Today’s guest post was written by J. Wayne Fears.
O’ Holy Night
It was the hardest winter in the mountains since the Great Depression. Spring had come late with lots of flooding. Game and furbearers were scarce. There wasn’t a mast crop, so the squirrels simply disappeared; and the price of fur was down so low that it wasn’t worth all the work to run a trap line. The unseasonable cool weather and flooding had made it a bad year for cotton, also corn didn’t make.
Most of the people living on Tater Knob and in the valley had run their credit as high as the crossroads store could handle. Christmas was just a week away and Brother Alexander had announced to his suffering flock that this year the Christmas pageant would still be held at the church but food was scarce; that the annual pageant covered dish dinner would be downsized to anyone who could bring cookies or a snack. While no one admitted it, the downsizing of this popular annual event took much of the joy out of Christmas in this rural community.
School was out for the two-week Christmas break. The week of the pageant, Jenny, Chipmunk, Punky and I decided we would spend as much time that week hunting rabbits as we could. We would try to get enough to have some meat to contribute to the pageant feeding. In fact, we thought if we got enough rabbits the dinner could be held after all; and that would brighten everyone up.
Our hunting would be limited that week as we only had eight 20-gauge shells between us and no money to buy more. We decided we would use my dad’s old Lefever double barrel shotgun and one of us do the shooting while the others would try to jump rabbits.
Another limitation that week was the fact that we all were in the pageant as usual. We three boys were always the Wise Men and this year Jenny was to sing the opening song of the pageant solo. The sharecropper’s daughter’s beautiful voice had caught the attention of everyone in the valley. We had to spend a few hours every day practicing the pageant so that left less time to hunt.
Wednesday morning before the Saturday pageant found us spread out walking the weedy cotton fields in the creek bottom. It was bitter cold and had been snowing off and on all morning. We had on all the clothing we owned and we were still cold. Chipmunk was the shooter; and as we kicked every brush pile and weed thicket we came to, there just wasn’t a rabbit to be found.
During the morning we had heard several shots from nearby Doc Tipton’s farm. We knew it was some city folks hunting quail. We had permission to hunt rabbits on the doctor’s place so when the shooting had ceased for a while, we crossed a fence and started a drive in one of the doctor’s muddy cotton fields. Suddenly we walked over a little ridge to see a new Packard car with one side in a rain filled ditch. A man and woman dressed in fancy hunting clothing were trying to push it out but it proved a hopeless cause.
We walked up to them and ask if we could help. They were obviously glad to see us and introduced themselves as Mr. and Mrs. Rogers. Mrs. Rogers was in tears. She had fallen down into the ditch and her clothing was muddy and wet. She was shivering with cold. Instantly Jenny took Mrs. Rogers down into a low place in the field that was out of the wind and built a fire to get the lady warm. Chipmunk, Punky and I began to gather some rocks, and using Mr. Rogers’ jack finally, after over an hour’s effort, got the big shiny car up so it could get back into the field road under its own power.
We got to know the Rogers during that time and were glad we could help them. After hearing why we were hunting in the cold they offered us their four quail but we gratefully refused. We needed more than four little birds.
Saturday evening as everyone began gathering at the church, some bringing cookies or a small pie, some unable to bring anything, a panel truck with Rogers’ Grocery painted on its sides and a Packard car pulled up in front of the church. Out stepped Mrs. Rogers. She asked to speak to Brother Alexander.
By the time everyone got to the church and gathered in the small meeting room where the pageant was to be held, there were two tables loaded with three hot turkeys and a mound of dressing, gravy, three hams, dishes of vegetables, and three large cakes. It was more food, by far, than all the families in attendance could eat. At the end of one of the tables were a stack of paper sacks and boxes so that the leftovers could be taken home easily. Also, there was a box wrapped in Christmas paper. On it was a label that read. “Merry Christmas to Jenny and her friends who saved us, and to your community, may God bless you, The Rogers.” In it was six boxes of 20 gauge shells.
