Christmas stroll in Llano teaches true meaning of season

DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE STAFF

LLANO — There was a time when folks would stroll along city blocks and streets to enjoy Christmas decorations and caroling. But in today’s world, which often focuses on getting from one spot to the next as quickly as possible, it’s tough to enjoy something as simple as a Christmas walk.

On Dec. 10, however, people can do just that during the Llano Christmas Stroll.

“We just wanted to do something that would bring many of the churches together to do something for the community,” said the Rev. Ervin Light of the Llano Church of God of Prophecy. “It’s a chance for people to come out, walk along from church to church and enjoy the decorations.”

He added that each church may include a short program.

The event starts at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1306 Ford St. From there, people will make their way to St. James Lutheran Church and then onto the Llano Church of Christ. After that stop, the event meanders over to Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church before crossing over to the Llano Courthouse gazebo, where the Llano Church of God of Prophecy and Pittsburg Baptist Church will hold a brief gathering. Then, it’s off to First Baptist Church of Llano and before walking over to First Christian Church.

“It all ends up at Grace Episcopal Church,” Light said. “And they’ll have some refreshments, probably hot chocolate, coffee and things like that.”

Along the way, singers and minstrels will entertain participants.

At each church, people can enjoy the various decorations.

But the main reason for the event goes to the heart of the season.

“The message I want people to get and one that I’ll share when they come by (the Llano Church of God of Prophecy) location at the gazebo is the real reason for Christmas,” Light said. “It’s about this child born for us that night, not about all this other stuff. My hope is to take the commercialism out of Christmas and return it to what it’s supposed to be.”

Light said walkers will spend about 10-15 minutes at each church. And while it’s a stroll, there will be a couple of buses available to transport those with health issues.

“And people can join up at any of the churches,” Light said.

Call Light at (325) 423-2400 for more information,

daniel@thepicayune.com