BARTHOLOMEW ADDO KOFI’s Post

The gift of Christmas (the gift of God’s Son) empowers us to do all of what we were designed to do, but will fail to God unless God empowers us to do it. It is the liberation from everything that we were ‘not’ designed to be and not designed to do. It is the opportunity and the power to finally, finally be our authentic selves. And then, how about the durability of Christmas? These things that Christmas does…but how long do they last? “Have we ever consider the boldness of Christmas? For to craft such a daring story and to do so in a manner that it is sufficiently sturdy to stand up under the relentless scrutiny that is certain to be brought to bear against such a story is boldness indeed. And when God pens a story He does so not fearing scrutiny, but inviting as much of it as any one of us can muster up, for God does nothing that is not bold. Such is God and such is Christmas.” What God writes and what God does has no expiration date attached to it. There’s no last page. No period. What He writes and what He does will never find an end in itself. He’s the Creator of eternal stuff, and only eternal stuff. This stuff lasts forever. And then finally, does it really transform, because a lot of things say that they transform, but they don’t. Does Christmas transform right down to the bottom of everything that needs to be transformed? Does it really change everything? Does it really make everything new? And if so, if it really does, why do so many people just walk past it? Think about this: “One of the things that vexes me to the point of near insanity is understanding the message of Christmas and realizing the potency of this message to transform the worst of our lives so that we can become the best of our ourselves, to shift the momentum of entire cultures so that the world is brilliantly enriched by each instead of destroyed by all, and to handily touch the hem of history itself so that history is changed in the touching. And while all of these are ours for the taking, I continue to watch the mindless hoards trudge past these things in order to embrace everything that is not the ‘everything’ of these gifts. And so I pray that God would grant them a heart ready to be captured by the ‘everything’ of Christmas.” Don’t miss Christmas anymore. Don’t. Don’t miss the immensity of what God did, and what God continues to do. Get out of your rigid and confined thinking. Look at what Christmas truly is and what it truly does. Let this Christmas be the beginning of a ‘forever’ transformation in your life. Here’s wishing you and yours all the power of this incredible gift. __________________________________________________________________________________ Enjoy LifeTalk on most podcast platforms. You will also find daily inspirational quotations on all of Craig's Social Media sites. Finally, visit Craig's website at www.craiglpc.com to discover an array of timely and thoughtful resources.

Hello connections!... I am glad to share my article about "CHRISTMAS" The yearly celebration of Christmas is a joyous occasion for Christians worldwide. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. Customs and traditions associated with this holiday vary from country to country, but a week-long buildup of decorations and shopping generally marks it. The main event starts on Christmas Eve when many attend special church services and adhere to secular traditions and themes. Several individuals have adopted contemporary practices for celebrating Christmas, such as hosting themed parties, elaborately adorning their homes, inviting loved ones over, and exchanging gifts and treats. The Christmas tree, Santa Claus, and carols remain popular elements of this holiday and captivate many today. A special Christmas feast is prepared, and houses are adorned with candles, clay oil burners, and dancing lights. Since gift exchanging ceremonies and various other aspects of Christmas festivals involve many activities, such as buying clothes, sweets, gifts, chocolates, etc., the entire holiday season becomes a noteworthy event, which is why many retailers and brands declare a sale period during this time. As Christmas gifts, shopkeepers offer clothes, electronics, and other products. Schools and offices are closed during the holiday season, allowing people to plan for a day-long outing on Christmas. December is filled with festive spirit, bringing immense joy and merriment. As a result, people greet each other with the phrase “Merry Christmas” as they embrace in warm wishes for happiness, prosperity, good health, and good luck – teachings that Jesus spread to promote love and peace worldwide. It comes as no surprise that this remains a beloved festival for individuals all over the world. #snsinstitutions #snsdesignthinkers #designthinking

Thought of the day#2 Christmas day,the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a time for family gatherings, festive meals, gift exchanges, and various traditions like decorating Christmas trees and singing carols Going to the church for Christmas service How do you celebrate Christmas? Every country or region has their own traditions to celebrate it in the unique ways. Germans have traditions to make Advent calendars and Christmas markets. It is happening now worldwide. The young students have courage to make their own Advent calendar and through that activity they start exploring creativity at the very young age. It gives wings to their imagination. The German market is very popular in England. It is like an another activity for kids to do in their holidays. Every age group enjoys the food, lights and rides. Christmas Day is not only a religious holiday but also a time for community, celebration, and reflection on values like love, kindness, and generosity. And yeah it’s a week before the new year. Make your new year resolution, re- write it. If everything done then give yourself 7 days demo😂. It is time to shine in this festival season. How does your community/country celebrating it?

