man who can deliver presents to 7 billion people around the world over the course of 24

hours! All of that is done in an attempt to recapture the awe. I’m a firm believer that wonder is one of God’s ingenious gifts to us. To step back openmouthed, awe-struck and speechless is a treasure that has no price tag. One of my favorite sermon series, whose theme we repeat every couple years, is one that we at Christ Community Church are in right now. We simply call it wonder. We do all we can to step back and consider the intricacies, the impossibilities and even the absurdities of how special God has made our world. And we love it! Don’t believe me? Just do a Google image search for “hubble space telescope images” or “intricacies of creation.” Then pause to consider that every atom that composes every galaxy of every solar system that you are looking at was

created by the spoken word of Jesus, and it holds together beautifully by His power as well! Colossians 1:16-17 said it this way, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” It’s extraordinary! We were designed to wonder, to be blown away, to just enjoy being breath-taken and speechless. It’s why you like getting up early and seeing a sunrise in that special spot. Christmas, among other things, should cause us to ponder and be amazed. But living snowmen and reindeer-pulled deliveries don’t make us reflect in stunning wonder. But thankfully, the Christmas story needs no help to inspire wonder.

details, texting is the easiest and most accurate way to receive the information needed, especially for guests coming into town for the holidays. When asking for requests and favors: Sending a simple request, such as asking a loved one to pick up a forgotten item for Christmas dinner, is an acceptable thing to do. When you can’t talk: Sending a text message letting the person know you’ll return their call when you have a free moment is perfectly acceptable. With these tools in your back pocket, you won’t have to hesitate before using your smartphone to spread cheer to loved ones near and far this holiday season.

The real awe is that God compressed Himself into the flesh of a vulnerable baby boy, born to unprivileged parents, under a cruel regime, in the most unsanitary of environments, all with an impending cross looming on the near horizon. And all of that was by design! Why in the world would God do it this way? I’ve tried to fathom it – it’s just too difficult. Go ahead and enjoy the snowman story this year. Have fun with presents and tinsel and delicious desserts. But remember, we have robbed ourselves of one of Christmas’ greatest treasures if we don’t ponder anew what God Himself has done in the incarnation. This spectacular story of how God interacts with us is stunning! Do yourself a favor and get lost in it. Recapture the wonder!

What happened to the wonder?

BY PASTOR MARK YODER Author of Garden to Garden

Next time you’re out shopping or just driving around, consider all the things we do this time of year to simply recapture wonder. Fake icicles hanging off the eaves, countless lights of all colors (or just white) hung as high as we

Mayesville Reformed Presbyterian Church 109 W. Sumter St., Mayesville, SC www.mayesvillearpc.org (803) 453-5759 Brian C. Peake, Pastor

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and Since 1986, Thompson has provided construction in safety, industrial services with the highest standards We now quality and integrity for a variety of industries. plus serve the United States with over 20 locations, family mobile operations across the globe. Our growing Sumter will of companies has come a long way, but www.thompsonsoutheast.com always be our home. SC 29150 800-849-8040 | 100 North Main Street, Sumter,

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We regret that, due to the continuing pandemic, our annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will not be offered to the community this year. We look forward to once again presenting this service next year.

can’t stop us

A guide to Sumter’s arts and culture, outdoor recreation and new restaurants adapting to the pandemic

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and no matter Thompson started in Sumter as a family business employees to feel like how much we grow, we always want our our core values family. Throughout all the Thompson companies, being our number are safety, quality and integrity, with safety always forward-thinking one priority. We take care of our people through exceptional benefits, safety programs, leadership development, is a special really Thompson advancement. training and career team (our clients too) place to work, and anyone who is a part of our who we are. will experience the core values that make us

