Unto Us

 Emmanuel, our God has come

UNTO US

 

A DRAMATIC MUSICAL 

 

Sunday, December 14th, 2025 at 6:30PM

Calvary Bible Church

62 Collins Ave.

Nassau, Bahamas

 

Celebrate the joy of Christmas with us! 

Christmas Beat Retreat 2025

 

Christmas Beat Retreat

 

 Theme:

Christmas Past & Present

 

14th December, 2025 at 4:00PM

Rawson Square, Bay Street

Nassau, Bahamas 

HOPE FEST 2025!

HOPE FEST 2025!

 Join us for food, music, rides & Christmas cheer!

 

 This Saturday, Dec 6, 2025

 1PM–10PM

 Collins House - Collins Ave. & Shirley St.

 

 LIVE PERFORMANCES, RIDES, VENDORS, & CHRISTMAS CHEER!

FIRST 50 CHILDREN GET ONE FREE RIDE! 

 

 Junkanoo Rushout by Colours

 

 Supporting Great Commission Ministries

 

 Adults: $10 | Children (12 & under): $5

 

Get tickets at www.gcmbahamas.com or at the gate.
Don’t miss the family event of the season! 

Tropic Christmas Street - PC Wallpaper

 "Tropic Christmas Street" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

  Download full size: 5376x3072

 

  "Tropic Christmas Street" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
  Download full size: 5376x3072

The Salvation Army: A Comprehensive Overview

 

Blood and Fire

 

 

The Salvation Army: A Comprehensive Overview

 

Introduction

The Salvation Army is a global charitable organization and Christian denomination dedicated to humanitarian work and social service. It operates in over 130 countries, providing aid to the needy, advocating for social justice, and spreading the Christian gospel. Established in the 19th century, The Salvation Army has grown into one of the most influential charitable organizations worldwide. This essay explores its origins, history, mission, work, and specific presence and contributions in The Bahamas.

Merry Christmas

 

Merry Christmas from Native Stew.

Peace at Christmas

 

"Peace at Christmas" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 959x1112

Nutcracker Beach

 

"Nutcracker Beach" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 1024x1024

Bahamian 12 Days of Christmas

 

 

 

Bahamian 12 Days of Christmas

 

My true love sent to me:

 

1. A costume to rush on Bay St. - (To wear in the Junkanoo Parade)

2. Two cowbells - (To shake in the Junkanoo Parade)

3. Three bugles - (To blow in the Junkanoo Parade)

4. Four whistles - (To blow in the Junkanoo Parade)

5. Five goat skin drums - (To beat in the Junkanoo Parade)

6. Six Junkanooers - (Junkanoo Parade participants)

7. Seven boil fish - (Native dish)

8. Eight Johnny Cake - (To eat with the boil fish)

9. Nine Blue Marlins - (1 Blue Marlin Bahamian money/note = $100)

10. Ten Christmas Carols

11. Eleven Choirs singing

12. Twelve church bells ringing

Related poem: Christmas in The Bahamas

When Christmas Isn’t Merry: A Look at Why Christmas Is the Worst Time of Year for Some

 

 "Unmerry Christmas" - Bahamas AI Art

  ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

When Christmas Isn’t Merry: A Look at Why Christmas Is the Worst Time of Year for Some

 

Outline

1. Introduction

   • Context: The widespread portrayal of Christmas as a joyful season.
   • Contrasting perspective: Why it can be difficult for some people.
   • Purpose of the report: Exploring the psychological, social, and economic reasons behind why some people experience distress during Christmas.

2. Psychological Factors

   • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
     • How winter's lack of sunlight contributes to depression.
   • Heightened Anxiety and Depression
     • Increased pressure to appear happy and fulfilled.
     • Impact of mental health conditions during the holidays.
   • Grief and Loss
     • The pain of remembering loved ones who have passed away.
     • How holidays can magnify loneliness.

3. Social Factors

   • Loneliness and Isolation
     • How people without close family or friends struggle during a holiday focused on togetherness.
   • Family Conflict and Dysfunction
     • How strained relationships can lead to anxiety and dread during gatherings.
   • Expectations of Tradition
     • The pressure to conform to traditions even if they aren't personally meaningful.

4. Economic and Financial Factors

   • Financial Pressure
     • The strain of gift-giving, travel, and holiday events.
   • Consumerism and Inequality
     • How constant reminders of material abundance highlight disparities in wealth.
   • Employment Insecurity
     • Job-related stress and limited time off during a season focused on leisure.

5. Cultural and Societal Pressures

   • Media Representation
     • The portrayal of a perfect Christmas and its impact on expectations.
   • Religious Disconnection
     • How secular or non-Christian individuals may feel excluded or disconnected.
   • Cultural Differences
     • Disparity between personal values and the dominant cultural norms.

6. Coping Mechanisms and Support

   • Strategies for individuals who struggle during the season.
   • How society can better accommodate and support those who find Christmas difficult.

7. Conclusion

   • Summary of challenges faced.
   • Call for empathy, understanding, and inclusivity.

