Unified Christians should celebrate Jesus' birth everyday, every season

Mosaic in lobby of Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation

Atlanta, Ga...Here is my take away from the Orthodox - Catholic Ecumenical Gathering held December 18 in Atlanta's Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation.

Jesus' birth should be celebrated not only on December 25, but on everyday of the year, in every season. The historical and spiritual Jesus is God's great gift to the world! He was a poor boy who is now recognized as God's son. There is evidence that Jesus was born, but the significance of His birth is more important that the date of His birth.

Archbishop Wilton Daniel Gregory and Metropolitan
Alexios Panagiotopoulos had unifying messages during event: Jesus is a gift!

Matthew 2: 1-12 in a nutshell: Wise men frightened the political leaders of the day. Herod wanted to know where the Savior was so he could destroy Him. Jesus was a rising star. A true ruler leads people to the light of truth. The biblical wise men gave Jesus all the material treasures they could carry but didn't give parents any words of advice which you would think they would do. If they did, it was not recorded in the bible.

Metropolitan Alexios: Christmas is the biggest event for the human race. We are participating through faith in this historical event. This gathering is a performance when we can open your hearts to feel the presence of Jesus. How do we prepare to celebrate the birth of a Savior?  Materialism has taken precedence over the historical celebration. Gift giving during Christmas should not over emphasize the material but should dwell on God's gift of Jesus, the Savior of our spirituality. Feel the presence of God during this time. 

Father Panayiotis (l) looks outward during ceremony.

Rev. Father Panayiotis Papageorgiou: December 25th is a unifying feast day for Christians. What actually happened on that day, and was Jesus actually born on that day? It's debatable. Refer to Luke 2:8. Some things to consider:

1. It was too cold for shepherds to be out at night tending their flocks. They were probably in caves resting from a hard day's work.

2. Pagans celebrated their SUN rituals on December 25. Christmas was actually first celebrated in 336 AD by Christians. 

3. There was a census being taken at the time of Jesus' birth which is in the public record.

The Annunciation

4. According to Jewish tradition, high priests would go into the Holy of Holies at a specific time. Zachariah was a high priest who went into the Holy of Holies. His wife, Elizabeth, was pregnant before Mary. Mary became pregnant in March... December is nine months later.

5. Early church leaders intentionally picked December 25 to celebrate Jesus' birth. Don't worry about the date because the early Christians made the decision... rejoice in that decision.

Church processional after event

Archbishop Wilton Gregory: Come together in prayer. Be gracious and grateful. Christ must be reborn everyday in your spirit, regardless of the date of December 25. Celebrate His sacrifice. I look forward to the day we can all worship at one altar. Christmas is a mystery. Draw close to the manger. Jesus was born a poor child. Keep alive faith, unity, and peace. Welcome God's Son made flesh. May God's blessing remain with us forever.

Jesus in dome of Atlanta's Orthodox Cathedral

Best/Worst Healthcare... check it out!

This was forwarded to me by a reader...
https://renewbariatrics.com/healthcare-rankings/
Very interesting!

Mercedes-Benz teams with Super Heroes in JUSTICE LEAGUE

JUSTICE LEAGUE, one of the most anticipated superhero movies of all time, will hit U.S. theatres beginning November 17, 2017, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles will join the League alongside Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash as they race to save the planet from an alien assault of catastrophic proportions. 

Accompanying DC's most iconic heroes on the big screen, the new E-Class Cabriolet, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo with its new interior developed for this film, and the G-Class 4x42 will play an integral role in this epic action adventure. 

"With JUSTICE LEAGUE, we found the perfect partner to highlight our current vehicles as well as communicate the fascination of our brand. The E-Class Cabriolet is a natural fit for Wonder Woman," says Dr. Jens Thiemer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. "And who other than Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, would be more inclined to drive a car like the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo? We are, therefore, very excited to partner with Warner Bros. Pictures on this much-anticipated movie as we reach out to as many people as possible with a creative and innovative campaign."