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2021 FAITH TODAY

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King of the Jews

BY PASTOR RON DAVIS Administrator, Sumter Christian School Jesus is the King of kings. When He came to Earth on that first Christmas day, He did not come to set up His kingdom then. The Jews knew of the prophecies that spoke of their Messiah coming to rule, but they had overlooked the prophecies that spoke of the suffering Servant being their reigning Messiah (see Isaiah 53). The wise men knew that Jesus was the King of the Jews, but they obviously did not know that Jesus was not coming to set up His kingdom on His first advent to Earth. The wise men came to Jerusalem, “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2) Herod the king was troubled when he heard this from the wise men, for he thought his kingdom was in jeopardy. He lied to the wise men and told them that he wanted to go worship this new king also (Matthew 2:8). God warned Joseph and Mary in a dream of Herod’s intentions, and the angel told them to go to Egypt until further notice. Satan wanted to destroy God’s plan of salvation and the Savior that God had sent into the world. Satan was working through Herod the king in his attempt to stop God’s plan,

but Satan failed in his attempt to destroy the Christ child. Jesus acknowledged that He is the King. Matthew 27:11 records, “And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.” The world rejected Jesus and showed their distain for Him by mocking and ridiculing Him. “And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!” (Matthew 27:29) The banner hanging over Him as He hung on the cross, though intended to be in mockery, was accurate. “And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (Matthew 27:37) Their decision to reject Him as their King did not change the fact that He is the King above all kings. Every kingdom consists of two groups: the king and the subjects to the king. The more important question is not “is Jesus the King?” Scripture confirms that He is! The more important question is “are you submissive and obedient to the King?” Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) The Christmas story reminds us that when Jesus was born, He came into this world lowly and humbly.

He came as the Savior (the very meaning of the name Jesus). He willingly gave up His life to die in our place and for our sins so we would not have to suffer the consequence of sin, which is eternal separation from God in hell. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) Revelation 11:15 gives us insight into the future coming of Jesus, when He will come as King of kings and Lord of lords. “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Jesus is coming again, and those who have received Him as Savior, Lord, and King will enjoy the bountiful benefits of being in His eternal kingdom. Those who have rejected Him will be tormented for all eternity with no possibility of escape. Is Jesus sitting on the throne of your heart today as the King of your life? He is indeed the King of kings. Are you submissive to King Jesus?

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

5 holiday travel tips

for pet parents (StatePoint) Traveling with pets over the holidays? Whether you’re taking to the skies or the highways and byways, bringing furry friends along for the ride can sometimes be stressful for pets and people alike. Consider these tips to make the journey easier on everyone: 1. Pack right: Be sure to pack more than enough food and medication for your pet for the duration of your scheduled travels and beyond. You’ll want to make sure that your pet is all set should unforeseen circumstances arise, such as weather-related travel delays. You should also bring with you a water supply for your pet, bowls for food and water, a leash, carrier, a veterinary first aid kit, and of course, your pet’s favorite toys. And if you’re traveling somewhere cold and snowy, pack dog boots to protect paws from snow, ice and salt. 2. Support smooth sailing: Many dogs find travel particularly stressful. However, you can help support balanced behavior while on the road this season by giving your dog SurityPro Calm Soft Chews, a smoky bacon-flavored CBD soft chew for dogs. Formulated to support your dog’s ability to cope with everyday stress, these chews can also be useful for those pet parents who are staying home during the holidays and expecting to entertain frequent guests. From Canopy Growth, the industry leader in CBD science for pets, SurityPro offers an easy way to give just the right amount of CBD to your dog. The brand partners with veterinarians, scientists and leading academic institutions to create chews and drops that support dogs’ joint health and flexibility, healthy aging -- including cognitive function and eye health -- and products that enhance their physical and men-

tal well-being. For more information and directions for use, visit www.SurityPro.com. 3. Be prepared: Losing a pet is every pet parent’s worst nightmare, particularly when you are in an unfamiliar location. Microchipping however, can help unintentionally separated pets and families reunite safely and happily. This is especially important for jet set pets who are often far from home. 4. Play by the rules: Understand the state-by-state rules for driving with your pet. For example, a handful of states require that dogs be harnessed in the car with a dog seatbelt. Wherever your travels take you, driving with pets harnessed or in a crate is safer for both you and pets. Pets should never distract the driver or sit in the front seat where the impact of the airbag could hurt your pet if deployed. 5. Fly smart: Flying? Your pet should be in good health before taking to the skies. If you’re unsure if your pet is fit for air travel, consult your veterinarian. You should also be aware that some airlines have banned particular breeds from flying due to breathing issues caused by the length of their snout. Know the rules and recommendations before booking your flight. With some smart travel strategies, you can help ensure the merriest season of the year stays happy and healthy for you and your pet.

