Today is the Lord’s Day. It also begins the calendar week when celebrate the birth of Jesus. We will be studying Matthew 2:1-12 in Sunday School this morning. I hope you can learn something both new and important to you from this Scripture.

Today’s Bible Verse

No New Obituaries this Morning

Prayer Focus: Let’s pray many people will learn about Jesus and take Him into their daily lives this week both here in our community and all around the world. The story of His birth is a wonderful way to introduce Jesus to people who don’t know Him.

Live Christmas Eve Program from the home church of Mary Alice Fox, a former resident of Kentwood.

You will be able to view this Christmas service live at either or both of their presentation opportunities Christmas Eve. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to view for about 45 minutes with your family and/or friends as you gather this Christmas Eve? The times are 2 P.M. and 4 P.M. for those of us in the Central Time Zone. It can be found at parkwoodonline.org.

Remember: Online service

Christmas Eve

2 P.M. and again at 4 P.M. (Central Time)

parkwoodonline.org

Schedule a little of your family time to share this. I think it will be a blessing for you and yours.

Prayer Focus

As you pray for others this Christmas week, find ways to communicate your love and His love. I think watching the online service mentioned above will be a good opportunity to share Jesus with your family and friends. Pray others will use this opportunity as we also watch with them or just for ourselves.

Anna Lee

Today is a great day for reading the Bible and for studying.

Tomorrow is a good day for attending church and for watching a Christmas program. The opportunity was suggested by Mary Alice Fox, formerly of Kentwood. The program will be presented by her church in North Carolina. If you have time in the afternoon or early evening, you may want to watch the program. More information tomorrow.

Today’s Verse

There was a purpose for the birth of Jesus. The picture above shows the plan. I hope you can link the plan of the birth and death of Jesus.

Reading the Bible in 2025

• December 20
• Hosea 8-14

Sunday School Lessson for Tomorrow

• “Worship the King”
• Matthew 2:1-12

Additional Bible Reading

Psalm 146:5–6

5  ^uBlessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose ^vhope is in the Lord his God,

6  ^wwho made heaven and earth,

the sea, and all that is in them,

who keeps faith forever;

Baptist Press

You will want to ready and be amazed with the story of two young men and what they did following college graduation.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Obituary

Myra Dedon Roberts

November 9, 1960 – December 18, 2025

Myra Dedon Roberts of Kentwood, LA passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at the age of 65. She was born Wednesday, November 9th 1960 in Franklinton, LA to her mother Rachel Lanford and late father Ralph “Red” Dedon. Along with her father, she is preceded in death by her sister Debra “Debbie” Kay Terry and daughter Nikki Lynn Kennedy, whom she has dearly missed and looked forward to the day when they would be reunited.

Survivors include her husband of 31 years, James “Jamie” Roy Roberts. Parents, Rachel and Charles Lanford. Daughter, Kaci Allena Kennedy (Cody). Grandchildren, Kyra Lynn (Ethan), Sabastian, Dominic, and Londyn. Great Granddaughters, Lottie Kay and Louella. Son, Justin Brock Roberts (Megan). Granddaughters, Ivy, Isla, Violet, and Autumn. Daughter, Jamie Roberts Simpson. and Granddaughters, Celise and Simone. Daughter, Stacey Roberts Stafford (Jason). Grandchildren, Jordan, Charlee, Emery, and Lillian. Brothers, Randall “Randy” Dedon (Holly), Joseph “Joe” Dedon, Charles Ray “Charlie” Lanford. Sisters, Lorraine Strahan (Jeffery) and Jennifer Bankston. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loving family. 

Mrs. Myra was a God fearing devoted wife, daughter, mother, and Nonni. She loved the outdoors, fishing with her husband, and spending time with all of her babies, whom she loved dearly. She was always a joy to be around and her absence will be greatly felt for the rest of our days. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Ave. G, Kentwood La from 12:00 pm until the memorial service at 2:00 pm.

Update:

We saw Andy and Betty Taylor yesterday. They looked good. It was a good visit. It’s always fun to share a few of our many memories.

“‘Tis the Season” to . . . .

(How will you complete that statement?)

