THE TRAFFIC LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS

Gradually christmas is fast approaching. There are soo many decorations going on here in Ghana on the streets and in front of offices. The markets are also becoming busy gradually with some weather early in the morning [I dont know whether to call it hazy, fog or dew] because I have never seen the snow fall here in Ghana. Don't laugh, am serious. Hahahahahah.

Anyway, this is a traffic light to help celebrate this years christmas and make it a memorable one to you and those around you.

RED - STOP

Yes, stop. The christmas is fast approaching. You are planning to do shopping within this week and during next week. Just stop for a minute and consider those around you. Your neighbours who can't afford one kilo or cup of rice. During this festive season, we usually share with those we love alone. Those families who give us in return alone but this time let us look beyond them. Search within the church, your school, neibourhood etc and humbly identify those who are less privilaged, those who can't afford it and make them happy. Remember Jesus Christ came to save those who are lost and not those who are already saved. Lets give to those who can't afford and put them in our plans as we do the shopping. Buy that extra cup of rice, extra litre of cooking oil, extra pound of meat and extra gift for that special person. Put them in your plans as you do your shopping.

YELLOW/AMBER - WAIT OR GET READY

After identifying them, get ready to make a move. Put some things together. They need some clothes, shoes, food, some need money, shelter etc. To others, love. Simply telling them I love you or wishing them a merry christmas is enough to make them happy and to give then a sense of belonging. Clean that boys quarters behind your house and put a shelter over someones head. Get ready to make a move or simply prepare. Put the things togethe and show some love.

GREEN - GO

This is the time. Make a move and go in all directions possible. Take a step for they are waiting. Reach out to them and show some love. Call them home and give them some hope. You know them. Some have complained to you about how they see it impossible to celebrate this christmas due to lack of money or other needs. You know you can provide. Why not help them? Make someone happy. The best way to celebrate this christmas is to show some love to someone. Put that smile of their face and wish them a merry christmas.

Regards and stay blessed as we prepare for this wonderful time. I can see a blessed time ahead this christmas and I will tell you all I did during the christmas. Did I say all? Just watch out.

AS WE GET CLOSE TO CHRISTMAS,.....................

[Matt 6:33,34] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

I took my self back memory lane when I was a kid. During those days, when christmas gets near we have in mind the usual time that our christmas goodies come from our parents so we usually make our request early before the deadline and when they don't come, the disturbing starts. We disturb our parents and sometimes cry especially when we see our neighbours displaying their christmas presents. Hahaha, that was then.

With about two weeks to christmas, there are troubles in homes now. Some parents are thinking very hard where to get solutions to making the family happy especially the kids. Ask any child what he or she needs for Christmas as the list he or she will provide is more than even what the elderly needs. When I grew up,I began to understand what our parents go through. The questions they have to ask themselves as in the bible verse above. As the festive season approaches, parents are asking similar questions. I don't know what actually happens in the developed countries but in the developing countries, you will understand.

Looking at the word we have as our introduction brings us hope but this can only be achieved by faith. It is time we stop worrying about what we will eat, drink, wear and even where to get funds to paint the house. Times are difficult as the world sees it but there is a Father who understands our needs. Parents, keep the faith in God. Stop worrying your self with these. They are added benefits. Remember the Bible said we should seek first the Kingdom of God and all other things shall be added unto us. God knows we need shelter, food, drinks and clothing etc. Stop worrying and trust God to provide.
Children or my fellow brothers and sisters, let us stop putting pressure on our parents as the time approaches. They already have you in mind. They are thinking about your needs as well. Pray for them instead and when the gift or presents doesn't come at the time expected, understand them. As far as you are alive, Christmas will always and forever come and meet you. Thinking everyday will only make you see your problems bigger than the God you serve.

There is no need to worry, there is no need to think. We are bearing a needless pain all because we do not carry everything to God in prayers as the song writer said.Your heavenly father already knows that you need them and He has made provisions for them. He will provide and make a way. Only trust in Him.

Stay blessed as we enter into the festive mood. Also look out for the coming weeks as we read some series of articles reviewing the year 2010. God bless you.