I looked for the big guy in the red suit with a white beard.

There were plenty of elves wrapping toys and gifts of all sizes and colors. They told me that Santa was at the North Pole preparing for the big night. Judging by the big pile of gifts around the tree this morning his load would be a bit lighter.

Mountain Brook church’s Christmas cheer reaches Birmingham’s inner city from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

“We are partnering with Daniel Cason, who has a ministry in the inner city of Birmingham where he teaches music to children and provides food to needy families,” Bronwyn Cardwell said. “Tonight he brought the children to church to sing and lead in worship. Then we are packing bags to feed the hungry and homeless, and toys for the children of his ministry.”

Cardwell leads the Mountain Brook Community Church Women’s Ministry.

Nearly 100 women spent the night wrapping toys and gifts and filling grocery bags with canned food. The group has several projects all year, but the Christmas event is most special for the members.

Ashley Jackson, who has been a part of the group for three years, thinks so.

“It is an honor and a privilege to show God’s love to the women of the group, and the children we serve,” she said. “I love being a part of a team that loves to serve and worship together, and one that shows God’s love.”

The group is involved in several causes including Restoration Academy, Grace Village Community Gardens and the Light House Family Retreat, which helps families dealing with childhood cancer.

The women are attuned to the mission of passionately seeking God and serving others with love and compassion.

On this December night at the church, the children are precious as they sing “Silent Night,” “White Christmas” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” You can tell by looking at their happy little faces that they love to do this.

I asked Cardwell about her inner thoughts when she sees the children singing then wraps gifts for them later. She got a twinkle in her eyes.

“It makes my heart so happy to think that a child will know there are people who care about them and their family,” she said. “I would like to think we make a small difference in a few young lives. This is one of the most special nights of the year for this group of women, to see everyone come together to worship and serve. It makes my heart happy!”

And Cardwell’s wish for everyone on this day?

“Merry Christmas to everyone,” she said. “This special group of women and I pray that you will feel blessed at heart, and that you will take this time to connect and serve someone in need. As we give, we never come back wanting. It is more blessed to give than to receive. God loves everyone, and it is wonderful to teach a child the love of God.”

Santa wasn’t present as he trusted the elves with the mission of wrapping toys and gifts. His spirit, the Christmas spirit and a spirit of love was definitely on display at Mountain Brook Community Church this night.

Alabama Bright Lights captures the stories, through words, pictures and video, of some of our state’s brightest lights who are working to make Alabama an even better place to live, work and play. Award-winning photojournalist Karim Shamsi-Basha tells their inspiring stories. Email him comments, as well as suggestions on people to profile, at karimshamsibasha@gmail.com.