There’s something special and perhaps a little magical about the Holiday Season. As the weather starts to cool and the leaves start to change, there seems to be excitement in the air in anticipation of the holidays. We tend to look for greater human connection as we plan gatherings from Thanksgiving feasts to New Year’s celebrations. While some see the holidays as the opportunity to connect with family and friends through festive celebrations of their faith, others may enjoy the more commercialized aspects of the season.
Like many other families, my family has developed traditions for the holiday season. Among them are a family gathering for Thanksgiving dinner and a Christmas brunch where we share a meal and exchange gifts. Through the years, due to life circumstances, the locations and menus have sometimes changed, but the essence has remained the same. It’s not about the food or the exchange of gifts – from year to year, it is doubtful that anyone remembers what was served or what gifts were given or received. Yet, we remember the precious time that we spent together – talking, laughing, and loving each other.
Naturally, there is a sense of joy and love as we plan to meet with friends and family for a holiday beverage, gather around a holiday meal, prepare to exchange gifts of the season, or simply enjoy a holiday movie together. However, there’s a sense of joy, love, and compassion that permeates the air and extends beyond just close friends and family as we look out to our greater community. Despite all the hustle and bustle of the season, people seem to smile a little more and extend more courtesies to others. It may be a shared smile or brief conversation as you wait in a line, the occasional “Oh, you only have a few items, you can go ahead of me” or the surprise of having someone pay it forward buying your coffee or meal. We also see more concerted efforts to spread joy and give back to the community as we try to ensure others can enjoy the holidays as well.
I was fortunate to be able to take part in one such effort just before Thanksgiving. On Friday, November 17th, while visiting my family in Philadelphia, I attended an event hosted by Operation Brotherhood, directed by Pastor Cedrick Blakney. Volunteers representing at least a dozen churches of various denominations came together at the Korean United Church to pack gift bags, providing all the necessary food for a Thanksgiving feast, to be distributed throughout the community. The evening started with a prayer led by Pastor Daniel Kwan of the Korean United Church followed by a welcome, special music, devotion, and a closing prayer before the packing activities began. It was a joy to see a diverse group of volunteers, including some who identified as Black, White, Asian, or Hispanic and all ages ranging from young children to elderly citizens, come together to make quick work of packing. Tables containing the various food items were set up in a large room as volunteers walked from table, like “trick or treaters,” gathering items to fill their bags. During the packing process, various volunteers stepped up to the microphone to share songs, poems, or words of encouragement to inspire and entertain the volunteers. A group of youth carried the bags out to vehicles as they were filled. A total of 1,011 bags were packed in just an hour and ten minutes.
This event was a great kickoff to the holiday season, which will be filled with many gatherings of families and friends as well as many opportunities to minister to and provide for community members. So, as you make plans to celebrate the holiday season, consider doing something to brighten the holidays for those who may not have family or the means to have a holiday feast. You may be surprised at the blessings you receive when you take the time to bless others.
- Holiday Connections – by Dr. Gail Dawson - December 13, 2023
- Diversity Trends 2023 – by Dr. Gail Dawson - January 12, 2023
- Trends in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging – by Gail Dawson - January 5, 2022