2010 christmas greetings

Ritzville Adams County Journal December 23, 2010 Page B-1

First and second grade students in the local school districts were asked to write letters to Santa for inclusion in this week’s issue.

Following are their answers, exactly as they were written.

Benge

Dear Santa,thank you For the Fishing pole.

I wot a remot kontrol car and a box of legos.

Justin

Dear Santa,I will like a Rc jet a Rc

snowmobil a elecktrix bike and Rc car.

Thank youLogan

Dear SantaI want a laptop and a dsi and a

fone.Thank you

from, Emma

Dear Santa,I got wut I wonted. Now I wont

a stuft snowman and I wont a stuft rudof and I wont a new pair of shos and I want a boll.

Naya

Washtucna SchoolDebra Sutton’sFirst and Second Grades

Dear Santa,I would like a pair of

boots. Rhianna would like a La La Loosie.

Love, Alycia

Dear Santa,How is everything at the North

Pole? I would like a Christmas teddy bear this year. My dog would like a chew toy.

Love, Mercedes

Dear Santa,How is your wife and

you? Can you get me an X-box 360 game? And my mom to come back soon.

From, Kaedyn

Dear Santa,How is your reindeer? I would

like a Moxie girl and cats for Mercedes and me.

Love, Rhianna

Dear Santa,How are you? Can you bring

me a Ben 10 toy? Can you bring my dad what he wants?

From, Stephen

Dear Santa,How is Dasher? For Christmas

I want air soft war supplies and the fl ying duck and a remote control race car track. My sister wants a puppy.

From, Jett

Dear Santa,I want a clones set with jet pack

and a Ben 10 book for my cousin Andy.

From, Nate

Dear Santa,How is Rudolph? This year I

want hunting pellets and a pellet rifl e and a real cross bow with real arrows. An X-box 360 and a computer. Jacob would like a lego batman game.

From, John

Dear Santa,How is Dasher? I would like a

Halo Game on Wii and a lego plane and a remote control jeep and for my brother a remote control car and a new bike.

From, Jeffery

Dear Santa,I want a Darth Vadar and two

bad clones. For Ryker I would like a clone.

From, Josh

Dear Santa,I want a lot of Star Wars clones

toys. For Josh a Star Wars clone. I also want Star Wars toys for Zack.

Love, Zack

Lind SchoolDarlene O’Neill’s First Grade

Dear Santa,I would like a puppy, want a

transformer, fl ying bumble bee, pillow dog and a big sled.

Love, Christian Stevenson

Dear Santa,

How do you make toys? I would like a cell phone, I would like a x-box 360, I would like a DS, I would like a Bop It I would like a computer I would like a DSi. I would like a Mp3. I’m a little bit bad but I hop you wil git me presits.

Love, Rylie Spencer

Dear Santa,Do you like the cookies? I will

like a ipod, and a train with table, and legos, and a new wii, and a bopit, and hot wheels.

Love, Wyatt Matthew Kulm

Dear Santa,I love you Santa. I woul like a

color crayon maker, Bop It I phone, cell phone, She Rocks, puppy, DSi, MP3, pocemon, kitten, Pec U boo kitten hous, I pod, laptop.

Love, Alexis Melcher

Dear Santa,I love you Santa. Do you

like my Christmas tree? Will you bring me a x box 360, pokemon x box game, transformers, Bopit, hot whees, puppy dog, MP3, playstation, cat Bigfot, zoobols, toy story 3 wii.

Love Zack Curtis

Dear Santa,I love you Santa. I would like

MP3 and a DS. Do you lik the cokies?

Love, Rylan Hampton

Continued on Page B-2

Student Letters

to Santa!

Page B-2 December 23, 2010 Ritzville Adams County Journal

Continued from Page B-1

Dear Santa,I love you Santa. I would like

x box 360, DSi, psp, I pod touch, Legos, Bopit, hot wheels.

Love, Carson Cox Kelton

Dear Santa,I love you Santa. I would like a

xBox 360, laptop, guitar, Dsi, play Station 3. How do you make toys?

Love, Andrew Miller

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas Santa! I

would like a Bop It, and a guitar, and a go go my walking pet, Dsi, and a Mp3. I am good Santa.

Love, Angel Hernandez

Dear Santa,I love you Santa. I would

like a DS, color crayon maker, kitten, moxie Girl, laptop, Bop it, cell phone, mp3, X Box 360, play station.

Love, Selene Hamer

Dear Santa,Merry Christmas Santa! I

would like DSi, Pink and computer and Moxie Girl.

Love, Melody Beliz

Dear Santa, I love you Santa. I would like

a DS. I would like a go go my walking pet and hot wheels, and Bop it and Barbie DS game.

Love, Sara Neal

Dear Santa, I love you Santa. I would like

Ds and a moxie Girl, and a mp3, and a psp, and she rocks, and Dsi, and a color crayon maker. I saw you at the movie.

Love, Kaylee Monroe

Dear Santa,I love you Santa. I would

like a DSi and a computer. Merry Christmas, Santa.

Love Brenda Hernandez

Dear Santa,I love you Santa, I would like a

crayon maker, a Barbie, DSi, Moxie Girl, Bop It, and X Box 360. Do you like the cookies?

Love, Daniella Oliva

Dear Santa,Merry Christmas, Santa! Would

you bring me a puppy, X Box 360, MP3, DSi, and PS3.

Love Kirsten Dooley

Dear Santa,Merry Chrissmiss! Do you like

my Chrissmiss tree? Would you bring me a X Box 360, Moxie Girl, Bop It, I pood, and a La La Loopsy, laptop, and the movie called the fi re Breather. The dall and casll tangled, DSI, I phone, hot wheels, kitten and puppy, swinkeeys. Have I bein good this year?

From Amy Anderson

Lind SchoolCathey EricksonSecond Grade

Dear Santa,I want a psp. I want a man on

a birtbike that makes noise. I want three cars.