By the time the totally surprised congregation lined up to filled their plates, Mrs. Rogers and her helpers had quietly driven off, just as quietly as they arrived.
After the dinner, the little pageant opened with Jenny, in her flour sack dress standing in front of her neighbors, singing O’ Holy Night. Tears streamed down her face as she filled the room with notes from heaven. We three boys had tears in our eyes also. It truly was a holy night.
I hope you enjoyed J. Wayne’s post as much as I do! Be sure to visit his website here.
Last night’s video: Forcing Greens for Winter Eating – Memories of Elaborate Christmas Food in Appalachia.
Tipper
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What a heart warming beautiful story. I haven’t been able to get on and tell you all Merry Christmas so late as it is again MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL. I have so enjoyed watching you and all the family through their Christmas Vlogs on my television. I have been praying so for Granny and for her to be able to make it to the family Christmas. What a joy it was for me to see the door open and Granny with a big smile on her face and to see her enjoying watching the little ones. Oh my it was wonderful. I’ve never seen so much great looking food and good -looking people. April is beautiful! There are so many comments don’t know if you will ever have time to read this one. Just know you are loved and prayed for continually.
Such a heart warming story.
Beautiful story ! I have tears in my eyes as well !
This is such a sweet and touching story. Kindness to others really does pay off. Thank you for sharing the special Christmas story and introducing us to J. Wayne Fears.
That’s such a beautiful story!
Such a beautiful story. It gives encouragement to all of us to be the best we can be by looking out for others.
This really pulled hard at my heart strings. Thank you so much for sharing.
As you bless others and you will be blessed. Wonderful story.
Modern life has made many (including me) skeptical of much of what we find on the Internet.
I hope and pray that the story related today is true. (Shame on me for doubting.) It moistened this old man’s eyes not so much for the generosity of the folks in the Packard as for the caring attention those young folks paid to people who were in trouble and unprepared to remove themselves from it.
That willing desire to help others and the generosity in offering help is the true spirit of Christmas for me.
Tipper, you always have great stories to share! Thanks for this one outstanding!
Such a lovely story. I had tears in my eyes, too.
What a wonderful story. That warmed my heart to the brim this Saturday.
That story warmed my heart. Thank you for sharing it
Such a fine story, Tipper. Thank you for sharing it with us.
This is the most beautiful story I have read. I cry whenever I hear “O Holy Night”. It reminds me of taking my Mom to Candlelight Services every year. We had a soloist at our church who was a classically trained soprano who could song this hymn like no other. Her rendition would bring tears to your eyes. Thanks for the memory of my Mom.
What a touching story. A wonderful example of giving. Thank you, Tipper for sharing it with us.
O Holy Night it was!
Thank you for sharing .
That is beautiful. I read somewhere that “kindness is never wasted”. It never is. ❤️
That is such a sweet Christmas story of friendship, service to others, gratitude, fellowship and love for all. Isn’t that the essence of what God wants for us and from us.
Made me cry. I keep praying for the chains to be broken that bind some of God’s people that make them stingy: fear, low self esteem, pride, an uncooperative spirit, not letting God fill in the gaps where they are lacking. Rich or poor, comfortable or lacking, we all need to deal with our mental and emotional junk so we can be truly be joyful and create environments where others see God’s goodness.
What a beautiful heartwarming story! I will be checking out his Mr. Fears website. Have a wonderful day!
Good morning, Tipper, and Tipper fans! That was one of the most beautiful and moving stories I’ve read in a good long time! It made me feel so good that people like the Rogers are so giving and willing to help, and what a wonderful gift to the church and it’s members since food was so sorely needed. Yes, it was a wonderfully moving story and I was just that…moved. I’m hoping Granny isn’t in much pain. I have two sisters who deal with severe back pain every day, and I’m on that page myself so I know full well the distress of it. I hope everyone has a great day! It will be a whopping 73 down here in SC today. This northern girl is not used to warmer temps this time of year, even after being down here for 5 years!!! May God bless you all, but extra special ones for Granny!!
