On December 24, 1886 the City of Fountain Inn was officially established. Christmas is inextricably tied to who we are as a community, and it’s the time of year where we shine brightest. 

With carriage rides, beautifully lit homes and storefronts, a bustling downtown, and family meals shared around every table - Fountain Inn is the real “Hallmark Christmas” town of the Upstate. But this season is much more than just the things that look like Christmas.

This time of year we all reflect on our traditions, our faith, our families, our friends, and the impact the last year has left on us. It’s a time of contemplation, and expectation. 

Like the shepherds and wise men, this time of year we are called to seek the good in the world. We are called to put aside hotly contested holiday dinner debates and seek understanding. We are called to rise above petty and hateful rhetoric and find common ground. We are called to give more than we receive, to treat others as our equal. 

I hope that we each take this season to search for good, justice, and love of our neighbor - without restraint. We have all been gifted faith, something we are reminded of every year at Christmas - let us put it into action.