Christmas is just around the corner! There are only three shopping days left. Actually for me, I had to have my Christmas shopping done earlier this week to begin family get-togethers. Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends, a time to exchange gifts and celebrate the greatest gift of all. Christmas is a time we celebrate the baby Jesus who was born in a manger in Bethlehem to be the world’s Savior. Many people expected an earthly king so it was a surprise to see a baby and it is still hard for many to understand. Even though we spend a lot of time and energy with Santa Claus and the world’s traditions of Christmas, it’s still just about a baby.

“For unto us is born in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:11-14 KJV.

The babe born of a heavenly Father who knew no sin came that we all might be saved. This is an old, old story, but one that is very relevant today. I pray that you will come to know this Christ child as you celebrate this Christmas season.

There are many religious meanings to secular Christmas traditions that we observe. The evergreen Christmas tree has been called a symbol of Christ with a sign of undying life. There is controversy over whether the candy cane was created for religious purpose, but it has been used as a Christian symbol representing the blood and purity of Jesus. History of gift-giving dates back to the Wise Men at Jesus’ birth bringing him gold, frankincense and myrrh. God gave the ultimate gift of Jesus, his only Son.

Among the holiday celebrations, Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their December Awards luncheon and honored these worthy recipients: Citizen of the Year – Randall Williams with The Red Barn, Business of the Year – Michelle Davis Dental, Non-Profit of the Year – The WellHouse, the President’s Award – Dylan Murray with Workout Anytime and Ambassador of the Year – Randell Pickering with The Village at Cook Springs. We would like to congratulate these award winners and appreciate their contribution to the greater Leeds area. Mayor David Miller made a presentation Dr. Rick Palma of Leeds Family Chiropractic as outgoing Chamber President and installed the 2017 Board of Directors which include President – Brad Pool with Farmers Insurance, First VP – Rick Parker with LeHigh Cement Company, Second VP – Anne Glidewell with Covenant Bank, Treasurer – Kristie Hall with UAB Leeds, Immediate Past President – Dr. Rick Palma with Leeds Family Chiropractic, Bill Morris with Leeds Water Works Board, Amy Rice with St. Vincent’s Healthcare, Dr. Michelle Davis with Michelle Davis Dental, Scott Barnett with Brunson, Barnett and Sherer, Hodge Patterson with BancorpSouth Bank, Arthur Phillips with Leeds Tribune, Dona Bonnett with adr Business & Marketing Strategies, Chris Barnes with Alabama Power and Scott Pellowski with Scott Pellowski State Farm.

Leeds River Campus invites you to attend their Christmas Day worship service at 11 a.m. This is a great way to start off your Christmas celebration. Eden Westside Baptist Church River Campus is located on Hwy 78 just passed the Shops of Grand River.

With Christmas and New Year’s holidays falling on Sunday, please check with your local city to confirm city council meetings and civic clubs since many will observe the holidays on Monday.

Quote for the Week: “Don’t buy me everything you wish you could have had growing up, teach me everything you wish you would have known growing up.” ~Unknown.

I truly appreciate each of you who read my column and I really love sharing news, so please remember to send your Leeds and Moody news to me at leedsmoodynews@gmail.com. I hope each of you have a very Merry Christmas. See you next week!