Next Saturday will be December 7^th , a day we used to just call “Pearl Harbor Day.” It was on this date in 1941 that America was brutally attacked in Hawaii by Japanese bombers that started World War II. Not many living Americans are old enough to remember this event. It has already slid into the misty back-alley of ancient history to most. My family didn’t know what or who “Hawaii” was that long-ago day in 1941 either. It was on a Sunday in 1941 and everyone was asking one another where this “Wahoo” place was. And people wondered how this affected America anyway.

Well, it sure enough affected us as we become involved in this bloody mess called WWII. Now many people have trouble telling the difference between the times of WWII, the Civil War and WWI. Or any of the other wars as a matter of fact. But there will be a few Pearl Harbor Day celebrations and few old veterans that will recall this historic time, anyway. And those of us who are old enough to have memories of this historic day will just, well, remember it.

Meanwhile, it’s Christmastime in Allen. I want to thank those responsible for putting the bright lights back up on the downtown buildings. They really look nice. The holiday placards hanging on the street-light poles are nice and I appreciate the city for taking care of those too.

I read that some small communities continue to have trouble with supplying safe, clean drinking water to their customers. I know it takes a lot of work to see that these things are taken care of. It doesn’t just happen that we have plenty of good pure drinking water in Allen. It takes planning and lots of hard work to see that we have plenty of water and that our other utilities we take for granted work. Thanks to our city employees.

Next Sunday, December 8^th , is the annual “Hanging of the Green” service at First Baptist Church. A good crowd is expected at this beautiful Christmas program and the public is invited. Make plans to attend and we’ll put you in the Christmas spirit. Other Christmas programs are scheduled at our various churches up to December 24^th when Christmas Eve services are scheduled at the Methodist Church.

Christmas shopping is now in full gear. For your information I am printing a list of prices for Christmas items that have increased in price over the years so you will know how much to take to the store with you. Let’s just use the items in the song, “The 12 days of Christmas...

1. A partridge in a Pear Tree sells for $300.00.

2. Two turtle doves sell for $300.00.

3. Three French Hens go for $181.50.

4. Four calling birds $181.54.

5. Five Golden Rings for $825.00.

6. Six geese a laying sell for $420.00.

7. Seven swans a swimming come high $3,125.00.

8. Eight maids a milking $58.00.

9. Nine ladies dancing $1,552.84.

10. Ten Lords a leaping $10,000.

11. Eleven Pipers piping $2,748.87.

12. Twelve drummers drumming $2,972.25.

I don’t know if you must go on Amazon Prime or Walmart for all this stuff but just skip those Lords a Leaping if you want to save some money. And the drummers too, if you want to remain calm during this period.

I hope this Christmas Season is especially good for all of you as we remember God’s great gift to mankind. The gift of Jesus. Be sure and go to church Sunday.

Wayne Bullard, DPh

waynebullard@sbcglobal.net