Last Christmas, I wrote my first article for the Blade. It was written in honor of Summertown native and avid member of Johnson Grove Baptist Church in Midville, Deacon C.B. Badie, who was also experiencing one of his firsts, the joy of having a Christmas tree. While many homes are being prepped for the holidays with glamorous trees, colorful icicle lights and nativity scenes, Deacon Badie would spend his Decembers enjoying the festive views of the neighborhood from his window. While sharing conversation and admiring the decorations of the homes nearby with his close friends, Donnell, and Mae Harris, they brought up a question that Mr. Badie had never considered before.
“I love Christmas! So, I asked Mr. Badie why he never put up a Christmas tree or any decorations during this time of year,” Harris explained, and the answer she received was as sweet as it was humble, “Deacon Badie likes seeing the beauty of Christmas at other places, but he never thought of having that same beauty in his own home.”
She then asked if it would be okay for her to put a Christmas tree up for him to enjoy from the warmth of his home for years to come, and with his blessing she gave him the gift of Christmas, providing him with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree while also adding some cheer to his front door with a red and gold wreath.
“Deacon C.B. Badie, who never had Christmas at his home in all of his 91 years got to enjoy it for the very first time. That alone was a gift to me.” Harris said with joy in her eyes.
After his article was published last year, Deacon Badie said that he received many wonderful phone calls and received attention everywhere he went, “I felt like a celebrity.” He said with a soft smile.
This year, Deacon Badie received his second Christmas tree, beautifully decorated once again by Mrs. Mae Harris.
“2021 was his first Christmas tree and Christmas wreath ever and he was looking forward to it being up again this year, so we made sure that happened. I just enjoy seeing his face light up with a big smile of excitement.” Harris explained as she smiled.
We would like to wish you have a very Merry Christmas Deacon Badie and we hope you all remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Merry Christmas!!