Anna Lee

Baptist Press

Look up Baptist Press for today.

Additional Bible Readings for Today

‘God Makes Things Right’

⁵ The Lord is gracious and righteous;
    our God is full of compassion.

⁶ The Lord protects the unwary;
    when I was brought low, he saved me.

⁷ Return to your rest, my soul,
    for the Lord has been good to you.

Ps. 116:5-7 NIV

‘Jesus’ Presence in You Storms’

(Acts 27:33-38)

And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.

(Acts 27:33-38, NKJV)

Update your personal pray list as you pray today.

Anna Lee

Ian’t it great to wake up to a new morning even if there are some problems in the world, our country, and even our life? We are so blessed! Thank you, God for blessing each of us with this day.

Today’s Scripture Verse

Some of the people who would benefit from our prayers today:

Andy and Betty Taylor Trey and Christy Harrison Dorothy Wall

Ferrie Gene Blackmon Bro. Joe and Barbara Baugh Keith Allen

Robert and Ora Lee Wilson Kenneth and Yvonne Birch. Eddie K. Schwartz

Tom and Gail Brister Mike and Michelle Moss Barbara Erwin

Charlie and Kim Schwartz George and Debbie Bales. Laurie Miller

Glen and Bobbie Magee Luther and Rene Terrell Others . . . .

Read the Bible in 2025

• 12-19-25
• Hosea 1-7

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions

Lottie Moon walks and talks in AI-generated video available for download

True Christmas spirit on display at Oklahoma church

You can give through any Baptist church by putting your offering in a designated offering envelope or using a regular envelope and labeling it Lottie Moon.

Busy ? (Most of us easily fill our schedules.)

Sometime it becomes necessary to determine what our time can best be spent on. Spend a little time thinking about your total time each week, how you spend it, how you think you should spend it, how God would have you spend it, and what changes need to be made in allocating the twenty-four hours God is giving you today, this week, this month, etc.

No New Obituaries Listed This Morning

Christmas Season

We have attended three Christmas programs, discussed the original Christmas, read from Luke, shared some gifts, made some visits, completed our OCC work for the year, etc. How can we (and you) best spend the next week?

Operation Christmas Child

We packed out shoeboxes almost two months ago. Funds were given to pay the postage. We served as the drop-off location for our area, etc. Now, here are discussing beneficial hanges we want to make for the 2026 year. It’s time to plan how we will carry out this big responsibility in the next year. I would be happy to talk with anyone who has plans, wants t0 donate time or funds, explain, help guide your group, etc.

Christmas is not the time to be self-centered. Spend some time considering different ways to share some Christmas spirit and bless someone else this year. If you need some ideas you can talk with Bro. Darryl or others for ideas. Pray about the options as you make your choice(s).

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/hegseth-voices-support-for-military-chaplaincy-aims-to-bolster-religious-freedom/

‘When Everyone Rejects You’

Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.

Matthew 27:41-44 NKJV

Spend some time quietly thinking about how God would have us celebrate Christmas this year. Plan any changes you need to make.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, as we move a day closer to Christmas, let’s pray that people know or learn the meaning of this special holiday. There is a fantasy about a man in a red suit, reindeer, lots of trees with colorful lights, and gifts that magically appear overnight, but the real meaning is a young couple receive a special child, a son. who is given the name Jesus, and a wonderful story of how important His life here on earth was and is today more than 2,000 years later and even all around the world. I trust you know, love, and share the story that can be found in Luke 5. That is the important and real story for us to teach others all around the world!

Read the Bible in 2025

• December 18
• Daniel 10-12

Today’s Bible Verse

Lottie Moon Offering (Baptist Press)

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-sent-faithfully-bearing-fruit-globally/

Military Chaplains

Today’s Bible Verse

Read the Bible in 2025

• December 17
• Daniel 7-9

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Lottie Moon Offering

This is the brave, dedicated missionary our annual offering for international needs is named for. She made a big impact on world missions because of her dedication and determination. When the answer to her question about serving as a single missionary was “No”, she kept on. . . .

‘Praying for Daylight ‘

27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;

28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

Acts 27:27-29 KJV

Daily Bible Reading for 2026

Please pray for me as I choose a plan for reading the Bible again in 2026.

