As followers of Christ, how are we preparing for Christmas? Like many people, we may decorate a tree, go shopping, wrap presents, and enjoy holiday music. But since we are Christians, we might also make it a point to set out one or more nativity scenes, listen to hymns and carols, and read the Christmas story as found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.

— We would like to thank everyone for the prayers and support during this unbelievable time in our family The cards, visits, beautiful flowers, and delicious meals are deeply appreciated. The presence of friends, acquaintances, andlovedonesfromfarand wide overwhelmed us with gratitude. This is a special town, and we are thankful to be part of it. The Walter Beams Family

Families and individuals who completed applications for the Albany Ministerial AllianceChristmas Program should return to services this Sunday to pick up their gifts for the 2023 holiday season. The Alliance is transitioning from the traditional food basket given in years past to a more personal approach, asking that applicants attend services in participating churches the first Sunday in December.

The Albany High School student council willbegoingonahayride Sunday evening to sing Christmas carols and collection donations for the Albany Chest. Dubbed Caroling for Change, the service project is designed to benefit the community and have some fun along the way.

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church is gearing up for its 15th annual Christmas Feast on Monday, Dec. 25.

Albany students have an unscheduled holiday Thursday (today) to attend the UIL State Football Championship Game time issetfor11:00a.m.atAT&T Stadium in Arlington. The Albany Lions will play a rematch of last year’s championship game against Mart, with the Lions bringing home the state title in 2022.

The Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association is gearing up for next month’s county livestock show after a couple of false starts. Association president BroncoAskew said a meeting to discuss scheduling a workday at the show barn has been scheduled for Tuesday, Dec.

ShackelfordCounty4-H memberswillconducttheir final community service project of 2023 on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Most county offices to be closed Thursday Shackelford County judge John Viertel reported to county commissioners at their meeting on Monday, Dec. 11 that the Courthouse’s elevator, which has been inoperable for several weeks, is still not working after a return visit from a technician with A Home Elevator on Nov.

$ TheAlbanyChestisstill wellshortofitsfundraising goal of $45,000 for the 2023 campaign. Thecampaignhasraised $27,725 as of Tuesday, Dec.