Love, Francisco

Dear Santa,I want a smackdown Ring with

edge and Big show. and a now play stasnans with a wwe game. I wold like the munea in the back and edge Bigshow Jaoncetun Ren mstiteril and Rofe.

Love, Dylan

Dear Santa,I want a shosho pet. I’ve

bene a God Gele. I want close. I want candy. I want barbies. I want book’s. I want a base werd grnl I want a Barbe car. I want Barby stuff. I want coces. I want my grampa. I want a DS. I want a DSi. I want a stufttiger, I want a Bacs of candy cans. I want you. I wan gams for the DS and the DSi. and, i want a pare padc. I wan I am 8.

Love, Sara

Dear Santa,I want a Nintendo DS for

Christmas. I want a wii resort for Christmas with everything that goes with it. I want a lot of bakugan for

Big Bend Electric Cooperative

1373 N Highway 261Ritzville • 659-1700

Danekas Funeral Homeand Crematory

506 S. JacksonRitzville • 659-1600Ritzville • 659-1600

Artwork by Brooke Coons

Artwork by Brynne Nelson

Artwork by Conrad ZeimerChristmas. I would like a lot of sega, genisis games. I would like a bakugan gauntlet for Christmas. I would like a yu-Gi-oh gauntlet for Christmas. I want a bow and arrow for Christmas. I want all these things becouse I’ve been good,

Your young friend, Melvin

Dear Santa,I want a yellow tiger I want

a toy food big doll house and pet shops and a ds and fone and ipod Barbies castle, unicorn, snake, remote-controled mouse dominoe, big school with accessories and people pool princesses and books, toy house, vampire teeth movie puppy shut the box, panda, hat and gloves, animal cookies, stuft animals, frisbee, heart candies, doll babies, a blanket.

Sincerely, Elsa

Dear SantaI want the password Journal

that only opens to my voicue and it Protects the things I write and it has a secret light That Protects my secret thoughts. Santa can I have a pink one because its my favorite color?

Love, Andrea

Dar Santa,I want a White tiger for

Christmas and I want a RC mouse

and I want a RC dog and I want a pet shops and I want a unicorn and I want a Video game and I want a Pair PJs and I want a Pet and I want a zhu zhu pets and I want a new pair of closthes and I want a leopard.

Sincerely, Ava

Dear Santa,I want a Ds for Christmas. I

would like a lizard. I want candy. I would like littlest pet shops. I want a cotton candy maker. I would like a Dariy queen Blizzerd maker. I want a monkey Pillow-Pet. I want BarbIes. I want makup. I want Pembo. I would like a Polly Pocket I am 7 or 8 years old I have green eyes and I love my fat cat. I would like a bulldog.

Love, Kori

Dear Santa,I would like a Big Dog for

Chistmas. I want a baby kitten. I would like to see Santa in person. I would like to have the XL Dsi. I want to have a happy Chistmas day with my frends and family. I want a baby puppy that is yellow mixed with brown. I want a i-Pod for Chistmas.

Sincerely, Pauline7 ageyou are my hero.

Dear Santa,

I am 12. I would like a Dog, a cat, a DS, I would like Bakugan I would like a craynmacker I would like Air Hogs Hawkeye I would like iPob touch.

Love, Mason

Dear Santa,I Would Like to tell you about

me. I Would like a fake shotgun. and a kung zoo zhu zhu Pet. and a gife card with 60 dollars. and a air Hog RC Moto Frenzx stunt Bike. I like all the reindeer.

Your friend, Thomas

Dear Santa,I would lik a DSi for chrismas.

I Want a Box of candy canes. I would like a Box of Barbies. I want lps’s. I would like books and stickers. I want a big pink heart pillow.

Love your friend, Jordyn

Dear Santa,I want a x box 36o, slim black

opp s. and I want a pillowpet, backogon, I want money and a car. I am 8.

Love, Doug

Dear Santa,you rock! I want a DSI for

Christmas. I want a password journal and a pillowpet. I want a Ipod touch. I want a cryon maker and a bubble gum maker.

Love, AshlynnI am 12. you rock!

Dear Santa,I would like a Ds for

Christmas.I would lilke Ds games.I would like a Barbies.I would like a Bratz doll.I would like art stuf.I would like a i pod.I would like zhu zhe pets.I would like a fur real friend cat

and dog.I would like littles pet shops.I would like Zooples.I would like a Doll.I would like a stuf anemal.I would like a pillow pet.I would like a guitar.I would like a camra.I am 8 years old.

Love, Savannah

Ritzville SchoolKathy YerxaFirst Grade

Dear Santa,I have been a good girl. Please

bring me a Buzz and Woody doll. Please bring my brother a drumset. Have you ever seen a kid see you?

Your friend, Dakota Killian


bring me a pillow pet – unicorn. Can I be one of your elves? hank you Santa clus!!!!!!!!!!

Your friend, Lauren Joleigh Miller

Dear Santa,I have been a good boy. Please

bring me a knife. My dad wants a gun. My mom wants a necklace. How do your Raindeer fl y?

Your friend, Brett Anthony


bring me a Nintendo DSi. How do reindeer fl y?

Your friend, Landon Umland


bring me a race car bed. Santa, if your sleigh comes to my house I would like to see you.

Your friend, Alex Walters

Dear Santa,I have been a good girl Please

bring me a Barbie. Santa, I wonder what the North Pole looks like?

Your friend, Kaiden Bell


bring me an Xbox 360. Can I go to the North Pole with you this year?

Your friend, Eric Carson


bring me a Easy Bake. Can I ride on your sleigh?

Your friend, Jessica Ruse


Letters to Santa



Dear Santa,I was a good boy. Please bring

me a toy squid. How do your reindeer fl y?

Your friend, Donovan Weideman


bring me an iPod. Do you have a crystal ball?

