The Greatest Gift of All!

I’m part of a community where many of us find the holidays challenging and overwhelming. I realize I’m not alone in this—during my therapy sessions, especially with those diagnosed with PTSD, holidays often brought dread. Understandably, several of us find it challenging to get into the holiday spirit. Celebrating can feel tough when we've lost loved ones during these special days and miss sharing these moments with them. Our loved ones truly embraced the holiday spirit, reminding us of what we cherish.

The pastor’s sermon beautifully explored the Immaculate Conception and highlighted the profound impact Jesus Christ will have on the world. He explained how the miracle was granted to the Virgin Mary, who was born without sin, and gracefully responded, “Yes, may it be done according to God’s Will.” Mary was a woman of free will, choosing to accept God’s plan with faith and courage. Joseph, her betrothed, was prepared to quietly leave her to avoid shame, yet through the angel Gabriel’s comforting words, they both recognized this moment as a divine gift from God to redeem all of humanity from sin.

From a spiritual perspective, especially within the Christian faith, the Greatest Gift of All is Jesus Christ. This stems from the understanding that God’s greatest act of love for humanity was to offer Himself to the world through Jesus. Instead of a physical gift, this is regarded as a gift of love, grace, redemption, and hope, reminding us of the profound ways God shows us His love.

Christian scripture wonderfully highlights this in the beloved verse, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” (John 3:16). Here, we see Jesus as God's loving way of reaching into human life to heal the broken connection between people and the divine. This gift isn’t just about His birth—it's recorded beautifully through His life, teachings, sacrifice, and resurrection, offering forgiveness and the hope of spiritual renewal.

Spiritually, many consider Jesus the most extraordinary gift because He perfectly embodies love. His teachings inspire us all to show compassion, humility, and forgiveness, to serve others, and to care for those in need. When we follow His example, we learn how to love selflessly and live according to God’s will. This gift truly reflects who Jesus is and what He teaches us about living a meaningful life. It’s a reminder that material things are temporary and that status or wealth won't be recognized in eternal life in heaven.

Another special part of this gift is grace—the comforting belief that God’s love is a gift, not something to be earned. Jesus’ sacrifice is viewed as a way for everyone to find forgiveness and be reconciled with God, not because of our own imperfection, but through faith and obedience. This beautiful gift is open to all, no matter where they come from or what mistakes they've made. Beyond Christianity, many other spiritual traditions also recognize a “greatest gift,” often described as divine wisdom, enlightenment, or compassion. However, Christianity uniquely celebrates this gift as a person, not merely an idea. Jesus is seen as the living embodiment of God’s love for everyone. 

Have you ever wondered how the gift of life fits into the bigger picture? Without Christ, life can feel empty, we might be alive and doing our best, yet ignore the consequences of our sinful nature. We must pray for those with suicidal ideations, the homeless, and the hopeless. Without spiritual guidance, it's easy to lose our way. Nothing can be done after the final sigh. But here's good news: we need redemption, and God is faithful. He always keeps His promises and never lies to us. 

As I talk about our Greatest Gift and consider the smaller, yet meaningful gifts, let’s also reflect on the incredible gift God provides through the people He has placed in our lives. Take a moment to look at those who surround you, the ones closest to your heart. Are they truly special to you? What qualities about those individuals still draw you closer, even after many years? Remember, they also have their own gifts, and positive spirits naturally attract each other. Gifts can be something we feel deeply inside, sometimes unseen but powerfully present.

Jesus Christ is truly the Greatest Gift of All. He embodies God’s ultimate act of love—bringing hope, meaning, forgiveness, and the incredible transformation to all of us. This gift reminds us of the deep love and grace that are available to everyone. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Have a peaceful and joyful Christmas.

Be and Stay Alert! AI Is Here!

Get ready for an AI-influenced world, especially as we approach elections and social media sharing intensifies. Keep in mind, not everything you see or hear may be completely truthful. Political experts are already noticing some misuse of AI in local races. If you haven't taken the time to research your candidate thoroughly or haven't voted much before, now is a great moment to start. Take time to learn about your candidates so you can make a wise, confident choice. Remember, this isn't the moment to pick someone just because they look like you. While honesty and truthfulness are often missing in current politics, we always have the power to choose someone better, regardless of gender.

