Images of Christmas are all around us, from the brightly decorated utility poles to the multi-colored lights of a tree in a city park. And even more pictures of this warmly personal holiday season play over and over in our minds.

From the first memories of Christmas, whether a child crying in Santa’s lap at a department store or the excitement of finding gifts stuffed in a stocking over the fireplace, there is a sense of personal warmth at this time of year.

Across the Cullman area great care has been taken by many people of good will to ensure that children and families in economic hardship have presents and food. Those efforts occur throughout the year, but at no time is the need felt greater than at Christmas.

Keeping the spirit of Christmas — charity, love, respect, compassion — is a defining characteristic of Cullman that reflects daily through the acts of generosity that often are not seen on a grand scale, but felt intimately in communities across the area.

That spirit was born in a lowly Bethlehem manger long ago when shepherds were alerted to a great event, and who were followed by kings of the Orient, bearing gifts to a child whose life would change kingdoms and influence lives for generations untold.

What wonders and traditions have arisen since the birth of Christ. Though his life was short, by today’s expectancy, the message of hope, love and peace He brought has been embraced by good people without ceasing for 2,000 years.

Celebrations and traditions honoring the arrival of Emmanuel (God with us) are both reverent and vibrant. There are worship services commemorating His birth. There is the Christmas tree, which tradition relates its origin to Germany and Martin Luther first adding lighted candles in honor of Christ’s birth.

And of course there are presents. Lots of presents. The tradition rests with the kings who came from the east to see the newborn Jesus. They brought myrrh, commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable. The three gifts had spiritual meanings: gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death.

Today, much spending and joy comes from finding gifts for friends and family, wrapped in papers of seasonal colors. Whether adult or child, the joy of receiving and giving gifts is widely felt at Christmas.

There is so much to celebrate, from the origin of Christmas, to family, friends, community and all of life’s offerings.

So long ago on the first Christmas, a great history began to unfold. It is still amazing to consider how a baby boy in a manger brings so much joy.

We hope everyone finds hope and peace. And we wish you a Merry Christmas.