Patricia, I live in upstate SC (Greenville County), I think we have broke the high temperature record almost everyday since this little heat wave started. If I make it to February, I will have lived here on the same spot for 72 years and the weather sure has changed in those years. A person “would be up the creek without a paddle” if he killed a hog around Thanksgiving and tried to salt cure his meat like we did in the 50-early 70’s. When it turned cold, it stayed cold until spring of the year.
That was a beautiful story. I did get teary eyed. Stories like this remind of the years when I didn’t have everything I wanted. Now with the kids grown and doing well, me not having any problems. I think back at how magical Christmas was and how something is missing. Maybe it is the abundance that bothers me. The objects that don’t really mean anything. It’s not the suffering the people in the story go thru that gets me, it’s the hope and knowing at the end they’ll be happy. Well I hope every one is having a wonderful Christmas. As always a big hug and prayers for sweet Granny. Anna from Arkansas.
Anna, we usually managed to scrap up enough for our necessities but there was nothing left for our wants. My sister and I would get a gift/toy at Christmas and maybe one small toy IF Daddy got anything back on his income tax. Mother would try to fix a small cake on our birthday, but there would be no presents. I noticed my two young nephews Christmas, they had received so many toys they didn’t know which one to play with first. They still had Santa Claus and another grandparent to go. We were just as guilty about giving our children and grandchildren many toys at Christmas and other times of the year. When you know you are only getting one present, I think you appreciate it more and will take better care of it. Now at my age, the only present I want is TIME to spend with my son and grandsons and other loved ones or friends.
Such a beautiful story!
This wonderfully told story, in and of itself, provide ample evidence of why J. Wayne has been well in the forefront of the nation’s outdoor communicators for many decades. He grew up poor and proud, like many of the folks who read this blog, and closeness to the land gave him grounding and grit. Add to those elements of his roots God-given talent and a life devoted to cultivating and using that talent and the result is a man who can share moving tales such as this one.
What a beautifully written little story.
What a lovely story, Tipper! Thank you for sharing it.
What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing. It reminds us that there are good people in the world and to never give up hope. There are many more lessons to be learned in this story if we just think about it.
Oh my goodness…that was the sweetest story! It just reminds us of all the goodness in people. Still praying for your Mama.
What a story! Definitely a Christmas to remember for Jenny and all the church members.
J. Wayne Fears’ writings are wonderful! Such lessons to be learned. Sean Dietrich is another writer that gets deep into the heart. Thank you for posting and prayers for Granny and all of you.
Sounds like in their raisin’ they had learned, “Anybody needs help, you help them.” Selfless instead of selfish is a good way to live and to be, casting bread upon the waters as the bible says. It will return as it did here.
What a lovely story!
What a lovely story. You never know when the angels will present themselves.
I enjoyed today’s story also, I’ll be checking out this writer, thank you for the story and God bless you
good morning everybody, cold weather is coming on Monday, Monday night, I enjoyed yesterday’s story Tipper, God bless Granny Wilson
This is a wonderful story! Thank you for introducing us to Mr.Fears. God bless all here and in Wilson holler.
Thank you for sharing that beautiful story. The school I went to as a child was connected to our church. The teacher had us practice singing Silent Night in German for weeks before our Christmas Eve pagent. The boys in class grumbled at this, “Why in German?” As we sang in front of the congregation, we noticed the older women in the front row were crying because they were overcome with joy. The boys stopped their grumbling and we’re overcome themselves.
Beautiful story
I believe there are Angels among us – they wear different faces. Sometimes we are allowed to do good deeds as a test of our character.
God Bless All in this happy season
JD in Virginia
What a beautiful story! It made me teary eyed.
