Bells

This is the time of year that you hear bells ringing. The Salvation Army is out in full force during this coldest time of year to remind people who are doing their Christmas shopping that their are poor people who need food and shelter. I hope people are taking the time to drop some money in those kettles to help those less fortunate then themselves.

There are two other celebrations taking place during the month of December. The Jewish people are celebrating Hanukkah and the miracle of the oil. When the Jews went to rededicate their temple after it had been made into a temple to worship the Greek god Zeus they discovered they only had oil for one day. Miraculously the oil burned for eight days. The celebration now focuses on the rededication of the Jewish people towards the spiritual aspect of their religion and their survival as a people.

African Americans are celebrating Kwanzaa which was founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga and embraces the seven principles dedicated towards family and community. The principles are:

1. Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."

2. Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.

3. Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.

4. Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.

5. Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.

6. Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.

7. Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.

Christians are celebrating the birth of Christ and this too focuses on family symbolized by Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. In between the Santa Clauses and other secular decorations it is good to remember why we are actually celebrating Christmas.

December is a wonderful month to rededicate ourselves towards helping the family of man. Remember those who are not as fortunate as yourselves and you will be giving the greatest gift of all. The picture is called Eastern Star.