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For the past few years, during the holiday season, there have been great debates throughout the United States over saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas.  I really don’t see what the great fuss is all about.  For me personally, I will say Happy Holidays to people during the season, however I tell people Merry Christmas on Christmas day.

One of the arguements I have heard is that it is the “Christmas Season” and it is a Christian Country, so those who like to say Happy Holidays should just deal with it.  I however find this arguement contradictive to the whole meaning of the season.  Many religious belief, that were around long before Christianity, celebrate a holy signifacance during the month of December.  Whether Jewish, Christian, Muslim or Pagan they all have important traditions they practice.

In the United States, we must not forget that we are a melting pot of religious beliefs, and the meaning of the season is to reflect upon the past year, and celebrate the coming of the new year and to devote ourselves to divinity as we believe in it, to renew our kindred spirit and love for one another.  So for the Christians out there I wish you a very Merry Christmas, for all the others, I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season in whatever fashion you celebrate it.

What is a miracle? If you stop and think about it, miracles are usually manifest in the midst of dire circumstances. In fact, you would not ask God for a miracle unless you or a loved one is facing a life and death situation, isn’t that right? A miracle is perceived to be instantaneous. In the Gospels we see Jesus pronouncing a person to be made whole, and “poof” an instant miracle. If Jesus did it then, and you believe that He has been and is doing it for millions of others today, then you might be thinking: “why not me?”

Let’s have a look at some Biblical miracles. The first one that comes to mind is how Moses, with his rod, performed the ten plagues. Yes, they were miracles. But with each one the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart more! Although the plagues were miraculous in nature, they were meant for a sign for Pharaoh and the Egyptians that the God of Israel was more powerful than their magicians. The real miracles were that while every person and beast in Egypt succumbed to the plagues, the Israelites in Goshen were completely spared each time!

God had His purpose for the Israelites. Why did there need to be ten plagues and why did Pharaoh have to be so hard-hearted? I can only surmise that it took the Israelites that long to get their faith level up high enough to believe that their God was about the deliver them. They had heard about how He had brought their forefathers to Egypt 400 years earlier. However, now they were in abject slavery and their faith must have been at an all-time low. (Exodus, chapters 7-12) By the time Pharaoh finally relented, they had marvelled at the sovereign Hand of God ten times. Now they were prepared for anything! They even were bold enough to ask for, and received, all the gold and riches from the Egyptians!

Did they suddenly get transported out of their misery and into the Promised Land? More often than not miracles are the culmination of a long process. In the case of the Israelites, they had to walk a long way and were followed by the army until there was no way out! With the army on one side and the Red Sea on the other, their orders were to keep walking! As they walked into the sea, Moses held up his rod, and the waters parted! (Ex. 14)

Are you waiting for a miracle that does not seem to come? Could it be that, although you think you have faith, you’re not really walking in faith? Are you sitting back and waiting for God to miraculously manifest Himself in your life? He could. However, no matter how bad the conditions surrounding you, He wants you to start walking! Walk in faith, expecting doors to open up before you, one at a time.

You won’t know how close you are to a major miraculous intervention in your life if you miss the hand of God in the little breakthroughs. Take every step in faith and thank Him for all the joys and benefits along the way. Then you’ll be well on the way to receiving your miracle. How do I know? I’m speaking from experience. He carried me, and helped me “mount up with wings as eagles (Isa. 40:31) through desperate situations. The more I learned to lean on Him with every trembling step, the greater my faith exploded inside me until suddenly trauma turned to triumph!

Yes, miracles really do happen. Expect them! Your purpose is to walk in faith with a heart full of joy and thanksgiving for all His wondrous works in your life. Miracles will be pursuing you! “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him; and honour him.” (Ps. 91:15)

Ann Stewart is the author of With Wings As Eagles. It motivates, inspires and encourages others to stand victoriously in their trials.
http://www.lifealteringwords.com/with-wings-as-eagles

Her inspirational newsletter:
http://www.lifealteringwords.com

“Religious belief is a fine guide around which a person might organize his own life, but an awful instrument around which to organize someone else’s life.” – Richard D. Mohr: A More Perfect Union 1994

Just as cultural, societal and personal beliefs differ, so do religious beliefs.  Not everyone will practice the same belief the same way, they have their own personal connection with God that they have identified with.  That identity with God or the Divine Source is an intimate and personal relationship for each individual to find, but when we begin to condemn,  ridicule, or hate others because of their beliefs, it does nothing more than to remove ourselves from that Divine Love from our creator.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” 

  On August 28, 1963, Doctor King stood before the nation on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and gave one of his greatest speeches. 45 years later, on November 4, 2008 at 11 p.m. eastern time progress was made in the United States to bring that dream to fruition, when Barrack Obama was declared the 44th President of the United States.

  Breaking the greatest barrier, Obama has become the first African American to be elected as President. To many, this shows that the American people have moved forward, embraced change and has allowed all children in the United States to realize that if they apply themselves, there is nothing that they can not achieve.

  President (elect) Obama has stated many times on the campaign trail through his speeches the mantra “Yes we can!”. His actions, his achievements show truly that yes we can… We can overcome our past, put aside our differences and work together to make the United States a better place, Yes we can!

  Congratulations President Obama on your achievements! The people have spoken and they are seeking that change we can believe in, that hope we can do better, and the desire to show that Yes We Can become a better nation.