Congratulations to our new elected officials. It is always a comfort to know North Ogden is in good hands. I hope we can put aside all the election issues and unite behind them and continue to enjoy the surroundings in which we live. We need to realize how blessed we are to live in a great city.

We are approaching the Christmas season. It is the time of the year when we remember the birth of Jesus Christ and the supreme sacrifice He made for mankind. I have been on the hills of Judea where the shepherds were watching over their flocks by night and the angels appeared unto them declaring, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Their immediate reaction was to say “let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made know unto us.” Luke 2:8..15. Shepherds would soon arrive and later wise men from the east. The memory of that night would bring Santa Claus, Frosty, and Rudolph and all would be welcome. But first and foremost, there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel, but a baby lying in a manger and that’s how Christmas began.

This message has impacted the whole world for centuries. Weapons of war have been laid down on this day and a spirit of giving has been the mark of this event. Perhaps this provides an important distinction we should remember in our own holiday season. Maybe while purchasing, making and wrapping the gifts amidst the colorful decorations, we may take a quieter, personal moment when we consider the meaning of the Baby and His birth who has prompted the giving of such gifts. However you celebrate this season of the year, I hope you have joy and happiness in your families and that you have a Merry Christmas.