Even in a trying year, Christmas is still about hope

Tomorrow is Christmas, a time when families and friends around the world gather together. It’s a time to reflect, and a time to give.

This year, there is much to reflect on. Like last year, 2021 was a trying one in so many ways.

Political division has only gotten worse. Businesses have suffered through workforce problems, as well as supply chain issues. Costs on pretty much everything have skyrocketed.

Meanwhile, violence and increased crime has plagued many areas of the country, and once again, the COVID-19 pandemic dominated our lives. We lost friends and loved ones to the virus, and we continue to live altered lives because of a scourge that won’t go away.

A big part of Christmas, however, is about hope, and we’re reminded the good around us always overshadows the bad. Despite the challenges we’ve all faced, we’ve seen the best in so many people.

Over the last week, we’ve witnessed countless donations and other outpourings of support for our neighbors in Kentucky and elsewhere.

We’ve witnessed the selfless work of other unsung heroes who work tirelessly to help others.

Examples include our 2021 Difference Maker of the Year, Michelle Hessling, who works behind the scenes to provide needed supplies to our area’s homeless population. Or the Buddy Ball committee, which brings the thrill of baseball to disadvantaged athletes who otherwise would never have that chance.

R.T. McCain and Jason Matlock work with youths in an area of the city many people, unfortunately, turn a blind eye to, and they have the drive to make sure those young men and women succeed.

Additionally, our community continues to grow, with a new police department facility under construction and a new factory bringing more jobs in the works.

Our young people have represented us well, like the Three Rivers Lady Raiders basketball team, which went to the national Final Four. TRC also had two rodeo team members qualify to compete at the national finals, and Poplar Bluff High School’s cheerleading squad brought home a state championship.

Good things, and the hope they bring, are everywhere around us. We just have to look.

As you celebrate Christmas tomorrow, in whatever way you do, we hope you can spend it with the ones you love, reflecting on the blessings in your life. We also hope you might choose to bless others and spread joy in any way you can.