“For unto us a child is born,” said Greg Mathis opening the Dexter Christmas Reading. “Unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulders and his name shall be called wonderful, councilor, the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”
Mathis said recently that the Christmas season began in Dexter with the Christmas Reading. The Nativity Scene along with the carols and Christmas Reading itself gave the feeling that the Christmas season was indeed here.
Mathis then led the opening prayer as approximately 400 people looked on, some sitting on hay bails around fire pits.
Before Mathis walked to the podium to start the annual reading, the Crowley Ridge Mennonite Choir and Christmas Carols and Gospel Music. Those attending the event enjoyed apple cider, hot cocoa and Mrs Menley’s cookies while listening to the music.
“Good evening, peace be with you,” said Mathis following the prayer. “We want to welcome you to our 15th Christmas Reading.”
Mathis told the crowd that the first reading was held December 5, 2009. He said Jim Hall was the reader for the first event with 50 people attending. Mathis said of the 50 attending the first event five, have attended all 15 readings. They are Jim and Yvonne Hall, Donna West, Terry Holder and Corey Mouser.
“I think that is pretty neat and I certainly appreciate them being here,” said Mathis. “We do know that all of you have something else you could be doing tonight. We hope this is something special for you and you look forward to it every year,”
“This is really a special thing for Stoddard County, a special thing for Southeast Missouri,” Mathis continued. “We have people that come from all over to be with us.”
Mathis then introduced the reader saying he had only two requirements for the reader. He said they cannot be a pastor or politician.
Mathis said the reader was a 17 year old senior at Dexter High School. He said she is involved in Kicking Cats, BETA Club, Cadet Teaching and a member of the National Honor Society. Mathis said she really caught his attention with her performances in the high school musicals Frozen, Shrek, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin in the last four years. Mathis said she is also very active in her church group at Liberty Hills General Baptist Church.
Mathis then introduced the reader, Emma Kate Worley, the daughter of Ben and Belinda Worley. Worley stepped to the mic and read the story of the birth of Jesus Christ as told in the second chapter of the Book of Luke.
After Worley finished the reading Mathis stepped back to the mic and thanked everyone for attending. The evening was continued with the Crowley Ridge Mennonite Choir performing again with all in attendance singing Silent Night together. The choir then performed additional songs to conclude the evening.