Come enjoy a short candle-lighting celebration of the birth of Christ!

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2021 FAITH TODAY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

THE SUMTER ITEM

Fun facts about THREE KINGS DAY T

he holiday season begins with Thanksgiving, and many people believe that the festivities come to a close after ringing in the new year. In fact, for the faithful, the Christmas season does not end until Jan. 6 (Jan.12 in Eastern churches). Jan.6 marks the celebration of the Epiphany, sometimes referred to as Three Kings Day, Little Christmas, the Baptism of Jesus and Día de los Reyes. The Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Dec. 25. In fact, that is where the phrase the 12 Days of Christmas, and the song of the same name, originated. Christians believe that the real celebration of the holiday season does not begin until Dec. 24 and then continues through Three Kings Day. While the four weeks preceding Christmas, also

known as Advent, are supposed to be times of reflection and prayer in anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, the 12 days of Christmas are times of great celebration. On the Epiphany, children may leave their shoes out for presents in a similar fashion to the way stockings are hung. Gifts are exchanged, reminiscent of the three gifts the magi presented to the Christ child of gold, frankincense oil and a resin called myrrh. The gold represented Christ’s royal standing. The frankincense marked Christ’s divine birth. Finally, the myrrh stood for Christ’s mortality. Many celebrants will bake ring-shaped cakes in which they will hide plastic baby figurines that are meant to symbolize Jesus Christ. The cake is called The Kings Ring, or Rosca de Reyes.

In Latin America, the three magi are more prominent figures than Santa Claus and are greatly revered by children and adults alike. Until the 19th century, the Epiphany may have been considered more important than Christmas day. However, those tides have largely shifted outside of Latin America and areas dominated by large populations of people who have Latin American heritage. Christmas and New Year’s garner considerable attention during holiday celebrations, but Three Kings Day also is an important date on the calendar for faithful Christians.

Aldersgate United Methodist Church “And His Heart Grew Three Sizes” Sermon Series Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 AM (In Person or Live on Facebook) Week 1: “When Everything is Wrong” Week 2: “When Christmas Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas” Week 3: Lessons and Carols Week 4: Sing with Joy

Weekly Bible Study Tuesday’s Via Zoom at 7PM and Wednesday’s at 10AM In Person “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Drive In Movie and Tree Lighting –December 4th at 6 PM Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy hot cocoa and fresh popcorn

The Longest Night Service December 21st at 6 PM

This service is for people who struggle with the holiday season. Grief, loneliness, and worries consume much of our energy. In this service, we move toward hope that seems hard to believe, peace that is beyond our understanding, joy that abides even during difficult times, and love that is greater than anything that keeps us from seeing the real meaning of Christmas. In addition to hearing the good news of Christmas, you may light candles, be anointed, and receive Holy Communion Christmas Eve Services Outdoors at 4 PM Holy Communion/Family Friendly

In the Sanctuary at 6 PM Candle light and Holy Communion Aldersgate United Methodist Church 211 Alice Drive Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 775-1602 www.aldersgatesumter.org

2021 FAITH TODAY

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

Fudge Kringle” is a riff on the traditional pastry. Featuring scratch-made premium dark chocolate filling, frosted in chocolate icing and garnished with Christmas nonpareils, it was inspired by O&H customers’ favorite holiday cake, “Ohhhh Fudge! Layer Cake,” the name of which comes from the movie, “A Christmas Story.” To place your Kringle order for the holidays, visit ohdanishbakery.com.