---

Introduction

Christmas is often hailed as the most wonderful time of the year, filled with joy, warmth, and celebration. Streets are adorned with twinkling lights, cheerful carols play on repeat, and media portrayals reinforce an idealized version of holiday happiness. However, for many people, this season brings significant distress, anxiety, and sadness. This report explores the often-overlooked reasons why Christmas can be the worst time of year for some individuals, including psychological struggles, social pressures, economic challenges, and cultural factors.

Understanding these perspectives is crucial to fostering empathy and creating a more inclusive environment during the holidays.

Jet Ski Santa - PC Wallpaper

 Merry Christmas from The Bahamas

"Jet Ski Santa" - Bahamas AI Art

   ©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size - 5376x3072

 

 "The Spirit of Junkanoo Past" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

A Bahamian Christmas Carol

 

Chapter One: Ezekiel "Zeke" Scrooge

In the bustling of Bay St.,Nassau, with the scent of fresh conch fritters and warm, salty air, a mean miser named Ezekiel "Zeke" Scrooge ran his souvenir gift stall in the big Straw Market. Zeke sold handwoven baskets, straw bags and hats, conch shells, and crafts. His face was so stern and cold that not even the blazing Bahamian sun could thaw it. He was known for his refusal to give a kind word or a dollar more than necessary and never lowered his price for any customer. Business was business, and Zeke guarded his coins like a soldier crab protects its shell.

Give This Christmas

 

 " Give This Christmas" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

This poem captures the warmth of the season  and the joy of giving in The Bahamas while encouraging an ongoing spirit of generosity.

 

 

 Give This Christmas

In the heart of The Bahamas, where the palm trees sway,
And turquoise waters shimmer in December's ray,
There’s a spirit that whispers, soft yet profound,
“Give this Christmas, let love abound.”

Not just in boxes wrapped in ribbons bright,
But in the warmth of kindness, a beacon of light.
For the ones who have less, for the weary and worn,
Let our hands stretch wide, their burdens be borne.

The markets hum with carols, the Junkanoo beats,
Lights twinkle on cottages down sandy streets.
Yet amidst the joy, there are shadows unseen,
Families longing for what Christmas could mean.

✨🎄 Grand Bahama, Hop on the Jitney Express! 🎄✨

 🎄✨ A Magical Christmas Experience at The Regency Theater

December 14th & 15th! 🎭✨

 

Don’t miss out on the Holiday Magic

Grab your tickets now! 🎟️

Available at Imagine Graphics and Seventeen Shop
($20 Students; $25 Teachers; $30 Adults),

or online at The Jitney Express Tickets.

PLUS—capture the festive cheer in our exclusive holiday photo booth in the lobby! 🎅🏾📸

Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable!

Tropic Christmas Tree Ornaments

"Tropic Christmas Tree Ornament" - Bahamas AI Image

©A. Derek Catalano

"Tropic Christmas Tree Ornaments" - Bahamas AI Image
©A. Derek Catalano

 

 "Junkanoo Road" - Bahamas AI Art

  ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Significance of Junkanoo to Bahamian Culture

---

Introduction

Junkanoo is more than just a festival or parade; it is the heartbeat of Bahamian culture, a vibrant expression of national identity, creativity, and communal spirit. Through its rhythmic music, elaborate costumes, and exuberant dances, Junkanoo reflects the resilience, artistry, and heritage of the Bahamian people. This tradition has withstood the tests of time, evolving while maintaining its core essence. To fully understand the importance of Junkanoo to Bahamian culture, one must delve into its historical roots, observe its modern celebrations, and assess its place in contemporary society. This report explores Junkanoo’s origins, current significance, potential threats, preservation strategies, and future trajectory.

Tropic Christmas Garden

 

"Tropic Christmas Garden" - Bahamas AI Image

©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 4608x3584

A Christmas Plea for Peace

 

"Peace at Christmas" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

This poem celebrates the beauty and joy of Christmas in the Bahamas while reflecting on the need for peace and unity. It weaves together imagery of the yuletide season with a heartfelt appeal to heal divisions, creating a hopeful and inspiring vision for the future.

 

 
A Christmas Plea for Peace

 

O Bahamas, cradle of turquoise seas,
Where the whispering palms sway in the breeze,
This yuletide season, let us find release,
From discord's chains—let's kindle peace.

The Junkanoo drums beat a call so clear,
Echoing love for all to hear.
Harmony flows in the conch-shell's song,
Binding us close where we belong.

In the streets of Nassau, warm smiles abound,
Laughter and music weave joy around.
From Abaco’s shores to Inagua's sands,
Unity lies in our clasping hands.

Bahamas Junkanoo Parade

 

"Bahamas Junkanoo Parade" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano 

 

 

Bahamas Junkanoo Parade

 

Junkanoo is a vibrant and colorful celebration deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Bahamas. Its origins can be traced back to the days of slavery in the Caribbean, where enslaved Africans were given a few days off around Christmas time. During these brief respites, they would gather, sing, dance, and create makeshift costumes using whatever materials they could find.

The name "Junkanoo" is believed to have originated from the West African word "John Canoe" or "Jonkonnu," which referred to a type of masquerade or festive celebration that was common among African tribes. As slaves were brought to the Caribbean, they brought with them their cultural traditions, which eventually blended with elements of European festivals and celebrations.

Merry Christmas from Native Stew

 

"Undersea Christmas Tree" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

"Undersea Christmas Tree" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano