Holiday Speeches A Festive Tradition

By Diane Rodriguez-Burton

This little book of holiday speeches focuses mainly on Christmastime and Easter, Resurrection Sunday, and springtime observance. This original collection was prepared just for my book, "Holiday Speeches: A Festive Tradition," as it represents a reminiscence for many who shared this and similar experiences

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diane Rodriguez-Burton
• Release date: Dec 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9781962730679

Diane Rodriguez-Burton

As the Assistant Pastor of Greater Works Baptist Church (GWBC) of Jonesboro, GA., Diane serves as Youth Pastor and the Teen/Tween Sunday School Teacher. The Lord also called her to birth a "Women's Empowerment Ministry, which encourages women worldwide. Born in New Orleans, raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is the middle child of seven siblings. She is a Born-Again Believer, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost and called into the Lord's service to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the nation. She is married to Senior Pastor Robert L. Burton. She has two children: a wonderful son, Khalid, an Army Officer who is a Ranger and an educated Medical Administrator (two children, Alexander and Simone); her incredible daughter, Krista, is a Nuclear Medical Physicist for Emory University Medical of Atlanta, GA. who has also worked in the Hospital system throughout the Midwestern states and territories of the U.S and Florida.  Pastor Diane R. Burton is an obedient servant, carrying out the Will of God for her life. She is a United States Army veteran, a retired Civilian Human Resources Director, and a professional with the U.S. Federal Government for over 30 years. She is a published author of several books and a Doctoral Candidate in Christianity. She will graduate in the spring of 2024 and oversee a Christian Women's Minister's Transformation and Expansion Team designed to assist in educating females who are called to lead in the Christian Church to prepare for laboring beyond the call to minister locally. Pastor Diane Rodriguez-Burton is a leader who has two Master's Degrees, one in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management and Administration and a Master of Divinity. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education with a minor in Public Communication. She is a lifetime student of the Bible. As such, she is developing a plan to encourage and help other women employ Faith over fear in offering effective service within communities throughout the United States. She is led to go all over the globe, empowering others to confidently serve while walking in the truth and love of Jesus Christ. Even though formal training and life experiences prepared her to minister the Word of God to diverse audiences throughout nations, the Holy Ghost fixed her heart and taught her to reach people through the unerring Word of God.

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Introduction

When I was a child, my siblings and I and all of the children who attended Sunday school in our church received holiday speeches to recite during the annual Christmas and Easter Sunday’s Sunday school programs. These two seasons were the times of the year that most families, even those who inconsistently attended church, felt privileged to show up to ensure their children were issued speeches coinciding with that particular holiday celebration.

As children, everyone was very excited about learning memorable speeches and marching across the front of the church or auditorium in our new holiday clothing to recite and proudly offer our most excellent presentation. Parents, relatives, and friends of the families also came to watch the children shine on stage and walk the walk of local fame. Sometimes an adult would request a speech or a part in the upcoming holiday skit.

When visiting Grandma and Grandpa on Christmas day, we often recited our Christmas speeches for them and other older relatives who could not attend our church festivities. By doing this, they were all included and received a little piece of Heaven at Christmastime. That was quite a few years ago, and now, many of the older adults have transitioned to be with the Lord. Our family and friends from the surrounding neighborhoods within the Church community I grew up in gathered for a festive bazaar to share in gift exchanging and participate in a pre-Christmas meal together.

Today, as we recall those happier days, we recreate and fashion activities from our past and encourage our children and grandchildren to participate in similar beautiful and wholesome activities. Hopefully, many who purchase or receive this book as a gift will engage themselves in this or analogously beautiful and meaningful traditions.

Psalm 127:3 English Standard Version (ESV)

³ Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

This little book of holiday