Beyond the Tinsel: Finding the True Meaning of Christmas (And Why It Matters) 🧑🎄Let's be honest, Christmas can get a little busy and overwhelming with all the decorations, the gifts, and the endless parties. Sometimes, in all the hustle, we can almost forget the true heart of the season. 🧑🎄 The commercial side of Christmas often drowns out the core message, the birth of Jesus. We’re caught up in the tinsel and the festivities and what if we are missing the reason we are celebrating? What if we are putting the focus on things that do not truly matter. What if we let all the noise drown the real message. 🧑🎄 This December 25th, let's pause, breathe, and return to the true meaning of Christmas. Let’s take a moment to focus on: 🧑🎄Jesus: Recognize Him as the reason for this special season. 🧑🎄 Family: Cherish the gift of spending time with those you love. 🧑🎄 Let’s make this day not just about the gifts, but about His presence and the presence of loved ones around us. Merry Christmas! May your day be filled with the love of Jesus and the warmth of family. PS: What is your favourite thing about Christmas? Share in the comments below.

I BELIEVE IN JESUS THE REASON FOR CHRISTMAS! The significance of Christmas is multifaceted and depends on who you ask. Here are some key ways it holds meaning: Significance: For Christians: Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came to Earth to redeem humanity from sin. It's a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude for God's gift of salvation. For other religions: Some other religions acknowledge Jesus as a prophet or holy figure, and while they may not celebrate Christmas in the same way, they may still find spiritual meaning in his birth and teachings. Cultural Influence: Globally: Christmas has become a major cultural holiday celebrated worldwide, even by people of non-Christian faiths. It's a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, exchanging greetings, and enjoying traditions like decorating trees, singing carols, and sharing festive meals. Locally: Many cultures have their own unique Christmas traditions and stories that add to the holiday's richness and variety. These traditions can range from specific foods and decorations to special church services and community events. Commercial prowess: Retail: Christmas is a major driver of economic activity, with businesses offering deals, promotions, and special products to capitalize on the festive spirit. Tourism: Travel during the Christmas season is popular, with people visiting family and friends or planning festive getaways. Personal Significance: Everyone's personal connection to Christmas can be unique. It can be a time for cherished memories, family bonding, acts of kindness, and spreading joy. Reflection and contemplation: Beyond the festivities, Christmas can be a time for personal reflection and contemplation on themes like hope, peace, love, and goodwill towards others. Ultimately, the significance of Christmas lies in its ability to bring people together, regardless of their faith or background, in a spirit of celebration, generosity, and shared humanity.

Exceptional weather we've been having.... Cheers 🥂 to being nearly at the end of our work week people. How are you fairing out there LinkedIn? How many of you are done with your Christmas 🎄 shopping 🛍? How many of you don't celebrate at all or celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, or another holiday this season? We do celebrate Christmas 🎄, the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. We celebrate by decorating ✨️ with a tree that is as much of a decoration as the pieces that are hung on it, Christmas lights outside & inside our home 🏡, poinsettia plants 🪴, music 🎶, movies, usually a Santa 🎅 visit with pictures (though we haven't seen him yet this year), a church service on Christmas Eve, good food, and a gift 🎁 exchange on Christmas morning. This year we aren't hosting anyone other than our immediate 6 person family and keeping open house style with their friends and significant other to stop in between their own busy schedules of visiting family. Matthew 5:16 King James Version "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Hello friends family and acquaintances today is CHRISTMAS DAY - December 25! Every year on December 25th, over 2 billion people around the world celebrate Christmas Day. Traditionally, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Nonreligious people and those of different faiths celebrate the day as a cultural event. One of the most popular Christmas customs is gift-giving. This custom has its roots in the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus shortly after his birth. Unfortunately, the gift-giving aspect of Christmas has led to its commercialization. On average, Americans spend $700 on Christmas gifts and goodies. Altogether, this equals $465 billion. In recent years, there has been a call to simplify the holiday and to get back to the “reason for the season.” Also known as Christmas Day, this holiday is derived from the Old English Crīstesmæsse which means Christ’s Mass. Today, Christmas is a public holiday in most countries. Only about a dozen countries do not recognize Christmas as a public holiday. Christmas traditions vary around the world and have evolved over time. They borrow from other traditions and cultures, too. Over time, beliefs and customs blended as peoples migrated and attitudes changed. #Christmas #dallasharristips

