LWM Blog Spot: Tis’ The Season 2024
- Jennifer Smalls
- Dec 1, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2024
Living Waters Ministries Monthly Quote
“What was true 2,000 years ago is still true today. Wise men still seek Him, and when they find Him, they worship Him with all their hearts.”
~Dr. Robert Jeffress
Inspiration
Wise Men Still Seek Him
By: Jennifer L Smalls
This is the season of tidings and joy, a season of promise, and good news of great things to come. This season reminds us of the journey of the wise men who followed the star to Bethlehem, bearing gifts for the newborn King. Their journey wasn’t just one of physical distance but of faith, hope, and reverence. This month, as we reflect on the theme Wise Men Still Seek Him, we are invited to imagine what it means to seek Jesus in today’s world and what we might bring as gifts to honor Him.
Imagine, for a moment, three modern-day wise individuals: a teacher, an environmentalist, and a technologist. Drawn by the light of faith and a shared hope for the world, they journey together to present gifts to King Jesus—not gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but treasures that reflect the needs and values of our time.
The Teacher’s Gift: Knowledge📚
The teacher presents a beautifully bound book, representing the pursuit of wisdom and understanding. Jesus accepts it, not for Himself, but to empower others. “I will use this,” He says, “to teach people to see the world through eyes of compassion, to value truth, and to seek justice. With knowledge comes the power to love more deeply.”
The Environmentalist’s Gift: A Sapling🌱
The environmentalist offers a small, vibrant sapling, a symbol of life and renewal. Jesus kneels to plant it in the earth, saying, “This tree will grow to remind people of their connection to My creation. It will be a symbol of hope for a greener, healthier world, where stewardship reflects the care I show for each of you.”
The Technologist’s Gift: Innovation💻
The technologist offers a tablet preloaded with tools for learning, communication, and connection. Jesus smiles and says, “Through this, I will connect hearts across the globe, spread My message of love, and break barriers of distance and division. Technology, when used with love, can be a vessel for My light.”
The Message of Hope
As the wise individuals lay their gifts at Jesus’ feet, He turns to them and says, “Your gifts are not just for Me—they are for the world. Through these offerings, I will heal the broken, inspire the lost, and bring peace to the weary. But the greatest gift you bring is your seeking heart. In seeking Me, you will find purpose, peace, and a love that transforms everything it touches.”
This season, we are all called to be modern-day wise men and women. The star still shines, inviting us to journey closer to Jesus. The gifts we bring don’t need to be extravagant; they can be as simple as a kind word, a helping hand, or a prayer for someone in need.
As we look ahead to the coming days, let us remember that hope is alive because He is alive. Let us seek Him not just in moments of grandeur but in the everyday—a sunrise, a child’s laughter, a quiet moment of prayer. Like the wise men of old, we can still find Him when we seek Him with all our hearts.
May this season fill you with renewed hope, and may you be inspired to offer your gifts to the King who continues to change the world.
Wise men still seek Him—and wise hearts find Him waiting.
News from Living Waters Ministries
Happenings Around St. Augustine
First Friday Art Walk, First Friday Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of every month, 5 pm - 9 pm exhibiting creative artworks throughout St. Augustine's fine art galleries.
First Friday Art Walk Concert Series, First Friday of each month, 6-8 p.m. This organ recital at the Cathedral Basilica in downtown St. Augustine is free and open to the public on the first Friday of every month.
Nights of Lights: This event features a parade, special events, tours, and a ballet. The season begins with Light Up Night on November 23rd - January 26th 2025
Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival:
Celebrate the rich legacy of St. Augustine's early Black settlers and their descendants at the Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival, on Friday and Saturday, December 6 - 7, 2024. This vibrant event features live performances by Little Jake & The Soul Searchers, Amy Alysia, and The Geechee Gullah Ring Shouters, along with educational demonstrations that explore the area's multicultural history. Highlights include a Lowcountry cooking demo and engaging discussions on the Gullah Geechee culture.
Armstrong Park, at 4950 Harvey Avenue, Elkton, Florida 32033.
Christmas Parade: The annual parade featuring Santa takes place on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 9 AM–10:30 AM.
It starts at the Shrine of Our Lady de La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios located at 27 Ocean Avenue, and ends at the Visitor Information Center at 10 West Castillo Drive.
Admission is Free.