Your friend, Sydney Kinch


bring me a Live Doll. How do your reindeer fl y?

Your friend, Collette Nichols


bring me a zuezue pets. How do you fl y all over the world in one night?

Your friend, Allie Pray


bring me a Barbie girl. I hope you are having a fun Christmas!

Your friend, Mireya Huitron


bring me a horse and I would like to go to the North pole with you.

Your friend, Mischa Baumann Molina


bring me Nintendo DS. I would like to be one of your reindeer. My friend is Santa,

Your friend, Bronc Hutsell


bring me a toy robot. Can I go on the sleigh?

Your friend, Jacob Carruth

Dear Santa,I have been good. Santa Claus,

I would like a race car. How do you get all the presents to all the houses in one night?

Your friend, Rusty Wolf


bring me a iPod. Can I ride in your sleigh?

Your friend, Owen Telecky


bring me a bow and arrows. How do you get to Ritzville so fast?

Your friend, Colby Tracy


bring me a toy ship. How was your packing for the boys? How was your summer?

Your friend, Braden Verhey

Ritzville SchoolVicki Benzel – Second Grade

Dear Santa,You are the best! I have been a

good girl. Please bring me Laney’s camper and gear. This year I’m going to see my family. Merry

201 E FIRST AVENUE • RITZVILLE

659-0130

CHRISTMAS RELIEF!

Watch for our commit to getting

fit for 2011.

Without you, we wouldn’t be

in business.Thanks for your

support.

Dr. Warren D. Kragt, ChiropractorFamily & Staff

116 E. Main Avenue • Ritzville • 659-0703

Letters to Santa

Artwork by Drew Kelly

Artwork by George Carleton

Christmas Santa. Happy New Year, too.

Your friend, Linnea Schafer

Dear Santa,I wish I could see you right

now. I bet you watch me evryday. I miss you santa. I have been a good girl. Please bring me a blizerdmaker and a snow con maker. I will leave some cookes for you and oatmeal for your reindeer.

Your friend, Brooke Coons

Dear santa claus,You are a good friend. Can

I have a DSI please? Be careful because we have lots of snow. I love you santa claus. I also want PS2. You are cool.

Love, Austin Hall

Dear Santa,I wish for the barbie that my

Grandma was going to make me. Please bring me a real doggie. I know your job is hard. I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Your friend, Tayce Walter

Dear Santa,I just want a good Christmas.

I would like some CD’s for my CD player. I would like a couple of DS games… a skate boarding game and a fl ip trick game. Merry Christmas Santa!!!!

Your friend, Jeffrey Staley

Dear Santa Claus,Please bring me a Nerf gun and

a Four Wheeler. Be careful on my roof. We have lots of snow. This year I will put out some cookies and milk.

Love, Samuel Ryan Jeske

Dear Santa,Can I please have a kung fu pet

for Christmas? Can I please have a nerf gun for Christmas? Can I please have a dirt bike? Thank you for all the toys last year.

Your friend, Conrad Ziemer


East Adams Rural Hospital903 S. Adams St.

659-1200

Ritzville Medical Clinic903 S. Adams St.

659-1200

Lind Medical Clinic320 N. L Street

677-8116

Washtucna Medical Clinic545 S. Church Street

646-3290

SEASON’SGREETINGS

ALL THE BEST TO THE BEST PEOPLE WE KNOW!

RITZ FOOD MART & BREW HAPPY COFFEE SHOPI-90 EXIT #221 • 1507 S. BAUMAN STREET • 659-0443

HOLIDAY HOURS FOR RITZVILLE DRUG COMPANYCLOSING CHRISTMAS EVE, DEC. 24, AT 3:00 P.M. • REOPEN DEC. 27, 2010CLOSING NEW YEAR’S EVE, DEC. 31, AT 3:00 P.M. • REOPEN JAN. 3, 2011

Ritzville DRUG CO.209 W. Main Ave.

Ritzville, WA 99169Phone: 659-0250

MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAPPY NEW YEAR


Union Elevator& Warehouse Co.

Lind 677-3441

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Bob and Esther Oestreich, ownersTodd and Michele Oestreich

Duane • Kathy • Jerry • Kendrain • Haley • Chris

610 West First Avenue • Ritzville

Lind School DistrictJohn McGregor, Superintendent

and Board MembersBev Kulm, Dwayne Fowles, Blake Bennett,

Annie Trunkle-Smart, Jennifer Anderson

HeartlandRealty

Audrey, Michelle,Jeanie and Sandee

Merry Christmas and aHappy New Year!

We appreciate your business throughout the year.

JOY TO

THE WORLD!ÈÈ

As we herald the start ofthe coming Yuletide,

please accept our gratitudeand best wishes for the most

joyous and heavenlyholiday season on earth!

Linda’sHair Salon

216 W. Main Avenue • Ritzville659-1562


Dear Santa Claus,I have been a good girl. Please

bring me a paint ball gun and a twin doll. Be careful at my house because I have a steep roof. Don’t get stuck in my fi replace. It is small. I will leave you a snowman cookie.

Your friend, Brynne Nelson

Dear Santa,Hi santa! I hope you have a

fun time. Can you please bring a Nidento DSI and be carful on the roof. You are amazing. Can you please bring me a new skate board? I like your elves.

Your friend, George Carleton

Dear SantaAll of my brothers want toys.

Colby wants a bow and arrow and a BB gun. Wes wants a pirateship. Brock wants a cowboy Hat and a rope. I want a DS game. Thank you for the toys from last Christmas.

Your friend, Augustus Tracy

Dear Santa,Can I please get the sims 2 pets

for PSP and a zhu zhu pet track? Can I please have a new watch? I hope you like my cookies on christmas night.

Your friend, Ryan Erickson

Dear Santa,Please bring me a ipod touch

and my brother a DS. It is Freezzing at my house. We put oatmeal on the patio for your reindeer. Do not slip off my roof!

