THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
…..the atmosphere is becoming windy and harsh, harmattan is setting in, red and green is appearing everywhere, I can hear ‘silent night’ tunes in the airwaves, then I checked my calendar; waoh! Its December. Christmas is here again. Yes! It’s Christmas season. But, what is Christmas?
To the children; it’s a time for party, to have new clothes, go to grandma’s place, visit Santa Claus and just enjoy the holiday season…at least no more morning bells, no more teachers whip, it’s a jolly holiday. Thank God for Christmas.
To the youths; it’s a time to exchange gifts, to wine and dine, visit the cinema and club house to watch the latest movie in the company of their lovers. It’s a really nice time!
To the elderly; it’s a time to watch all the children come together-cousins, nephews, nieces, aunties, uncles. At least for once in a year. What a great re-union feast it’s going to be!
To the business man; it’s a peak season to make fantastic sales. The poultry keeper smiles to the bank as the winged-animal world is being depopulated. The rice merchant is not left out and the cloth dealer is thanking God that Christ was born even though he may be on his way to hell!
To worsen matters, at this same Christmas season, beer parlours are booming with customers coming to drink to stupor, celebrating ‘Christ’ or anti-Christ?
To the religious minded; Christmas is a time for those beautiful carols, hymns of ancient times; Silent night, O holy night, Noel, Hark the herald angel sing; with those Christmas lights blinking, excitement and euphoria fills the atmosphere as those sonorous voices render the tunes with angelic and flawless touch; yet, these have no relationship with the Christ they sing about. They don’t know Him and to them Christ also says, I know ye not, ye workers of iniquity.
However, To the wise and discerning; God couldn’t have sent His only begotten son to the world to suffer just because of the above.
What then is Christmas?
It’s a time to remember
John 3:16.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
See also Matt 1:21
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
The fall of Adam brought a great loss to mankind. His authority, relationship with God and wealth became the devils. Everything he was meant to dominate was transferred to the devil as a result of the fall. More than this, our identity in God was soiled. We were without a God in this world and we lost the right to lay hold on His promises (Eph. 2:12). Our cries became an abomination to Him and there was nothing we could do on our own to be made right with Him. It was as if all hope has been lost. The devil tormented the lives of people, brutally and severely suffered them. This would continue till only God knows but for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, which heralded a new dawn.
If Jesus had not been born, we would not have had the right to be called the son of God (1John 3:1). If Jesus had not suffered for us and died, our hope of eternal life would have been a mirage. If Jesus had not resurrected and sat at the right hand of God, we would have become history already.
The true meaning of Christmas can be summarized thus:
- Christ was born to save the world
- Christ suffered and died for the sin of the world
- He resurrected and lives forever more.
This is what we celebrate- the beginning of eternal life for only those who accepts Him as their Lord and Saviour and who thereafter live a life of holiness and righteousness. So Christmas reminds us of the restoration of all that Adam lost. Everything He lost, the fellowship with God, dominion over all that God created, has now been restored. We are no longer at the mercy of the devil. He does not dictate what shape or manner our lives would take because by the reason of Christ’s coming into this world, our rightful place got restored. We have a God and we have the hope of eternal live. Yes, I am talking about those who have accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour. I am not talking about you if you are yet to make this decision. If you have not, Christmas is only a day on the calendar to you. If you have not, you don’t have eternal life. If you have not, the birth of Christ, His death and resurrection have no meanings to you and can serve you no benefit. The devil can mesmerize your life and even bring a stop to it anytime he feels like. You don’t want to die and end up in a Christ less eternity or find yourself in a pit that burns with sulphur and brimstone. No you don’t want to dare.
Here is the good news, Christ has come for your sake (John 3:16) and your life can take a different turn if you accept Him as your Lord and Saviour. He is at your door right now, knocking; would you open the door of your heart to Him? Don’t postpone this decision because you may not get another chance after this.
Do you believe in the Christ you are celebrating?
Christmas is a time to reflect on that unconditional love of God that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
It’s a time to remember the things that Christ suffered for our sakes; He left his glorious habitation in heaven, made himself of no reputation, took the form of a man, born in a manger-in the midst of animals, became poor and homeless, beaten up by roman soldiers, pierced by the side with a sword, nailed to the cross and died, all because of you- so that you can be reconciled to God. But he arose on the third day and He is alive forevermore.
Only when you realize this and forsake your sins, accept him into your life as your Lord and savior and live a life that is consistent with the holy bible, only then does Christmas celebration has a meaning. Anything short of you being born again and living a life of holiness and purity hurts Him so much. But you can make things right here and now by saying this simple prayer:
Lord Jesus, I come to you today. I acknowledge that I am a sinner and I cannot help myself. I repent of all my sins and I forsake them. Jesus, I invite you into my heart, be my Lord, be my savior. Wash me by your precious blood, forgive my sins, write my name in the book of life. From this day, I promise to follow you all the rest of my life. Help me Lord.
Now, let’s celebrate Christmas!