"As a designer you have to create fantasy, so we often get inspired by the film industry. I am excited that this time, the film industry was inspired by us and our Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo became the car for a super hero," says Gordon Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. "Extreme proportions, sensual contours amd intelligently implemented high tech blend to form a breathtaking body and the perfect car for Bruce Wayne."

For more information, go to:  https://media.mbusa.com/releases/release-db8e07ab3dc1897e7df477d6b10037d1-mercedes-benz-launches-campaign-to-support-warner-bros-pictures-upcoming-epic-action-adventure-justice-league

Puerto Rico in shambles after Hurricane Maria

San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico

is located in country's eastern central region

and has a population of 41,947 U.S. citizens.

(Photos submitted by Maritza Rodriguez)

Protesters and police: a volatile case in change management which can lead to good

A take off from "Black Lives Matter" slogan, this unoriginal message may be obstacle to bringing cops and protesters together.

When National Action Network leaders announced that they would be sending Al Sharpton to rally against Cobb County Lieutenant Greg Abbott's "We only kill black people" remark, Cobb County, Ga. Police Chief Michael Register recommended that Abbott be fired immediately.

That's the kind of change happening across the United States where communities have seen an uptick in "Killed by Cop" incidents, and the police themselves have become targets.

"Instead of implementing change by accident, lawsuit, or crisis, law enforcement professionals need to act deliberately — with confidence and purpose — to ensure the desired outcomes," say Deborah Lewis and Fredinal “Fred” Rogers of the United States Capitol Police. ( https://www.policeone.com/police-jobs-and-careers/articles/6969429-Overcoming-3-key-challenges-to-change-management-in-policing/ )

Recently, a Georgia Tech student armed with a knife, Scout Schultz, was killed by campus police who did not deploy non-lethal bean-bag rounds which could have saved his life. The result: violent protests erupted in Atlanta.

Yet, this is a moment when relationships between police officers and the public are under the microscope, ready for improvement on both sides. What will improve relations between the police and community members they serve?

Transparency. Sensitivity training. Reinforcement of positive behaviors. Breaking down stereotypes. Accountability. This is the responsibility of human resources, the union, training facilities, public relations administrators, review panelists, and community activists.

The police should not be at war with the citizens they serve. Ongoing and sustainable changes are keys to improving community policing.

Florida's Keys: what will happen now that Irma's gone?

Muddy waters left by Hurricane Irma

Do you think investors will go to the Florida Keys and grab up some cheap real estate, will insurance companies pay for rebuilding, or donations help individual homeowners recover? What about the U.S. government?

ABC News has reported that 90% of homes in the Keys have been damaged or destroyed. That's approximately 34,200 homes at a median price of $280k each. It would take $7.5 billion dollars to help rebuild them. And that doesn't include businesses, boats, cars and possessions.

During times like these, unscrupulous people with money hone in on victims. Only time will tell.

Breaking news update... Abbott out after "We only kill black people" comment

Lt. Greg Abbott, a 28-year veteran, has been fired by Cobb County Police Chief Michael Register after the media released dash cam video of Abbott saying, "We only kill black people" at a traffic stop.

In a 3:30 press conference, termination was recommended by the Chief. The AJC has reported that Abbott resigned or retired at the same time the police chief said he recommended firing.

Another source informed Wingcom Watchdog that while processing Abbott's termination, he retired but may not receive his pension.

Abbott's firing comes after a lengthy report documenting dysfunction at Cobb County Police was completed by the International Association Chiefs of Police (IACP).

I think Register made the right move. Too bad it took the press to have an investigation opened and Abbott removed. We're hoping that proper training is focused on before the public is asked to pay higher taxes to hire more officers.

For more info., go to: http://www.myajc.com/news/local/cobb-officer-who-said-only-kill-black-people-says-retire/iwXaTAucCB4ZKIK7uvEbxO/
 

Breaking news... flood waters receding in Houston

8/30/2017

8/28/2017

Photos by Marcia Brown. "Finally it has stopped raining. Rain going to Louisiana. No more clothes needed at shelters."

