Merry Koda Christmas: Author Jamesina Greene

“What I Love About Christmas”

By

Jamesina E. Greene

Virginia Beach, VA

“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders.  He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, PRINCE OF PEACE.” Isaiah 9:6

Ever since childhood, I have looked forward to Christmas.  Raised in a Christian home, I was taught from the very beginning that the Holiday was about the birth of our Savior, and not about collecting gifts for myself.  Even as we prepared for the gift giving part of the Holiday, I was constantly reminded that “giving” to someone else was much more important than “receiving.”  Therefore, one of the things I love most about Christmas is giving to someone and see a genuine smile and appreciation from them.  I love to make others happy and I feel that Christmas is one of the best times to do it.

            I absolutely love the sense of peace and tranquility that generally accompanies Christmas.  There is an overwhelming sense of unity among people and total strangers even seem to be nicer to each other.  In general, people become more caring and generous as social calendars become filled with events to raise monies and provide for those less fortunate.  During the Christmas season, the “spirit of giving” replaces selfishness and comes from a place of love and sacrifice for everyone.

            From the first time I moved away from until the recent deaths of my parents, Christmas always gave me a sense of “home.”  I knew that no matter what else had happened during the year, if I survived until Christmas time, I was going home and everything would be fine once I got there.  I looked forward to the unconditional love and sharing that home provides.  I loved that when I walked in the door I would immediately be embraced by loving arms and pure hearts.

            The Christmas and winter seasons symbolize for me a time of “endings” and a time of “beginnings.”  The “endings” providing a time for reflection and evaluation.  The closing of old doors and the cleansing of unproductive elements.  While at the same time, I sense the anticipation of “beginnings” just around the corner.  As I prepare for a New Year, I do so with excitement and peace.  I rest in the knowledge that God has a specific plan for my life and I am looking forward to my NEXT!

            From now on, the Christmas and Winter Seasons will be a time of mixed emotions for me.  In December 2010, my father transitioned to his eternal resting place and I know that I will always hurt for him.  However, when I think of him and all the valuable life lessons that he taught me, I smile.  Christmas was one of his favorite holidays, because he was a giver at heart.  He gave without hesitation to family, friends and strangers.  I am honored to have inherited his “giver’s heart.”  Christmas is a perfect time to use it.

Jamesina Greene is a published Author, Minister, Teacher and Inspirational Coach.  She is a mother of two sons and the grandmother of four.  Her first published work, “Help, I Don’t Like Myself!, shares her personal battle with Depression and her journey from a place of self hate to self love.  She recently published a Mini Book for Moms on the Go, entitled, “A Mother’s Cry” and a 12-month Daily Journal, “My Journey”.  Currently she is working on her first novel, completing a literary work which she began with her father before his passing and a Children’s Book with her grandchildren and nephew. 

To contact Jamesina, please do so at email:  destne61@gmail.com

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Thank you to Jamesina Greene for sharing her favorite things about Christmas!!! 

All week on the Butterfly Phoenix blog, authors will be sharing their thoughts and memories of Christmas.