Your friend, John Jay Harder

Dear Santa Claus,Please Bring some toys. You

Roock! Don’t Fall off my roof and break all your bones. You are amzing. I like your elves. You make AwEsome toys. There will be cookies by the window.

Love, Dakota Lane

Dear Santa,I have been a good girl. Thank

you for the presents last year. This year can I please have a stop watch? My mom had a cute baby boy. My baby brother’s name is Joel. He is a small baby boy. Christmas is going to be fun because you are going to be here. I am excited for you to come!

Love, Julia Klein

Dear Santa,How are you Santa? Please

can I have a zue zue pet and the whole set? Please can I have a blizzardmaker? I have been a Good Girl. I will leave frosted cookies for you.

Love, Tymber Wolf

Dear Santa,For Christmas I would please

like a DSIXL. Thank you so much. You are awesome. Can I please have a car RC? Thank you so much.

Your friend, Drew Kelly

Dear Santa,Please Santa I would like to

have a DSiXL and a Skateboard. Please be careful Santa. I would like to ride on your reindeer. And don’t fall on my house.

Your friend, Noah Weiszbrod

Letters to Santa

Artwork by Dakota Lane

Artwork by Jay Harder

Artwork by Julia Klein


Landcraft RepairResearch & Development

503 E. Main • Ritzville

659-0201

May the joy and peace of His birth bewith you today and always. God bless you!

Templin’s Farm ServiceRitzville 659-1224

Leffel, Otis & Warwick, P.S.

Jim LeffelKris Harder

Stacey SchoesslerJeff StuhlmillerCarol Simonson

Sue NicholsAmy Reimer

219 West Main • Ritzville 659-0125

406 S. Cascade • 659-4717Ritzville

Merry Christmas &Happy New Year, everyone!

NAILS BY KARIN

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Great Stocking Stuffers

And something to give Mom that she

doesn’t have to dust!

Drop by today to pick up yours at 701 West First Ave.

659-1144 or 660-0464

By Pastor Judith Rinehart-NelsonZion Philadelphia UCC Church

There had been references to God as father before Jesus in the Jewish religion, but these references are not as personal as God’s own son calling him Abba, or Daddy. What an incredible event. God was born and God became “Daddy.”

My relationship with my father, Fred Rinehart, who I always called Daddy, has helped me relate to my Heavenly Father. I can imagine how his arms would feel around me, because I was held by my earthly father. The world seemed safer in my daddy’s arms. Now, a week after his death I can feel my Heavenly

��Daddy’s arms holding me as I mourn.

It is a tribute to my father that I have grown up loving Jesus Christ. My father was a man of faith. I loved going to church as a child because I loved hearing him sing. My father always sang with all his heart.

During his last years, when Daddy was struggling to breath because of the damage to his lungs, My Father found purpose in bringing smiles to people’s faces. He would ask me, “Why hasn’t God taken me home yet?” Then Daddy would smile and say, “It’s

because I make people smile.” I believe he was right.

God’s image cannot be described as only “Father,” but for those of us who have been fortunate enough to have good fathers it is a comfortable image. We know how Jesus’ felt when his Daddy said, “This is my Beloved Son, of whom I am well pleased.”

I want to thank every man who is not afraid to show God’s

love in his smiles, hugs and words of encouragement. You help us to imagine what it must have felt like when Jesus was physically alive. You help us to feel the love of our

Heavenly Father. You make the world seem safer, Merry Christmas.

By Pastor Bill CoxRitzville Foursquare Church

There is so much joy at this time of the year. Christmas really is the most joyful time where we as the human race join together and celebrate.

It’s Christmas time again, the children are laughing, people are giving and the songs that are being sung on almost every radio station are wonderful. Artists are singing of good news, gladness and joy. The good news of great joy is for everyone on God’s green earth.

There is an excitement that is building in each one of our hearts with the expectation of something coming on Dec. 25. Now for some it is the excitement of gifts under the tree, for others it is the opportunity to put the gifts under the tree. Others are looking forward to seeing friends and loved ones that they haven’t seen in a long time. It is a time of reacquainting with old

friends as well as making new friends at those ever so popular Christmas parties. I would bet that everyone has great expectations of some kind this holiday season. Expectation is the reason for the joy we feel.

There is something for everyone at Christmas and it is not just for those who like the parties or those who like the gift giving and receiving. As a kid I loved the electricity in the air on Christmas Eve. My brothers and I couldn’t sleep and we could be found running around the house trying to make ourselves tired so we could go to sleep with even greater expectation of who was going to be the first one awake in the

morning to see the gifts under the tree.With all the excitement and joy that we

have in the month of December, there is always January. January is the time when we come off our emotional high and start living “normal” life

again. I think God had January in mind when he

sent his son Jesus to this earth. It is not just about the excitement of the birth, but what he taught us as he walked this earth. He showed us how to live with joy all year long not just for one month. This year as you enjoy the joy of Christmas remember that that same joy is for every month of the year. We should keep giving and sharing with those we love, making the new friends and letting people know how much we care. With Jesus in the center of life we can keep the joy going because he is the reason for the joy in our hearts.

Have a very Merry Christmas.

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By Pastor Bob KenyonEmanuel Lutheran Church

Advent was always fun at our house (growing up).

Mom used the manger scene as an advent calendar… so Mary and Joseph would begin walking from one end of the piano to the other (where the manger was) a bit each evening.

The animals arrived before they did, and after Jesus was born, a star was lit above the manger… and sure enough, on Jan. 6, the wise men showed up, following the star. On Christmas Eve, the Christmas story was read, and on Jan. 6, the wise men account from Matthew’s

gospel was read. Between Advent 1 and Advent 3, the tree went up, and the house was copiously decorated for Christmas (my mom’s favorite time of the year).

