We are girding up our loins to remember the birth of Christ, and from there, we in the African-American Diaspora are going to move with all deliberate speed to get out our Kwanzaa celebratory candles and attire. After that, we recall yet again, the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; then it’s on to Black History and Women's History Months.

For Blacks here in these Americas, it is worshipping of Christ that has enabled us to be able to celebrate King's birthday and Black History Month. What do I mean? Without our Savior and our Lord, all we as people of color might have are bitter memories and recollections of a country that sends our boys and girls to war, only to return to hear the likes of that "Seinfield"
actor show his natural backside before a multi-racial audience that was an eyewitness to his "nigga" tirade.

Without Christ, there's no way we could forgive a nation that oftentimes co-opts the best in the Black American culture, while simultaneously treating the Black citizenry, even today in certain cases, as second-class citizens.

Without the Nazarene we could not be a joyful people, a devoted people in a society that gobbles up money from the rap community without setting boundaries for those youngsters from the 'hood, who sometimes seem to do anything for the almighty dollar.

Without knowing that God stepped from eternity into time and put on a robe of flesh to redeem the human family, we would be a people most miserable.

Contrary to the politically correct folks, He has a name and higher power isn't that name. His name is Jesus. And, thankfully, those of us who have accepted Him into our lives as both Savior and Lord often wonder how people make it without Him.

An aside: I'm always amazed at the graciousness of many churches that allow people to be funeralized from their hallowed sanctuaries even after those same deceased folks have maligned everything about Christ and the church of Jesus Christ itself while they were alive.

Then again, mercy and forgiveness also are part of the Christian dogma. I must remember that.

Christmas has so many layers to it these days and often the focus of the conquering Christ appears to get lost somewhere between the so-called commercial bargains and the party hearty jam sessions.

I believe we saw the spirit of Christ working at its best in the late ace journalist Ed Bradley. Granted, his life of 65 years was short by today's standards of longevity. But what a life it was. Within the context of the beautiful memorial service in his honor, I think I heard someone say that this proud Black man believed that he was doing the work of Christ as he climbed quixotic-like mountains to be the best. You know, we love him, even in the grave.

Without Christ many of us could not handle such a loss, including the loss of R&B singer Gerald Levert. Those two households and many other households experiencing such losses may view the upcoming holidays with jaded eyes.

Here's what some of us do when we can't explain the five W's - who, what, where, why and when. We hold on to the God of our salvation and even if we don't get the answers we're looking for, we trust Him just the same, believing as the old saints used to say, "We'll understand it better, by and by."

So, enjoy the eggnog, fruit cakes, countless parties, et al. Just remember Christ who has given believers a reason for this magnificent celebration. His birth alone is reason enough to be joyful, to be thankful, to be grateful.

t_nance@hotmail.com