I often watch YouTube streams of kittens and puppies to help me unwind. Lately, I've been amazed by how incredible the animals are behaving. For example, the cats are actually pointing to the dog when asked who caused a mess around the house. Isn't that amazing? Videos now feature animals and babies talking! It's fascinating to see how AI might be used in the future to make these kinds of interactions possible.

Already, we are seeing it being used on stars like:

Tom Hanks: His AI-generated image and voice were used in a dental plan advertisement without his knowledge or consent.

Drake and The Weeknd: An AI-generated song titled "Heart On My Sleeve," which used AI-cloned vocals from both artists, went viral and was submitted for a Grammy award before being removed from streaming services by Universal Music Group.

Other figures have voluntarily engaged with AI for creative or commercial purposes:

The Beatles: AI technology was used to isolate John Lennon's voice from an old demo for their 2023 release "Now and Then," allowing for audio restoration and a final song.

James Earl Jones: In retirement, the actor worked with a Ukrainian startup and Disney to preserve his iconic Darth Vader voice using AI, enabling the generation of new dialogue for future Star Wars projects. 

Some political candidates are now using AI, while others prefer to keep it from swaying voters. America finds itself at another critical crossroads. States are eager to create AI regulations, but this administration is trying to stop them. Is that really happening? For now, it’s often just clickbait to read or watch. It can be tricky to know what’s true from what we see or hear. The one thing I trust completely is God’s Word.

Glory Days!

During the peaceful quiet of early morning, when memories feel gentler than the bright daylight, a man sometimes finds himself sitting back, reminiscing about the days when he felt on top of the world. These memories shine brightly in his mind, like medals proudly displayed on a wall, illuminated by nostalgia, shielded from the dust of reality. He recalls the cheers from crowds long gone, the strength of his youth before time gently placed its hand on his shoulders, the moments when his name felt bigger than life itself. These were the days when he truly believed the world seemed to spin a little faster because he was running, when victories were his, when the spotlight felt warm and welcoming, and when applause felt like a sign of purpose. But if he looks a little closer at these glory days, he notices flickers. The roar of the crowd fades away, the trophies lose their shine, and the muscles grow weaker. The achievements that once seemed eternal now become stories he shares to keep those memories alive. His glory was real; it was also temporary, delicate, made from the same dust he walked upon, reminding him of the beautiful, fleeting nature of those moments. 

Then he reflects on another kind of glory, one that he didn't create and one that time can't diminish. God’s Glory Days aren't just memories, seasons, or chapters; they are eternal. They begin before the first sunrise and continue beyond the last breath of creation. God’s glory doesn't fade with age or grow dim with distance. It's evident in the oceans that refuse to cross their boundaries, in the stars that burn with a fire no human has kindled, and in the mercy that greets him each morning, even though he hasn't earned it. God’s glory isn't applause—it's presence. Not achievement, its essence. It's not a fleeting triumph, but an everlasting truth. 

Where a person's own glory shone brightly for a moment, God’s glory shines forever with every heartbeat. While his achievements relied on strength that is now slipping away, God’s glory depends on nothing and holds everything together. His victories have shaped his past, but God’s glory defines eternity. Sitting in the morning light, he finally sees that his “glory days” were fleeting moments of human brilliance. Still, God’s Glory Days are the endless radiance that calls him to exchange pride for purpose, and self-glory for transformative praise. In that realization, he discovers something far greater than missing the past. He finds the One whose glory never fades. But within him, something aligned: God’s glory towering above, and his own humility rooting him below, meeting in a peace that surpasses all understanding.

 

Was the United States Ever United and Will It Ever Be?

Throughout its history, the United States has often been described as a nation united in principle but divided in practice. From the very beginning, Americans have grappled with the tension between their high ideals and the reality they live daily, which often raises the question: Has the United States ever truly been united, and can it be in the future? Looking closely at American history shows that while the country hasn't often achieved complete unity, it has consistently shown a surprising ability to come together and strengthen bonds after periods of disagreement. Recognizing this pattern helps us understand both the challenges and the hopeful possibilities for unity today. Heads-up, despite all this, it was never great. 

