THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR, 2012

We are two days away from celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We are also a week away from ushering in the New Year 2012.
The true spirit of Christmas is to celebrate the Greatest Gift of Love which came to us from God in the shape of a tiny infant. This is also the reason why we exchange gifts; we give gifts, just as God gave us the Gift of Love by sending His Son Jesus to earth that we may experience a true relationship with God. We received the gift of grace as Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem.

During this season, we reflect on the immeasurable facets of our Savior, Jesus Christ; He is our Prince of Peace, Healer, Teacher, the Upholder of Mercy and Kindness, Interpreter of God’s law and the fulfillment of God’s Presence amongst men.
Christmas is actually about more than Jesus’ infancy; it’s about how we can extend Christ’s love and kindness to neighbours, friends and family who are in need. This is the “TRUE” meaning of Christmas!

In the political leadership realm, we need to open the curtains for 2012 as an election year which is going to be quite significant to the future of our nation. With a new constitution, with elections approaching, encompassing a two tier legislative assemblies; with decentralization of resources and political power, with efforts in fighting impunity, corruption and with a focus to ensure free and fair elections, it’s my belief that Kenyans will see 2012 as ‘Year of the Wakeup Call’; to either rise and shine, swim and float, or sink and drown. It’s a wakeup call to either elect leaders who will help build our nation or destroy it. It’s a wakeup call for Kenyan voters to consider character, honesty, values, and the integrity of an individual before they give him/her the mandate through the ballot.
From the smallest position of chairing a tea buying centre to the chairman of a local school board, values and character MUST be considered as the yardstick before an individual or group of individuals are voted to vital positions. The same MUST apply to County Assembly Person, MP’s, Senators, Governors and the Country’s Chief Executive.

Without considering the said leadership tenets, our country will continue sinking in vices of yesteryears. Let us strive forward, and not slide back into the old ways, for these old ways have not helped in uplifting our country’s economical, social, or legislative fronts.

The challenge is on voters to scrutinize candidates who have offered to vie for elective positions. View their vision, their mandates; scrutinize their leadership directives, analyze their true intentions for society, inspect their trustworthiness, examine their reasoning and decision-making, and finally, study their sustainability.....and above all, consider their love, their passion for this land and its people.

With these in mind, I’m convinced that we cannot go wrong but usher into leadership positions men and women who are passionate with the aspirations of all people in the society. Remember, you cannot divorce poor leadership from the myriad challenges facing Kenya and the entire African continent.
Remember, leadership is an action, NOT a position!!

Finally, I will close now with a quotation by Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."I once again, I wish you all a Wonderful Christmas Season. Be Blessed!!
Joseph Lister Nyaringo
New Jersey, USA