Decorating the tree

How to bring new life to classic holiday traditions

(StatePoint) Bringing new life to classic holiday traditions starts with understanding the origins of how these traditions came to be. The Olesen family of O&H Danish Bakery knows how important it is to share such stories. The family-owned and operated bakery is offering fun facts and inspiration for celebrating classic Christmas traditions. And because some of these particular traditions are Danish, you’ll also be embracing “hygge.” Pronounced “hoo-ga,” this Nordic concept is all about creating a cozy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life.

Something sweet

Forty-four percent of people in a survey commissioned by O&H Danish Bakery and conducted by SWNS Media Group and OnePoll say the holiday spirit wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t have their traditional holiday dessert. For many families, that dessert is Kringle. Approximately 43% of respondents in the same survey enjoy this treat – which is made of 36 layers of butter and pastry - on Christmas Day. While Kringle is a traditional Danish delicacy, it’s actually savored worldwide. O&H Kringle has been shipped to more than 100 countries and has made landfall in all seven continents - including Antarctica!

“The holiday season is the most magical time of year for our family. It’s such a privilege to spread cheer and be a part of family traditions across the country. As a family-owned business started by my great-grandfather, an immigrant from Denmark, traditions rooted in our heritage mean so much to us, and we pass down their origin stories to each generation,” said Eric Olesen, the third-generation co-owner of the Racine, Wisconsin-based bakery. When it comes to traditions, the bakery remains steadfast in unveiling a new holiday flavor every December, its busiest season, making more than 7,000 Kringle every day. This year’s “Christmas

As you select your tree and decorate it with treasured ornaments, consider this tradition’s long and storied history. Did you know that bringing trees into one’s home during winter is a centuries-old tradition? The custom’s exact origins are debatable - with some historians believing the ancient Egyptians first adopted the practice and others attributing its invention to pagan Europeans. However, the modern Christmas tree, much like we know it today, became a widespread practice throughout Europe beginning in the 16th century.

Fun food traditions

As a family-owned food business, it’s no surprise that the Olesen family has a few of their own delicious holiday traditions. After dinner on Christmas Eve, they serve Risalamande, a Danish rice pudding dessert typically containing a whole almond. Serving as a fun Christmas-lottery, the one who finds the almond wins a small present. The bakers at O&H even created a Kringle, called A Very Danish Christmas Kringle, in honor of this dessert! Christmas morning, the family prepares Aebleskiver, which are Danish pancake balls commonly served with such toppings as lingenberries, powdered sugar and fruit preserves. O&H offers the pre-made mix and even the specialty pans for this purpose to those who want to try this at home. Visit their site for more information. This holiday season, embrace holiday traditions. At the same time, don’t be afraid to put new twists on these classics - whether it’s livening up family recipes or buying new ornaments for your tree.

Did you

KNOW?

Lights on a Christmas tree may seem like a relatively recent phenomenon, but people who can’t wait to deck the halls each December may be surprised to learn that this beloved tradition dates all the way back to the late nineteenth century. Edward Johnson, a friend and colleague of Thomas Edison, introduced holiday light bulbs in 1882. Prior to that, candles were lit on trees and families would briefly gaze at this awe-inspiring bit of holiday decor before the candles were quickly extinguished. Johnson is credited with being the first to suggest light bulbs, which were invented by his friend Edison, be used to light trees in place of candles. While many were impressed by Johnson’s eight-bulb holiday display, it remained a novelty until the 1920s, when preassembled lights became more accessible. Since then, Christmas tree lights have taken hold as a must-have piece of holiday decor in households across the globe.

God’s Salvation Plan

Hear the gospel/good news (Rom. 10:17) Repentance/change (Lk. 13:3, 5) Confession of belief in Christ (Rom. 10:9) Baptism/immersion for remission of sins (Ac. 2:38, 1 Pet 3:21) Life of faithfulness to Christ (2 Pet. 1:5-10)

We pray our visitors will be blessed and continue to seek and forever draw closer to Christ. He is the one and only Savior.