Christmas Senior Day: December 7th, Noon - 3 PM Solomon Calhoun Center, 1300 Duval St. RSVP with Ashly (904) 209-0379. Green Attire, Best Dressed Contest, Giveaways, Delicious Meal, Festive Music, Games & Prizes
Toys For Tots: Saturday, December 21, 2024 9:00 AM - 12 noon
Gifts for Newborn - Age 12
To register please contact: Debbie Nantes @ (904) 834-5055 or email
Registration deadline is December 6th
The following information is required for each child: name, age, last four digits of social and gender
West Augustine Christmas In The Park: Sunday, December 22, 2024 4:00 PM - 7 PM, Collier Blocker Park, 10 N Holmes Blvd.
Free event. Glow Up Talent Show; 1st place $200, 2nd place $100. Talent Contestants call (904) 545-6452. Gifts, Gamez, Prizes, Hot Dogs, Hot Coco, S’mores, Live Music.
Watch Night 2024, Friday, December 27, 2024
6:00 PM 9:00 PM
Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center102 Martin Luther King AvenueSt. Augustine, FL, 32084United States (map)
Join us for a taste of Gullah Geechee history, culture, and food!
Our annual Watch Night program is an educational and cultural gathering that recognizes the tradition of “watching” for news of the Emancipation Proclamation being signed by President Abraham Lincoln. This year, we share the interconnections of Gullah Geechee and African people through foodways and culture. A screening of the 1991 documentary Family Across the Sea will be followed by a reception of traditional Low Country fare. Join us for an evening of heritage that includes festive food, libations, and music. Transmission Media will be providing DJ services throughout the evening.
Admission: $50.00 per person, limited capacity
Tickets are available for purchase at the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center Gift Shop, as well as on on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/watch-night-2024-a-taste-of-gullah-history-culture-and-food-tickets-1075737904029?aff=oddtdtcreator
News For Us By Us
An African American Christmas: A Journey of Hope and Joy
(While This section usually brings news of different events that affect us I decided with all that’s happening and that has happened, to take a break from the news. And so here’s a history story on An African American Christmas. Enjoy)
As the holiday season envelops us in its warmth and light, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the rich history of African American Christmas celebrations—a story of resilience, hope, and faith. From the dark days of slavery to the vibrant expressions of joy we see today, the meaning of Christmas in the African American community has always been deeply rooted in the promise of hope and the triumph of love.
Christmas During Slavery
For enslaved Africans, Christmas offered a rare moment of reprieve. The season often meant a brief pause from the backbreaking labor, a chance to gather with family and loved ones, however fleeting. During this time, spirituals like Go Tell It on the Mountain became anthems of both faith and defiance, celebrating the birth of Jesus as a symbol of liberation and divine justice. While the promise of freedom was far from their daily reality, the story of Christ’s birth in humble circumstances resonated deeply, affirming that greatness could emerge from even the most oppressed conditions.
Post-Emancipation Celebrations
Following the end of slavery, Christmas took on new significance. Freedmen and women embraced the season as a time to rebuild family traditions and strengthen community ties. Church services became central to celebrations, with joyful worship, heartfelt prayers, and the singing of carols. Gift-giving, often simple and handmade, symbolized love and connection. For many African Americans, Christmas was not just about material gifts but about the spiritual blessings of freedom and faith.
The Civil Rights Era and Christmas
During the Civil Rights Movement, Christmas served as a reminder of the hope for justice and equality. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. often spoke of the season as a time to reflect on the values of love, peace, and goodwill. Families and churches united during this period, blending holiday traditions with the resolve to continue the fight for freedom. Songs like Silent Night and O Holy Night carried dual meanings, celebrating the birth of Christ while also inspiring the courage to seek a brighter future.
Modern-Day African American Christmas
Today, African American Christmas celebrations are as diverse and vibrant as the community itself. From festive family gatherings filled with soul food and laughter to candlelight church services rich with gospel music, the season continues to be a time of connection, reflection, and joy. Kwanzaa, celebrated by many alongside Christmas, honors African heritage and the principles of unity, self-determination, and faith, weaving the past into the present.
The Heart of Christmas
For African Americans, Christmas has always been more than lights, gifts, and carols. It is a season of faith, a time to reflect on the enduring hope that has sustained us through centuries of struggle and triumph. It is about the love of Christ, who was born into the humblest of circumstances to bring light to the world. It reminds us that no matter how dark the night, joy comes with the morning.
