Thanks ta' Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant for sharin' her post on "The Spirit of Christmas" So honored ta' have ya'!
By “That Literary Lady”
Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant
Oh, how I love this time of year. I get all giddy at the
sight of Christmas decorations and the glistening of pretty lights. I would be
remiss if I left out the joy of holiday music and lyrics about baby Jesus, red
nosed reindeer and some portly guy who wears a red suit—who always seems to
know whether we’ve been bad or good. It warms the cockles of my very being.
I love how people take time out of the hustle and bustle of
their busy lives and schedules to help others. I get misty eyed when I witness
“haves” bestowing good cheer upon the “have-nots” for no other reason than the
fact that they, too, have been bitten by the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas time is by far the best time of the year for me
because it seems to bring out the best in most people. It seems to be the one
time of year when many put aside their differences to help mankind. It’s a time
of year when even takers turn into givers. It seems to be the only time that I
feel the sudden urge to waltz around my home as I sing along to Silent Night
and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, amongst other favorites. It’s the only
time that you’ll find me, full-time, in an apron, baking Christmas delicacies
of all kinds: chocolate chip cookie, sugar cookies, peanut brittle, brownies
and sweet potato pie. Ah!
Forever etched in my heart are the memories of being a child
and lighting up when I saw a Christmas tree atop of mounds of presents. When my
children were growing up, I was equally delighted to see their smiles during
the season. And, now that I am a grandmother, I find that old traditions die
hard, although, creating new ones are a joy.
Someone recently said that they didn’t understand how
someone could walk by them all year long and not say a word, but then wish them
a Merry Christmas during this joyous occasion. I’m convinced in my heart that
it is in fact the spirit of Jesus that evokes these feelings within us. After
all, this season is all about the
birth of our dear Christ.
Despite the fact that many want to be politically correct
and change the “wording” of the Christmas Season to the Holiday Season, most
will agree that this season is about the birth of Christ and the season of
goodwill. It doesn’t matter what you call it, it all means the same. The
Christmas Season is a celebration and a time to share in the joy of our dear
Savior’s birth. How cool is that?
In Isaiah 9:6 says “For unto us a child is born, a son is
given; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus came so that we might be free and
forgiven of our sins. It is His life that gives us the warm and fuzzies during His
birthday season. Just when it seems there is no hope in the world, we prove the
masses wrong. I only wished the Spirit of Christmas; the Spirit of the Lord and
Spirit of Mankind lasted all year long. For now, I’ll continue to cherish the
Christmas Season and the Spirit of Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Joy to the World and Peace on Earth!
In addition to being a published author, Yolanda is a
freelance writer and the owner of Bryant Consulting. She specializes in
literary, social media, marketing and small business consulting. Yolanda recently
released her latest novel titled Revelations on eBook and will
release the print edition at the end of January. She is currently working on a business
series, a mystery series, a diabetes title and a few children’s titles.
When she is not working hard, That Literary Lady is
participating in Toastmasters International, where she is the Vice President of
Education for Speakerpreneur Toastmasters (www.speakerpreneur.org). She
volunteers with Junior Achievement and is a member the Nussbaum Center for
Entrepreneurship’s Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership and Learning.
That Literary Lady currently resides in the Piedmont Triad
with her husband. They have three grown children and three grandchildren with
one on the way.
You can learn more about Yolanda at www.lwmediagroup.com, www.literarywonders.com, www.yolandamjohnson.com, www.bryantconsultingonline.com
and www.thatliterarylady.com.
I am totally honored Janet that you'd have me as your guest blogger--today of all days, the day before our wonderful CHRIST was born. How cool is that? A hearty thank you, thank you, thank you!
ReplyDelete~~Yolanda
"That Literary Lady"