December is a time to celebrate the Christmas season with holiday shopping to find just the right gift for those on our shopping list, Christmas parties and family gatherings to spend leisure time with others and Christmas musical productions at your local churches to highlight the reason for the season.  There are so many events to plug in to that sometimes it’s hard to slow down enough to savor the moments and realize why we even celebrate.  As you experience each day throughout the holidays, I hope you will be able to think about the wonderful gift that God gave to each one of us through His Son.  Don’t let the hustle and bustle overshadow why we celebrate.  God gave His free gift of Salvation to anyone who would accept it available only through His Son, Jesus. 

The Moody Annual Toys for Kids Christmas Luncheon event was a huge success.  Many local business owners and professionals in the area served as celebrity waiters and everyone had a great time raising money for this annual program to provide Christmas Joy to local children. 

The Children’s Choir of Eden Westside Baptist Church had a great time performing at the Shops of Grand River last Saturday spreading Christmas cheer to everyone in the complex.  These young people will also present their Christmas Musical this week at both campuses – Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. at their Leeds River Campus and this Sunday night, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. at their Eden Campus. 

Awake My Soul Studio will host their annual Christmas Open House this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9.  For more information, please visit their Facebook page. 

Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church will conduct their second annual Christmas Caroling Event on Saturday, December 9, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.  Everyone is invited to participate so come and join in on the fun. We will depart from the church at 3 p.m. to sing Christmas carols at different locations.  Please visit www.EdenWestside.org for details. 

Vandiver Church of God will host a Parent’s Night Out this Saturday, Dec. 9 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. for infants through 12 years old.  Price is $10 per child and all proceeds benefit the VCOG Mission Team’s trip for the Native American Reservations in Arizona.  Please contact Loren Howard at 205-296-1404 with any questions.  

Bethel Baptist Church in Moody will present their Christmas Musical, When Hope Came Down, this Sunday, Dec. 10 at 10:15 a.m.  For more information, please call 205-640-6553. 

Everyone is invited to the Acmar Community Christmas hosted by Acmar United Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.  There will be the Christmas Story, singing, jingle bells, Santa, door prizes and refreshments.  Dress is casual and this event is free.  Acmar United Methodist Church is located at 4107 Old Acton Road, Moody.  For more information, please call 205-640-4325. 

Moody City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11 at Moody City Hall. 

LadyBUGS, the Leeds-Moody Professional Women’s Group will host their December Christmas luncheon at Noon on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at The Livery Event Center.  Bring a $25 gift to play Dirty Santa.  Lunch is $10 and RSVP to anneglidewell@yahoo.com.  

Please remember to vote in the special election for the Alabama US Senate race this Tuesday, Dec. 12.  Your choices are Roy Moore as the Republican candidate and Doug Jones as the Democrat candidate, or you may write-in a qualified candidate. 

The Central Parliamentary Unit is scheduled to meet at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13 in Leeds First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.  Please contact Grady Sue Saxon at 205-599-2440 for more information. 

The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce will host their Christmas luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14 at Moody City Hall.  This month’s event will include Christmas entertainment and fun.  Lunch is $10 with RSVP to Andrea Machen at 205-640-6262. 

Just a reminder:  There are only 17 shopping days left until Christmas.  Where did this year go?  Please remember to shop local. 

Thought for the Week:  God wants full custody, not just weekend visits! 

Please remember to send me information on any Christmas and holiday events.  I truly appreciate each of you who read my column and I really love sharing news so please send your Leeds and Moody news to me at leedsmoodynews@gmail.com.  See you next week!