Kwanzaa isn't a replacement for Christmas or even Hanukkah. Kwanzaa has nothing to do with religion and while some may twist it to be political, in its nature it is not. Kwanzaa is not the tool of its creator. Kwanzaa has a life of its own. Kwanzaa is about the spirit of people - all people regardless of color or race. Kwanzaa is a holiday of the human spirit - not the divine. The two were meant to co-exist peacefully.
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We have religious holidays and we have secular holidays. I see Kwanzaa as an opportunity for African-Americans to reaffirm ourselves if we choose to, a chance to rebuild and renew our focus. I see Kwanzaa as a holiday of the spirit.
quote by Jessica Harris
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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Kwanzaa is a holiday that should be celebrated by everyone, not just the black community.
quote by Jacqui Lewis
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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Kwanzaa is a pan-African celebration of heritage and culture and family and community. The principles and the manner of observing the holiday lift up traditional values that are key to our lives.
quote by Janine Bell
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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Our children need the sense of specialness that comes from participating in a known and loved ritual. They need the mastery of self-discipline that comes from order. They need the self-awareness that comes from a knowledge of their past. They need Kwanzaa as a tool for building their future and our own.
quote by Jessica Harris
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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Holidays Celebrated
Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding...
Ramadan begins with a fast that cleanses.
At least 10 days when this begins.
The Muslims practice this with faith.
A faith for them without an end.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding. ..
So many wish for Santa Claus,
To gift them with a tax write off!
And those who celebrate the days of Kwanzaa,
Do this when Christmas has gone.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding ...
Hanukkah Feast of Consecration,
Has a Menorah glowing bright.
And everyone wishes a pleasing season.
With no appetite to fight.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Din g...
Why can't these be holidays,
Celebrated each and everyday?
Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding...Why can't these be holidays,
Celebrated each and everyday?
Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding...
Ramadan begins with a fast that cleanses.
At least 10 days when this begins.
The Muslims practice this with faith.
A faith for them without an end.
So many wish for Santa Claus,
To gift them with a tax write off!
And those who celebrate the days of Kwanzaa,
Do this when Christmas has gone.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding .
Dong.
Ding.
Dong...
Hanukkah Feast of Consecration,
Has a Menorah glowing bright.
And everyone wishes a pleasing season.
With no appetite to fight.
Why can't these be holidays,
Celebrated each and everyday?
Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding...Why can't these be holidays,
Celebrated each and everyday?
Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding...Why can't these be holidays,
Celebrated each and everyday?
Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding...
Dong!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The seven principles of Kwanzaa - unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith - teach us that when we come together to strengthen our families and communities and honor the lesson of the past, we can face the future with joy and optimism.
quote by Bill Clinton
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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Thankful I Am To Witness Another Christmas
I am up and feeling blessed.
Thankful I am to witness another Christmas.
And honored to have lived to experience Kwanzaa.
And as I listen to a local radio station,
Do a live 'feed' from a nearby church.
The crispness of the music played by the orchestra...
Seems to be purposely drowning out the vocals,
Performed by soloists...
Who sound as if marbles are in their mouths.
And destroying every Christmas carol I loved as a child!
Singing with a grandeur and pomp that poops.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa!
From the shallow shopping days,
Of Christmas spent.
And gifts selected...
To induce an increased seduction.
With the onslaught of ornament productions.
May they take these memories...
And wish those feelings that excited them,
Remain.
Especially during times...
That find all who cherish these 'things'.
Keep within their hearts to discover...
The thankfulness and joy,
Others to them bring!
Merry Christmas!
Happy Kwanzaa!
And joyous times to those,
Who are grateful and know...
They are among the blessed!
However this tradition is done,
That brings those around the world...
To address their happiness!
And fun shared with everyone.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture
When a snowman winks his eyes of coal,
And from their windows children know...
Magic's in the air.
And they wish they are on Santa's list.
As children everywhere wish this.
The Christmas Trees that are trimmed with them,
Excites with the bright lights shining.
Dining festively on treats...
Will be remembered year to year.
This and every Christmas.
Joyous Eid al-Adha (The Festival of Sacrifice)
'A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture'
Merry Christmas...
'A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture'
Happy Chanukah...
'A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture'
Happy Kwanzaa...
'A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture'
And...The Best of New Years to Come,
To ALL in Celebration of United Humanity.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Race:
Tell me who chose his race
Who has designed his face,
Before he was born?
Is it you?
Show me your race request!
