Remember the reason for the season

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us – and not for holiday shopping, gift giving and the like. This is the time of year when we celebrate the birth of Christ, and all the blessings God has bestowed upon us, our families and the Choctaw Nation.

We have a lot to be thankful for this year. First, we are a free people living in a strong sovereign nation and we are progressing as a tribe to bring our tribal members the programs, services and facilities to meet their needs. Everywhere I travel within the reservation, I notice progress within our programs and services and that reflects the wonderful leadership of our Chief, Tribal Council Leadership, Associates and Tribal Members. It never fails to amaze me how, when a job needs to be done, we all roll up our sleeves and get to it. That servant leadership spirit is at the very heart of what makes the Choctaw Nation so special.

Just this past November, we held 26 Thanksgiving meals throughout the reservation. Volunteers showed up to deliver meals and share in the fellowship with our elder tribal members and their families. We held a prayer and showed thanks for the food and all the blessings the past year has given us. As we looked forward to another eventful holiday season, we took the time to acknowledge the here and now and how fortunate we are as a tribe.

The Choctaw Nation has carried our ancestors giving spirit into the new generation with food and clothing donation drives; elder angel programs, Jones Academy Angel program and we also have a robust food voucher program for our tribal members. The food voucher program ensures that tribal members have a good meal for the holidays, and it can be enjoyed with friends and family.

Receiving and giving gifts during the holidays is always great fun, but please remember the reason for the season. The birth of Jesus was a gift to humanity from our heavenly Father, and he loved each one of us the same. So, in honor of his birth, extend that love through donating to the needy if you can and lending a helping hand to someone in need. Love one another as God loves us. Take a moment, if you are angry, to turn the other cheek and try and understand your fellow man. The Bible teaches is that God’s Love the Greatest is Love – and the world could use a lot more of that right now.

Yakoke to everyone who takes the time out this year to volunteer, donate and help their neighbors. Check in on family, friends and your neighbors – you never what someone else is going through in their personal lives. A kind word from a friend or a stranger can sometimes help get past a difficult time and show that there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.

The people of the Choctaw Nation have always gone above and beyond to donate, help, cook meals, offer guidance and give our fellow man hope for the future. Our tribal history shows that we, as a tribe, have always been giving people. We thrive as a tribe when our friends and neighbors thrive. Our ancestors would accept no less than to give to those in need, help our fellow man and rejoice in our abundance with our tribal members.