The season is officially here.

Hundreds of people lined the streets Saturday to watch bands, floats and walking units drive or march down the streets of Selma in the annual Christmas Parade.

Later, Mayor George Evans and his wife lighted the Christmas tree in front of City Hall.

Even Santa and Mrs. Claus made the parade, much to the joy of children of all ages.

Days like Saturday remind us there is the potential for peace on Earth and goodwill toward all.

We join as a community, celebrating the season of the birth of Jesus, the only son of God, who lived and taught among us.

When we read in the Bible of multitudes of people who heard the word, it is not hard to reflect on these things and see groups much like those gathered on the streets to watch our parade.

And, by accepting the gift of God, working to live the gospel preached by Jesus, we also can see the spirit of God — not unlike the spirit of Christmas — in each individual we meet.

This is a time of year when many adults touch that inner child within their souls and return to a time of innocence.

It is in that state of being that we are more receptive to the teachings of the gospel and of how to live our lives.

The season, indeed, is officially here and we have only to look within ourselves to find that bright shining piece of it that will endure.