Good morning, Jackson.

RIFA’s soup kitchen in Jackson stayed open on Christmas with normal hours & served dinner in boxes instead of lines, offering turkey, ham and fixings along with a kind word to about 100 guests.

West Jackson Baptist Church (Oil Well Road) held a candlelight service on Christmas Eve, starting with a baptism and Christ candle lighting and including a reading of the first Christmas to young children.

West Jackson Baptist Church held its annual live nativity scene featuring students and volunteers who acted as Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus, and shepherds and included real animals (donkey and goats) to portray the Christmas story and celebrate the season.

On Christmas morning, first responders at Station 4 kept the fire station open to serve Jackson while families celebrated.

Captain Matthew Brown said his team worked because serving the community is their duty and the department is recruiting new members (details available locally).

On Christmas, Love's Travel Stop in Jackson saw busy traffic as employees like Carl Smith prepared for family gatherings after fueling up for holiday trips; AAA estimated 2.6 million Tennesseans traveled and advised early trips to avoid heavy traffic.

According to 100 EA Sports College Football 26 simulations, the Volunteers are predicted to edge Illinois by an average score of 32-26 in the Music City Bowl scheduled for Dec.

30 at 5:30 p.m. in Nashville (many games were decided by 7 points or fewer).

Cheers & Chills Paint & Sip

6-9 p.m. — Lori's Creative Gatherings — $40 — Unleash creativity with a fun evening of painting and a cozy hot cocoa bar amid good vibes.