The song says” Deck the halls with bought of holly, tis the season to be jolly; don we now our gay apparel, troll the ancient yuletide carol; just these few lines indicate celebration and joyous times are coming. Yet, our world is filled with so much sadness, pain, and hatred. For most of us preparations are being made to enjoy the holiday season; Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Each of these have their own reason for celebration; Thanksgiving was a celebration of conquest by colonist over the native peoples who occupied the land when the settlers landed on their shores, shrouded in compromise and bloodshed.

It was made a national holiday in 1863 by then president Abraham Lincoln. Christmas is well known as a celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ who died for the sins of the world, but; we fail to recognize it’s beginnings came from pagan and roman roots. December 25th was the Roman festival of the Sun and aligned with the Winter Solstice. The church chose to Christianize existing pagan practices rather than eliminate them. The traditions practiced by pagan worship were redirected to honor Christ’s birth with gift-giving and feasting.

Finally, the New Year celebration began about 4000 years ago with the Babylonian’s, this was a 11 day festival around the Spring Equinox held in late March; the Julian calendar established Jan. 1 as the day of celebration to honor Janus the god of new beginnings; a Roman god. In 1582 the date was adopted and officially established in the Gregorian calendar. Throughout the years we have all celebrated theses holidays by gathering together with family and friends; feasting, gift giving, and sharing stories of life. Many will be traveling across the country to be with their loved ones during this season of celebration.

Unfortunately, some will be alone and some will have no idea what the season will bring for them. Luke 12:48 states ” for everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required”; we are blessed to be a blessing to others, it is important that we set aside selfishness. Sharing what we have with others should be our goal for the season, whatever we have whether more or less we have enough to share; if we place the little we have in the hands of the Master giver much can be accomplished. So as you plan your celebrations this holiday season invite someone to share your home, table and love.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace