Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 27 December 2002 — Page 9

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27,2002 PAGE B1

I N S I

Salt and

Light

By Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin

CelebraHng Kwanzaa

By PHYLLIS J. APAIR-WAWP Phyllis J. Adair-Ward, is a member of Light of the World Christian Church and an author. * * * * * How much can you tell me about Kwanzaa? Is your answer very little or nothing at all? These are the answers I often hear. Kwanzaa is celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. We observe Kwanzaa on New Year’s Eve at our church. It is an AfricanAmerican and Pan-African holiday, which celebrates family, community and culture. The name comes from the Swahili phrase “Matunda Ya Kawanza,” which means “first fruits” of the harvest. The celebration in the United States was created by Dr. Mawhintifattenga, activist, scholar and theorist. Kwanzaa emerged during the Black freedom movement of the 1960s. It reflects the movement’s concern for selfdetermination, return to the source, and the reaffirmation of African-American identity and culture. It is celebrated by an estimated 18 million people on every continent in the world. There are seven principles of Kwanzaa. According to Dr. Karenga these principles deal with the ways we relate to others and the development of positive self and cultural images. There are some who have the misconception that Kwanzaa replaces Christmas because gifts can be given. There is no holiday that can replace the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! All of the principles can be found in the Bible, though Dr. Karenga said. “It is not a religious or political celebration.” In my opinion, political no, but religious and Christian yes! It would be difficult to accomplish these principles without the spirit and love of God in us. (1) UMOJA (oo-MOE-jah) Unity - stresses the importance of togetherness for family and community. The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians about unity and included all the principles in his letters. (2) KUJICHAGULIA (koo-JEE-cha-goo-LEE-ah) Selfdetermination. Paul also wrote, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philipians 3:14 KJ) We should do likewise. (3) UJIMA (oo-JEE-mah) Collective work and responsibility. “In everything you do, put God first and He will direct you and crown your efforts with great success.” ^Proverbs 3:6 - Living BitAI)f (4) HUn—l I’oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics. We must build and maintain ► SaaSALT, Paqa B3

C T I O

Gospel vocalist Stanley Daniels receives national award

The son of a pastor, Daniels enjoyed singing R&B music in his youth, and began recording in

1978.

After becoming a minister, he realized how much he enjoyed combining biblical Scriptures with music. He soon became a member of a vocal group affiliated with Al Hobbs, an Indianapolis gospel music industry titan with national notoriety. Later becoming a solo artist, Daniels recorded a series of underrated albums in the 1980s and ’90s, including “Room at the Cross,” “Rejoice” and “God’s Got It.” In July 1996, Stanley Daniels and Company gave a concert downtown at the Madame Walker Theatre. This performance was later offered on videotape and compact

disc.

Bu^paniels^and Company

icrilfef’ittter

By BRANDON A. PERRY Staff WrltT Minister Stanley Daniels, an Indianapolis gospel music vocalist who has been singing for over 30 years, has been recognized for what many say is his devotion to excellence in mu-

sic ministry.

Earlier this month, Daniels was honored at the first Gospel Truth Magazine Awards ceremony, which was held at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. This event occurred simultaneously with the week of the Dr. Bobby Jones International Gospel Industry Retreat. The accomplishments of Daniels were highlighted with the 2001-2002 Outstanding Contemporary Male Vocalist

Award. Daniels accepted*b«PWM«frt eai i|M|ifatioilKflittention wftfr j

on behalf of himself and his 2000’s “Let Him In,” which fea-

tured the vocals of Chicago based R&B artist and (R Kelly protege)

Sparkle.

Continuing their positive momentum, Daniels and Company released “He’ll Fix It” in 2001.

20-member choir, Company. “I’ve been in gospel for 33 years and this is the first time anyone has ever recognized me for my ministry,” he said. Daniels flew from Indianapolis to attend the show and was ecstatic to hear his name called

as a winner.

► See DANIELS, Page B4

Minister Stanley Daniels, an Indianapolis gospel music vocalist who has been singing for nearly 30 years, has been recognized for what many say is his devotion to excellence In music

ministry.

IN THE SPIRIT

Providence AME Church, “the church that dares to make a difference," held a special live nativity program last weekend.

New Light Baptist Church hosted Its Toy-GIvt-A-Way last week. In this photo, Reverend Calvin Allen (left) assists with the selection of a toy for one of the recipients along with other members of the congregation. (Photos/C. Guynn)

Phillips Temple CME Church distributed gifts to needy families on Saturday during their Caring By Sharing Ministry service.

Judy Talley offers shoes to children during the 12th Annual Mount Paran Baptist Church Shoe Ofve-A-Way held last weekend at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

CRTS

Al-Islam in America

By Imam Mikal Soahir

Muslims love Jesus too

(Part 2)

Last week we discussed the ' Muslim’s love for Christ Jesus and how the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammed holds Jesus in high esteem. In addition to Muslims loving Jesus, we also believe in his blessed mother Mary, the virgin. She represents the type of woman who keeps herself pure so that she can give the best of herself in service to G-d. Allah revealed in the Holy Qur’an “Behold! The angels said: ‘Oh, Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.” (Al-Imran, Chapter 3: Verse 45; the Family of Imran) Christ Jesus is extremely important in Al-Islam. As in Christianity he also represents the word of G-d as clearly shown in the above Quranic verse. “Oh, Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him: his name will be Christ Jesus.. ."The message that Jesus delivered to his people was revelation directly from G-d. Without error or impediment Jesus delivered the message even to the dislike of his own people. In Al-Islam we are taught a continuity of prophethood and religion; even though we may have diverse namesforourpractice of faith, essentially all religions are rooted in one essence. G-d sent his blessed men in succession with each acknowledging and supporting the others. If a Muslim denies Jesus’ rightful place in that succession, then that Muslim has nullified his or her status as a Muslim. Allah revealed to humanity, “We gave Moses the book and followed him up with a succession of apostles; we gave Jesus the son of Mary clear (signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an apostle with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride? Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!” (Chapter 2: Verse 87; Al-Baqara; The Cow) G-d reinforced the mission of Jesus with the Holy Spirit; he did not fail Jesus in the least As with all of his messengers and prophets, G-d protected and aided them all until their mission on Earth was completed. • The love a Muslim must have for Jesus is repeatedly indicated in the Qur’an. “Behold! Allah said: X) Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to myself and dear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee

superior to those who reject

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