Regina Ravenell-Carr – Pastor, Author, Life Coach
I will always remember my childhood Christmas experiences. I can still hear the, Diana Ross and the Supremes Christmas album playing on our hi-fi in the living room. My favorite song was, “Silver Bells!” Whenever I would hear that song, I knew it was time to celebrate! We would be in the living room, mesmerized by our silver tree and the Christmas lights, passing the gifts to each other and stacking back under our tree. Then Diana Ross would sing “White Christmas!” Life was simple then and, so many things have changed. It makes me wonder if we are really celebrating? What are we celebrating? Why do we or do we not celebrate the spirit of Christmas and the spirit of Life?

Can we sidebar for a moment and consider what is really happening for us in this season? In an article called, “The Spirituality of Celebration ,” it says ‘Celebration is the core of spirituality. The things we celebrate reveal a piece of who we are, a piece of what we value and believe in most.’ Do you agree or disagree? This makes me dig deeper into my inner being and consider who, what, when, why, and how I celebrate. Should we mimic what we see or should our celebrations be spirit-led. The masses have manipulated the spirit of Christmas to a season of propaganda. Black Friday began in the beginning of

November rather than the day after Thanksgiving! Families are seduced to buying things to comply with the secular concept of Christmas!

As believers, we should have a celebrative spirit! We should not allow the things of this world to withdraw our love, joy, or peace. In Christ we have new life! It comes with great benefits and great blessings. Thankfully, it is not predicated on the propaganda of world; rather on the Love of God that flows through us! “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) His everlasting life is in us, here and now. Everlasting life is forever; however, it begins when we accept Christ. He changes the quality of our life with His gift of love. John 10:10b says, “I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly!” Goggle says, “Abundant life refers to life in its abounding fullness of joy and strength for the spirit, soul, and body. It signifies a contrast to feelings of lack, emptiness, and dissatisfaction to motivate a person to seek for the meaning of life and a change in their life!

Congratulations to all of us! Christ has given us to amazing reason to celebrate every day for the rest of our lives! Our celebration should be more in tune to who we are, what we believe and how we show love to others. Remember, the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy! Therefore, I am here to encourage, equip, and empower you to push beyond the anxieties of life, and embrace the quality of life in Christ! Search within your soul for what God has given to you, for what has kept you, and for what you still have to give from the heart. Feel free to be your authentic self! The trials and tribulations come to make us better, to grow us, and to demonstrate God’s love for us!

Celebration time, come on! “Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
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