Advent is designed to be a time of preparation, of reflection, of prayer, of fasting. While the culture has been celebrating Hallowturkmas (consumer gluttony from Halloween through Thanksgiving and Christmas) since July 4, the culture is largely sick of Christmas

by the evening of Dec. 25. As the turkey carcass is thrown out or boiled down for soup, so is the

cultural Christmas. But that is when the church begins to celebrate it… and will do so for several more weeks until Epiphany (Jan. 6). We prepare for Christmas by keeping Advent… a time for reflection, for prayer, for scripture reading, for quiet preparation.

• While many wonder what they

will get, or what they will ask for, Christians reflect on God’s promises

of a Messiah long ago, and ponder what that gift will mean for them.

• While others are asking: “Is this all there is?” Christians are telling the fuller story of what Jesus’ coming really means.

• While many await their company’s departure after Christmas, we await a king who comes in humble circumstance, but plans to stay and change us from within all during this new year!

So don’t waste Advent, in the rush to the manger. But take time to “rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing.”

From our House and home to yours, keep a holy advent and have a blessed Christmas!!

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CHRISTMAS KICKOFF. Holiday cheer and voices in song greet one and all during the annual Christmas at the Clock celebration Dec. 3 in downtown Ritzville. The event is sponsored by the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce and traditionally includes lighting of the Christmas tree at Main Avenue and Washington Street as well as caroling and refreshments.

Journal photo by Jennifer Larsen

Ritzville Branch • 101 East Main Avenue • 659-0120

By Dan Galbreath, branch presidentChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Without Christ there can be no fullness of joy. In our premortal state, we shouted for joy as the plan of salvation was unfolded to our view. (see Job 38:7)

It was there our elder brother Jesus, the firstborn in the spirit of our Father’s children, volunteered to redeem us from our sins.

He became our foreordained Savior, the Lamb “slain from the foundation of the world.” (Moses 7:47)

Thanks be to God the Son for the offering of Himself.

And thanks be to God the Father that He sent Him. “For God so Loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” (John 3:16)

Such is the beautiful account of our Savior’s advent. In the words of Cecil Frances Alexander:

He came down to earth from heaven,

Who is God and Lord of all,And his shelter was a stableAnd his cradle was a stall.

In this humble way His life of selfless service began. All of us need to follow the example of the Savior in giving these kinds of gifts. From Christina Rossetti we read:

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?If I were a

shepherdI would give Him a lamb,If I were a Wise Man,I would do my part,—But what I can I give Him,

Give my heart.This Christmas may I suggest

that we mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.

Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else.

Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child.

It is my hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas and truly enjoys this holiday season!


1-800-759-0910 • Walla Walla

McDonald Zaring

InsuranceDoug Borth

Please accept this load of good cheer, along with our thanks for your business this year!

Snider Trucking ServiceRitzville 659-1640

CF Industries, Inc.

2088 N. CFI LaneRitzville

659-1412

Shear Hair DesignKim Yaeger

216 W. Main Avenue660-0950

Best Western Bronco Inn

105 W. Galbreath Way • Ritzville • 659-5000

Bolin Plumbing Service, Inc.Ron Bolin, Journeyman Plumber • 659-0366

Lic. #BOLINS953DW

By Pastor Art LyonsLind Community Church

We are looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior and Lord. His first coming, or Advent, we call Christmas. Christ first came as an infant, God Incarnate in the Virgin Mary. He lived among us as a man, yet without sin. He fulfilled the prophecy of the suffering servant as recorded for us by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 53). He was crucified, died, buried and rose again the

third day. Our witness as Christians is to proclaim this good news that Jesus is both Savior and Lord.

But that is only part of our witness. Forty days after Jesus’ resurrection He was taken up to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. The angels of Acts 1:11 told the apostles that He will come again in the same manner. What does this mean?

This return is the Second Advent.

Jesus will return as Lord of Lords and King of Kings to remove His bride, the Church, to heaven to be with Him for eternity.

He will judge unbelieving Israel and judge the nations for their treatment of Israel.

He will restore believing Israel as a nation to its rightful place as the center of God’s activity on earth.

This is also our witness to our friends, family, everyone we meet.

God has promised a righteousness judgment of all ungodly deeds done in this world unless they have been covered by the blood of our Savior Jesus. Jesus’ promised return is as much good news as is the First Advent that brought salvation to all who believe in Him.

O we can say with thanksgiving and excitement, as does John in Rev. 22:20, “Come Lord Jesus.” HE IS COMING BACK!!

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By Pastor Buck GarnerRitzville Baptist Church

Throughout history, many great Christmas stories have been produced. Some have been born out of life experiences and some out of the imagination of great writers. Yet, there is no recorded story better than the one we have in the Gospel of Luke, 2:1-20.

This was not just an event that happened for those who lived in history past. It was so incredible that it is able to transcend past, present and future. Jesus Christ left His throne in glory and took on human form, just to bring us reconciliation to our Father God. He came into the world, miraculously conceived, and then

born as all humans are. He was first a baby, then a toddler, then a child and adolescent and then became an adult. He experienced humanity at all levels. He truly can identify with all people at all stages of life. This very first Christmas, God gave the greatest gift ever – His Son! And His Son gave the gift of His life (which was why He came). Because of this, we can have a relationship with God as His children. Through Jesus Christ we can become sons and daughters of the Most High God. So this Christmas, bear in mind the Greatest Christmas story, which led to the Greatest Easter

story. Let us give thanks and praise to our heavenly Father for these events, which were brought about to change our lives forever. No matter how ‘secular’ the world is becoming; no matter how much it disregards the truth of Christmas, we can boldly proclaim the truth about the birth of Jesus. Without Jesus there would be no Christmas and there would be no hope of Heaven: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that

whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” – John 3:16.

Merry Christmas and God bless you all.

