The Christmas season has arrived. Every year it seems to come a little earlier than the previous year.

People are out and about shopping, decorating, baking and doing everything necessary to enjoy the season. During this time of the year, people get into a spirit of celebrating and giving.

Liberty County is ablaze with the Christmas fever and various festivities, events and programs have been occurring. Churches in the community are sponsoring programs, skits, concerts and fellowship dinners.

In the midst of the shopping, partying and decorating, they invite you to enjoy the events they are presenting. Many of these programs have become traditions, and the adults look forward to them as much as the children.

On Saturday, the Progressive Missionary Baptist Association of Riceboro (under the leadership of Moderator Neil Dawson) celebrated with its annual Christmas service at Dawson’s First Zion Baptist Church in Riceboro.

Minister J.T. Jones of First African Baptist Church preached a sermonette and Celeste Brown of Old Anderson Grove Baptist Church served as presiding official. The ministers/pastors of the association were in charge of the praise and worship service.

Youths from the association’s various churches rendered the music, along with prophet Irvin Robertson.

First Baptist Church of Hinesville will present a children’s musical at 10:45 this morning, and the adult celebration choir musical will be presented at 10:45 a.m. Dec. 16. The church will also have a Christmas service at 9 a.m. Dec. 23 and a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6 p.m. Dec. 24.

On Saturday, Dec. 15, members of the Liberty County Community and Area Mass Choir will present a concert, “Mary did You Know,” twice. The first concert will be at 4 p.m. at the Jesup Presbyterian Church. The second will be at the First United Methodist Church in Hinesville at 7 p.m.

The Midway United Methodist Church is sponsoring a supper with Santa at 6 p.m. Dec. 16.

Gum Branch Baptist will have a Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. Dec. 24.

In the spirit of giving, Gary Gilliard, president/CEO of Seven Ministries, and its directors will again provide food to seniors.

“In an effort to show gratitude and try and give back to the community in which we live, the board of directors of Seven Ministries of Liberty County will once again give away turkeys and hams this holiday season,” Gilliard said.

“The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:27 to ‘Withhold not good from them to whom it is due when it’s in the power of thine hand to do it.’ The Lord has blessed our ministry of giving and we want to share these blessing with our seniors.”

As you celebrate the season, take time out to join in the various festivities and events. Be a blessing to someone less fortunate than you.

Anderson is the author of “Lack of Knowledge” and “Dare to Soar.”