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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | DECEMBER 2025 51 As we near the end of 2025, we ref lect on our beginning study of the miracles and parables of Jesus and then comparing the three synoptic gospels, all of which are found in the New Testament. In May, we turned back to the Old Testament and began the study of 1 and 2 Samuel through Chapter 11 of 1 Kings. This study was motivated in order to understand why Jesus was called the son of David. That term stemmed from the Davidic Covenant, which is found in 2 Samuel, Chapter 7. The study of 1 Kings will end the second week in December, on the day of our annual Christmas party. The Dec. 12 party will be themed "Lady in Red," and we have asked that the ladies wear red that day. We will enjoy our traditional potluck luncheon, followed by two musical numbers performed by talented members of our class, and ending with our $10 gift exchange. We will be dark the last two weeks of December to enjoy our families. Beginning in January, 2026 (our 14th year), we will be studying the Book of Hebrews in the New Testament, followed by other New Testament books. If any of you beautiful Four Seasons women are interested in joining this remarkable group of Christian women to study God's amazing Word, please join us any Friday at 10:30 am in the Game Room with any version of the Bible in hand. We hope to see you there! ~ Eileen Gilbert-Antoine, (951) 922-6829 or egcellent@msn.com The Gathering meets the last Sunday of each month at 6 pm at The Courts. Come join us for a time of singing hymns, sharing of faith and scripture, followed by refreshments and fellowship with members of our community. The theme for December's meeting will be "Lifting High the Name of Jesus." Looking forward to seeing you at the next Gathering meeting. If you are limited on transportation and need help with a ride, please contact Julia Dobos at (626) 227-3295 or Kathie Sundstrom at (303) 903-6850. ~ Julia Dobos "Believe …" Women's Bible Study The Gathering Celebrating African American Holiday Traditions African American holiday traditions are lively expressions of history, culture, and community spirit. These annual celebrations are crucial moments to ref lect and honor the past, as well as reinforcing the bonds that tie black families and communities together. The sheer diversity in these observances demonstrates a powerful blending of historical resilience, African heritage, and unique cultural identity. Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa, an annual celebration of African American culture. It is observed for one week from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. It is a non-religious holiday founded in 1966 during the aftermath of the Watts Riots (Aug. 11-16) as an act of cultural recovery during the Black Freedom Movement. It was based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of East and West Africa and is designed to offer Black people an opportunity to celebrate their own history and heritage and to actively promote cultural unity. The Kwanzaa celebration includes a communal feast called Karamu, lighting candles on the kinara, storytelling, and ref lection, emphasizing African heritage and community-building. Kwanzaa is a week where families bond and elders share cultural history and wisdom. Each day, a candle is lit to discuss one of the seven principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. These principles guide the community toward traditional greatness and progress. Music is the soul of African Americans. The powerful, uplifting sounds of gospel and old negro spirituals often fill homes and churches, fostering a deep spiritual connection. Meanwhile, the complex rhythms of jazz and blues infuse parties and gatherings with joy and cultural depth. Artistic performances, including poetry readings and dances, play a vital role in preserving black heritage. Soul food is the cornerstone of African American cuisine: Dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and sweet potato pie are essential. Some of the forgotten foods that fueled the civil rights era are crawfish patties, Philadelphia pepper pot soup, raccoon stew, rabbit dumplings, Virginia peanut stew, and ash cake. African American holiday traditions from the principles of Kwanzaa to the embracement of soul food, are powerful, living testaments to the richness of the legacy of black culture, and identity. The next AACC monthly meeting is on Monday, Dec. 1, at 6 pm in The Lodge Card Room. This year's Holiday Party is Saturday, Dec. 13. For more information, contact Club President, Jocelyn Doucette at cjs1speed@gmail.com. ~ Regina omas African American Cultural Club

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