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SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING. Fabric creations capture the attention of Vivian Grams (left), Arlene Snowden and Callie Moore as other shoppers mill about the vendor booths at the Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 4. At times, the Ritzville Grade School gym and cafeteria were filled with shoppers and their families elbow-to-elbow.


PSSST. Young Brady Suarez (right) sits patiently on Santa’s lap after a photo session by Just Because Photos and explains in detail what his wish list is for this year during the annual Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 4 at the Ritzville Grade School. Kevin Schwartz donned the jolly red outfit for this year’s event.

AAUW’s annual

Holiday Bazaar

a real hoot for shoppers

and kids!


There’s no place we’d rather be,Than here in this community —

To celebrate from beginning to endThe holiday season with all of our friends!

Merry Christmas and many thanks for making us feel so welcome here.

Ritch Schumann Excavating, Inc.Ritch and Carmen Schumann

512 East BroadwayRitzville • 659-0295

Pete’s Garage6 South Jefferson

Ritzville • 659-0640

R THE NEWitz Theatre

Larry & Dora Kramer & Families

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Chatterbox Salon677-8167

SUNNY SPOTFLORAL & GIFTS

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��By Father Dan WetzlerSt. Agnes Catholic Church

Since the 7th century there has been a beautiful tradition in our Catholic Church called the “O Antiphons.” This tradition is celebrated from Dec. 17-23 and named as such because each antiphon addresses the God who comes in Christ Jesus with a biblical title beginning with the invocation “O.” The titles are “O Sapientia (O Wisdom),” “O Adonai” (O Lord), “O Radix Jesse” (O Root of Jesse), “O Clavis David” (O Key of David), “O Oriens” (O Dayspring), “O Rex Gentium” (O King of Nations) and “O Emmanuel” (O God-with-us). These texts are drenched in biblical allusions offering a rich source for our personal prayer and reflection

during the final days of Advent as we prepare for the celebration of CHRIST-MASS (Christmas).

If the Word of God is your daily companion you will know some of the scriptural references referring to these titles. If it is not, a source book like “Strong’s Concordance” will readily give you a variety of references that you can read and pray, and like Mary, ponder them in your heart. All this will help to center us and keep us centered on what is really important as we draw near to Christmas.

The final antiphon, “O Emmanuel” is very special: We wait in faith, we wait in prayer,

until the happy morn, when you shall come our Flesh to share, and for our sake be born. God promised, “I will be there with you” and He has been faithful to that promise for thousands of generations, even to the present generation. And our response? We sing it in the lovely hymn: “O come O come Emmanuel. And ransom captive Israel;

That mourns in lonely exile here. Until the Son of God appear: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel.” We rejoice too because Emmanuel comes to Ritzville!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

By Pastor Dennis EvansWashtucna Community Church

So many kids who are my friends are turning 60. So I wonder if I am getting old like they are. I have to remind myself that I am not. I am brand new. So are they. Well, we are all new in Jesus. Paul says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Because of this Paul can also say, “So from now we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” (2 Corinthians 5:16)

This sheds light on Christmas: God becoming human in Christ. Christmas is the start of the new creation. The angels’ song about “peace on earth good will toward men” (Luke 2:14) is all about a new creation.

Of course the manger was only the beginning; barely the beginning of the beginning. Jesus had to grow up fulfilling our human life, then offering himself for us on the cross, then rising from the dead and taking his place on the throne (and all this to conquer the world, and sin, and death, and the devil). The work is still in the making. It has only begun in you and me.

Peace is not something that is just given to you. True peace, as God intends, is what we call “interactive.” Peace is how we interact; with God, our

families, our congregations, our communities and our world. And peace is about being peacemakers.

Paul says, “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view…” (2 Corinthians 5:15-16)

So are you looking at your spouse, your family, the members of your church and the members of your community from God’s point of view, or from your own? Are you being God’s instrument of peace on earth? Even in your own internal conflicts and struggles, are you looking for peace on your own terms, or are you willing to work for inner peace on God’s terms?

God’s peace will make you new and change you into an agent of his peace and reconciliation.

Our families, churches and communities need this.

They need us to be the Christians we claim to be by letting God stop us from being what we are, on our own, and make us different.

Let this peace on earth be in Adams County. And may this peace be in you, and may you be a bringer of peace on earth, good will toward men.”

Let Jesus be born in you. Be new. Live as the new creation of the true Christmas peace.

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By Pastor Mary DanielsGood Hope Lutheran Church

One thing that seems to be the most outstanding in our Christmas season is the presentation of lights for all to see. Our communities, our homes, our churches, everything is bathed in glorious light.

We don’t see that in any other season of the year and I think seeing all those lights, everywhere you look, is a wonderful reminder of the birth of Jesus who is the light of the world.

When we celebrate our candlelight service on Christmas Eve, one of our readings is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1 and is called the Gospel of the Incarnation.

It begins like this: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

Jesus is light of the world. The lights of Christmas remind us that light overcomes darkness. Jesus, as the light of the world, comes to

overcome the darkness of sin.Sin and evil does its greatest

work under the cover of darkness. Our lives need not be dark, for with Jesus in our lives, he brings light and life as he saves us from sin.

When you drive down the street and see the lights shining all around the community, and when you light up your Christmas tree in your home, may those

lights be a reminder to you that Jesus came so that you may have life, and have it abundantly.

Each year the tradition in our church is a Christmas Eve

candlelight service during which we turn off the lights and each person holds a lighted candle.

When the candles are lit, the darkness disappears just as the glory of Christ’s light shines for us. May Christ’s light so shine through you each day.

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PLENTIFUL HOLIDAY. Students at Ritzville Grade School have spent a portion of the month collecting food for the Ritzville Food Pantry. As of the morning of Dec. 14, K-4 students had collected 514 items while 5-8 grade students collected 551 items. Pictured with the assortment of food items are Micahel Carruth (back, left), Kym Webb, Mallory Kessler, Tessa Jantz (front, left), Kiera Weiszbrod, Sara Aldrich, Paige Kiehn, Heidi Hennings (sitting), Kate schell and Haley Ackron. The food drive continued to the end of last week.


