Marriner’s Moment: Harmony, Happiness and Hope – Part 4

As we celebrate this Christmas season, let’s put the focus on the reason for the celebration, not the expectation of receiving gifts. While we celebrate the birth of Jesus and enjoy the food, fun and fellowship of family, let’s also make a conscious effort to demonstrate the love and joy of Christ and not just talk about it. Perhaps it’s time to forgive someone you’ve been holding a grudge against, or maybe you need to check on a neighbor or long-lost relative. Each day presents us with opportunities to be and look like who we say we are – children of God. Let’s embrace this season and seek out ways to spread harmony, happiness in hope!

I leave you with an excerpt from Dr. Maya Angelou’s poem, Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem:
It is Christmas time, a halting of hate time.
On this platform of peace, we can create a language
To translate ourselves to ourselves and to each other.
At this Holy instant, we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ
Into the great religions of the world.
We jubilate the precious advent of trust.
We shout with glorious tongues at the coming of hope.
All the earth’s tribes loosen their voices
To celebrate the promise of Peace.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves,
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.
Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister.
Peace, My Soul.
Peace and power.

© Dr. Melvin O. Marriner, Grove Church
December 2017