December 2021

We have entered the month of December. This is the time of year when we place special emphasis on “Family”. Although, my opinion is that the importance of the family should have no season, nor specially designated time. It is however, the time of year when we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This is the season we give and receive gifts, sit and eat as a family and congregate all generations, from the oldest to the youngest and spend time celebrating and reminiscing. We bring our traditional food offering, share recipes…again and listen patiently to how God has blessed each other throughout the past year. There are many of us who do not wait for a special holiday to spend time together. We make a genuine effort to gather, eat, and share testimonies often during the year.

We speak of the blessings we received and the losses we endured. We speak the names of those who left an indelible mark on our lives as we forgive those who attempted to brutally inflict pain in the lives of others. We choose to forgive so that God will forgive us of our transgressions. Thankfully, we are able to acknowledge the fact that our blessings and happiness outweigh our suffering and sorrows.

As a child, we may recall family gatherings where the elders were present. Over the years we have seen those numbers grow smaller as we quietly took their place as elders of the family. We have survived so that we can continue doing the work that the elders started. It is our duty to pass along the respect taught us as children. It is our place to teach the younger generations that God is still the most important person in their lives. Help them understand, we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength. Teach them by example, to stand boldly for Christ and face any difficulties with faith that God will deliver us.

Those of us who have shed tears this past year, whether in joy or sorrow; we say, be strong and of good courage. Those who have experienced hard trials and disappointments in your life, we admonish you to trust God, you are not forgotten. Those who have had the pleasure of experiencing breakthrough in your situation, be thankful to God for all of His many blessings. Those who are still waiting for the blessings God has in store for you, do not give up…do not give in…God has promised us and He will deliver. God is the author of unbroken promises. Continue trusting and believing in His word. It has been a pleasure to share my thoughts with you during this past year. If God be willing, I look forward to seeing you next year. Wishing each of you a Happy and Blessed Holiday season…Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Yvonne Richard Sanchez