There are no new obituaries for our area today.

Questions for today?

• What can you do this week for a neighbor?
• What can you do this week for a homebound person?
• What can you do this week for a hospital patient?
• What can you do for a family in need this week?
• What can you do for someone who needs a friend?
• What can you do for a family with small children?
• What can you do for someone who is graduation this month?
• What will you do?

It is not so much about “What can you do?” as it is about “What will you do!”

Anna Lee

Good morning, friends. I’m glad you are checking in to pray and be encouraged this morning.

Today’s Bible Verse

Obituary

Bobby Don Prine

August 1, 1942 – December 13, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 1, 1942 in Kentwood, LA and was 83 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Edith Kathleen Womack Prine; 2 daughters, Dondrea “Dondi” Prine Thompson and Bobbie Karol Prine McKean; 2 sons, Donald Kerry Prine (Mikki) and Daniel Keith Prine; 2 brothers,  Robert Edward “Rob” Prine (Marsha) and Richard Keith “Rick” Prine (Kathy); brother-in-law, Orea Cooper; 5 grandchildren, Kelsie Morgan Graham (Caleb), Stephanie Prine Boyd (Zack), Kaleigh McKean Liotta (Brandon), Jacob McKean (Morgan), and Joey Prine; 5 great-grandchildren, Beau, Lawson, and Rhett Boyd, Chase and Caroline Graham. Preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jason McKean; parents, Jessie and Elizabeth Prine; brother and sister-in-law, Billy and Tinka Prine; sister and brother-in-law, Woody and Betty Booty; sister, Libby Cooper; niece, Karen Booty; and niece, Daphene Cooper. Special thanks to Modern Home Health and especially Jarod Webb and Modern Hospice especially Kylin Hutchinson, Lisa King, Lyndy Varnado, Ashley Tucker, Christy Beard and Zella Nicholes. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Services conducted by Chaplain Chandler Veasey and Vince Estes. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be Jacob McKean, Joey Prine, Caleb Graham, Zack Boyd, Brandon Liotta, and Scott Prine. Honorary Pallbearers will be Nate Disher, David Bill, Mitchell Prine, Dustin Kerbow, Pat Cooper, and Mitchell Otillio. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Lottie Moon Offering for Intrnational Missions

Participate

Pray

Pray for IMB missionaries and your church’s offering during your worship services.

Collect

Collect your gifts. Send them to your state convention office or give directly to IMB.

Rejoice

Celebrate all God is doing around the world.

Read the Bible in 2025

• December 16th
• Daniel 4-6

Today’s Quote by J.R. Miller

“God does not give His grace as He gives His sunshine – pouring it out on all alike. He discriminates in spiritual blessings. He gives strength according to our need. His eye is ever on us in tender, watchful love, and what we need He supplies.”

— J. R. Miller

How do people show appreciation?

One way is through love. Many people have a sweet gift of passing on appreciation. That makes them a special blessing to others! They focus on the other person, not themself!

I have a special friend that is a special friend to many. She gives of herself every day in many ways. She checks on people, shares her cooking, visits, provides opportunities and even transportation. She has a big smile and eyes that shine for Jesus every day.

Has she had only blessings and no tragedies? No, but God uses her to help others in ways that mean so much. She’s not from Kentwood, but can be seen here regularly. That’s because she makes herself available to be used.

She is certainly a good role model to others who want to give of themselves as God calls them daily. If you know her, you surely love her too!

Anna Lee

Good morning. Take care of your pipes this morning. It’s easier to take care of them than it is to repair them and the damage they have caused if you don’t take care of them. Look forward to some warmer temperatures in a few hours.

Yesterday was a very special Lord’s day: Sunday School and church at FBC, Kentwood, Living Christmas Tree at FBC, Amite which was extra special becaus of the Walker family, and the children’s Christmas program back in Kentwood. It was a hard day, but certainly worth all the special effort!

We are excited about another week in the Christmas season. Our focus will be others this week and trying not to have any days as full and busy as yesterday was. We want to be able to focus on the origin of this special holiday.