When it comes to exchanging gifts during the festive season, timing and cultural expectations can vary widely across the globe. Understanding these nuances is key to fostering respect and appreciation for different traditions. Here’s a quick look at how gift-giving traditions differ: 🎁 Japan: In Japan, Christmas is more of a commercial celebration than a deeply religious or family-oriented one. While it’s common for close friends to exchange gifts, it’s not typical for businesses to engage in gift exchanges, as we often see in the West. 🎁 Spain & Latin America: In many Latin American countries and Spain, gifts are often exchanged on January 6th—Día de los Reyes (Three Kings' Day)—rather than on Christmas Day. This celebration is rooted in the story of the Three Wise Men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus, making it a deeply cultural and religious tradition for these regions. ✨ This highlights the importance of timing your gift exchanges! Knowing when colleagues or friends from different cultures expect gifts—and understanding that the right moment is just as important as the gift itself—can prevent misunderstandings and ensure your gesture is received with warmth and appreciation.   So, next time you're preparing to give a gift, take a moment to think about the timing. It shows respect for different traditions and creates stronger bonds. What’s your gift-giving tradition? Do you exchange gifts on Christmas or perhaps wait for the Three Kings’ Day? Share with me in the comments! 💬

🎄 **𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱 - 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀** 🎄 Have you ever wondered about the origins of Christmas and why it holds such a special place in our hearts? Let's dive into the fascinating history and significance of this beloved holiday! **✨ Origins of Christmas:** The word "Christmas" comes from the Old English "Cristes Maesse," meaning "Christ's Mass." It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a significant figure in Christianity, traditionally celebrated on December 25th. This date was chosen to coincide with the Roman pagan festival of Saturnalia, merging Christian and pagan traditions into a time of joy and giving. **🎁 Why is Christmas Important?** Christmas is a time of celebration, love, and reflection. For Christians, it's a special festival honoring the birth of Jesus. For others, it's a season of goodwill, marked by family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive cheer. It's a reminder of the values of generosity, compassion, and hope that bring people together. **🏡 Is Christmas Linked to Real Estate?** While Christmas isn't directly linked to real estate, the season often sees an increase in home-related activities. Many people spruce up their homes with decorations or consider buying or selling property before the year ends. The cozy, inviting atmosphere of the holidays can highlight a home's charm, making it an ideal time for those in the real estate market. **🔍 Fun Fact:** Did you know that the Christmas tree tradition originated in Germany in the 16th century? Today, it's a universal symbol of the season's magic and warmth. Whether you're celebrating with a cozy night in or exploring real estate opportunities, Christmas is a time to cherish the moments that matter most. Wishing you all a joyful and bright holiday season! 🌟

The True Meaning of Christmas 🎄✨ As Christmas approaches, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the traditions that make this season so special and the lessons they bring into our lives. 🎄 The Christmas Tree reminds us of hope and light, even during the darkest times. It’s not just about the decorations—it’s about the memories we create as a family, gathering around it year after year. 🎅 Santa Claus teaches us the joy of giving. Inspired by Saint Nicholas, his story is a reminder that kindness, no matter how small, can bring so much happiness to others. 🎁 Gifts and Present Exchanges aren’t about the price tag. They’re about showing love and appreciation. Whether it’s something big or small, it’s the thought and care behind the gesture that truly counts. 🌟 The Nativity Scene brings us back to the heart of Christmas—the birth of Jesus in a humble manner. It’s a powerful reminder of humility, hope, and peace in our busy lives. This Christmas, let’s focus on what really matters: spending time with loved ones, spreading kindness, and finding joy in the little things. Wishing you and your family a Christmas filled with love, peace, and happiness ❤️ #MerryChristmas #ChristmasJoy #FamilyTime #KindnessMatters #ChristmasSpirit #CelebrateTogether #SeasonOfGiving