Explain to me your color pallet
Why are you putting race first?
Did your ancestry choose
Their skin color?
Did color even matter?
Who gives you the right,
To discriminate against others?
Telling me we are "not equal"
Putting yourself against the bible
Get out of this circle
Get out of this bubble
This action is reversible.
So much taste of pain
Too much mark of chain
Not to remember, not to maintain
The spirit and the complain
To the next generation, you explain!
As it takes love
To love someone else
It takes more than love
To love who hated you
You have to embrace
A total different race
If you are a racist
You need God's grace
If you are a sexist
You are out of trace.
Little Richard created Rock n Roll
Who is control it?
British created Soccer
Who is best at it?
People lynched people
Over race
People burned people
Over sect
People killed people
Over religion
If you discriminate
You have lost the race
Under the skin we are one
Black, White, Spanish
Asian, Indian just name
Human being is universal
Living in peace is principal
With every race is just moral.
poem by Dieury Dumas
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Discovery of Divine Spirit!
Is it indwelling spirit or Nature activating human?
Nature kindles mind to realise divine everywhere;
Going deep in all things reach one finally to the core
Where lives the eternal spirit activating all ever...!
Unlike animal going by instinct man explores by mind
All only to be confused as peeling onion endlessly on
And willingly suspending all ideas mystically indulges
In Nature at last to find an answer conclusive ever...!
Mind in communion with Nature man feels divine spirit
That opens door of heart like opening petals of lotus
To reveal the golden yellow divine dwelling deep finally
That actually activates mind, heart and soul of man...!
Discovery of inner spirit having communion with Nature,
Universal Spirit finally brings peace and bliss all long for!
poem by Ramesh T A
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Is Your Christmas Small?
Is Christ the heart of Christmas, is God in the place He should be?
On a day that we’re shuffling gifts, is it all just about you and me?
Isn’t Christmas about a King, who came to this earth for everyone?
And peace to all He would bring, as this Ruler was God’s own Son.
This very One, who came so meek, did not remain a child so small,
For that, baby so mild and weak, would grow to be The Lord of all.
But if people think of Christ at all, it won’t be as The Lord on High,
He is still that tiny baby in a stall, and in this time, we pass Him by.
How many people, would you say, of all the families on this earth,
When they celebrate Christmas Day, look beyond that infant birth?
How many people truly understand, as you consider every nation,
That Christ came to a tiny land, to bring the world God’s Salvation.
How is it men have come so far, within this intelligent human race,
Yet in this season, men will bar, all Truth of God’s Saving Grace?
Not using this Holy time of year, to lift up God’s Christmas Truth,
While giving in to political fear, concerned only of man’s reproof.
Why was Christ born my friend, to give the merchants a holiday?
Or, was it God’s means to an end, to show all men a better way?
Christmas would be awful small, if we didn’t have hope in Christ,
Who came to earth to die for all, so all men can have eternal life.
What Respect Is
have we forgotten
what respect is?
did we ever really know?
every human being deserves
the respect of every other human being,
and should respect every other
human being as well!
it has nothing to do with
color, religion, political views,
or financial status!
respect is a God given right,
and responsibility!
respect is about being human.
treat people the way you wish to
be treated... treat people like people!
poem by Eric Cockrell
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Best Way To Peace!
Prayer to God is the best way to get peace;
Meditation in Nature is smooth way to peace;
Book is another way to forget worries to peace;
I prefer musing over the beauty of Nature to peace!
Many become unstable without work, friends or family;
Life is evolved in Nature which is a book ever updating
That when one sees never gets let out in life in the world;
This is my experience I tell you all to remember to follow!
Beauty of Nature, music melodious and inspiring book
Make one elated to high spirit equipping to scale God
Present in the Universe, a greatest wonder of all time
Inspires with God spirit powerful to go confident ever!
Confidence, courage and endurance inspired by Nature
Lifts up human spirit to divine spirit to enjoy peaceful bliss!
poem by Ramesh T A
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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In the inhalation and exhalation there is an energy and a lively divine spirit, since He, through his spirit supports the breath of life, giving courage to the people who are in the earth and spirit to those who walk on it.