A Verse for Today

Reading the Bible in 2025

• December 15
• Daniel 1-3

Obituary

Penney Doss

March 22, 1943
December 12, 2025

Penney Doss, 82, of Beaumont, died Friday, December 12, 2025. She was born on March 22, 1943, in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana to Rosa Alma Miller and Ernest Nelson Davis.

Penney loved traveling, Hawaii was a particular favorite. She also loved decorating and crafts and was always able to take a plain interior and make it sparkle. She loved her family deeply and always made a point of saying she loved you every time you called or were with her. She worked with children for many years, and they were her favorite. Her warmth and ability to connect always proved to be a hit with kids. She was a much-loved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Survivors include her children, David Doss and his wife, Anne Mary; Scott Doss and his wife, Tiffany; and Trisha Doss; grandchildren, Julie, Jennifer, Bailey, and Trevor; and siblings, Charles Davis and Anne Crain; wonderful in-laws; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Penney is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles “Ed” Doss; and siblings, Paul Davis, James Davis, and Ryvers Davis.

Memorial contributions may be made to Julie Rogers Gift of Life, 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706.

A gathering of Mrs. Doss’ family and friends will begin 9:30 a.m. with her funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

(Penney was a wonderful Christian lady and the mother to three of my former students.)

Prayer Requests

Please pray for these people and others today.

• Mrs. Ferrie Gene Blackmon – at home following a stay in St. Tammany Hospital & looking ahead to treatment
• Sandy Lang – Friend undergoing treatment, but able to be at the Living Christmas Tree
• Trey Harrison – Treatment in early stages
• Homebound Friends
• People who made decisions at churches yesterday.
• Families – as plans are made to gather for special Christmas celebrations
• Those who are unable to attend special events to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
• Those in the hospital at this holiday time
• Friends who go out-of-their way to help others enjoy the holiday
• Special names on your personal prayer list

Pray for Others

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

~James 5:16~

‘God’s Strong Name!’ (Ps. 124:8)

‘God’s Strong Name!’

“GOD’S strong name is our help, the same GOD who made heaven and earth.”

Ps. 124:8

I hope you found something encouraging and useful here today. If so, please pass it on.

Anna Lee

Good morning, friends. I’m thankful you are visiting and praying with me this morning. It’s the Lord’s Day!

Today’s Verse

I think I will give you a photo and let you apply your own Scripture this morning. All I am going to say is that it looks like a great and glorious day!

Read the Bible Today

• December 14th
• Ezekiel 46-48

OBITUARIES

Bryan Thomas Reames

May 16, 1952 – December 12, 2025

Bryan Reames, age 73 of Kentwood, Louisiana died peacefully at North Oaks Medical Center on December 12, 2025 surrounded by family after recent declining health issues. He is a survived by his wife, Nelda Simmons Reames, daughters, Angela Ellis (Jeff) of Tennessee, Michelle Case (Jimmy) of Georgia, Kaila Magee (Kyle) of Louisiana, and Kacy Reames of Tennessee. Grandchildren include Jordan Howell, Dylan Ellis, Matthew Bell, Allison Bell, Marissa Reames, Zoe Simeon, and Braxton Simeon. Multiple great-grandchildren including the latest he was looking forward to meeting in January. Brothers, Richard Reames and Robert Reames. Sisters, Pamela Galtier, Judy Achord, and Mary Rushing. Preceded in death by his mother, Julia Dean Jones and father, Walter Alton Reames. Brothers, Patrick Reames and Kirk Reames, sister, Rebecca Reames Travis. Our family would like to acknowledge his special friends and staff at Landmark Nursing Home, whom he entertained daily with his stories and shenanigans and the exceptional care they provided to him for the past two years. There will be a memorial service held a later date for our one-of-a-kind daddy. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Christmas Programs Today

Most churches will have a Christmas program today. I hope you will be able to attend at least one.

Weather Advisory

Current Temperature – 53 degrees

Feels Like – 46 degrees

High – 62 degrees

Low – 26 degrees

That’s COLD! Be careful and protect your water pipes!

It’s the Christmas Season.

Do something special to share some Christmas joy today.

Anna Lee