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Peru Trinidad Guatemala Middle East Asia Mission

Honduras

Philippines

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U.S. Stateside Missions Supported: Radio Ministry; Texas

SC Missions Supported:

USC, Columbia, SC Sumter Pregnancy Center, Sumter SC Southeastern Children’s Home, Duncan SC

New Neighbors, Sumter SC House to House / Heart to Heart, Sumter SC Palmetto Bible Camp, Marietta SC

Plaza is a Christ Centered Family We see ourselves as a people who have been bought with the blood of Christ and placed by Him in Plaza congregation. We exist as a congregation for three reasons. First, we are to reach out into our community and invite others to be in a relationship with Christ. Second, we are to worship our God who is worthy of love and commitment. In doing this we build each other (Christ’s disciples) up in the holy faith. Third, we also exist to express Christ’s benevolence toward those who have various needs. We are an undenominational fellowship with no earthly headquarters. Christ said, “He would build His church” (Mt. 16:18). He did that in the first century and we believe that same church continues to exist. In Romans 16:16 we find the phrase, “churches of Christ” and this is where we get our name.

Welcome Neighbors

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

2021 FAITH TODAY

THE SUMTER ITEM

The benefits of the more abundant life

BY PASTOR JAMES BLASSINGAME Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church In John 10:10 we read, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” God is the creator for life. He is the source and author of life. Wherever life is found, God is the source of it. Life of angels and humans, plants and animals. Life and soul is given by God. God not only gives life, He sustains life. He upholds, supports and keeps life in the vast universe. In speaking of God to the men of Athens, Paul said in Acts

17:24-25, “God that made the world and the things therein, seeing that He is the Lord of Heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands, neither is worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needs anything, seeing He giveth to all life, and breathe and all things.” As you read this today, I assure you that we are not here because we have a good family doctor or a good cardiologist or a good specialist or even if we have been taking our vitamins, eating healthy, and exercising daily. All these things can be good for us. But we are here today because God has kept us. He keeps our hearts beating. He keeps the blood running warm in our veins. God woke us up this morning and started us on our way. We are kept by an all wise almighty loving God. He gives us the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and all the necessities of life. Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” I want to ask you a few questions today. How do you feel about your life? How do you feel about how things are going in your life? On a scale of 1 to 10, how do you rate

your satisfaction with your life? Are you very pleased, satisfied, displeased or very displeased? Are you praying and hoping that things will get better? Remember the Lord Jesus can help us with all of life’s situation. He can help us with our lives spiritually, physically, mentally and financially. He can help us at home, at work, in the community and in the church. The hymn writer made a powerful suggestion: “Ask the Savior to help you, comfort, strengthen, and keep you, He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through.” The Lord Jesus can carry us through trials, sickness, bereavement, disappointments and the setbacks of life! Jesus is the heart fixer, mind regulator and burden bearer. He is the problem solver, mighty healer and great provider. He is the unfailing protector wonderful deliverer, and our greatest friend. John 10:10 is interesting, informative and thought provoking. “The thief cometh not but to steal, and to kill and to destroy. I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” As we consider the context of the scripture, the Lord made a great difference in the lives of many persons and families.

At the wedding in Cana in Galilee, He turned water into wine. At Jacob’s well in Sychar, Samaria, He saved and blessed a woman with a sinful troubled life. At the pool of Bethesda, He healed a man that had been suffering for 38 years. On the mountainside, the Lord Jesus fed a hungry multitude with five barley loaves and two fishes. Five thousand men were fed not counting women and children. He had given sight to a man who had been changed by the Son of the Living God. You may raise a question, what is the more abundant life? The more abundant life is a life in Christ. One must be born again to enjoy the more abundant life. Abundant life is the spirit life God gives us through Jesus Christ our Lord. What are the benefits of the more abundant life? The first benefit is a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We have the right relationship with God because of our faith in Jesus Christ. Our souls are saved, and sins are forgiven, and our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Because we have been washed by the shed blood of Jesus, we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. We have a quality of life which

consists of joy, peace and victory. The second benefit of the more abundant life is divine companionship with the Lord. We have the promise by the Lord Jesus. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Often His resurrection Jesus declared, “Lo, I am with you always, even into the end of the world.” A third benefit of the more abundant life is our prayers will be answered. Jesus said in John 15:7, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. I thank God for the abundant life we have today. But the Bible reveals that the best is yet to come. John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be trouble; ye believe in God, believe in me.” In my father’s house are many mansions, if it were not no, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you into myself, that where I am, ye may be also.” There is a better place, a heavenly place, for those who trust in the Lord. It is a place where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no pain and no death. It’s a place of joy and peace, worship and praise.

