I pray that you are well. Once again, I am late with posting something of significance, so once again I ask your forgiveness.
I pray that you have had a WONDERFUL celebration of the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We have now entered another festive celebration of life; Kwanzaa and today being the third day (Kwanzaa is celebrated from the 25th of December – the 1st of January) Ujima – (oo-GEE-mah) – Collective Work and Responsibility. This reminds us of our Past, Present and Future. How have we come, as a people thus far in our Collective Work and Responsibility toward one another? Where are we currently, and how can we improve going forward, to help our Community/Village and our Children. This is the Principle we focus on this the Third Day of Kwanzaa and reflect on where we have been, where we are now and were we are going in the future for the greater good of mankind.
Kwanzaa is not a 'religious celebration', but one of celebrating who we are as African-American People, where our struggles have come, how we have gotten to where we are now and how to we improve our way of life. The focus of each principle is on the Family. One may say, (and I have heard it MANY times before), does this mean that white people can't celebrate it? NO NO NO that is not what it means. Matter of fact if you are a white person involved in an African-American community, you are part of our Culture. We are a LOVING, OPEN and WELCOMING people… once you have entered our Church or Home, 9 times out of 10, you are FAMILY!
Here is some information about Kwanzaa you might be interested in;
Kwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st.
- 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."
- 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.
- 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.
- Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
- Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
- Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
- 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.
Please feel free to pass this information along to others who might not know or understand.
God bless you and continue to allow the Light of Christ to shine within you, because the KING is BORN! Praise be Jesus Christ now and forever!
Qorban Ministries
www.CatholicEvangelist.net (See our website as we still have some CD's and DVD's available for your after Christmas Shopping!)
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