The United States was born out of a paradox and grew in violence. The Declaration of Independence proclaims that “all men are created equal,” yet the society that adopted those words was deeply fragmented, geographically, economically, culturally, and morally. The thirteen colonies shared a common grievance against British rule, but even during the fight for independence, they struggled to cooperate, bickering over troop supplies, trade, and political power. The Articles of Confederation represented a loose bond rather than a unified nation, and the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was itself a product of such severe disunity that the country risked dissolving before it had truly begun. Thus, in its earliest years, the United States exhibited unity of purpose, not unity of condition. Americans could rally around shared ideals, liberty, self-government, and independence, but they disagreed profoundly about how to interpret or implement those ideals. Unity existed more as a desire than a reality.

The question of unity reached its breaking point in the 19th century with the issue of slavery. State conflict intensified to the point that Americans went to war against one another, a clear possible sign that the United States was not truly united. The Civil War tested not only the durability of the Union but the very meaning of the word itself. President Lincoln’s famous observation that “a house divided against itself cannot stand” captured the moment: unity, if it ever existed, had been shattered. 

Yet the aftermath of the war demonstrated another enduring theme of American history: the capacity to rebuild unity after division. Reconstruction attempted, though imperfectly, to establish a more inclusive national identity. Constitutional amendments abolished slavery, granted citizenship, and sought to expand political rights. Even though segregationist policies undermined these reforms, they laid the foundation for future movements toward unity, such as the 20th-century civil rights movement. During this time, unity was often only surface-level and felt incomplete. Many Americans saw national unity more as a political must than a deep moral value. However, this period also showed that, even though fragile, unity could be rebuilt, rethought, and revitalized. 

The 20th century was filled with memorable moments when the United States felt especially united, often during tough times. During the Great Depression, Americans from different backgrounds and regions came together to support each other through the economic hardships. Similarly, World War II created an incredible sense of national solidarity that’s rare in other periods. The collective effort to fight global fascism strengthened American identity and brought the nation closer together. However, for minorities, their identities and contributions were often overlooked. Native Indigenous peoples used their languages to communicate secretly through enemy lines. Black pilots, soldiers, and sailors gave their all on foreign lands, even though they were still recognized as second-class citizens in America. This didn’t always make the country feel truly united. Even after fifty years, some minorities are just now receiving medals and promotions posthumously. 

The post-war period was a time of relative unity, even if not perfect. Economic growth, a thriving middle class, and the shared goal of maintaining global leadership helped foster a sense that Americans were moving forward together. However, beneath the surface, issues like racial inequality, gender discrimination, selective hiring with unequal pay, and rising political polarization brewed quietly, eventually spilling into the tumultuous 1960s. While unity then was widespread, it wasn't deeply rooted. Still, these moments show that Americans can come together and form strong bonds when facing significant challenges. 

The early 21st century has seen new divisions, political, cultural, informational, economic, and technological. Social media has fractured the national conversation; partisan identity has become stronger than national identity for many; and debates about history, democracy, and the nature of truth have grown more intense. Events like the 9/11 attacks briefly brought the nation together again, but these moments did not last. Despite these divisions, it’s important to recognize that disunity is not new in American history. What’s different now is the way it takes shape: polarization spreads through digital networks that reinforce division faster and more powerfully than any previous medium. Still, the core pattern, conflict followed by gradual efforts to heal, remains consistent with earlier times. 

Thinking about whether the United States will come together again is really about considering whether Americans can find common ground despite their differences. Looking at history, there's reason to feel hopeful. The country has shown incredible resilience during tough times, coming through revolution, civil war, economic hardships, and significant social changes, not as separate parts, but as a more united, even if still imperfect, society. True unity in America isn't about everyone being the same. It’s about a diverse group of people supporting a shared political system, upholding democratic values, and seeing each other as part of a larger civic community. If we see unity not as the absence of disagreement but as the willingness to work through them, then yes, the United States has been united before, and it can be again. 

The future of unity depends on many important factors, such as the strength of democratic institutions, the ability for civil dialogue, the willingness to address inequality, and the skill to build bridges across differences. While these challenges are significant, they are not new. Each generation has faced similar questions and has managed to guide the country back toward a workable, and sometimes imperfect, sense of unity. Even though the United States has rarely experienced complete unity, it has also never been completely divided. Its history is really a continuous balancing act between fragmentation and cohesion, conflict and reconciliation. Unity isn’t a permanent state; instead, it’s something to build, fix, and renew with each new generation. If history is any guide, even today’s divisions can be healed, as long as the people keep working together to live up to the ideals that initially brought them together.