Sullivan Petrol,

Inc.646-3460

Washtucna

www.bankofwhitman.comRitzville

201 West Main 659-0223

Lind101 North I Street

677-3652

WashtucnaS. 295 Main 646-3255

Member FDIC

Ritzville – From left, Virginia Jones, Michael Broeckel, Jean Gardner, Jani Melcher and Debbie Gering

Lind – Pamela Schmunk and Lori Strohmaier

Washtucna Chris Hille

Sun Mart & Subway

102 West Galbreath WayRitzville

659-4074

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Hello to all You Shepherds of Ritzville, Lind, and Washtucna!

In a post-modern world culture where the majority of people don’t believe there are any absolutes, God saves you and I with Christmas.

After ripping into a Christmas present, a three-year-old girl picked up the toy and said, “Ooohhh, I’ve wanted one of these ever since I was a little girl!” The marvelous thing about Christmas is that we didn’t know we wanted Christ until He came. All the hopes you and I have are seen in Jesus. He is the LIGHT that shows us how to really have purpose, meaning, and eternal life. Through His life, death and resurrection we have forgiveness of sin and see life, people and ourselves in a very different way than we did before

coming to know Jesus.What’s amazing about gift

giving and Christmas parties is that this is what we do with each other. Yet, the reason for Christmas is Jesus. What present do you and I give Jesus?

In a wonderful community like Ritzville, reach out to hurting people… reach out to the abused, less fortunate and those who are run over by life, by addictions and destructive behaviors. Jesus tells you this Christmas that, “As you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto Me.” This is the present you can

give Jesus Christ this Christmas!Merry Christmas to you all and

a wonderful spiritually-filled life in 2011!

Servants for Christ, John and Maureen Hunsberger

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By Pastor Matthew YoderMenno Mennonite Church

The Christmas season provides an opportunity for us, as Christians, to think about and celebrate the very first Christmas of all. Our Christmas tradition includes, in the lighting of the advent candles, a celebration of love, joy, peace and hope. This year, as I reflect on that first Christmas, my mind turns particularly toward hope. As a newcomer to the Ritzville area, I am compelled to reflect on the messianic hopes of the Judean children of Abraham – both fulfilled and unfulfilled – in the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God.

I am reminded how – over the course of Israel’s long history of civil war, conquest, exile and occupation – different social, political and religious groups emerged, each with unique hopes for God’s deliverance. The Jewish ruling class, the Herodians, placed their hope in successful alliance with the powers of Rome. The Sadduccees, a class of Temple Priests who did not believe in the resurrection, placed their hopes in all the power and prestige that can be gained in this life. The

Pharisees’ hope was in a kingdom of God established on the complete and correctly interpreted Mosaic laws. The hope of the Zealots lay in militant rebellion and guerilla warfare. The Essenes withdrew to the wilderness in hopes that God would send a political king and a spiritual savior who, together, would establish God’s kingdom on earth.

It was under the terrifying force of the Pax Romana and the watchful eye of the Roman Caesar’s vassal, King Herod of Judea, that the hopes and fears of all those years were finally met one starry night in

Bethlehem.But Judea’s hopes

for deliverance were not met in a way that anyone expected. Suddenly, those who thought they were within the inner circle of God’s kingdom found themselves on the edges and those who had been abandoned to the edges of the kingdom found themselves in the very center of it.

The weak were cared for and the Herodians missed it because their hope was in the power of Rome. The poor were blessed and the hungry fed and the Sadducees missed it because their hope was in the comfort of this life. The sick and the lame were healed and the

Pharisees missed it because their hope was in the purity laws of Moses. Peace came to Judea from the region of Galilee and the Zealots missed it because their hope was in the sword. The Kingdom of God burst forth into our world and the Essenes missed it because they had withdrawn to the desert.

But the miracle was not totally missed. There were a few who did make it to Bethlehem to catch a glimpse of hope fulfilled. A handful of shepherds were there because they came when called. A few foreign scholars were there because they diligently studied and patiently followed the signs that God provided.

I believe that the miracle of Christmas is not a one-time deal. I believe that the kingdom of God, inaugurated on that special night, continues to pierce the fabric of our time and space in little Christmas moments wherever the foreigner is welcomed, wherever the sick are healed, and wherever the hungry are fed and the needy cared for in Christ’s name.

As I learn the stories of Jesus’ disciples here at Menno Mennonite Church, and the stories of the surrounding community, I continue to be encouraged by unexpected Christmas moments in which I have seen God’s coming kingdom breaking in among this community.

By Pastor Richard LeeNew Hope Center

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

Can you remember the best Christmas you ever had? Perhaps

��your best Christmas was the first one you remember. It seems as though our best Christmases that we’ve ever celebrated were the ones from childhood. For those of us who are old enough, we would look forward to wish books that

major department stores would put out each holiday season. Our eyes grow big as we saw the newest toys being sold in those catalogs. We would pester Santa Claus with our demands for Christmas morning while reassuring him that we were good all

year. After all, Santa knew if we were naughty or nice.

In adulthood, we don’t see our lives with the innocence that we possessed as children. We often don’t even see Christmas with the same amount of wishful hope when our eyes looked upon all of the beautiful presents wrapped under the tree. Time has a way of doing this to us. For some, the Christmas season can be a time of pain rather than joy, whether it is a painful memory, disappointment, or the loss of someone dear to us. A loved one is no longer around to share this season.

A theologian named Karl Barth once said, “Grace must find expression in life, otherwise it is not grace.” God showed us his grace in the gift of His son. Our painful memories and disappointments are diminished when we look upon the face of Him who showed us His grace. May the grace of Jesus Christ be with all of you this Christmas season.

