Merry Christmas! 

“And what right do you have to be merry?  What reason do you have to be merry?  You’re poor enough?  Come then, what right do you have to be dismal?  What reason do you have to be morose?  You’re rich enough.” (1)

Southporters all, think on these things. Some of us are rich; some of us are not. Some of us are healthy; some of us are not. Some of us focus on the darkness. Some of us anticipate the world’s turning and know there will soon be more light.

All of us live on Southport. Yes, it has been cold and snowy here, but we live in a community that cares. We live with a store, a school, a post office, a library, with good government, with bridge tenders, the staff at Robinson’s Wharf, our neighbors, and the beauty of the forest and sea.

We choose where to look, when to give, when to accept. War and starvation are far away.

What reasons do we have to be merry?  “Let me count the ways,” (2) and I urge you to count them too. Merry Christmas.

Robinson Wharf will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 and perhaps, Dec. 24, so call first if you planning to eat there on that date. Then the restaurant will close after Dec. 31 for the months of January and February, allowing for some renovation on the second floor. Plans are to install new table tops, new windows, and to refinish the floors.

Our Island Store will be open regular winter hours this weekend on Sunday, that is from 7 until 11 a.m. , but closed on Monday and open again at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.

An article in this paper last week reported that Ocean Gate Resort has been sold to the Wardman Group, based in Washington, D.C., which plans some improvements to the property.

Kathy Barter is in the hospital at Maine Medical Center due to a fall and to encephalitis.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

With Christmas Eve coming on a Sunday, clergy are are extra busy. The Southport United Methodist Church will have services in the morning at 9 and then a special Christmas Eve service at 4 p.m.

Weather permitting, All Saints by-the-Sea will open for a Christmas Eve service at 10 p.m. All are welcome, but be sure to bring a flashlight and dress warmly.  The chapel has no heat or water source in the winter.  Limited parking is available down All Saints Road for those for whom the walk from Route 238 is too taxing.  Call Kit Sherrill at 633-0672 if weather is questionable.

1.  Conversation between Scrooge and his nephew in “The Christmas Carol.” 

2.  Quote from a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.