HARP scam artists could be minor and major lenders

Be careful of HARP scams that say program "offer" ends August 31, 2017, and there are no closing costs. You may need to file a complaint with Feds... According to HARP's gov. website, program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2018 but only for certain loans closed on certain dates. https://www.fhfa.gov/Media/PublicAffairs/Pages/FHFA-Announces-Modifications-to-High-LTV-Streamlined-Refi-Program-and-Extension-of-HARP-Thru-12-2018.aspx

Don't take my word for it... call and find out! You may not even be eligible for HARP, but unscrupulous lenders may make you think you are until it's too late!!! They know they will be losing money because of Hurricane Harvey, so the snakes are striking while the iron is hot, in my opinion...

To learn more, go to: https://harp.gov/ .

Freeways resemble rivers in Houston, Texas

Photo by Marcia Brown, Houston, Texas

This photo was forwarded by my sorority sister who lives in Houston. It shows trees in the 288 Freeway/Binz Medium in front of Chase Building on Almeda.

"Bottom line, the freeway is a river," Brown said. "It's still raining. Crazy."

I talked to my friend, Dr. Steve Lyons with the National Weather Service. "Tell your friend to stay put as long as she has food and water." Lyons said driving out from her location is not an option. If she sees water coming in her immediate neighborhood or lawn, she should call for help, go onto roof (not attic), and wave towel to be rescued, Lyons said. 

My cousin, Evelyn Price, lives with her daughter in a two story home in Missouri City, Texas. "We're waiting to be rescued. There's already a mandatory evacuation called for at Sienna Plantation near here," she said.

Alt-right has created alt-christianity

Confederate flag with sign and christian symbols in private yard across from school bus stop

"If we don't provide emerging generations with genuine identity, community and purpose through robust and vibrant spiritual communities, somebody else will do so. If good religion slumbers and stagnates, bad religion is the alternative." ---Brian D. McLaren

As I struggle with the dichotomy of how so-called Christians, following a Jewish Jesus, could hate Jews, my husband sent me an article written by McLaren on alt-christianity (http://time.com/4915161/charlottesville-alt-right-alt-christianity/) Now it makes sense, that young white supremacists have been given a "community, identity and purpose," but it doesn't explain why older racists have morphed Bible teachings into their own twisted religion.

 What do you think Jesus would say about these conflicting messages?

It's ironic that these symbols are on the corner of Turner Lane, knowing that The Turner Diaries is a white supremacy book read by mass murder, Timothy McVeigh.

I think any "Christian" who would put these three symbols side by side in his yard is sending a message that he is in bed with Satan. I hope this guy's pastor or church members will talk to him and convince him to remove these conflicting symbols, because kids riding the bus see them everyday and could be turned into alt-righters. We need to do more than just pray about this one.

"All these things are inspired by the devil," said Father Moses Berry recently at a racial reconciliation conference in Atlanta. 

You be the judge!

Breaking News...

"Fake News" CNN reporter and crew are saving families waiting for the Coast Guard to rescue them from flood waters near Houston, Texas. President Trump has recently blasted the media, especially CNN, for bad reporting and for misleading the American public.

People are also being rescued by ordinary citizen volunteers with boats. CNN has shown pictures of military-style vehicles being readied to go into Houston area.

There are also reports of government high water vehicles and helicopters making rescues.

It is estimated that it may take 10-20 years for the area to fully recover from Hurricane Harvey.

Sharing heritage can lead to racial reconciliation

Fr. Berry talks to attendees at racial reconciliation conference.

While white supremacists are ranting about heritage not being hate in one breath and blood and soil (genocide) in the next exhalation, Father Moses Berry’s work is bridging the racial divide by preaching forgiveness and grace.

