Purpose Day

Today is the fifth day of Kwanzaa–Nia, which, in Swahili, means “Purpose.” I’ll admit I’m not very familiar with Kwanzaa, but the “happy holidays” controversy got me curious about other celebrations going on around me besides Christmas, so I read a bit about it. Without going into great detail, each day of Kwanzaa has a principle on which to meditate and act upon.

It’s appropriate that today, just two days before a new year, has been designated as Purpose Day. The meaning of the verb form of purpose is to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself; to resolve. For Kwanzaa, Purpose Day involves community purpose as well as self:

To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

My personal purpose day involves completing my resolution plan of attack, so, in effect, I’ll be joining in with others who spend the day focusing on their purpose. And focusing on our purpose is key as we ponder our goals for the coming year.

For us to be successful, every day will be purpose day because each daily task should lead toward an ultimate result. Without that end in mind, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to stay motivated and implement the day-to-day habits that will be required to attain our goals.

For example, if my goal is to lose weight, my daily routine must include healthy eating and exercise. If I’m not reminded daily of my purpose–goal, intent, resolve–behind these changes of habit, it will be all too easy to slip back into my comfort zone and continue making the same poor choices that got me to this size in the first place.

In the past, I’ve blogged several series–one on non-fiction writing, another on perking up prose, etc., and I’ve been contemplating what should be my next blog series. Today I’ve decided. I once conducted a workshop called “Design Your Own Luck,” which is essentially a goal-setting series. I began compiling those notes into what will hopefully someday become a book. I’ll post the overview tomorrow, and then, Lord willing, on New Year’s Day, we’ll get going on the series.

Spend a little time today considering your purpose. Ask God what His purpose for you is.

Have a blessed day!

‘Twas the Day After Christmas

Here’s a little poem, just for fun, written by that world-famous poet, “Unknown.”

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house,
Every creature was hurtin’ even the mouse.

The toys were all broken, their batteries dead;
Santa passed out, with some ice on his head.

Wrapping and ribbons just covered the floor,
While upstairs the family continued to snore.

And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans,
Entered into the kitchen and started to clean.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains, and threw up the sash.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a little white truck, with an over-sized mirror.

The driver was smiling, so lively and grand;
The patch on his jacket said “U.S. POSTMAN.”

With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox.
Then quickly he stuffed them into our mailbox.

Bill after bill, after bill, they still came.
Whistling and shouting he called them by name:

“Now Dillard’s, now Broadway’s, now Penny’s and Sears
Here’s Robinson’s, Levitz’s and Target’s and Mervyn’s.

To the tip or your limit, every store, every mall,
Now chargeaway-chargeaway-chargeaway all!”

He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work.
He filled up the box, and then turned with a jerk.

He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road,
Driving much faster with just half a load.

Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer,
“ENJOY WHAT YOU BOUGHT…
YOU’ll BE PAYING ALL YEAR!”

Christmas Q & A

Was Jesus really born on December 25?

Probably not. Most historians believe Jesus was born in the spring or even very late summer. The Romans usually waited until after harvest time to conduct the census, and some scholars believe Jesus was born near the end of September. Since the shepherds were out in the fields at night, the weather would have been warm.

Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25?

The ancient Norse people suffered through long winters and looked forward to winter solstice (usually around December 22) –the time where the days began to lengthen–as a promise of spring. They burned a “yule log,” which burned for about 12 days, and each spark represented the hope of new birth come spring–piglets, lambs, calves, etc. The Romans also celebrated winter solstice, and many of their pagan rituals concerned the church as many Christians participated in the pagan festivities. Therefore, Pope Julius I chose to create a Christian holiday during the mid-winter holiday season and selected December 25 as a day to celebrate the birth of Christ. The initial holiday was called “The Feast of the Nativity.”

Was the new Christmas holiday an overnight success?

Hardly! In fact, some Christians protested and Christmas was even outlawed in some areas because the Bible doesn’t state the birthdate of Jesus. It wasn’t declared a national holiday in the United States until 1870. Christmas gained popularity as a family centered holiday through the writings of Washington Irving and Charles Dickens.

So, should Christians celebrate Christmas?

The birth of Christ is certainly a biblical subject, and the angels, shepherds, and wise men celebrated Christ’s birth. Romans 14 tells Christians to celebrate days if their conscience allows it; if not, don’t. In other words, this is up to the individual. If one wishes to celebrate, then do so, but don’t force your opinion upon others. If not, then don’t, but don’t condemn those who choose to do so. Personally, I celebrate Christmas but understand that the exact date of Jesus birth isn’t the real issue, but rather the fact that God graciously gave us the gift of His Son, and that Jesus came to earth to die and rise again so that we can hope of an eternal life in heaven.

I want to wish all my friends & blog readers a very blessed and merry Christmas!