Weather forced the 14th annual Dexter Christmas Reading indoors at Mathis Funeral Home. Because of this the new outdoor Nativity Scene could not be shown, the hundreds of people in attendance could not gather around fire pits and sit on bails of hay. But the event still focused on the true meaning of Christmas.
“For unto us a child is born. Jesus loves the children, all the children of the world,” event founder/organizer Greg Mathis quoted from scripture. “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them. For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Children are the heritage from the Lord.”
Mathis said the theme for the evening was children as he welcomed everyone to the event.
The event featured a living Nativity Scene with all parts except Mary and Joseph portrayed by children. The children portrayed the Angel, Wise Men, Shepherds and Baby Jesus.
The theme continued as Mathis introduced the guest reader. The identity of the guest reader is always a closely guarded secret until he or she is introduced by Mathis the night of the reading. This year’s guest reader was Greg Mathis’ granddaughter, 10-year-old Harper Mathis.
Mathis said Harper was first at the podium on December 1, 2012 at the age of six weeks old. Her grandfather Bod Coffey was the guest reader and she was held by her grandmother Lisa Mathis wrapped in a blanket as her father Aaron lead the closing prayer.
Harper returned to the podium Saturday evening and read the story of Christmas, the story of Christ’s birth from the Book of Luke.
“May the Lord add his blessing to this wonderful Christmas reading,” concluded Harper. “And may each of you be blessed all through this Christmas season and all throughout the year.”
“Christmas is about children,” said Greg Mathis back at the podium. “The excitement that leads up to the birth of a child, the Christ child.”
“The excitement children unleash before Christmas in the days leading up to that day.,” continued Mathis. “Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord.”
Eathan Stutzman with the Crowley Ridge Mennonites, lead the closing prayer. The Crowley Ridge Mennonite Choir sang Christmas Carols before, during and after the event. Those in attendance were able to enjoy hot cider and Mrs. Menley’s homemade cookies.
“We hope that at some point during this Christmas season, whether it is with your family or a quiet moment by yourself drinking a cup of coffee that you take a few moment s to think about the true meaning of Christmas,” Mathis said.