Berry was the guest speaker at St. John the Wonderworker Church on Cherokee Avenue in downtown Atlanta on August 26. Pastor of Unexpected Joy Church in Ash Grove, Missouri, Berry is President and Co-founder of the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black. He is also curator of The Ozarks African American Heritage Museum.

Berry is the only black orthodox priest in the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) whose mission is, “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Berry explains the history of the drinking gourd and freedom.

When Berry shares his message on racial reconciliation, he delves into a space that, like the Underground Railroad’s drinking gourd, is pointed towards freedom - spiritual freedom.

“God is with us,” were Berry’s opening remarks before educating attendees on the spirituality of African Americans and the ancient orthodox Christian faith. Mahalia Jackson’s voice set the mood from a DVD slide show, singing “Move on Up a Little Higher.”

“I been climbing over hills and mountains
I'm gonna drink from the Christian fountain
You know all God, God's sons and daughters that mornin'
Will drink that ol' healing water.”

Berry said he was born between the dark and the daylight and wears sunglasses inside not to be cool, but because his eyes are light sensitive. He talked about his ancestors, family members who lived past 100 years old, and blacks he remembers from his childhood. From a three-generational lineage of ministers in the A.M.E. Zion Church, Berry said, “I went on this unending journey to find God until I really learned how to serve the Lord.”

Participant asks about positive messages depicted in black dolls.

He himself knows sharing between the races can happen. He is the recipient of a 85% match kidney from a Serbian, white female donor. “I think God delivered me through that person,” Berry said.

Slave "necklace" or collar

A poignant moment in Berry’s speech occurred when he donned an iron slave collar and held a ball and chain belonging to one of his ancestors. Then there was the display of a telling, 1863 Drunkard’s Quilt used at safe houses on the route to freedom in Canada.

Berry described his own direct knowledge of black heroes (saints) in his town. One was Olivia Murray. Murray, the granddaughter of a slave, Fannie Murray, “embarrassed me in 1950-60’s by walking around town looking like Aunt Jemima.

“I told my mother, ‘Mom, can you do something with her?’” His mother informed him that Murray carried a basket filled with eggs from her chickens, canned goods from vegetables in her garden, and she saved many families from starvation, including theirs.

“We dismiss people on flimsy evidence,” Berry said about our view of others. “We’re ashamed of ourselves…we think white men’s ice water is colder than ours…we have the same contributions to make.” 

"Just look how much time we have wasted on this subject, on racism, when we could have been solving other problems. Hatred of 'others' is a universal problem and is tied to power, not skin color."--- Tomi Johnson

Drunkard's Quilt once displayed outside safe house.

After the presentation, participants were treated to lunch featuring items from Ethiopia (curry Chicken, red spicy lentils, sponge bread), West Africa (meat pie and plantains), and soul food dishes from the United States (chicken livers, collards, watermelon, sweet potato pie).

In a question and answer session, one white male stunt actor asked how blacks can forgive whites after all the atrocities committed during slavery and the present day.

“Don’t judge lawless young people who are confused and lack proper guidance or deliberately refuse guidance. Acknowledge what has happened, and then move forward. Use Christ to set the example. Ask, ‘What would Jesus do?’ Go outside your comfort zone.”

Shared heritage might show hate, but forgiveness follows for those led by Jesus.

Berry said, “It would be shallow to think this is a new or racial problem. Christians should come back to true discipleship. This is a hard thing, to follow Christ - self-denial to the point that it hurts.”

"Don't fret over racism which could drive one crazy. We can never get to the bottom of it."---Fr. Moses Berry

Berry invites others to lean on God's grace and learn how to be an active, real "Christian" in thoughts and deeds.  “The problem is that when we think of our sins, it’s egotistical to try to repay the debt. Repent and try not to sin again,” he concluded.

For more information, contact Berry at abbamoses@yahoo.com. To view conference videos, go to: http://www.saintjohnwonderworker.org/parish-photos-events-1/st-moses-the-black-conference

Photos by Kurk Johnson, Tomi Johnson, and church photographer.