Must-haves for holiday baking & entertaining (StatePoint) Whether you’re a beginning baker or an experienced entertainer, having the right tools can make the process of holiday party prep faster, easier, more festive – and ensure you can achieve expert-level results. Here are a few musthaves to add to your holiday shopping list. • Spatulas that make you smile. From cookie batters to mashed potatoes, everyone needs a quality spatula to whip up their favorite holiday dishes. And now you can have both fun and function with Tovolo Spatulart Spatulas featuring double-sided holiday designs and puns. With a nylon core, these high-quality spatulas provide strength for the heaviest mixing jobs, silicone edges that remain flexible for easy scraping, and an FSC-certified wood handle. They’re the perfect environmentally conscious way to add a tremendous tool with a touch of whimsy to the kitchen roster. • Mix without the mess. A quality set of mixing bowls is a must for any baking, cooking, prep or storage. While there are many types of bowl sets, stainless steel is ideal for its durability and lightweight design. Choose a set that offers nesting, for easy and efficient cupboard storage; lids to keep foods fresh; deep sides to avoid messes; and a rolled lip for easy pouring. • Basics for Better Baking. Move over parchment paper—serious bakers know the key to perfect baked goods is a quality baking mat. In addition to insulating your pan for even

cooking and baking, baking mats protect your pans from baked-on food and grime and prevent sticking, without any paper waste. Additionally, they can double as a work surface featuring grid lines for cookie sizing and spacing, while also offering easy clean-up—just drop them in the dishwasher. • Classy containers for clean up. Speaking of cleanup, disinfecting wipes have become a staple in most kitchens. Luckily, you can now store your wipes in style with Spectrum Decorative Disinfecting Wipe Containers. Available in four fashionable finishes to fit in with any décor, the rust-resistant containers fit 35- to 75-80-count wipes packages and feature a push-button lid and non-slip bottom for easy one-handed access. • Shape up your cocktails. Once your food menu is set, don’t forget the beverages. Create memorable cocktails and mocktails everyone will be talking about with uniquely shaped craft ice. Tovolo offers a variety of craft ice molds— from spheres and sports balls to novelty and holiday shapes. Requiring minimal prep, the easy-to-use molds stack in your freezer to save space and will make you look like a master mixologist. Having the right tools makes all the difference when you’re whipping up culinary creations. Be sure to equip yourself right for a season of easy and festive holiday prep.

Tips to keep your tree fresh this holiday season Christmas trees are often the pièce de résistance of holiday decor. Few things draw the attention of holiday guests quite like an awe-inspiring Christmas tree, especially when that tree maintains its fresh, healthy sheen throughout December. Many families purchase fresh trees over Thanksgiving weekend or during the first weekend of December.

Though the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day may seem like a long time to keep a tree looking great, there are a handful of ways for holiday celebrants to help their trees maintain that undeniable appeal for the long haul. • Pick the right tree. Choosing the right tree is one of the simplest ways to keep a tree looking good throughout

the holiday season. A freshly cut tree that buyers choose and cut down themselves or have cut down can reassure them that the tree is likely to stay strong throughout December. Trees purchased from a tree lot may have been cut down long before they made it to the lot, which can make it harder to keep them looking good until Christmas Day. • Cut an inch off the base of any tree that is not freshly cut. MSU Extension at Michigan State University notes that all Christmas trees are conifers, which means they have resin canals in their trunks. Once a tree is cut, the resin can block the pores and make it harder for the tree to take in water. Cutting an inch off the base of a tree that was not freshly cut just before putting it in the stand can help ensure it gets the water it needs to stay healthy and firm. MSU Extension notes that this approach should be taken with any tree that was not cut within six to eight hours of being put in a stand. • Replenish the water supply every day. Fresh tree veterans recognize that Christmas trees can be very thirsty, especially within the first week or so of being cut and brought home. Fill the stand with water each morning and, if necessary, refill it each night before going to bed. The more water a tree gets and drinks, the more likely it is that the tree will look healthy all the way to Christmas Day. MSU Extension notes that many decorative or antique tree stands do not hold much water, so anyone with such a stand may need to replenish the water supply more than once or twice per day. • Keep the tree away from a heat source. For safety’s sake, trees should be kept away from heating vents, fireplaces and space heaters. But keeping trees away from such heat sources, and ensuring they are not spending the daytime in direct sunlight, also decreases the chances they will dry out before Christmas Day. A handful of simple strategies can help holiday celebrants keep their Christmas trees looking good throughout the month of December.