quote by Michael Servetus
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Chrismas Spirit
Put up a splash of Christmas
spirit
Put in a dash of love
Stir up the sounds ‘till you can
hear it
Sing out to those you love
Christmas, Christmas, you can fill
me
Up with Christmas cheer
Christmas, Christmas, you fulfill
my
Spirit every year
Toss up a mash of extra magic
Toss in a batch of love
Let up the lights with random
logic
Look out for sleighs above
Santa, Santa, can I have it
Please I’ve been so good
Santa, Santa, please I beg you
Please oh if you would
Get up a clash of Christmas color
Get in a catch of love
Set up and show the shiny decor
Shout out with Christmas love
Listen, listen, you can see it
Spirit everywhere
isten, listen, you can do it
Spread it out and share
Put up a splash of Christmas
spirit
Put in a dash of love
Stir up the sounds ‘till you can
hear it
Sing out to those you love
Christmas, Christmas, you can fill
me
Up with Christmas cheer
Christmas, Christmas, you fulfill
my
Spirit every year
poem by Akingbehin Daniel Murphy
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Spirit Of Christmas
The star of Bethlehem was shining
Across a Palestinian sky
The Church of the Nativity was crying
And we looked on, who can tell me why?
Where are the wise men when they're wanted?
Nowhere to be seen, like thieves in the night
The desert is drifting every closer
The world won't sleep well tonight
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
Lost in the desert or covered in snow
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
If you can find it, please let me know
The shepherds are in the fields sleeping
Waiting for a sign to light up the sky
Heaven is moving ever closer
The promise of a child born on high
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
Lost in the desert or covered in snow
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
If you can find it, please let me know
Looking for an answer that escapes me (Love set me free!)
If there is a reason let me know (Whoa!)
Drifting slow through time and space not knowing where we are
How did we ever get this far?
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
Lost in the desert or covered in snow
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
If you can find it, please let me know
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
Lost in the desert or covered in snow
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
If you can find it, please let me know
song performed by by Moody Blues
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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What Was Christmas For?
What was Christmas truly for, as on the Season we close that door?
As a New Year for all starts, and the Christmas Season now departs.
Does the Christmas spirit depart, from each and every human heart?
As Christmas trim is tucked away, will the spirit in some hearts stay?
Was Christmas truly meant for this, for once a year to change gifts?
Especially within the hearts of us, who in The Savior place our trust?
Shouldn’t Christmas that we know, be His Light in us for all to show,
The Truth and life we have in Him, who came to dwell forever within?
Should not Christmas be a song, we sing in our hearts all year long?
As in our hearts we joyfully sing, to Jesus Christ, our Lord and King.
A song which should never leave, the heart of those who do believe,
Saved by Grace from this world, with that Christmas Song to herald.
A song we sing all year through, as The Spirit moves in me and you,
To be a light men need each day, not just thought of Christmas day,
Song and light, throughout the year, which every man needs to hear,
This, so men may see their need, that God’s message they will heed.
Some men desire Christmas in July, but, did you ever question why?
A time when gifts aren’t bought at all; could it be music to their soul?
Maybe the songs that they heard, moved their hearts to God’s Word,
With a message, when not ignored, could draw any soul to The Lord.
(Copyright ©12/2008)
Christmas Love!
Is Christmas dying?
Holly that hang from the door is disappearing,
Lights don’t shine so bright.
Christmas goodwill and spirit is hard to be found,
Feeling I’ve found my scrooge.
Is it now that I’ve grown I see a different picture,
Not so tinted in green and gifts.
Santa filling my stocking,
Everything such a dream through a child eyes.
Nativity plays being played at school,
The birth of Christ instilled into our lives.
Life is changing with so many different cultures and beliefs.
Will the true meaning be lost?
When we have people digging a hole with their wallets.
Christmas is not about the biggest present,
Or how much money you’ve spent.
Christmas for me is about love,
Giving it through goodwill, with a smile or just being there.
People may lose faith in religion,
Never lose faith in Christmas,
Christmas is love!
poem by Joseph Tanner
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Saint Maximus at prayer
Sometimes, it’s all humour –
a divine joke shared between gods and men,
a twinkle in the eye of the Creator…
seeing to it, that the man
named Maximus, one day at prayer,
-his eyes were open, for his soul was still -
should notice the smallest beetle
making its way across the open testament,
minding, in its not so tiny mind, its own business…
and in its minimality, the man named Maximus
observed that it had, within its tiny iridescence, being;
watched his mind, learning of its nature;
felt his own being share its life, its spirit, with that little thing;
and understood – the beetle unconcerned, or so
it might appear, within our tiny world –
that in that moment, he had shared
the very nature of the Holy Trinity…
being, nature, living spirit.
Or as the Indians say,
from the Creator we receive
a smile, a message…
Maximal in minimal –
sometimes, it’s all humour.
poem by Michael Shepherd
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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