There are two events in November, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, which indicate we are approaching the ‘holiday season’, this is the politically correct way of addressing different religious celebrations which have become an annual merchandizing opportunity. Buddhism celebrates Bodhi Day, Wicca celebrates Yule/ winter solstice, Judaism celebrates Hanukkah and Christianity celebrates Christmas.
Community Outreach For Thanksgiving
The wonderful thing about Thanksgiving is it has not yet been pulled, full force, into the merchandizing calendar, although Black Friday is knocking on the door, by being extended in both directions, before and after. Thanksgiving has remained primarily a family affair with people focusing on eating together and giving thanks. The community where I work as a Chaplain has a tradition of raising donations for turkeys for the homeless. We are still doing it, but now we give gift cards for grocery stores, because turkeys are not always the best choice for the homeless. This way they get to choose what works best for them. We raised over a thousand dollars and the gift cards went out in decorated envelopes, through the assistance of ‘Turning Points’, an organization that provides help and hope for those in need.
Michael’s News
I’ve been photographing at Myaka, a state park close to Sarasota, as a way to stay connected to nature. Myakka River Park was hit very hard during Hurricane Ian by wind and flooding, many of the live oak trees were felled, and the park was closed for months while some restoration was undertaken. On a recent visit feeling overwhelmed by the news from Israel and also here in America, I decided to pray and it became a spontaneous prayer against the hatred that appears to be compounding around the world. I recorded the prayer at that time and later created a video using evocative images from the park. Here is the link:
An overarching question arises, why is there so much hatred in the world? Hatred just creates more hatred. It can only fuel a destructive downward spiral, but that seems to be the only tool many select. Jesus instructed us to love our neighbors and turn the other cheek, but the skeptic says where is the power in that? If you bomb me, I will bomb you back ten times over. Love seems to be powerless against bombs. But love is not powerless against hatred. When hatred morphs into violence everyone is off to the races; arms races, abusive behavior, destruction and revenge.
Alternatives
There are some examples though, where nations chose to try a different route. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in the 1990s, helped galvanize South Africa’s peaceful transition to democracy after decades of white supremacy as the law of the land. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission granted amnesty to those who would fully confess their crimes. “Human beings can leave you speechless, really. They can leave you speechless by the horrible things they do, but they also leave you speechless with the incredible things they do. We saw so many times people who ought to have been bristling with bitterness and anger, and when they meet the perpetrator, actually being able to embrace.”
Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
There is no doubt humans are capable of incredible good as well as incredible evil. But when we think we can live this life without God’s love flowing through us, although we may hold all the destructive weapons of the world, they can only lead downwards. Whereas the power of love and God’s direction, can only lead us upward to healing and rebirth and connection to God. That is a choice everyone must make. Please pray with me especially during the Christmas Season, that peace will indeed rein on earth in our time.
John 15:18-19.
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Luke 2:13-14
“They said, ‘Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors. ‘” The Good News: In announcing the arrival of Jesus to the terrified shepherds in the field, the angels declared God’s wish for everyone: peace on earth.”
Merry Christmas Everyone, and may Peace Reign on Earth!
Christine’s News
I’m just finishing up teaching and leading a four-day icon retreat online. It’s a tremendous amount of preparation and it skills to make it all happen but it is very rewarding. Many of my students have been studying with me for a few years at least, and I feel we are beginning to make very beautiful contemporary icons. This week we are painting a very beautiful icon of the Nativity.
I am still showing some of my paintings at a gallery in Sarasota, and that is a source of pressure, unfortunately. If only I had inherited a large income to support us in our old age! Please do pray for us, for income sources to open and for God to open new doors of opportunity as He feels best for us.
I’m delighted that I’ve been asked to be on the Board of the Contemporary Women Artists group in Sarasota. They are a great group of women artists and I look forward to getting to know them better in the coming year.
That’s all for now. May God bless you and your family and we wish you all a very Merry and Christ filled Christmas!
Love and Prayers,
Christine and Michael
Kingdom Arts Ministry 