2021 FAITH TODAY

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

Decorative holiday symbols add to seasonal celebrations Decorating homes and other spaces is a major component of the holiday season. Holiday decorations often reflect celebrants’ religious beliefs, and the following are some traditional holiday decor symbols for people of various faiths.

Christmas tree

Christian or secular Christmas symbol Few things evoke thoughts of Christmastime quite like a towering evergreen parked front and center in a home’s picture window. Christmas trees are believed to date back to sixteenth century Germany. The custom ultimately arrived in America when the country welcomed an influx of German immigrants. It is widely believed that various non-Christian cultures may have used evergreen plants indoors in celebration of the winter solstice, which suggests Christmas trees may pre-date Christian symbolism.

Menorah

Jewish Chanukah symbol Menorahs are seven-armed candelabras used in Jewish religious worship. To mark the Chanukah celebration, a special ninearmed hanukkiah is displayed for eight days and nights. A candle is lit each day to commemorate the miracle of oil lasting in the rededicated Temple after the Maccabees’ successful uprising against the Syrian Greeks. The menorah typically is placed in a highly visible spot, such as the front window of a home or in a high-traffic living space.

Advent wreath

Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran, among others, Christian symbol The Advent wreath is used by various Christian denominations and draws attention to the weeks preceding Christmas. A new candle is lit on the wreath each Sunday at mass to prepare the faithful to receive the Lord Jesus.

Kinara and Mishumaa Saba

Kwanzaa cultural symbol The Kinara (candle holder) and the Mishumaa Samba (the seven candles) are symbolic of Kwanzaa. The candles and holder represent the Seven Principles, or the minimum set of values by which African people are urged to live.

Baby New Year

Secular symbol Baby New Year is a popular promotional symbol used to commemorate the dawn of a new year. The baby represents rebirth and may be traced back to the ancient Greeks or Egyptians. Historians say the Greeks believed that their god of wine, Dionysus, was reborn on New Year’s Day as the spirit of fertility. While people may not decorate with Baby New Year figurines, they do participate in “First Baby” competitions, which celebrate those infants born in the opening moments of a new year.

Nativity scene

Christian Christmas symbol It’s customary for nativity scenes to be included in Christmas decor schemes. The nativity depicts the birth of Christ and typically includes a

manger, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, various animals, an angel, and the three visiting Magi. The infant Jesus also is included, though some people prefer to wait until the after the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve to place Jesus in the manger. Live nativity scenes also are commonplace around Christmas. Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first live nativity scene in 1223.

First Presbyterian Church Sunday Worship Services—10:30 am to 11:30 am Special Services: • December 12 at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary-- Lessons & Carols—A service of Scripture and song reflecting the lesson’s message • December 13 at 5:30 pm in the Chapel--Service of Comfort and Hope • • December 19 at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary—Nativity Story featuring the children and youth • • December 24 at 5:00 pm in the Sanctuary—Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service—Child Care available • December 26 at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary—Informal Sunday Worship Service

Join us as we celebrate the Season of Advent and Christmas together! The mission of First Presbyterian Church of Sumter is to know Christ and make him known by living faithfully, worshiping joyfully and serving gladly.

9 W. Calhoun St. Sumter, SC, Corner of W. Calhoun & Main

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

2021 FAITH TODAY

THE SUMTER ITEM