Word of the Week - December - 12-1-24

Definition: December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars.

Scriptures:  ISAIAH 9:2-7 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; They rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

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Transcript

Definition: December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars.

Scriptures:ISAIAH 9:2-7 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; They rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

THOUGHT
We are once again at the start of Advent, during the month of December.  This is a spiritual time that allows Christians to reflect on themes of hope, peace, joy and love as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas Day.  However, despite the culture, religion or continent those themes resonate with the human heart and has resulted in the celebration of Christmas around the world.
The “Word of the Week” concentrates on how everyday words relate to biblical scriptures, however, researching the significance of December led to how the birth of Christ is celebrated throughout the world. It seems fair to do so since Father Christmas, Santa Claus, St. Nick or any of the special names given to the mythical gift giver has become so popular.
Christians who believe in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ often think they have exclusive rights to celebrate the birth of Christ known as Christmas.  Even though not all cultures or religions celebrate Jesus Christ as the Savior, the universal human desire for peace and goodwill underscores our shared spiritual heritage.
It may be interesting to note the following differences in the celebration of Christmas:  • Weather in the northern hemisphere where the temperatures are colder may be more conducive to decorating an evergreen tree and singing about a“White Christmas” than in Ghana or Australia where the temperatures of the southern hemisphere are more appropriate for having an outdoor barbecue.• For countries that use the Gregorian calendar, like the United States and Japan, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, while countries like Ukraine, and Ethiopia who use the Julian calendar celebrate Christmas on January 7.• While Advent begins on December 1 to December 24 in the United States; a similar celebration in the Philippines may begin in September and end in January.• Muslim countries and territories may allow non-Muslims to celebrate the birth of Christ, while other countries ban and criminalize any celebration of Jesus.
While the birth of Christ is generally celebrated as a religious holiday, there are traditions that honor the ministry of Jesus, with celebrations that are cultural, rather than religious.
In 1966, Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanza as a celebration to reconnect African Americans to their African Heritage that encourages the love of community through unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.  The holiday begins the day after Christmas to January 1st.
Puerto Ricans continue their Christmas celebrations to January 6, by honoring the wisemen who brought gifts to baby Jesus on Three Kings Day with parades and giving gifts to children.
The lighting of candles to celebrate the victory of light over darkness or good over evil is celebrated in India during the festival of Diwali and in the Jewish tradition of Hannukah.
As the world celebrates during this time of year by giving gifts, lighting candles, singing carols, decorating trees, barbecuing, fasting, having elaborate fests, or praying at midnight, we should remember that we are part of the family of man descended from God’s creation.  Whether we study the Holy Bible, Quran, Baghavad Gita, Torah, or any other sacred text that honors the Universal God we should acknowledge and honor that brotherhood. 
it is imperative, even in the midst worldwide turmoil, that humanity continue to strive to find peace on earth and goodwill toward all.
DEAR GOD!THIS DECEMBER, LET HOPE, PEACE, JOY, LOVE AND GOODWILL ABOUND!!AMEN