PREPARE YOUR EYES TO READ AND YOUR HEART TO RECEIVE AS YOU TAKE IN THE WORDS THAT LOOK TO CHANGE LIVES, RENEW HEARTS, AND OPEN MINDS. We are well within this holiday season, and that wonderful day of December 25th, better known as Christmas, is fast approaching. The stores have crowds, delivery drivers and store clerks are working overtime, credit cards are reaching their limit, overwhelming feelings of emptiness and loneliness are with some, and the almighty thieves are virtually and physically looking to steal. Wow, what a joyous time of the year. If someone should ask you, “tell me what Christmas is all about,” what would you say? Would you provide a biblical answer or say it is about Santa Claus and gift-giving? We often hear the phrase “the reason for the season.” Is the reason for the season to stress over buying a present, getting a few days off, or going into debt? Is this just another holiday that we celebrate? Over the past few weeks, I asked a few people if they were ready for Christmas, and some responded with no because they had some more presents to buy; some said yes, and a few said they were not in the spirit. If the above reasons are what you think of when it comes to Christmas, I would agree that I wouldn’t be in the mood either. If we looked at the Christian version of Christmas and used the phrase, “Jesus is the reason for the season, words such as love, forgiveness, joy, redemption, blessings, grateful, and excitement should be among the few words that would describe how we should be feeling during this time. Jesus is all about saving you and changing your life. His message is of hope and goodwill. Another celebrated holiday during this season is Kwanzaa. A seven-day celebration where African Americans come together and celebrate the seven fundamental values of African culture: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. A holiday that creates a positive spirit and reaffirms self-worth. The Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah. According to the website of https://www.southernliving.com, “the historical story being that foreign invaders desecrated the Jewish holy temple in Jerusalem and prevented Jews from worshiping freely. Jews fought back, recaptured the temple, and rededicated it to God, securing their religious freedom.” Another positive example of offering praise and thanksgiving. Through this holiday season, no matter which celebration you are a part of, don’t allow the preparations, decorations, and distractions of gift-giving to be a barrier to the true meaning of the reason for the season. Be content with the present, be grateful for what you have, and provide forgiveness to whom may need it so that you will be able to enjoy peace, love, joy, and happiness. #SPEAK2MYHEART
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