Just a beautiful story indeed! If young people so filled with bitterness and hopelessness today could somehow see its love and compassion and helping our fellow human family that gives us meaning and our life made rich in caring for others what a Godsend that would be. It’s love and forgiveness and compassion that make life worth living. You know the Roger’s could’ve drove on and never looked back… but they didn’t. Don’t drive away and not look back, yall… don’t be like the rest of the world and turn your back in judgement on those in desperate need…I do for others often and can’t reveal what I do for it’s a secret between the Lord and me… but let’s just say if you’ve seen a person hungry, cold, in jail, in prison, or given up on life-you’re looking at a spirit and soul made in the image of God and the Word tells us if you’ve seen that person, you’ve seen Jesus Christ and someone’s little baby… only what you’ve given away will be remembered and none of what you kept when you’re gone from this short trip…
The Lord provides. One never knows when they are entertaining angels unaware. Beautiful story!!!
What a heart warming story. It brings tears to my eyes. We have so much to share but don’t. I can hear that sweet angelic voice fill the room. God’s blessings are everywhere, even in a ditch.
Wonderful story! Thankyou!
Thank you and the author for this post! Brought tears to my eyes, and a smile. It’s wonderful how people can be so kind and such a help to others, without expectation — and how people can give back, both in ways materially annd immaterial.
Thank you for sharing this. My teenage son is a trapper, turkey hunter, and deer hunter! Love finding books and websites to explore about his interests as we homeschool. We’re really going to enjoy some of his books.
Good Morning Tipper and Acorns. What a beautiful story. The Good LORD provides. I’ve been in this position many times on both sides of the story since becoming an adult. I hope no one misses the opportunity to be a thankful giver and receiver at least once in their lifetime. Either role is such a blessing in many ways. I keep you all in my prayers. I love y’all.
A Christmas miracle for them! That truly touches my heart!
Our precious momma was like that. She took food and toys to so many families over the years. I remember one little boy answered the door and asked momma if she was one of Santa’s elves. She always wore a Christmas sweater and pin. She looked the part.
Momma never had a gift growing up and it was important to her to find a family or two each year. She did that for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She would take a box of food for a complete meal and at Christmas she would include a toy for each child. She was such a a humble, caring woman.
She took care of anyone in need. She had saved the lives of accident victims on the side of the road and drove on once help arrived. I told her she must have been an angel to them. She certainly was for our family.
I love the stories you share. They touch the deepest parts of a body’s heart!
Oh, Debbie, your momma sounds like a saint, and someone I would have loved to have known. You were blessed indeed! After reading J. Wayne’s story, I had to wait til my eyes cleared to write a comment. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers attitude and generosity showed the true goodness and mercy of God. Wishing you many blessings in 2026!
Jacqueline,
Thank you! Momma was a true angel on earth. She never complained about anything. She was the most giving person I’ve ever known and set such a wonderful example for us kids. She was married before she ever had a birthday cake. Our aunt made it for her. Momma made beautiful birthday cakes for us. We didn’t have much, but she made it special! Her very poor, humble start in life gave her great compassion for others. I’m so blessed to have been raised by her! Thank you!
What a beautiful, uplifting story of being a Good Samaritan and the matchless grace of our mighty God ❤️
love love love this story
I am sending up prayers of peace, comfort, and unexpected blessings for you and your family….sorry about your battle with allergies, it is odd how they just start up from a task we have done all our lives–you would think as much as you are outside and have been all of your life that your body would certainly by now either been resistant to any kind of allergy or it would have reared it’s ugly head long before now.
Once the holidays are over perhaps you can spend some time just resting (I know you will still be looking after Granny, but the rushed atmosphere of the holiday season will be done with and you won’t have all the extra going on in your life -even if it is just one or two less things on your to do list that would be enough to allow you a little extra rest and care for your body.
Such a sweet and inspiring story. Thanks for sharing it with us Tipper!
I have read this story before. I have bought several of Mr. Fears books. One of the books is titled “Chipmunk, Punky, Me and Sometimes Jenny.” The book has this story, the story Tipper posted a few days ago and more fun/pleasure to read stories about the 4 of them.