Greenville Lions Club members were encouraged to &#8220enjoy your Christmas and remember the reason for the season” at their final meeting before the holidays on Monday.

Allen Stephenson and Sabrina Reynolds were the special guests for the luncheon meeting, which offered a traditional Christmas meal of turkey and all the trimmings, catered by Nannie's Fine Dining.

Stephenson's and Reynold's program was geared toward celebrating the true meaning of the holiday in word and song.

&#8220Children just love Christmas, don't they? They wait breathlessly for the first snowfall or frost, for Christmas morning and the presents under the treeŠbut the happiest children are the ones who know Christmas is all about the baby,” Stephenson said as Reynolds shared the song, &#8220Sweet Little Baby Jesus.”

&#8220No matter who young or old we are, there is a child-like joy in being a part of this seasonŠas we are invited to come to a children's celebration with adult hearts,” Stephenson said.

&#8220Y'all join in on me on this one,” Reynolds said with a smile as she sang &#8220Winter Wonderland.”

&#8220Emotions are strong this time of year. It's a time of laughter, loved ones, a time crowded with activities. But it isn't so joyful for everyone,” Stephenson reminded his audience.

&#8220The loss of a loved one, a marriage that has broken up, moving to a new placeŠsuch things can change the color of Christmas for us. No matter what we face, God in His grace will meet us there.”

Reynolds followed with a heartfelt rendition of &#8220Light A Candle,” encouraging listeners to &#8220light a candle for the homeless and hungry, lonely and hurting.”

Stephenson said, &#8220Those few who worshiped in the stable on the night of Jesus' birth had no idea they were the first of millions who would worship the savior. The rich, poor, educated, unlearned, young and oldŠwhoever or whatever you are, God wants you to know and believe your gift has already been delivered; Jesus is that gift.”

An energetic rendition of a medley of &#8220Hark the Herald Angels/Go! Tell it on the Mountain/Ode to Joy” followed, with Reynolds once more encouraging those in the audience to join in the celebration.

&#8220Mary was just a girl when she heard the words of the angel about Jesus,” Stephenson said.

&#8220It was hope she held on to as she carried the baby and traveled to Bethlehem with Joseph; God's promise and Mary's belief that kept them going when they had no place to rest. In a stable, the child of heaven became the hope of the earth.”

The strains of &#8220Joy to the World” rang out at the Boys and Girls Club, followed by a tender prayer led by Stephenson.

Reynolds closed with a song she called one of her all-time favorites, the wistful &#8220I'll Be Home for Christmas.”

Members and guests wished one another a &#8220Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” following the meeting.

The Greenville Lions will next meet on Monday, January 8, 2007 at the Greenville Boys and Girls Club.