All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).” Matthew 1:22-23 NIV

By Arnold Krusemark Christmas Day is fast approaching. In past columns we’ve discussed some Christmas Day dinners and events. Back when we usually got together with area family and had a good time. As the families grew the table settings also did. Then the kids grew up and departed. Also departing were friends and relatives who passed on.

By John Stenen The other day I stopped in front of one of those drop boxes for children to drop off their letters to Santa. Those letters are often cute and humorous, but it made me think of the hundreds of millions of children that have faith in Santa Claus, and with a sincere heart they are asking him for what their hearts desire. Our Churches which do preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ are closing in record numbers because families have quit going to Church. It is reported that during WWll, eighty-five percent of America’s children were in Sunday School; today, that number is down to two or three percent. We have an entire generation of children that know very little or nothing about God’s love for them; and what it takes to know God - and eventually spend eternity with Him. How grieved God must be over this. The Christmas Season used to focus on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, and why He came to earth: to seek and to save those that are lost. Materialism has almost completely taken over Christmas, as the almighty dollar is chased, and the evidence and purpose of Christ is lost in all the hustle and bustle. Are you walking with the Lord Jesus? Are your children saved and washed in the blood of the Lamb? One of the saddest verses I have ever read in the Bible is found in John 5:40. -Jesus said, “You would not come unto Me that you might have life.” This Christmas Season, give God a wonderful gift, give Him your life. God bless, and Merry Christmas!

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, Slayton, MN. Pastor Chad Duffy.

Media Contact: Susanne Hinrichs, Extension educator, susanneh@umn.edu, 218-8282274. ST.

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Minnesota State University, Mankato awarded 2,016 degrees to 1,696 students at the end of the fall 2024 semester, with approximately 700 students planning to participate in commencement ceremonies scheduled for 9 a.m. and noon Saturday, Dec. 14 in Taylor Center’s Bresnan Arena on the Minnesota State Mankato campus.

Conservation practices are increasing across Minnesota to protect the land and waters, and those leading the efforts on their land were recognized recently at the state level. In December, Jeb Malone was honored as outstanding conservationist at the annual meeting of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD).

Question: Hello, I am looking at getting my kids an e-scooter for Christmas. I was just curious before making the purchase what are the laws and rules for these things.

Please, do not request that your name be left off the District Court List. District Court MN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Russell John Felt, Waconia, MN, Failure to register deer - $185.