This Christmas, may we carry the legacy of our ancestors—celebrating with hope, love, and unity. Let the season renew our faith and remind us of the strength within us. As we gather with family, friends, and our church community, may we honor the past while looking forward to the promise of brighter days ahead.
Merry Christmas and may God’s light guide us into the new year with renewed hope and unshakable joy.
WELLNESS
Holiday Blues - Tis The Season
“A silent night
I know it's gonna be
Joy to the world
But it's gonna be sad for me
What do the lonely do at Christmas
Oh, what do the lonely do at Christmas time”
The month of December is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can also be one of the most stressful. This season, known for its celebrations and joy, can bring with it the “holiday blues.” These feelings of sadness or stress stem from various pressures—expectations to buy the perfect gift, attend every event, or create an ideal holiday experience. For others, the holidays can highlight grief, loss, or loneliness, making this time of year particularly difficult.
Additionally, our bodies and minds are adjusting to seasonal changes, such as less sunlight, disrupted routines, and the over-commercialization of the season, which can take a toll on our well-being.
Signs of Holiday Blues
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of holiday depression, which may include:
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Depressed or irritable mood
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Increased tension, worry, or anxiety
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Tips to Combat the Holiday Blues
If you’re feeling the weight of the season, here are a few ways to nurture your mental, emotional, and spiritual health:
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Remember, the holidays don’t have to be “perfect.” Focus on what truly matters—spending meaningful time with loved ones and celebrating the season in a way that aligns with your values.
2. Take Care of Your Body
Prioritize rest, eat nourishing meals, and stay active. Even a short walk or a few moments of stretching can boost your mood and help reduce stress.
3. Practice Gratitude
Take time to reflect on the blessings in your life. Start a gratitude journal or share something you’re thankful for with a friend or family member each day.
4. Connect with Others
Loneliness can intensify during this season. Reach out to friends, family, or your church community for support. Attend a service or event to feel connected and uplifted.
5. Give Yourself Grace
It’s okay to say “no” to things that overwhelm you. Give yourself permission to take a step back, rest, and recharge when needed.
6. Lean on Your Faith
Use this season to draw closer to God. Spend time in prayer, reflect on the message of hope and peace that the birth of Christ brings, and remember that you are never truly alone.
This December, let’s support one another, showing grace and love not only to others but also to ourselves. Together, we can embrace the true spirit of the season—a time of peace, hope, and renewal.
And this year I have the answer to “What do the lonely do at Christmas?” I’ve been singing it for years and never found the answer
“They embrace the opportunity to love themselves, savor quiet moments, and find joy in the beauty of the season—creating their own kind of magic.”
Happy Holidays
Encouragement For Stepping Into 2025
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey from January 1, 2024, to now. This past year has been filled with both triumphs and trials. We’ve celebrated victories, faced tremendous losses, and held on to our faith through it all.
As a family and a community, we’ve shared joy and stood together in grief. In the hardest moments, we reminded one another to keep moving forward, even when the way was unclear. Together, we’ve proven that resilience and faith are our greatest strengths.
This year, we watched one of our own aspire to the highest office in the land—a bold and inspiring reminder of what is possible. And while the outcome may not have been what we hoped, we found encouragement in the courage it took to try.
As we look ahead to 2025, we know we are stepping into uncertain times. But let’s not forget: we’ve faced the unknown before. We’ve been here, and God has covered us every step of the way. He will not fail us now.
In the coming year, I encourage us to care deeply for ourselves. For too long, we’ve carried a nation that refuses to carry us. It’s time to rest, recharge, and carry ourselves with love, dignity, and strength.
Here are some principles to guide us as we step into 2025:
• Seek God. Let Him be your foundation in every moment.
• Be your own light. Shine brightly, even in the face of darkness.
• Don’t minimize your power for someone else’s comfort. You were made to take up space.
• Be love. Let compassion guide your actions and your words.
• Take responsibility for your healing. Prioritize your well-being.
• Don’t fix what you didn’t break. Release what isn’t yours to carry.
• Set boundaries and honor your limits. Protect your peace.
• Rest. You’ve done the work—now allow yourself to recharge.
• Sit this one out. Sometimes, stepping back is the most powerful move.
Most importantly, trust in God’s plan. Things will work out because He’s in control. He’s got this, and He’s got us.
Here’s to 2025—a year of restoration, renewal, and unwavering faith. Let’s walk into it with confidence, knowing we are covered and loved.
Blessings and strength,
Living Water Ministries Upcoming Events
Comments