Journal photo by Stephen McFadden

GOODIES FOR ALL THE GIRLS

AND BOYS. Santa Claus rode in on a fire

truck for his annual visit with the children outside of The New Ritz

Theatre. The local Christmas activity included a free matinee

movie for all the kids and a treat presented by Santa himself.

Don Saunders donned the red suit and fulfilled the job of Santa

Claus for this holiday event.

Hollie’sHeadlines

216 W. Main Ave. • 659-1562


Wheatland Waste Systems, Inc.

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Bob’s TV & Appliance208 N. Division • Ritzville

659-1240

ONE THING THAT WE KNOW IS TRUE,IS IT’S BEEN A PLEASURE TO SERVE ALL OF YOU.SO WITHOUT ANY FUSS OR FURTHER DELAY,WE WISH YOU A MERRY AND BRIGHT HOLIDAY!

Ritzville Parts House1205 W. First Avenue • Ritzville • (509) 659-1400

CLOSING CHRISTMAS EVE AT 1 P.M.CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY

OPEN REGULAR HOURS MONDAY

By Pastor Ryo OlsonRitzville Nazarene Church

Merry Christmas, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.

What an honor and joy it is to celebrate our Savior’s birthday as we get together with our family and friends. My prayer for this Christmas is that we all honor Jesus not only as a baby born in Bethlehem, but as the whole Person of Jesus Christ.

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” In other words, Jesus always was. He existed before the foundations of the Earth. Jesus did not begin in a manger in Bethlehem, but He left all the comforts of heaven to come save that which was

By Pastor Steve SchofstollLind Calvary Assembly of God

I understand why some people prefer to call Easter “Resurrection Day.” Doing so helps us break through the cultural trappings we have attached to the holiday.

Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ can easily get lost among Easter egg hunts, candy and bunnies.

I am beginning to feel we also need an alternate name for the Christmas holiday. Just as it is easy to lose the religious significance of Easter, the real meaning of Christmas can get lost among decorations, shopping malls and Santa Claus. Early in church history, Christmas was

known as the Feast of the Nativity of Christ. I like that, but another name I suggest is “Incarnation Day.”

The Bible is clear that Jesus was not just a religious teacher who taught us about God – he was God in the flesh! The doctrine of the incarnation – that the Son of God took upon himself human nature – is central to orthodox Christian beliefs. As the familiar Christmas reference in the Gospel of Matthew says: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, “God

with us.’” The Apostle Paul adds: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”

It is mind-blowing to try to comprehend that the little baby in the manger was also God.

But the Creator of the universe was on a mission, as the angel referred to when he announced to the shepherds in the fields nearby: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

So as we celebrate Christmas this year, and as we remember who Jesus was and is, I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Incarnation Day!

lost; namely, you and me.Not only did God send His Son

to save the world, but He wrapped His gift modestly. The packaging that contained God’s most precious

gift was humble at best. Yet, have you ever wondered why God chose to bring His one and only Son wrapped in such a simple way? Let’s take a closer look at the wrapping.

First, this gift was fragile. Jesus arrived on the scene as a baby, laid in a manger with swaddling clothes. Working at the post

office, I know a little bit about the fragile contents of a package. There are times when a package may be stamped “FRAGILE” to notify anyone who might be handling the package to take caution. There was no doubt that this baby would require tender, loving care. Second, Jesus was born into poverty. He did not grow up under the best of circumstances, not to mention the

doubt of His miraculous conception. Next, Jesus grew up in the little town of Nazareth. In that day and time, this was nothing to be proud of. In fact, in John 1:46, Nathanael was quoted as saying, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Further, the prophet Isaiah describes Jesus’ appearance as that of an average man. There was nothing about his looks that drew others to Him. Rather, He was despised and rejected by men.

But God, in His infinite wisdom, had a plan. Is it possible that the greatest gift of all had no fancy wrapping, glitter or bows so that we would not be distracted by the wrap, but totally riveted on the content?

This season, I challenge each of us to experience the gift of God wrapped in humility and love. No glitz, no glamour, no fancy bedazzling, just the simplicity of an approachable Savior who loves you more than you can ever know. God sent the gift of His Son; Jesus made you His priority; won’t you make Him yours?

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Artwork by Noah Weiszbrod Artwork by Ryan Erickson

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(509) [email protected] • Dawn Wolf, Owner

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From

TO ALL THE FOLKS WHO HAVE

BEEN SO GOOD TO US THIS PAST YEAR...

(And oh what a year it has been for us!)

Merry Christmas and many than

ks for your patron

age,

support, patience

and words of encouragem

ent!

Sincerely,Stephen McFadden, PublisherLavonne Saunders, General ManagerJennifer Larsen, News EditorDon Saunders, Circulation

Lind parades through the holidays!

A CHRISTMAS STORY. (above) This year’s entry by members of the Ralston Junior Grange garnered second place by the judges. The entry includes Bailey Dennis, Wyatt Miller, Ben Dennis, Emma Dennis, Ethan Dennis, Jazlynn Webb, Terrell Webb, Jordanne Webb, Brittany Gordon and Jazzmyn Gordon.

A BLAST FROM THE PAST. (at left) Lloyd and Maureen Bourne of Sprague make their way through the parade route with Pastor Mary Daniels from the Good Hope Lutheran Church in Lind.

NORTH POLE COMES TO LIND. The Mc Gregor Company and Evergreen Implement, Inc. partnered for this year’s float featuring employees and families: Madison Mabie, Buddy the Elf, Dustin Norton, Papa Elf, Brianna Kinkade, Penguin, Ashlynn Norton, Penguin, Connor O’Neil, Santa Elf, Kevin Starring, Santa Claus, Heidi Norton, Mrs. Claus and driver Mitch Starring.

2010 christmas greetings

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