The nativity scene is being constructed alongside a lovely Christmas tree in a local Talca mall, but wait; what? Is that a black magi I see here in Chile? Wonder what the odds are that I’d see the same (especially this dark skinned) in Ohio or Georgia. I think the probability is less than p < 0.5 alpha. Nevertheless, have meme will travel. Not only are there NOT three kings, as traditionally sang during holiday Christmas events and displayed in nativity scenes around the world, there is no biblical reference to the number of Magi. There could have been 100 magi there at the home (not at the manger of baby Jesus) of the Christ child.  Perhaps, that is why he is not here in this picture (Ha Ha, SNARK). But seriously, these types of errors are used as the fodder to dissuade people from the message of what Jesus of Nazareth came to bring to the world.

Wait, whaaaaaaaat? Chile has an Asiatic Black man in their nativity scene. Sometimes, it’s the thought that counts. 🙂

No doubt!! Chile is definitely giving a Black man some play in the Nativity scene.

First off, I am a Christian and most certainly believe in the birth, death, burial, and resurrections of Jesus as an offering for all mankind. However, people’s inability to actually read the bible for themselves and ferret out the revelation knowledge is astounding.  Some of the world’s biggest cults and religious tragedies (e.g., Jim Jones tragedy in South America) have occurred because people have blindly followed the leadership of religious figures that subsequently turned out to be some shady, immoral, and/or psychologically broken individuals.

So, the takeaway I want to leave for this post is to implore all to reflect on the taken for granted assumptions we hold in life and not become too distracted by the commercialism of the season. Particularly, as that reflection should relate to so many outstanding social justice issues still in need of attention like: the Police brutality in Ferguson, MO (and other places around the United States’ urban centers), the missing and likely dead students in Mexico and immigration laws that might bring relief for some relative to the tragic drug wars and corruption plaguing that country.  Let’s not forget during our prayer time gathered together with our loved ones before eating our turkey and watching the football games, to pray that gun violence in American schools becomes a thing of the past. Let’s pray that political leaders will take there proverbial thumbs out of their behinds (trying to keep it Holy), because the will of the people speaks to them through civic engagement and has DEMANDED that they do the people’s business.

So as I spend the second Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays away from my families, I hope you all enjoy enough turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, rolls, greens, cake, sweet potato pies… Oh dear, I am so hungry right now!!   Nevertheless, please enjoy this time with your loved ones and please do not feel sad for me (I’m gone still get my grub on).  During this particular Thanksgiving season, I have so much to be thankful to God for as I am in the happiest space of my life ever. One day for me, the turkey, stuffing, macaroni and cheese and loved ones will return; however for families like Michael Brown, these holidays will never be the same. #TheStruggleIsReal #BlackLifeMatters2