LIBERATION LECTIONARY - NEW YEAR’S DAY

Imani - Faith

“Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.” Mary McCleod Bethune

Habari Gani?

Faith and believing are holding hands in today’s principle: Imani., which means Faith: To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

During Kwanzaa week, we light the Kinara, exchange gifts and share meals together. We reach back and hold our ancestors who earned our trust, we reach forward and commit to goodness for the generations coming after us. Whenever we feel like life requires doing the impossible, today’s principle reminds us that everything we do is an act of faith. 

1 John 5.4  says "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, and our faith is evidence of that victory." If faith is proof of victory, then celebration is an act of faith. How do we joyfully sing “We’ve come this far by faith”? What soothes us into the prayerful hymn “My faith looks up to Thee”? It must be the belief that we are overcomers which gives us the knowledge to sing “we shall overcome”. Do you believe this morning? This New Year’s day that we have come to by so much faith and striving; can we make this our first day of a faith-filled year?

Today we celebrate many Soul Holidays: New Year’s Day and the last day of Kwanzaa. For people in the Christian faith, we are also still in the Christmas Season. Today we think about the important role that faith plays in our lives, for spiritual health and for connection to our communities, especially in believing in the full liberation of Black people.

Reflection and Discussion: What is your vision for living by faith in the New Year? How can we work together to strengthen the principle of faith as given in the Nguzo Saba? What will you do to welcome our people who feel weak in their faith? How will you seek God’s strength when your faith feels weak?

Today’s Scripture Matthew 17:21 

"For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from this place,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

Daily Readings - Scriptures Centering Faith

Monday, Ephesians 3.16-17 I pray that out of God’s glorious riches They may strengthen you with power through The Holy Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you be rooted and established in love.

Tuesday, 1 Corinthians 16.13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

Wednesday, 2 Chronicles 20.20 Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld in strength.

Thursday Romans 14.1 Welcome the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.

Friday Psalm 119.30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.

Saturday, 2 Corinthians 5.7 For we live by faith, not by sight.

Music from the Holiday Playlist

Song selection for today’s Principle || “Keep Ya Head Up” by Tupac

Meditating with Langston Hughes

Look there at the star! I, among the least, Will arise and take A journey to the East. But what shall I bring As a present for the King? What shall I bring to the Manger? I will bring a song, A song that I will sing, In the Manger.

Watch out for my flocks, Do not let them stray. I am going on a journey Far, far away. But what shall I bring As a present for the Child? What shall I bring to the Manger? I will bring a lamb, Gentle, meek, and mild, A lamb for the Child In the Manger.

I’m just a shepherd boy, Very poor I am—– But I know there is A King in Bethlehem. What shall I bring As a present just for Him? What shall I bring to the Manger? I will bring my heart And give my heart to Him. I will bring my heart To the Manger.

“A Shepherd’s Song at Christmas”

Artwork: Che Lovelace- Nyabinghi Drummers, 2021

By His Lakeside, Evans Akanyijuka, 2022

Sources:  National Museum of African American History and Culture, Official Kwanzaa Website,