You're probably aware that the word holiday is derived from Holy Day and was originally intended to set the day apart from ordinary days. It didn't just start recently. Actually, through the centuries, people have a tendency to lose focus on the significance of a particular day simply using it as an excuse to throw a party. Now, while there may be nothing wrong with throwing a party and even Jesus was known to frequent a few in his day, it is important to reclaim some of the HOLY in our holidays.
Right about now, you're probably saying to yourself; "There goes Pastor taking all the fun out of my day off." Well, actually I'm trying to suggest that our holidays can become even more meaningful and enjoyable if we focus on what; being holy during these days really means.
THE MEANING OF HOLY
In it's truest form, the word 'holy' means to be "completely set apart"; "to be totally separate.” What then would
it mean to have a real Holy Day? It would mean that we would be intentional about being focused on what
is vitally important in our life. Every day we are pulled in many different directions with so many forces
competing for our attention and energy. It is the rare person who can say that they maintain a healthy
daily balance, while keeping their priorities straight. I confess to being a 99 percenter.
Holy days are great opportunities to reflect on our priorities, refresh our spirits, and reorder our lives.
Think about how meaningful Thanksgiving is when we spend time expressing our gratitude to God for
blessing us through the year; even in the face of difficulties. Think about when we spend time with family
and friends, reminding ourselves of how important healthy relationships are and sharing the stories that
make us who we are. Doesn't it make the day all the more holy when we've taken a little time to give back
to others, as a way of affirming the interconnectedness of all humanity?
Imagine Christmas as a day, not just for exchanging gifts but as a time to really contemplate what it
means––that the God of the universe loved us so much that He gave us the greatest gift of all; His Son
Jesus, our Savior. Are we willing to give of ourselves for the people and the causes we love? Or,
must they settle for trinkets wrapped with pretty paper and a bow?
REFLECT AND FACE FORWARD IN THE NEW YEAR
Janus, comes from the name January and was the two-faced god in Roman mythology representing
transitions. One face looks back to reflect on the past while the other faces forward envisioning the future.
New Years is a powerful opportunity to evaluate the successes and the challenges of the previous year
and to press the reset button and begin a new.
HOW TO MAKE THE HOLIDAYS HOLY
Here are ‘Five Action Steps’ to making the holidays HOLY:
1. Participate in moments of private and public worship to praise God from whom all of our blessings flow.
Action Step: Identify key worship services that you will attend and invite important
people in your life to share with you. Schedule a specific prayer and study time each
day during the holidays.
2. Share with family and friends to cultivate healthy relationships.
Action Step: Commit to work on reconciling with a family member or friend with whom you've grown distant. Spend some quality time with a young member of your family
and listen for their dreams and values. Plan ways you can assist them in reaching their goals.
3. Take quiet times for meditation, prayer, and reflection to assess our priorities and plan our next steps.
Action Step: After a period of prayer and reflection, list your priorities and specific
steps you will take to invest time and energy in them.
4. Give of yourself to something meaningful. The song is still true;
"If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain."
Action Step: Give a gift certificate that promises one hour of your time to a person
or a cause that is on your list of priorities.
5. Remember, ‘to be holy, we also must be healthy; spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially.
Action Step: Take time to evaluate your health and develop a written plan that moves
you towards greater health. Select a mentor or partner to assist you in reaching your goal.
Let's have some great Holy Days!
Peace & Blessings,
Pastor, W. Darin Moore
**Pastor Moore will share a specific topic each month with the Greater Centennial congregation.
Please submit all questions for Pastor's Blog, "Moore Moments'' by the10th of each month to
pastorsblog@www.greatercentennial.org ."
