Libraries–academic, public, private, specialized–capture information dear to human history. Special knowledge from a multitude of sources across the world may find itself encapsulated in the sanctuary of a library; the purpose of which allows all the community to enjoy and relive treasured memories of days gone by and perhaps days to come. This beloved institution collects print materials, digital materials, and some a combination of both. The Bible, our greatest resource, holds a precious sixty-six books; it is a spiritual library about the condition of mankind. Whether one prefers pages or screens is one of the greatest debates even when reading scriptures, but God, the supreme author, publishes the lifetime best seller of which the stories capture one’s heart, the characters lived vibrant existences, and the settings take place across the globe. One famous story of a virgin birth is yearly told and often reenacted stating that Jesus’ birth is the best gift given to the world.
“Give and it shall be given unto you” the holy scriptures says, but why do you give at the remembrance of Christ's birth? Is it because of the bible command, is gift giving from your heart, is it because of the holiday, is it because of the retail sales, or is it all of the above? This time of year is one of my favorites: the lights, the music, the foods; I love all of it. Every year I make a cocoa and smores bar with chocolate chips, graham crackers, marshmallows, and candy canes. Lovely to enjoy while watching classic and contemporary holiday movies, I just can’t get enough. In our daily shopping, decorating, and celebrating during this holiday season, we may need reminders of those things that truly matter. Most individuals know and recognize the miracle of the virgin birth of the Christ child; however, the child did not stay a child. He grew and ministered for years traveling the Earth to demonstrate love and to spread the message of His Father. Christ's entire life was lived as a sacrificial lamb, so that we may too live in ‘heavenly places’ and minister to the needs of our brothers and sisters. God, the Father, understood the impact of this revelatory story.
Christ’s life represents a model library for us today; collecting stories of love, images of healing, and stockpiles of deliverance. Attending my family’s church as a young girl into young adulthood set a foundation that extended into adulthood where my membership moved to a different church. Although my congregation changed, the author of my story did not. During my new membership, I was privileged to find a great man and woman of God who also loved God and modeled biblical principles. Their lives have not been easy; however, they sacrificed their desires and sometimes their needs to make sure the members of their church received their blessings. The pastor and wife endured hardships; many I have seen and others I have not witnessed, but they still represented Christ’s love on earth. As a nineteen year old, I had been attending the church they led as a member of the college ministry. During my young adult years through bible studies, I cataloged in my mind key scriptures that helped me continue to grow in the Lord.
Later on as a wife and mother, the church services also provoked me to grow spiritually in service to others and naturally as my career in education began to achieve success. Training our son in the ways of the Lord was an accumulation of experiences in church life and school life that developed him during his teenage years and even currently. The pastor assigned me as the superintendent of the church’s Sunday School and I enjoyed leading the teachers and inspiring the students weekly, and our annual awards ceremony further encouraged the teaching and learning of the holy scriptures. This church leadership role built my resume checking the ins and outs of soft skills needed in life.
Even today as a mature Christian, I am still blessed to see my spiritual father and spiritual mother, the pastor and his wife, still leading an example of a Godly lifestyle. Recently, attending a gala celebrating them was an historic event. The Life, Love, and Legacy Gala honored them for seventy years of life, forty-six years of marriage, and thirty-nine years as founders of the church. The night was beautiful, and the packed program invited a comedian, Deacon2Save, gospel artist, Drea Marie, and seeds of honor by the countless lives Bishop and Lady Daniel have advised, counseled, and supported. The gala inspired me to pen a poem dedicated to their commitment to the people of God. The latter portion of the poem reads
Our Daniel parents’ sacrificial love
embodies God’s heart
but that’s not the best part
Our Daniel parents’ wise words
guide us in God’s precepts
before we stumble of missteps
Our Daniel parents careful correction
redirects us when we lack proper direction
Years come and years go
saints grow
people know
Our spiritual parents are true
they represent God’s heart
although we are apart
A spiritual family indeed
strives for the unity we need
The life of Mom and Pop Daniel courageously sustain
The love of Mom and Pop Daniel prophetically remain
The legacy of Mom and Pop Daniel selflessly proclaim
My heartfelt words choked me up, but I did not cry. Years of strength of character led me to proudly finish the final portion of these verses. The relationship cultivated over the years with these two individuals grows the memories of collaborative learning.
Jesus, our ultimate sacrifice and example, allows others in our lives as family, friends, and mentors to show us the ways of righteousness. His birth and Christmas is a season of joy because he did not leave us alone; we have the Comforter which leads us in all truth. In this time of celebration, let us adore Jesus not only for his birth but his life, and the lives of those He has blessed us to embrace as friends, relatives, colleagues, and associates. During this Christmas season, my daily prayer proceeds with a grateful heart as we give of ourselves to each other; it is a Godly heritage. Jesus’ life leads us to the hope of His salvation. The hope is for this life and the one to come. His death leads us to eternal victory, and this is the true reason for the season. Let us be “living epistles read of all men”, let us “study to show ourselves approved”, and let us hold sacred the ‘author and finisher’ of our faith. The Holy Bible is not just an archive; it is the main branch for everyone; it is the academic for its knowledge, and it is the school for everyone willing to learn.
Lighting the way,
Fiya Librarian
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