BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Christmas Angel Breakfast filled the Collier Center with gratitude and the glow of community Saturday morning.
Families gathered to share a meal and celebrate the heart of the season. Children left with full bellies and parents with grateful hearts. Volunteers left with the knowledge that they helped create a moment of joy.
Organizers say the free annual tradition is designed to restore the awe and wonder of Christmas. What began in 2015 as an invitation for children to enjoy breakfast and learn about Christmas has grown into a cherished tradition.
Holiday tables, laughter and the smell of biscuits and gravy set the tone. Folks shared coffee and children colored and made crafts. Neighbors paused to reflect on what Christmas means beyond the lights and gifts.
Local author Joseph Little read the Christmas story to the children, a moment that brought the room to a hush.
“Sitting with those little ones and watching them enjoy crafts and coloring was a beautiful reminder of why this season matters,” Little said. “Today we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ—our Savior, and the hope of the world, who came in humility so that every child and every family could know his love and light.”
That spirit of hope has been the heartbeat of the Angel Breakfast since its first year. Organizers asked guests to bring small gifts for Operation Christmas Child for the inaugural event.
In recent years, local churches have taken the lead in coordinating the breakfast. Leadership of Freedom Freewill Baptist Church said the opportunity to serve the community is a blessing in itself.
“What a blessing to be a part of the Angel Breakfast this morning,” church leaders said in a statement. “What started out as one person’s vision has brought many together throughout the years. There is something about bringing people together for the purpose of being a blessing that turns into being blessed.”
Church leaders reflected on the effort behind the gathering and the spirit that made the morning possible.
“To have an event this size takes a lot of time, planning and prayer, along with the help of many, and both came together Saturday in perfect harmony.”
They emphasized that every volunteer and attendee, no matter the role, helped shape the celebration.
“Everyone’s part is equally important, and when we all come together, we can celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and break bread together.”
Organizers said Little’s reading of scripture brought the focus back to the foundation of the Christmas story.
“Hearing the scripture read by Joseph Little reminds us of the perfect plan of God to redeem us and shows us how much He loves us.”
They added that this reminder of God’s love is central to the purpose of the Angel Breakfast.
“The word of God has brought life and light to all who will receive the greatest gift ever given, Jesus, the Savior of the world.”